What do you prefer: Story or Gameplay?

What do you prefer, story or gameplay?

I obviously prefer gameplay, well actually I prefer the perfect combination of both but considering the most critially acclaimed games are those that value story over gameplay, that's not an option.

There must be a balance...

When a game has let's say mediocre gameplay, but excellent story or viceversa, I still enjoy it.

Gameplay, no contest.

"Gameplay" usually wins.

To the Moon, however...

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

Depends... if the story is good and interesting. I enjoyed Heavy Rain very much, it was really entertaining. Though people in here only like Nintendo Published games.. so i'm commiting a gaming Sin.

Gameplay, no contest.

mitu123

Gameplay. lol at playing a game for story.JohnnyCageMK

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

AdobeArtist

[QUOTE="AdobeArtist"]

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

AcidSoldner

But like I said, there's a balance... have you ever played a game with sh!tty gameplay but awesome story???

this might sound a little crazy... but both. :)

[QUOTE="AdobeArtist"]

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

AcidSoldner

And if those games had a better story, it could have made the gameplay even better. For example, good writing can lead to larger understanding of the world tha you are playing in which can effect he way you play in that world.

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

AdobeArtist

story makes gameplay more enjoyable but if had to pick all of my favorite games put gameplay first.

There has to be an even mix but some games break that exception. Mario for example has exellent gameplay and the story is not needed. On the other hand Metal Gear Solid would have sucked without a somewhat interesting story.

[QUOTE="AcidSoldner"][QUOTE="AdobeArtist"]

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

15strong

And if those games had a better story, it could have made the gameplay even better. For example, good writing can lead to larger understanding of the world tha you are playing in which can effect he way you play in that world.

Sports, fighters, racers and multiplayer games don't need stories to be enjoyable!

If they add a story then more power to them.

[QUOTE="15strong"]

[QUOTE="AcidSoldner"]Not necessarily, on the story front anyways. I've played plenty of great games with absolute sh!t/no stories like Vanquish, Mercenaries, Doom; the list goes on.jsmoke03

And if those games had a better story, it could have made the gameplay even better. For example, good writing can lead to larger understanding of the world tha you are playing in which can effect he way you play in that world.

Of course it depends on the game... Not long ago, I watched Angry Joe's ME3 review and he ranted about how what made the trilogy great was the story and how it was ruined by the lame ending and this is something I bet EVERYBODY who played those games will agree on even if they say story doesn't matter.

And here's another example, even though I bet many people will bash me: I really disliked Demon's Souls for the lack of story even if the gameplay was satisfactory. RPGs are required to have a compelling story and this game fails in that department.

Another example is how KZ3 was badly punished for its awful story.

My point here is, the lack of story or the inclusion of a bad one affects the game even if you consider the gameplay to be the only thing that matters, but obviously it depends on the game you're playing to determine if the story is needed or not.

Gameplay.

Everything else is secondary in most cases.

[QUOTE="AcidSoldner"][QUOTE="AdobeArtist"]

This is like asking if you prefer gameplay or graphics? It's a misnomer since they're integrally inseperable to the experience. The same goes for gameplay and story.

Gameplay drives the story.
Story enhances the experience of the gameplay.

Why drive a wedge between these two (as with gameplay and graphics) when they each support the other.

15strong

And if those games had a better story, it could have made the gameplay even better. For example, good writing can lead to larger understanding of the world tha you are playing in which can effect he way you play in that world.

And like Mitu said, racing games, sports games, and all matter of arcade/score attack games are absolutely fantasic and have no story whatsoever.

I prefer a balance for sure, but a sh!t story isn't going to keep me away from a great game.

And here's another example, even though I bet many people will bash me: I really disliked Demon's Souls for the lack of story even if the gameplay was satisfactory. RPGs are required to have a compelling story and this game fails in that department.

GreenGoblin2099

[QUOTE="GreenGoblin2099"]

And here's another example, even though I bet many people will bash me: I really disliked Demon's Souls for the lack of story even if the gameplay was satisfactory. RPGs are required to have a compelling story and this game fails in that department.

mitu123

Yes, I was kinda enjoying the game, but the story needs a solid conclusion IMO.

Take a look at SotC, even though the story is poor, it had a solid conslusion to it. Demon's Souls could've been the same, but the ending leaves you with a big question in the air. It was as good as having this screen showing up:

I have never liked a game because it had a good story,and likely I never will.

