Checkpoints vs save anywhere

[Jonesy]

A buddy and I were having this discussion the other day about which we preferred either checkpoints (ala gears of war) vs the save anywhere, anytime system (like SC) and we both agree both had there strengths and weaknesses.

The checkpoint system can get VERY frustrating if it's done poorly (ie you have to fight through a whole massive level before reaching the final boss confrentation and the final boss is a real badass etc) but can be good if done well.

The save anywhere system is great for some games like oblivion but it can turn some games into save-a-thons where it is just turns into constant trial and error.

I know some types of saves suit other styles of games better but as a whole which type do you prefer?

[CM1847]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Completely depends on the type of game. For action/adventure games or shooters the checkpoint method is the only way to go, the save anywhere function in a game like that is really unfair. It takes away the fun of the challange. I like save anywhere on RPGs unless you are in a dungeon or something. I just don't like the idea of being able to save immediately before any battle you come up against in any game. If the battle is hard enough there will be a check/save point, leave that up to the game designers, don't let the user save at any point if there is a series of fights/battles taking place. But there is no other way to do an RPG other than letting you have the unliminted save anywhere option when not in a dungeon type setting.

A slight aside, the best in-game save system ever IMO is Resident Evil 1 with the typewriters and ink cartridges. It was very, very frustrating at times, but what other game ever made saving the game a huge part of how you actually played the game. There were times when you would have 2 bullets on you, health in the red and you would be 100 times more excited about finding a stupid ink cartridge than you would be finding bullets or herbs.

[ComfortablyLomb]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Save anywhere... I hate repeating... especially on rentals.

[WTF]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I agree about the the RE1 save system. No telling how many times I've scoured rooms for Ink Cartridges... running away from zombies, tryin to find a typewriter. Those were the good days. I wish they'd remake all of those games for the 360... that would be great.

[Spongedaddy]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Save anywhere... I hate repeating... especially on rentals.

Ditto.

[Pete1210]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I much prefer save anywhere. Best is where there's both, then you can have the extra challenge if you want.

I really hate it when games give you just one save like TDU or GOW.

[Stormyhog]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I like having multiple checkpoint saves throughout the levels like the way it is done in Justice League Heroes.

[Defel]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Save anywhere as long as I don't have to dive through menus and confirm that, YES, I do want to overwrite that save that I've saved over 100 times. Every game should have a quick save slot that doesn't ask you this question.

Consoles should have a quick save button on the remote. It wouldn't be wasting a button on the controller and it's not in the way. Developers could choose to use it if they wanted.

[MachoMyers]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I'm a chronic saver, I saved like 60 times on RE4 and that wasn't even a save anywhere. I really prefer the checkpoint system, as it keeps you in the game so if you die you just load right back up and go after. Although I really prefer the short checkpoint stops in GOW and Halo 2 over Rainbow 6 Vegas' longer ones.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Half-Life on the PC had a great save anywhere feature. It was F6, I believe and it saved on the spot.

Checkpoints can be rough..ie. R6.

[AI_Franchise]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

What's wrong with saving anywhere at any time?
And if it's that big of a deal, the ability to let the user choose would be just perfect. I personally would like to save anywhere at any time, because If I can't it limits exactly when I could play videogames.

[Cyros]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I don't like save anywhere in situations like Oblivion where my friend would get bit, contract a disease and immediately reload.

[The C]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

I don't like save anywhere in situations like Oblivion where my friend would get bit, contract a disease and immediately reload.

Yeah but being a vampire sucked so hard. *pun intended*

For shooters give me the checkpoint system. Just don't be too stingy with them. (I'm looking at you Vegas.)

For rpgs and sports games give me a save anywhere feature. How I miss being able to save mid-game in sports games.

[Cyros]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Yeah but being a vampire sucked so hard. *pun intended*

For shooters give me the checkpoint system. Just don't be too stingy with them. (I'm looking at you Vegas.)

For rpgs and sports games give me a save anywhere feature. How I miss being able to save mid-game in sports games.

True that about vampirism.

I think my favorite save system is when games have save points set up, which is mostly in Rpgs.

[pb4201]

Re: Checkpoints vs save anywhere

Save anywhere. And while we're on the subject In-game saves should be the norm for all sports games...here's looking at you 2K Sports!!!