Full-Motion Video (FMV) is a method in used video games, where pre-recorded video files are implemented instead of sprites or 3D models, to display action. It isn’t uncommon to use this technique in cutscenes, but there are games that are primarily presented through these prerecorded videos. These are referred to as full-motion video games or more commonly, interactive movies.
FMVs aren’t as common as it once was. However, during its peak popularity, game developers—and even movie directors—scrambled to take advantage of the then innovative type of videogame. Typically, FMV games are solely live-action. However, there are exceptions to this.
From short sequences to fully animated playthroughs, here is a list of five FMVs that utilise animation.
1. Dragon's Lair
Initial release date: June 19, 1983
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, FMV
Type of animation: Cel Animation
Platforms: Arcade
Developer: Advanced Microcomputer Systems
Befittingly, we start this list with the pioneer of the genre. Dragon’s Lair is the first game to use full-motion videos. Through an arcade machine, players assume the role of a knight named Dirk the Daring. The aim is rather simple—traverse 30 levels of a mysterious castle that is riddled with traps, to save Princess Daphne from Singe the Dragon. Cel animation was used for progress screens and comical death sequences, which were cohesively pieced together to make the game feel like a movie.
It has a linear storyline and is without multiple endings—unless the multiple death sequences were to be counted. Unlike other games, where one has full control over the player character, Dragon’s Lair is driven by quick time events. It’s a feature in games that is still commonly implemented today, where players must react quickly to on-screen prompts. For example, an arrow or symbol on the screen would flash, and individuals must complete the action in the limited time allocated. In this game particularly, failure of quick time events meant death.
Dragon’s Lair remains as one of the few games archived in the Smithsonian Institution—and while it may not be as talked about as it was in the period of its initial release; it still is one of the most influential video games to date.
2. Time Gal
Initial release date: 1985
Genre: Action-adventure, FMV
Type of animation: Cel Animation, 2D Animation
Platforms: Arcade
Developers: Taito, Toei Company
Like Dragon’s Lair, Time Gal’s world was placed on laserdisc for consumers, in arcades. Specific to this game, individuals play as the heroine Reika, a scientist on a mission to stop the antagonistic Luda—whose aim is to change and control all of history. Complete 16 levels that take Reika through the past and future, and place. The game’s animation features raster graphics, in which each image is comprised of a large number of pixels—and similar to Dragon’s Lair, this was utilised to depict both progression and death scenes.
Being so close in time, these two games do have a number of commonalities. Avoid Time Gal’s death through quick time events, and eventually achieve the predetermined ending. However, different to Dragon’s Lair and consistent with the theme of time travel, Reika would call for a “Time Stop”. This gives players the opportunity to choose between one of three choices; two leading to death and one allowing progression. It should be made clear that, although Reika is vulnerable to injury and death, these depictions are never graphic and merely suggestive.
While this game failed to reach the longevity that Dragon’s Lair had, albeit neither of them had much replay value, it was praised for being one of the first heroines in video games.
3. Ripper
Initial release date: March 4, 1996
Genre: Action-Adventure, Sci-Fi, FMV
Type of animation: CG Animation, 3D Animation
Platforms: MS-DOS, Macintosh
Developer: Take-Two Interactive
Ripper is a hardboiled detective game, with elements of cyberpunk that clearly pay homage to William Gibson’s novel, “Neuromancer”. This FMV game is predominantly live action, where scenes are played out by actors, including the elusive Christopher Walken. In Ripper, players undertake the role of Jake, a reporter for the Virtual Herald, who has been receiving messages from the titular antagonist of the game. But where animation comes to play is either during smaller segments: like puzzles, navigation and movement or during the action sequences held in cyberspace. These levels can be guarded by Intrusion Counter Electronics—Gibson’s ICE. The 3D animated levels in the game had players eliminate ICE by shooting them, all in an environment carefully modelled to feel more alive. Admittedly, its graphics do not hold up, but there is charm in its faults. Overall, this FMV game is much more fleshed out than the previous two titles discussed—there are multiple endings that players can achieve, there’s a little more depth to its story, and gameplay is not limited to quick-time events. As mentioned earlier, there are action sequences that players have full control of, as well as a variety of puzzles that need to be completed through cryptology or by listening to conversation.
This game does fall short in a few ways. Droning transitional scenes, awkward shooters and an overall subpar plot—which are made up for in tone, atmosphere and the entertaining performances of the actors. It’s debatable whether Ripper is worth the trouble of an emulator, but if your curiosity is piqued and you have a little extra time on your hands, it’s worth a shot.
4. Bad Mojo
Initial release date: February 23, 1996
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, FMV
Type of animation: CG Animation
Platforms: Windows, Macintosh
Developer: Pulse Entertainment
Bad Mojo follows the playable character of the entomologist Roger Samms—named after an anagram of Gregor Samsa. Unlike Gregor, whose metamorphosis was allegorical, Roger was cursed to transform into a cockroach. The game utilised live-action FMV cutscenes in conjunction with actual playable scenes, where players control the computer-generated, animated cockroach. Roger roams around a bar, desperately evading impossibly large enemies and environmental obstacles, with the aim of regaining his human body.
While not completely devoid of plot, this FMV video game is much more gameplay focused than the titles that started the genre. Coupled with tense, eerie visuals, players must solve puzzles and avoid hazards using the arrow keys while trying to preserve their four given lives. When met with death, Roger would simply be sent back to the starting hub, with pipes that lead back to unlocked levels—a relatively standard video game practise. But the game implements an interesting feature, and while not completely novel, does elevate its playthrough. Instead of spoon-feeding players through solely FMV cutscenes, players need to come into contact with a symbol of a flaming eye to unlock glimpses of lore or hints to progress the story.
This game has received recognition for its grimy atmosphere and rich gameplay, often heeded as an FMV game done right. In recent years, the game has earned itself a spot on modern distributors, reinvented under the name Bad Mojo Redux.
5. Henry Stickmin
Initial release date: August 27, 2008
Genre: Action, Comedy, Parody, FMV
Type of animation: Flash Animation, 2D Animation
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Developer: Innersloth
Henry Stickmin is a staple in the pop culture of the 2000’s. It harkens back to when games could be played on browser through Flash, on websites like Newgrounds or Armor games. It’s a series of 2D animated web games, where one can dictate the actions of the titular character, Henry Stickmin. In each game, players must choose between tools or options for Henry. Any options chosen will lead to a short animated cutscene of either progression or death.
These games were straightforward and lacked any complicated mechanics or story. Despite this, Henry Stickmin was well loved. Its comedic elements made up for its deficiencies, and unlike Dragon’s Lair or Time Gal, it had much more replayability thanks to its humour. Oftentimes, players would come back to choose the other options the game handed out to them, even if they knew it would lead to failure—just to watch the animated scenes play out.
The collection is a light-hearted set of games that won’t each up much of your day, and if you grew up on flash games—this on is available on Steam, emulator free.
Overview
These games, while not perfect, can be interesting examples of the versatility of mediums. It may be a forgotten, or at least underutilised genre, but there’s much potential in it—especially in the realm of animation.
Author Bio
From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.
Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera
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