Do you get really involved in the storyline of the games you play?

[artemicion]

Mentally, I'm more involved in games that have a less rigid structure and less script. For instance, COD games are very fun for me, but I am not involved in any way because the game happens on rails and I feel like I'm watching a movie vs. being a part of it.

In games like Skyrim or Mount & Blade, I create my own avatar and feel like I shape the world and my interactions with people with my own vision. I see a NPC and I already think "Hmm...another subject to crush" or "Hmm..another possible ally to recruit" and it is much more engaging in an involvement perspective.

Funny, I have the opposite experience.

To me, open world games have less engrossing narratives because the pacing is off and the characters are usually bland and undefined, especially games like Skyrim and Dragon Age, where the main protagonist is a blank slate and there's never any interesting interactions between the main protagonist and other characters because he/she is so undefined.

The story in on-rails games like Bioshock, Gears of War and Last of Us is far more engrossing for me, since the protagonist can't be redefined by the player, making the main character more interesting than a blank paper doll without any personality. Plus the pacing of the plot is better since there's no accounting for the player running off and collecting flowers or exploring a random cave for 2 hours before moving on with the story.

 

[xantub]

Funny, I have the opposite experience.

To me, open world games have less engrossing narratives because the pacing is off and the characters are usually bland and undefined, especially games like Skyrim and Dragon Age, where the main protagonist is a blank slate and there's never any interesting interactions between the main protagonist and other characters because he/she is so undefined.

The story in on-rails games like Bioshock, Gears of War and Last of Us is far more engrossing for me, since the protagonist can't be redefined by the player, making the main character more interesting than a blank paper doll without any personality. Plus the pacing of the plot is better since there's no accounting for the player running off and collecting flowers or exploring a random cave for 2 hours before moving on with the story.

I guess it's similar to the two styles of DM in a tabletop roleplaying game, like D&D. There's the 'storyteller', whose campaign world is fully done, with a big event happening, and players 'follow' the storyline, they can't deviate much (I preferred this one). The other is the 'open world' DM, that basically starts the campaign with something like 'You are in a tavern in this town, what do you want to do?' (I didn't care for this style, as I always felt like I didn't know where to go/what to do).

 

[TheSlamma]

Wait, so...people who get immersed in good stories and characters in games "ring 'go outside' alarm bells" with you, but folks who get really into serial TV shows and popcorn movies are fine?

Please explain why getting into a movie or TV show's story is acceptable, but a video game's is not?

Honestly, you just sound monumentally ignorant.

Cause stories and writing in video games are pretty much only capable of the same depth as an 80's action movie given the typical goals of a video game. Shallow, corny, predictable and poorly written. Brothers a tale of two sons is the only game I played this entire year that has a story that wasn't done with a typical template and it was told through the gameplay.. I enjoyed it a lot but I wouldn't' say I was immersed in the game because of it. But hey maybe I'd be more immersed if I didn't take an arrow to the knee.

 

[JumBie]

Funny, I have the opposite experience.

To me, open world games have less engrossing narratives because the pacing is off and the characters are usually bland and undefined, especially games like Skyrim and Dragon Age, where the main protagonist is a blank slate and there's never any interesting interactions between the main protagonist and other characters because he/she is so undefined.

The story in on-rails games like Bioshock, Gears of War and Last of Us is far more engrossing for me, since the protagonist can't be redefined by the player, making the main character more interesting than a blank paper doll without any personality. Plus the pacing of the plot is better since there's no accounting for the player running off and collecting flowers or exploring a random cave for 2 hours before moving on with the story.

Yeh, I agree. Linear games really keep me on edge and engrossed. Open world games have weak stories and don't hold my attention for long.

 

[Sulaco]

Cause stories and writing in video games are pretty much only capable of the same depth as an 80's action movie given the typical goals of a video game. Shallow, corny, predictable and poorly written. Brothers a tale of two sons is the only game I played this entire year that has a story that wasn't done with a typical template and it was told through the gameplay.. I enjoyed it a lot but I wouldn't' say I was immersed in the game because of it. But hey maybe I'd be more immersed if I didn't take an arrow to the knee.

Again, you're just showing your ignorance.

Yes, there are a GREAT deal of games that appeal to the lowest common denominator (as there are any medium, so that's moot) , but there are a sizable number that don't. Ones that have excellent stories, writing, and first-rate acting (where applicable)

The Bioshock series, the classic Baldur's Gate games, Planescape, Dragon Age, the Mass Effect series, Deus Ex, Arkham (although obviously more comic-book minded) , just off the top of my head.

And then there are games like L.A. Noire or The Last of Us, that rival some of the best films out there in terms of writing, acting, and character development.
Those are the kinds of games folks really get into and immersed in. The Skyrim reference is silly; nobody gets into Skyrim for its writing, but for the expansive world and exploration. That's an entirely different kind of immersion.