Story, I'm a firm believer that games can tell a better story then any other medium and don't need to be held back by the limits of books and movies. The RPGs we have now that are well written are already preferable to the other two mediums, for me at least.

Story, I'm a firm believer that games can tell a better story then any other medium and don't need to be held back by the limits of books and movies. The RPGs we have now that are well written are already preferable to the other two mediums, for me at least.

Whiteblade999

[QUOTE="mitu123"]

[QUOTE="GreenGoblin2099"]

And here's another example, even though I bet many people will bash me: I really disliked Demon's Souls for the lack of story even if the gameplay was satisfactory. RPGs are required to have a compelling story and this game fails in that department.

GreenGoblin2099

Yes, I was kinda enjoying the game, but the story needs a solid conclusion IMO.

Take a look at SotC, even though the story is poor, it had a solid conslusion to it. Demon's Souls could've been the same, but the ending leaves you with a big question in the air. It was as good as having this screen showing up:

Tons of cutscenes and dialogue doesn't equate to a good story. AcidSoldner

Well the majority of my favourite games are heavily story based, so I guess story is a little bit more important to me

[QUOTE="ispeakfact"]Gameplay. Games have been around for a very long time that didnt require in depth storylnes to be epic. (great example is Vanquish) Id say thay Story is the least important. I guess it doesnt apply all the time, but if i want a great story, i'll read a book.JohnnyCageMK

A fine gentleman like myself prefers the story in games:cool:

Let the kids have their mindless shooters:lol::cool:

[QUOTE="GreenGoblin2099"]

[QUOTE="mitu123"] Lol, oh wow, lacking a story made the game better since you told the story through your actions. Plus the atmosphere added more to the game.

AcidSoldner

Yes, I was kinda enjoying the game, but the story needs a solid conclusion IMO.

Take a look at SotC, even though the story is poor, it had a solid conslusion to it. Demon's Souls could've been the same, but the ending leaves you with a big question in the air. It was as good as having this screen showing up:

I do realize about that... if you read carefully you'll see that I said that even though SotC had almost no story at all, it had a solid closure to it, whereas DS had no f**ing closure at all. Reminds me of the AC1 ending, which I firmly believe it was a "chop" to the story, not an "ending"

A fine gentleman like myself prefers the story in games:cool:

Let the kids have their mindless shooters:lol::cool:

Cheleman

Nice!

Just added a poll

it's hard to explain but let's put it like this. If I had to chose between:

Deus Ex HR

FF

Metal Gear

Uncharted

Yakuza

vs

Mario

Zelda

Vanquish

and another one

I will always prefer the ones in blue. But it's not just the story since Uncharted has crap story but the presentation, premise and atmosphere makes it feel like is more than just a game. Another example would be the Metroid series where the premise and atmosphere really makes the gameplay be much better because it motivates you because is intriguing and mysterious. And let's not forget about the music, huge part of everything too. Many fans are still trying to convince other people that FF13 is a good game but I think they were bewitched by some of its music tracks and presentation because that game sucks.

-----------

An example on how good story makes gameplay better would be the second mission on Deus Ex HR when you have to intercept an enemy signal from a satellite that is located on a part of the city which is governed by a gang. Helicoter drops you within the limits and then you have to start to explore on your own while hiding from the gang members. The deeper you get you end up locating an underground enemy base with robots, machinery and crap and you're like: HOLY SHIIIII (and completely surrounded by enemies BTW). Then you continue the infiltration until you find the satellite and when you start hacking it they detect you and then an all out fire-fight starts. You take 1 or 2 enemies down (this game has limited ammo) and then start running like a mad man to the top of the building for the helicopter to come and get you. Now this is what I call an epic game. And the low health only makes it better, the tension gets crazy because you die after very few shots.

You see, a good premise and plot makes this kind of setting possible. Like: why are you there? what are your limitations? what do you have to do? who are your enemies? why are they your enemies? etc. etc. And the more cemented these interrogatives are the better everything is. Is like when you have 2 of the same games but 1 has better graphics and the other worse and even though they are the same game the one with better graphics will be more enjoyable. Period.

