How important is setting/atmosphere in a game?

I just talking about this with a friend of mine. I said something along the lines of "Setting can make or break a game". He replied with "Setting isn't an important factor at all. Dead Space would be the same game if it was in a city, it would just be called Dead City." I laughed at this because personally for me setting/atmosphere has a huge influence of how much I like a game. I wouldn't have loved BioShock nearly as much if it was set in a sci-fi/space environment nor would I enjoy the Resident Evil series if it wasn't for the creepy and sometimes cheesy atmosphere.

But I was wondering how other people feel about the setting of a game? Does it really matter?

*I'm not putting up a poll because that just limits answer and I want some true opinions here*

I think it could take a game with mediocre gameplay and make it something special, which is essentially what happened with games like Silent Hill.

I think it always matters for the single player experience. I mean, what story driven game wouldn't?

I think when they don't "make it feel like...", it's not as engaging and easier to forget about. Like speaking of Dead Space. I played the demo and sure, seems like an ok game. But I didn't feel that atmosphere it was trying to push. I love being immersed in the experience and thinking "I'm in the situation at hand". But then again, that can apply to so many things.

If its a fun game I don't give a crap. Why are games so complex what happen to playing games just because they were fun?Fightingfan

If its a fun game I don't give a crap. Why are games so complex what happen to playing games just because they were fun?Fightingfan

Well, they're rivalling the movie industry aren't they? Besides, there are plenty of fun games around. More so, with online modes.

[QUOTE="Fightingfan"]If its a fun game I don't give a crap. Why are games so complex what happen to playing games just because they were fun?Denji

Well, they're rivalling the movie industry aren't they? Besides, there are plenty of fun games around. More so, with online modes.

This is an excellent topic, as it ties in well with one of the current hot-button topics in my opinion, as to whether or not video games can be classified as art.

As I see by your avatar, you admire the work of Kojima, and you have Alice in your sig which, depending on who you're talking to, could be THE most ardent expression of dedication anyone could make publicly - And personally, I'm with you. I love ALL things Resident Evil. With the Metal Gear and RE franchises, those games are extremely rooted in characters, and driven by engaging writing/ settingno matter how grisley, realistic, or absurd as either series can get...

... so, good choices of series for this topic...

:)

Both of those series are incredible, engaging stories and we go back to thier worlds again and again because it's such a harrowing, dangerous, and intriguing place to be... the world of a S.T.A.R.S. op or Solid Snake are drenched in atmosphere and always in a memorable setting. If they were dull or mediocre, we'd all turn our backs and thumbs to it... "Army Men" series, we're looking in your direction....

... so to me and I'm guessing you, it's a pretty important thing. If you're a 2D fighting game fanatic, you might not be looking at the backgrounds as much as the trust-worthy mechanics and online connectivity... but I'd imagine it's pretty far up there, after all that.

Its very important if you want a good game. You want the atmosphere to fit the story and gameplay. If they do then you'll end up with an awesome game like Bioshock, Shadow of the Colossus, or Batman AA. If not you'll end up with something like Terminator Salvation where the nothing feels right cause nothing looks right. TheEldestGod

Atmosphere allows for that emotional connection that makes games like BioShock and Shadow of the Colossus feel so immersive. And to me, the best thing a game can do is immerse me in it's world. We all play games for fun and to escape the stress and worry of life, if a game can make me completely lose track of time for a couple hours that's worth at least $60 in my book.

I'm with TC.

If a game can nail its setting and atmosphere, it doesn't matter how many of my personal preferences it breaks, I'll probably play it. Fallout 3 is a perfect example of this. I'm not a big fan of washed out grays and ugly browns, but FO3 did the post apocalyptic retro-future theme so well, I loved it.

Story, setting and atmosphere are the most important things for me in a game, otherwise I won't play it, because no matter how good the gameplay is, there won't be anything to hold my interest other than a few objectives.

This is an excellent topic, as it ties in well with one of the current hot-button topics in my opinion, as to whether or not video games can be classified as art.

As I see by your avatar, you admire the work of Kojima, and you have Alice in your sig which, depending on who you're talking to, could be THE most ardent expression of dedication anyone could make publicly.

MonkeySpot

I hate the RE movies.:lol:

They ruin the good name of the series and as for the last one, it shouldn't have even been called Resident Evil because if you change the names of the characters, it would have absolutely no connection to the games/rant

The screenshot in my sig is from this web show call "This Ain't No Game" or TANG on Giant Bomb. I thought it was funny.

Well the un-creepy setting of Resident Evil 5 ruined it for a lot of survival horror fans...so I guess it's pretty important.

It's important to me. I think atmosphere is what made Fallout 3 so awesome. Same with Alan Wake (even though it's on the other console).

Well the un-creepy setting of Resident Evil 5 ruined it for a lot of survival horror fans...so I guess it's pretty important.

Ospov

In horror games there simply has to be a creepy atmosphere. If a horror game dosn't put me on edge and make me feel nervous then it overall fails. I love getting scared, Dead Space was terrifying on my first playthrough because of the amazing atmopshere :D

Setting and atmosphere is extremely important to me. If it's well done, it draws me into the game and makes me feel like I'm an actual character taking part in the story. If it's done poorly, I don't feel immersed in the game at all - I'm just pushing buttons in order to kill some time and maybe earn a few trophies.