Games With Stories Better Than Bestselling Books

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

It's nearly impossible to beat books as far as story is concerned. It's just a better medium to convey a story, characters, and subliminal meanings.

But, I'd go with the Fallout series and the Baldur's Gate series as well. Quite well done as far as games are concerned. By the way, to anyone says the Halo series: You. Are. A. Moron.

None.

And complex does not equal good. In fact, it usually equals bad.

None.

And complex does not equal good. In fact, it usually equals bad.

goblaa

None.

And complex does not equal good. In fact, it usually equals bad.

goblaa

Agreed 100%. A complex plot can be good, but so far I haven't encountered a writer in the gaming industry capable of handling one properly.

I suppose there are probably some bestselling books with pretty trashy stories (Dan Brown jumps to mind), though, so it's feasible that a game could outdo them. But I haven't actually read those books so I can't really say.

Considering that the vast majority (and I'm talking like about 3 in recent history that aren't) of videogames* equate to the story of a poor action movie, and that action movies are vary rarely considered to have artistic or narrative value. I'd say there isn't and unlikely will ever be a video game with a decent story, although they do usually have top notch (if under utilised) mythologies.

*Not inlcuding puzzle games and the like

FFX =)

The twists were really good and the characters were interesting and likeable.

Although I'm sure it's not as in depth as a novel.

I would give credit to MGS for at least trying something challenging and having many underlying themes. Can't say that for 98% of the other games out there which basically amount to senseless destruction as the main goal, or saving a kingdom.

I never got into the Final Fantasy games so i don't know about the story.

Gears of War was strange because it sort of had a brainless action story and also tried to hint at some deeper real-world connections ("Emulsion" sounds like our oil crisis to me) And what trial was Marcus Fenix in that sent him to jail? Hmm..

From my English essay:

Developers agree though, that storytelling in games has not been easy. A balance must be maintained between the player's enjoyment, and the motivation that compels the player foreword. Eric Nylund, the author of the Halo series of games and novels, has admitted that video games are not naturally friendly to storytelling. "The problem is the paradigm shift between passive reader and active participant. Whenever you attempt to advance the story you run the risk of taking control away from the player, and run a greater risk of annoying them by breaking the illusion that they are immersed in the game world." In Nylund's case, he could not simply transfer his skills from novels directly into writing games.

The RE series has had a pretty strong story through the years.

I haven't played a single game that even comes close to comparing to a good novel as far as story-telling is concerned. That's the point of games. You're not "told" what is happening, it's an interactive experience, for the most part, where you "write" the story.i_like_pizza

True. So I guess the question should be rephrased as which great game competes with some crappy books that you read.

The RE series has had a pretty strong story through the years.

JiveT

Ever reads its books?

No. Even if videogames try their hardest it's impossible for them to have as good as storytelling as books since they can't be presented or told as well in the same way do to you having to always have some certain interaction to some degree. The only games that come close to having enjoyable stories are games with almost no gameplay at all.

None.

And complex does not equal good. In fact, it usually equals bad.

goblaa

Though I don't think complexity is necessarly bad, I agree with you. Complexity doesn't mean crud if you can't utilize it or present it the right way.

[QUOTE="JiveT"]

The RE series has had a pretty strong story through the years.

ArisShadows

Ever reads its books?

Yeah it was good pulp fiction. I read one ona flight home a few years ago. It was a real page turner. lol

I think the games I've played with the best stories that just got me REALLY into the game were Deus Ex 1 and 2, Jade Empire, Baldur's Gate, Jedi Outcast and Morrowind (hell, even reading the books in that game was really interesting). There are probably a couple games I'm forgetting, but those were some really good experiences.

btw I'm only comparing them on the basis of the story being enjoyable, not due to complexity or anything like that. But most of those "bestselling books" don't interest me in the slightest. Over the past few years the only authors I've been reading works from are George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan and Robin Hobb.

I think the games I've played with the best stories that just got me REALLY into the game were Deus Ex 1 and 2, Jade Empire, Baldur's Gate, Jedi Outcast and Morrowind (hell, even reading the books in that game was really interesting). There are probably a couple games I'm forgetting, but those were some really good experiences.

btw I'm only comparing them on the basis of the story being enjoyable, not due to complexity or anything like that. But most of those "bestselling books" don't interest me in the slightest. Over the past few years the only authors I've been reading works from are George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan and Robin Hobb.

MyopicCanadian

Reading books in an RPG was ingeresting? You must have a lot of time on your hands...or must be between the age of 16 and 24...am I right?

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

rcignoni

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

[QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

ChartTopper93

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

[QUOTE="ArisShadows"][QUOTE="JiveT"]

The RE series has had a pretty strong story through the years.

JiveT

Ever reads its books?

Yeah it was good pulp fiction. I read one ona flight home a few years ago. It was a real page turner. lol

Pretty graphic writing..

[QUOTE="ChartTopper93"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

UandalUideo

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

This thread restores my faith in System Wars. :) I was afraid dozens of people were doing the unthinkable and citing crap like MGS and FF and Mass Effect.