I haven't watched these but I have them on my bookmark for later so I'm just gonna share them here:

bonus round Storytelling in Today's Media

bonus round The Future of Storytelling

it's hard to explain but let's put it like this. If I had to chose between:

Deus Ex HR

FF

Metal Gear

Uncharted

Yakuza

vs

Mario

Zelda

Vanquish

and another one

I will always prefer the ones in blue. But it's not just the story since Uncharted has crap story but the presentation, premise and atmosphere makes it feel like is more than just a game. Another example would be the Metroid series where the premise and atmosphere really makes the gameplay be much better because it motivates you because is intriguing and mysterious. And let's not forget about the music, huge part of everything too. Many fans are still trying to convince other people that FF13 is a good game but I think they were bewitched by some of its music tracks and presentation because that game sucks.

-----------

An example on how good story makes gameplay better would be the second mission on Deus Ex HR when you have to intercept an enemy signal from a satellite that is located on a part of the city which is governed by a gang. Helicoter drops you within the limits and then you have to start to explore on your own while hiding from the gang members. The deeper you get you end up locating an underground enemy base with robots, machinery and crap and you're like: HOLY SHIIIII (and completely surrounded by enemies BTW). Then you continue the infiltration until you find the satellite and when you start hacking it they detect you and then an all out fire-fight starts. You take 1 or 2 enemies down (this game has limited ammo) and then start running like a mad man to the top of the building for the helicopter to come and get you. Now this is what I call an epic game. And the low health only makes it better, the tension gets crazy because you die after very few shots.

You see, a good premise and plot makes this kind of setting possible. Like: why are you there? what are your limitations? what do you have to do? who are your enemies? why are they your enemies? etc. etc. And the more cemented these interrogatives are the better everything is. Is like when you have 2 of the same games but 1 has better graphics and the other worse and even though they are the same game the one with better graphics will be more enjoyable. Period.

I haven't watched these but I have them on my bookmark for later so I'm just gonna share them here:

bonus round Storytelling in Today's Media

bonus round The Future of Storytelling

Gue1

2. Lol at listing Uncharted, the series as a whole has a good story but nothing extraordinary, in fact Uncharted 1's story got worse once those monsters came. Uncharted 3's story is rushed. Uncharted 2 had the best story though.

3. Mario and Zelda are some of the best franchises out there.

Gameplay by far. Very few games have great stories.

I prefer a fine balance. Games like Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime, Batman: Arkham City, Demon's Souls, all struck a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay.

I prefer a fine balance. Games like Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime, Batman: Arkham City, Demon's Souls, all struck a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay.

Master_ShakeXXX

it's hard to explain but let's put it like this. If I had to chose between:

Deus Ex HR

FF

Metal Gear

Uncharted

Yakuza

vs

Mario

Zelda

Vanquish

and another one

Gue1

[QUOTE="Master_ShakeXXX"]

I prefer a fine balance. Games like Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime, Batman: Arkham City, Demon's Souls, all struck a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay.

mitu123

[QUOTE="Master_ShakeXXX"]

I prefer a fine balance. Games like Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime, Batman: Arkham City, Demon's Souls, all struck a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay.

mitu123

That is also very true. It's why I regard them so highly.

I prefer a fine balance. Games like Resident Evil 4, Metroid Prime, Batman: Arkham City, Demon's Souls, all struck a perfect balance between storytelling and gameplay.

Master_ShakeXXX

You were doing great til Demon's Souls.

If anyone here actually says story, the only genre they should ever be playing then is the adventure genre. The adventure genre is the only genre that has been surviving with stale gameplay but intriguing stories video game wise. [QUOTE="Whiteblade999"]

Story, I'm a firm believer that games can tell a better story then any other medium and don't need to be held back by the limits of books and movies. The RPGs we have now that are well written are already preferable to the other two mediums, for me at least.

FrozenLiquid

You assume that I mean 'well written' as just words when it is really more then that. Take Deus Ex: Human Revolution, there are so many things you can interact with in the game and so many cues through the world that convey a story without having to be spoonfed. The writing is in how the world is put together and how it speaks to you in a sense. That is something the other mediums can't do and the main reason for the logic in my previous post.

Obviously its far from perfect, but it works for me until someone comes along and does another Half-Life (obviously not an RPG, but this game moved gaming ahead in so many areas its ridiculous).

Edit: You have good taste in games, I love me some Longest Journey + Dreamfall. Hopefully Rangar Tornquist gets back to making good old singleplayer games and finishes Dreamfall.