Has Nintendo ever made a game with a compelling storyline?

[QUOTE="princeofshapeir"]

The plot is obvious in that it never deviates from the standards it sets for itself. It is convoluted and full of hair-pin twists, I agree. But this is precisely what makes it so obvious, and thus devoid of expression: it relies on shocking the player and turning the story around and adding new changes, no matter how ridiculous, in an attempt to make up for its lack of literate expression. The storyline is very obvious and lacks expression. None of the MGS characters even show that they are competent, believable, and complex characters.

CaptainHarley

your argument is almost as incoherent as the mgs plotline

anyway itt: hypocrites, i can virtually guarantee that at some point youve all been on the 'omg i want games with better stories' bandwagon, or torn down some popular, non-nintendo game for its lack of story elements.

Has Sony or Microsoft ever made a game with a compelling story either?

The Paper Mario Games have surprisingly great stories, especially Thousand Year Door.

Fire Emblem, Mother, Eternal Darkness, Geist, Metroid, Golden Sun, Xenoblade, Zelda, Star Fox(Laugh, but it does seem to have storylines and each game builds on the previous one), Famicom Detective Club, and Mario RPGS are a few of the examples of Nintendo franchises that have compelling storylines.

[QUOTE="locopatho"][QUOTE="Bigboi500"]

Has Sony or Microsoft ever made a game with a compelling story either?

charizard1605

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="locopatho"] Sony yes indeed.Samurai_Xavier

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

Has Sony or Microsoft ever made a game with a compelling story either?

Bigboi500

[QUOTE="Bigboi500"]

Has Sony or Microsoft ever made a game with a compelling story either?

hakanakumono

[QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] Really now? Which one?charizard1605

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="Bigboi500"]

Has Sony or Microsoft ever made a game with a compelling story either?

IppoTenma

Great games, great stories (albeit the 2nd one being weird - but still good).

The first was written by the writer of the original Silent Hill. I don't know about the 2nd one, but he also wrote the story for the game Rule of Rose, published by Sony.

Sony's very interested in stories in games. Probably because their systems have always been associated with more cinematic ones.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

[QUOTE="goblaa"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] I can understand God of War, which features an incredible (albeit flawed) narrative, but if SotC can be said to have a strongstory, then so do Nintendo games like Majora's Mask, Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, Eternal Sonata, and many, many more.charizard1605

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

Backstory and lore don't excuse the lack of a narrative.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="goblaa"]

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

Backstory and lore don't excuse the lack of a narrative.

Yes but that isn't the point. Why do they have to produces games with compelling stories?

ActicEdge

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] And I'm not discrediting it. Shadow of the COlossus relies on backstory and lore to communicate its story, which is the same method as adopted by Metroid Prime and Majora's Mask. All I'm saying is if SotC can be considered, then so can be the latter two.charizard1605

Backstory and lore don't excuse the lack of a narrative.

Metroid Prime doesnt have a narrative. The only "narrative" is her running around and shooting things as she accesses data on the only real story in the game.

[QUOTE="goblaa"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] I can understand God of War, which features an incredible (albeit flawed) narrative, but if SotC can be said to have a strongstory, then so do Nintendo games like Majora's Mask, Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, Eternal Sonata, and many, many more.charizard1605

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

[QUOTE="goblaa"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] I can understand God of War, which features an incredible (albeit flawed) narrative, but if SotC can be said to have a strongstory, then so do Nintendo games like Majora's Mask, Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, Eternal Sonata, and many, many more.charizard1605

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

Agreed. I think both MP and MM have great stories. I just don't think either is as deep or compellling as SotC.

That said, MP is very impressive to me because it's a game that actually uses it's medium's strengths to its advantage in story telling. Most games rely on cut-scenes. You get a short peoriod of game, followed by a short period of movie. It's like two different products cut up and shuffled together. To me, it makes no sense that I have to kill all the enemies in the room to see the next chuck of movie...why not just show me a complete movie? Cut-scenes ignore video game's medium entirely. They don't use the medium's strengths. The second a cut-scene starts, it's no longer a game. It takes the controls from your hand and doesn't become a game again until the scene ends.

The trail-and-error nature of game's isn't very conuctive to story telling either. It just doesn't mix well. Imagine if you went to see Starwars at the theatre. Luke's about to blow up the Deathstar when he get's shot down and dies. The movie rewinds and plays that scene over and over again until Luke gets it right. Imagine every action scene being like that through the whole movie. It would be awful.

Games like MP are great because the gameplay itself is the story. MP doesn't tell you a story, it lets you experience one.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

goblaa

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

Metroid Prime doesnt have a narrative. The only "narrative" is her running around and shooting things as she accesses data on the only real story in the game.hakanakumono

Have you played Metroid Prime? It does have a narrative.

Just because it's in the form of scans it does mean it's not there.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

Backstory and lore don't excuse the lack of a narrative.