 

[Apathetic]

For most games, I don't bother simply because the writing isn't very good and also because it just doesn't matter (I just hit next..next..next, etc).

However, there are a few well written gems out that manage to hook me. The biggest surprise for me lately was Star Wars: The Old Republic. The class missions/story lines were excellent.

Dave

 

[TeknoBug]

No, I hardly ever play single player campaign in most games, last game I finished it on was Bad Company 2 and got halfway through R6: Vegas 2 because the gadgets were fun. Although I have been occasionally firing up the Last of Us and Metro: Redux once in a while and playing a stage or two.

I've been playing GTA 5, and guess which part of it I play a lot of. lol

 

[Smoblikat]

Mainly in the TES series, and HL2.

 

[sxr7171]

Worst thing in the world is the unskipable cut scene. Very few games have a story worth dealing with. Shenmue was one and Heavy Rain was another. Those were more interactive movies though.

 

[Maximilian]

Yeah sometimes, depends on the game/story, mass effect is one I really got into. Fallout/skyrim were others.

Worst thing in the world is the unskipable cut scene. Very few games have a story worth dealing with. Shenmue was one and Heavy Rain was another. Those were more interactive movies though.

Unskippable cutscenes are the work of satan. I still have the C&C red alert 2 intro movie burned into my brain because you must watch it on every install! As a cruel joke it pauses the intro when you minimize

 

[koyahh]

yeah! specially rpg's..like final fantasy,,even in my dreams im playing that game! hahaha

 

[nightspydk]

Honestly I think the lore with some games have gotten way out of hand. I used to think it was quite cool, if I remembered that one crucial name with a puzzle or something. I play tons of games and I expect my brain to concentrate on the important stuff. What I'm saying is I've given up on knowing the pantheon and whatnot of whatever game I play and so the story often goes down the drain. There are exceptions. The scenery, the atmosphere now that gets me going. A good fight or exchange of words. Isn't that why we play. Then I do not usually play adventure games hehe.
Characters are important, but things are interconnected, so I still need a basic understanding.

 

[motsm]

Generally no, as most games have extremely shallow or nonexistent characterization, or the story can't overcome the gameplay. Even if using a rare game where the plot points or characterization look good on paper as an example, it's still filtered through ridiculous gameplay contrivances and awkward animations. Further still, if a game tries too hard to bypass the above issues, then the gameplay becomes contrived just like the characters and story do in the opposite scenario. So at that point, I'd rather it not be a game at all.

I have certainly gotten emotionally invested in a couple game stories or characters over the years, but I can't say it's ever compared to a good movie with actual humans on screen. That said, they don't need to, as games can offer their own unique emotional connections outside of what movies can. Personally, I'd like the game industry to stop trying to mirror Hollywood, as it just ignores all it's strengths. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the direction it's headed.

 

[Zenoth]

Like a lot of gamers for me it really depends on the type of game that it is to start with. It also obviously depends on the writing's quality/diversity (but mostly quality). Also if the game is voiced (fully, or partially) it will then also depend on the voice acting quality (even if the writing itself is good, if the voice actor/actress can't do the scene/line justice, it just won't work). There's a lot of variations to consider.

The first Mass Effect, and Dragon Age: Origins are two of the rare games in which I felt entirely immersed and involved by their respective stories (overall arcing story, as well as individual characters stories). To a good degree Mass Effect 2 did it as well, albeit it was "limited to" being involved by just a few specific character stories (while the main story arc was very underwhelming and forgettable). To my great surprise I was very involved by/with Borderlands 2's story (due mostly to the excellent writing for the characters and the great voice acting combo).

If I go back in time, the first game story that I not only managed to understand but was involved with and immersed in was that of A Link to the Past. I would also include Ocarina of Time's, and later Shadow Man's story as well (Dreamcast version first, and later bought it on the PC). Additionally, which was another complete surprise, were the individual stories in DC Universe Online (related to and in involvement with all the Mentors, and their respective superb voice acting, especially the unrivaled Mark Hamill's as the Joker).

And some more. So, yep it can happen but there's a number of variants that all have to sync well together for me to really appreciate, feel involved in and be immersed in a game's story(ies).

 

[Majcric]

Nope not me. The only game I ever thought had a good story worth keeping up with was The Last Of Us.

 

[clayton006]

For me I usually buy games for one of two reasons.
A) It has a captivating story that can go for hours
or
B) Has a co-op multiplayer component

I find myself gaming as a social tool for friends who live too far away to drive and see, or as a storytelling tool to keep me interested in single player.

