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In-depth plot in Videogames: Yea or Nay?

May 04, 2009 in News comments 8

Resumeplay are opening the question above to you, do you love plenty of storytelling in your videogames, does it make them any more of a masterpiece title? Come and discuss by following the link or diving into our brand new forums at www.resumeplay.net/forums

The two prime examples I am going to select are Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and Gears of War 2, both amazing games, but the plot focuses differ. The Metal Gear game series is built around one of the most intriguing plotlines in gaming history; the game dares to combine real historical events with Kojima’s own alternate reality, creating something that feels very much real and dramatic. All of the characters in Metal Gear are recognisable instantly from voice, role and appearance, and each play a vital role in how the games play out, with plenty of betrayals and twists.

Gears of War 2 on the other hand isn’t so plot-heavy. Those who pick up the game can instantly become engaged in the game itself and not so much the plot. I suppose you could say that the plot within Gears 2 only gets as deep as players want it to, whereas in MGS4, the pre-longed cut scenes and very nature of the games require you to know the key facts whilst playing.
PangTong_Blademaster via resumeplay.net »
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  • 0
    carouselambra May 4, 09
    bb b boobies
  • 0
    PangTong_Blademaster May 4, 09
    what the f? lol, if you have intelligent comments to make, make them on the actual thread itself please
  • 0
    mau64 May 4, 09
    works for some, doesn't work for many others

    this is a weird argument though because a deep plot can be layed out tons of different ways with video games

    I like em:)
  • 2
    HisServant77 May 4, 09
    For me personally, yes the Plot of a game is important to me. Many times I see games as interactive books or interactive movies. The focus for me is on a good story behind the game, and the gameplay makes the story all the better because you interact with it.

    There are VERY few games that can get away with having little to no story/plot behind it and still be pretty decent. But, when I choose a game to get, the first thing I always look for is a good story behind it. Then comes the gameplay and if it plays well. Then come . . . many other factors.
    • 0
      Zerpent May 4, 09
      It's about the same for me. I've always put story first. Though, certain games, like CoD4, I bought primarily for the online part. Well, CoD4 turned out to have a pretty awesome story anyway but that was more of a nice bonus.
  • 0
    BANDITO ATTACK May 5, 09
    i hate stories in games unless the game doesn't try to force it upon you like every game does now-a-days.
  • 0
    Zaraze May 5, 09
    It entirely depends on the game. Metal Gear Solid wouldn't be half as good if it weren't for the storyline, but Pacman wouldn't- actually scratch that I'm off to write some ideas for a plot-centered Pacman game, based around his drug addiction.

    Some games don't need story, some do and some need novels written into them. I don't really believe it's the story itself, but how it's executed that matters. It should feel natural in the game, not be forced onto you. Part of the reason I loved the log systems in Metroid Prime, there was a pretty in-depth backstory to it you could spend hours pondering about yet it was completely optional, and the main game forced very little story onto you, which worked really well.
    I'm not saying all games should have optional stories as some do arguably need a story backing them up, but I'd like to see more games take that approach.

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