Metroid Prime doesnt have a narrative. The only "narrative" is her running around and shooting things as she accesses data on the only real story in the game.

Right, but that's not really a narrative. That's just the gameplay.

To Charizard.

^That's not narrative, that's a summary of the game events.

MP narrative comes from the scans and lore around the planet.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]Metroid Prime doesnt have a narrative. The only "narrative" is her running around and shooting things as she accesses data on the only real story in the game.IronBass

Have you played Metroid Prime? It does have a narrative.

Just because it's in the form of scans it does mean it's not there.

Metroid Prime has a sort of story within it. But the game itself does not have much of any story.

Archive files aren't an alternative.

[QUOTE="goblaa"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] I can understand God of War, which features an incredible (albeit flawed) narrative, but if SotC can be said to have a strongstory, then so do Nintendo games like Majora's Mask, Metroid Prime, The Wind Waker, Eternal Sonata, and many, many more.Bread_or_Decide

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

Finding a recording tape is a great supplemental tool. "Show don't tell" doesn't mean let the gameplay stand in place of a story.

Metroid Prime has a sort of story within it. But the game itself does not have much of any story.Archive files aren't an alternative.hakanakumono

[QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] Really now? Which one?charizard1605

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]Metroid Prime has a sort of story within it. But the game itself does not have much of any story.Archive files aren't an alternative.IronBass

I don't remember the story in MP enough to remember whether it was good or not. But what I'm saying is that while the game possesses a good story, Samus' journey stands as the "story" of the game and it's not impressive. A game can set up all sorts of impressive backstory and lore and still manage to have a poor or nonexistant story.

English is making it hard for me to communicate what I'm trying to say, but I guess I could say that the story in Metroid Prime is A story in Metroid Prime but it's not THE story of Metroid Prime. And I don't think it excuses the lack of a story within Samus' journey, good as the backstory may be. For that reason, I wouldn't say "Metroid Prime has a good story" even if the story contained within was impressive.

The problem is "has" and "has" can mean two different things.

In other words, the story in the game may be good, but the story of the game barely qualifies as one. I wouldn't extol the greatness of games that don't fit the "of" category.

I don't remember the story in MP enough to remember whether it was good or not. But what I'm saying is that while the game possesses a good story, Samus' journey stands as the "story" of the game and it's not impressive. A game can set up all sorts of impressive backstory and lore and still manage to have a poor or nonexistant story.

English is making it hard for me to communicate what I'm trying to say, but I guess I could say that the story in Metroid Prime is A story in Metroid Prime but it's not THE story of Metroid Prime. And I don't think it excuses the lack of a story within Samus' journey, good as the backstory may be. For that reason, I wouldn't say "Metroid Prime has a good story" even if the story contained within was impressive.

The problem is "has" and "has" can mean two different things.

hakanakumono

I understand what you mean. But I still disagree.

Just because a game story is focused on telling the events before the actual gameplay takes place on does not make it any less or part of the game.

BioShock is another game that heavily relies on this.

No, they tend to focus on compelling fun. Want a compeling story, go watch a movie or read a book.

goblaa

I don't believe they ever made a game with compelling storyline, they published few, but actual Nintendo internal studio? I can't honestly think of any. Miyamoto couldn't write a compelling story if his life depended on it, he always concentrated on pure gameplay and he is the example everyone at Ninty tries to follow

Many Nintendo games have little story because it allows the developers to be creative outside the 'logic' created by that storyline. Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 are great examples. Miyamoto even had storyline sequences and cutscenes removed until the raw basics were left. This way, people wouldn't ask questions like 'what is this monster doing in this place', because the storyline is so basic and irrelevant that the game doesn't have to answer to a logical world which spawns along with nearly every more complicated storyline. SMG2 didn't have to make sense, the developers didn't have to tweak their bizarre creativity in order to fit the conventions of a storyline. And this is exactly why SMG 1 & 2 are such terrific games.

This doesn't mean Nintendo games, although simplistic story-wise, can't create a rich gaming universe, though. The storyline of the Zelda games is one of the most discussed in gaming, merely because Nintendo leaves a lot of Zelda's story to the imagination of its players.

Then there's the Paper Mario series, which all have fantastic, well-written stories which actually poke fun at the clichés of traditional Mario storytelling. It really exposed Bowser as one of the most likeable characters in gaming, due to his wit, constant cynism, and unmatched pride.