 

[exdeath]

Needs to be a quality JRPG where the whole premise of the game is bonding with characters and experiencing unpredictable story revelations through their eyes and dealing with the tragedy and sacrifice and all that, underscored with an emotionally stirring soundtrack and perfectly timed cinematic production direction (eg: artful composition of camera panning, slow motion, character dialog lines in sync with musical changes and scene cuts, etc).

Perfect example of this is the original Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii. God what a ride.

Not a whole lot of those experiences on PC. For far too long there has been too much focus on graphics, explosions, and mainstream appeal excepting for a few indy gems now and then.

Also western RPGs tend to be more about being photo realistic wilderness reality simulators more than a soul stirring story. And shallow characters with emphasis on goatees and sideburns and stubble and grunty voices and cool mainstream manly broheim features.

Game with incredible stories are mostly non western have characters with flaws and weaknesses and explore themes such as guilt , innocence, moral conflict, sacrifice, past baggage or trauma, etc and are limited more towards single player console type games.

If anyone has any recommendations for any good JRPG style heavy story and character driven PC games that aren't re-releases of the worst Final Fantasy games in the series, or just Steam ports of classic console entries from a decade ago, I'm all ears. Talking about Tales of x, (older) Final Fantasy, Secret of Mana, Xenogears/saga/blade, Ni No Kuni, Legend of Heroes, Dragon Quest type stuff.

Need to emphasize I don't care if it's not old school outdated random encounter turn based mechanics or any limited hardware originated tropes, all that matters is story and presentation, characters, and music to back it up. 4k polygons or 240p in 16 colors, matters not so long as there are feels and tears.

Though PC games like System Shock 2 and first Deus Ex don't have any of these things I value in console games yet they are incredibly immersive just the same. The persona of any main character is lost through FPS but those games make up for it with the explore and pack ratting and ambiance of the game worlds they take place in.

Alone in the deep of space on a cold lifeless ship trying to survive as you pick through every drawer and cabinet for supplies and relive the lives and events of the people who once walked the halls via their data logs. It's nowhere near JRPG level of overly dramatic story telling but it worked very well and to this day is still my favorite #1 PC game.

 

[exdeath]

Cause stories and writing in video games are pretty much only capable of the same depth as an 80's action movie given the typical goals of a video game. Shallow, corny, predictable and poorly written. Brothers a tale of two sons is the only game I played this entire year that has a story that wasn't done with a typical template and it was told through the gameplay.. I enjoyed it a lot but I wouldn't' say I was immersed in the game because of it. But hey maybe I'd be more immersed if I didn't take an arrow to the knee.

Sounds like you need to play some console JRPGs and get a nice break from 80s action movie games aka most mainstream shooters and sports games today that follow the "someone invaded us. follow the giant arrow and shoot everything: NOW WITH MOAR GUNS AND MOAR REALISTIC 4K 'NADES and 'SPLOSIONS!!!!" formula.

Try something like Xenogears. A game made in 1998 in crude clunky PS1 hardware yet holds it's place as a great literary masterpiece on the order of Shakespeare and company. Very few games try to tell stories of this magnitude that transcend their media and platform. It was probably too ambitious and desperately needs a remake. How many games can truly say their story was held back by hardware limitations at a time when CD-ROM was the future of storage?

Doesn't even have to be a JRPG. Have you played The Last of Us?

 

[exdeath]

I guess it's similar to the two styles of DM in a tabletop roleplaying game, like D&D. There's the 'storyteller', whose campaign world is fully done, with a big event happening, and players 'follow' the storyline, they can't deviate much (I preferred this one). The other is the 'open world' DM, that basically starts the campaign with something like 'You are in a tavern in this town, what do you want to do?' (I didn't care for this style, as I always felt like I didn't know where to go/what to do).

This. To me role playing is assuming the ROLE of an existing person with some yet revealed inner "issues" and/or witnessing shocking story revelations and plot twists from the characters point of view and feeling traumatized.

And it doesn't have to be on rails, but there needs to be a real story somewhat set in stone. I prefer "once upon a time..." type stories vs "you wake up in a bar..." games. You need that rigid linearity otherwise there is no game, no novel, no movie to experience and we have no need of authors to craft them.

I hate games like Skyrim and Oblivion that just dump you in a life simulator and say "have fun" with no narration or fiction or motivation. It's like going to see a movie and then all that happens is the first 5 minutes says "ok now what do you want to do?" with silence and a blank screen. No, I want you to TELL me, an outside observer, what is happening in this magical world. I came here to listen to YOUR story and meet YOUR characters, not to beat up rabbits and wander aimlessly.

A Final Fantasy game is like buying a great award winning novel and engrossing yourself in another world through the story.

An Oblivion game is like buying a blank 2500 page notebook. It's just not the experience I'm looking for in an RPG.

I hate open world do what you want or silent protagonists or games where you are the silent main character that doesn't participate in anything.