(And to everyone who DID cite MGS and FF and Mass Effect as having better stories than books....never mind. I'd be banned if I said what I want to say right now.)

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

poster

Movies can do a better job onwar.

This thread restores my faith in System Wars. :) I was afraid dozens of people were doing the unthinkable and citing crap like MGS and FF and Mass Effect.

(And to everyone who DID cite MGS and FF and Mass Effect as having better stories than books....never mind. I'd be banned if I said what I want to say right now.)

mjarantilla

They have GOOD stories. Sure, comparing them to great novels is foolish, but the stories are still great in the game realm, and stories in games overall are getting much better.

[QUOTE="MyopicCanadian"]

I think the games I've played with the best stories that just got me REALLY into the game were Deus Ex 1 and 2, Jade Empire, Baldur's Gate, Jedi Outcast and Morrowind (hell, even reading the books in that game was really interesting). There are probably a couple games I'm forgetting, but those were some really good experiences.

btw I'm only comparing them on the basis of the story being enjoyable, not due to complexity or anything like that. But most of those "bestselling books" don't interest me in the slightest. Over the past few years the only authors I've been reading works from are George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan and Robin Hobb.

UandalUideo

Reading books in an RPG was ingeresting? You must have a lot of time on your hands...or must be between the age of 16 and 24...am I right?

Halo... Its also a best-selling book ;)krp008

books!

[QUOTE="mjarantilla"]

This thread restores my faith in System Wars. :) I was afraid dozens of people were doing the unthinkable and citing crap like MGS and FF and Mass Effect.

(And to everyone who DID cite MGS and FF and Mass Effect as having better stories than books....never mind. I'd be banned if I said what I want to say right now.)

Mordred19

They have GOOD stories. Sure, comparing them to great novels is foolish, but the stories are still great in the game realm, and stories in games overall are getting much better.

No they're not. They've remained pretty much stagnant since the mid-90s. I haven't seen a tangible improvement in game stories since the PS1 era.

[QUOTE="ChartTopper93"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

UandalUideo

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

:lol: The only people who say that are the ones who are poor readers. Not an insult, an observation. I read Deathly Hallows in eight hours. I'm assuming ChartTopper is also a fast reader. How fast do you read? About how many books do you go through each week? When I'm bored, and cut off from other sources of entertainment, I can go through about two a day.

Also, proof. Look at a movie like Goblet of Fire of Order of the Pheonix. The movies were an astounding length, but despite that, they had only the few major high-points of the books, and left people who'd never read the book feeling confused.

(I know I'm mentioning a lot of Harry Potter books, but it's because they're books that most people are familiar with).

[QUOTE="UandalUideo"][QUOTE="ChartTopper93"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

mjarantilla

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

Not if you only have 90 minutes to kill.If you have 9 hours to kill then books > movies. If you only have 90 minutes to spare then movies > books.

[QUOTE="mjarantilla"][QUOTE="UandalUideo"][QUOTE="ChartTopper93"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

UandalUideo

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

Not if you only have 90 minutes to kill.If you have 9 hours to kill then books > movies. If you only have 90 minutes to spare then movies > books.

No, if you have only 90 minutes to spare, then books STILL > movies.

[QUOTE="UandalUideo"][QUOTE="ChartTopper93"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

Ever play a game that gave you an experience unlike any other? I'm not talking about gameplay here, I mean the depth, the symbolic meaning of everything you encountered. Doesn't necessarily have to be the LONGEST game either, something short can still be pretty deep, if you look at it carefully. Just look back on your gaming past, and dig out the most immersive involvement you've ever had with a game's story.

EDIT: This isn't asking if games have better stories than books, it's asking which game's story have you enjoyed the most.

For me, it's Killer7. Everything in the game has an encoded meaning to it, and you have to force yourself to pay attention, or you'll miss something BIG. Just when you think you have the story figured out, it throws an entire twist at you, and you have to crack everything all over again. I don't think I'd ever fully understand the meaning of the story if it wasn't for the GameFAQs Plot Anlysis.

Tylendal

movies, games, and TV shows can't compare to a book in anykind of way. you can a much better feel for a story reading it than playing a game or watching a movie. every movie i've seen the book was better.

read a book lad

:lol: The only people who say that are the ones who are poor readers. Not an insult, an observation. I read Deathly Hallows in eight hours. I'm assuming ChartTopper is also a fast reader. How fast do you read? About how many books do you go through each week? When I'm bored, and cut off from other sources of entertainment, I can go through about two a day.

Also, proof. Look at a movie like Goblet of Fire of Order of the Pheonix. The movies were an astounding length, but despite that, they had only the few major high-points of the books, and left people who'd never read the book feeling confused.

(I know I'm mentioning a lot of Harry Potter books, but it's because they're books that most people are familiar with).

No offense taken.I was taught to read in Kindergarten in the 70's ( a test program in which most all schools in the US now subscribe to). My IQ is over 135 (140 last time it was tested), but the point is books are great and all but time is precious and I do what I enjoy the most. gaming and TV/Movies > books.