Well yeah, that's how most games are structured. Regarding games with compelling storylines, I now refer you to masterpieces in storytelling such as *The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask- Eeriee, haunting, moving. The game is a work of art, and it focuses on themes such as death ad impending doom. Displaying an uncharacteristic maturity of storytelling, Majora's Mask is a must play for all gamers who profess to place the narrative of a game over all else. *Metroid Prime: The main game progression in itself lacks much of a plot. Playing through the game properly and using your scan visor, however, reveals the lore and backstory of the game, which gradually turns into a commentary on Isolation. Metroid Prime represents what is probably the best fusion and synthesis of gameplay and storytelling within a game. Play through these, TC, and tell me that these games don't have 'compelling storylines.'charizard1605

Also this.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="locopatho"] Sony yes indeed.Samurai_Xavier

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

[QUOTE="Bread_or_Decide"][QUOTE="goblaa"]

I would consider Shadow of the Colossus to be one of the strogest stories in the history of video games. Easily in the top 3.

There is a massive plot/theroy analysis on this game. Everything in this game is wrapped up in symbolism and interpretation. It's one of the most well-thought out and artistic stories in the history of games.

hakanakumono

Finding a recording tape is a great supplemental tool. "Show don't tell" doesn't mean let the gameplay stand in place of a story.

I always enjoyed the story lines of Zelda games. The way the story was told was hindered by tech of the consoles, but the stories were solid.

Many Nintendo games have little story because it allows the developers to be creative outside the 'logic' created by that storyline. Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 are great examples. Miyamoto even had storyline sequences and cutscenes removed until the raw basics were left. This way, people wouldn't ask questions like 'what is this monster doing in this place', because the storyline is so basic and irrelevant that the game doesn't have to answer to a logical world which spawns along with nearly every more complicated storyline. SMG2 didn't have to make sense, the developers didn't have to tweak their bizarre creativity in order to fit the conventions of a storyline. And this is exactly why SMG 1 & 2 are such terrific games.

This doesn't mean Nintendo games, although simplistic story-wise, can't create a rich gaming universe, though. The storyline of the Zelda games is one of the most discussed in gaming, merely because Nintendo leaves a lot of Zelda's story to the imagination of its players.

Then there's the Paper Mario series, which all have fantastic, well-written stories which actually poke fun at the clichés of traditional Mario storytelling. It really exposed Bowser as one of the most likeable characters in gaming, due to his wit, constant cynism, and unmatched pride.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]Well yeah, that's how most games are structured. Regarding games with compelling storylines, I now refer you to masterpieces in storytelling such as *The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask- Eeriee, haunting, moving. The game is a work of art, and it focuses on themes such as death ad impending doom. Displaying an uncharacteristic maturity of storytelling, Majora's Mask is a must play for all gamers who profess to place the narrative of a game over all else. *Metroid Prime: The main game progression in itself lacks much of a plot. Playing through the game properly and using your scan visor, however, reveals the lore and backstory of the game, which gradually turns into a commentary on Isolation. Metroid Prime represents what is probably the best fusion and synthesis of gameplay and storytelling within a game. Play through these, TC, and tell me that these games don't have 'compelling storylines.'DraugenCP

Also this.

[QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] Really now? Which one?SakusEnvoy

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

SOTC followed the most important rule of storytelling. One that even Bioshock failed at at times. SHOW don't TELL. Finding a recording tape? Yawn. Letting the landscape, battles, and mood tell the story, now THAT'S how you do it. Bread_or_Decide

Recording tapes, journal notes etc are example of great storytelling techiques that work only in game format. They allow you to aproach the game's story at you own leaire, they reward exploration of the enviorement and enchance immersion. THey help to make the world you're moving in believable, while sticking strictly to "show, don't tell" damages it

[QUOTE="Samurai_Xavier"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] Really now? Which one?SakusEnvoy

Shadow of the Colossus?

God of War?

Well of course Bioshock also told its story through the gameplay as well. But one was more compelling than the other, I guess that's my point. Bread_or_Decide

IMO, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker and Twilgiht Princess all had decent stories. Sure sure it semmed rehashed but how it got to the ending was great for all of them. OOT's ending and last boss was very memorable.

For video games, Nintendo have made games with some good stories. Compelling stories are found in books, not video games. (Except MGS)

First 5 posts = total damage control.

@ TC, you are correct. Nintendo has never made a compelling story line like the one found in MGS4, FFX, Bioshock etc...

The only true purpose of having a compelling story in a video game is to keep the gamers immersed. Nintendo can keep the gamers immersed with the gameplay and genius level designs rather than the story. If you really want a compelling story, go to the theaters and watch Inception instead. It's a lot cheaper too.hiphops_savior

;)

Are you asking whether there are any games exclusive on the Nintendo platform with compelling stories or are you asking if Nintendo themselves developed a game with a compelling storyline. I'm assuming it's the first, since there are a lot of 2nd/3rd party games mentioned for the competition. In that case, you have the entire DS library with games like TWEWY, Hotel Dusk, Phoenix Wright, Trauma Center, etc.

As for upcoming, it's not like they're not making an effort to bring these types of games to the market. Look at Xenoblade and The Last Story. Even Disaster could be considered Nintendo's attempt at building something primarily for a cinematic experience.