Contrast with Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles as the main character that you play as.

 

[Zenoth]

Absolutely, whenever the setting seems interesting and the story pacing is good, then I do try to immerse myself in it. And good voice acting then becomes a must. I can tolerate some cheesy (unintentionally) decent-at-best writing, as long as the voice actor(s) can carry the lines with obvious professionalism / passion / dedication-at-work. I can enjoy a game's story when such conditions are met, regardless of the type of game it is. If you were to give me a good story in... I don't know... a Tetris game, I'd play it for the story (not the best example but the gist of it should be clear, I don't really care about the type of game; good story? good news to me).

I consume games likes Mass Effect (1), DA Origins / Inquisition, Witcher 3, Borderlands 2 (and so many others) like they're my bread and water until I'm done with them. I've also enjoyed stories in types of games I never thought would 1) even have a story worthy to follow and 2) nor even be 'advertised' as having a story (I.E. being part of what makes such a game what it is), for example: Injustice and MK9 (fighting games) and Diablo 1 & 2 (ARPGs). And as a side note I keep referring rather recent games, but of course it dates back to much longer ago (my interest for good stories in video games). If I'm not mistaken (as far as I can remember by heart) the very first game I played specifically for its story and because I was immersed in, rather than "just because the name was popular" was The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (generally, that game alone pretty much opened my eyes to what a "video game" could be, beyond just having brainless fun shooting things around).

So yeah I get 'involved' in some game's story lines from time to time. I mean, there's the examples I mentioned above and some more, but the list of games that genuinely "got to me" isn't that big. So it does happen but it's usually not more than once or twice a year, when it's a good year.

 

[futurefields]

we get it, exdeath. you hate western games.

 

[TheSlamma]

Sounds like you need to play some console JRPGs and get a nice break from 80s action movie games aka most mainstream shooters and sports games today that follow the "someone invaded us. follow the giant arrow and shoot everything: NOW WITH MOAR GUNS AND MOAR REALISTIC 4K 'NADES and 'SPLOSIONS!!!!" formula.

Try something like Xenogears. A game made in 1998 in crude clunky PS1 hardware yet holds it's place as a great literary masterpiece on the order of Shakespeare and company. Very few games try to tell stories of this magnitude that transcend their media and platform. It was probably too ambitious and desperately needs a remake. How many games can truly say their story was held back by hardware limitations at a time when CD-ROM was the future of storage?

Doesn't even have to be a JRPG. Have you played The Last of Us?

Just played it this year, just like last year with Brothers, this year that was the ONE and only game with a decent story in it. I enjoyed other games this year, but none of them had amazing or even great story lines in them at all.

I played JRPG's plenty back on my NES/SNES days, I'm too old and busy with life to sink that kind of time into games anymore. Plus I honestly found JRPG's to just be JSTG's I don't see how they can call it role playing at all, it's just Story Telling and clicking through reading from what I experienced.

 

[TheSlamma]

Again, you're just showing your ignorance.

Yes, there are a GREAT deal of games that appeal to the lowest common denominator (as there are any medium, so that's moot) , but there are a sizable number that don't. Ones that have excellent stories, writing, and first-rate acting (where applicable)

The Bioshock series, the classic Baldur's Gate games, Planescape, Dragon Age, the Mass Effect series, Deus Ex, Arkham (although obviously more comic-book minded) , just off the top of my head.

And then there are games like L.A. Noire or The Last of Us, that rival some of the best films out there in terms of writing, acting, and character development.
Those are the kinds of games folks really get into and immersed in. The Skyrim reference is silly; nobody gets into Skyrim for its writing, but for the expansive world and exploration. That's an entirely different kind of immersion.

I'm glad you can name under 10 games with decent stories, for someone like myself who has been gaming since Atari 2600 and Commodore 64, I'm going to say that games with strong stories are the anomaly and not the norm.

 

[Grooveriding]

A great game will reel you into the story. I don't go out of my way to immerse myself, it's the game job to do that. An excellent examples was The Last of Us. I don't like console, especially for an FPS game. But the story in that game was so great that I would recommend buying a PS4 just to play that one game. It had me hooked once the story got going.

Not every game needs a storyline to be great, gameplay will do the trick.

 

[Subyman]

No game has ever fulfilled the promise of making me feeling like I am apart of the story and have agency within the universe. Games are too artificial. It all breaks down when a dialog choice doesn't include the option that I would actually do in reality. Developers task themselves with making the player feel that are making choices, but have to confine them within the scope of branching story line that the developers can realistically create. Anyone that has played games for a decent length of time can see behind the curtain.

However, I have really enjoyed some stories in games. They are typically games that do not try to be more than the technology is capable of. Games that don't pretend to give you "endless possibilities" typically provide a better story line in-line with books and movies.