@CopaceticChris @allhailwesttx @Mazz I think that we shouldn't compare the different types of media. I will take an example with my experience with movies and books. I recently read Orwell's "1984", and shortly after saw the movie adapted from the book. I don't have nothing against the movie, but I prefer the book. That made me start thinking if a movie could ever be as strong as a book, as the writer tells you not only what you see, but what you don´t see. There's also the imagination factor. However I have another example, I also saw the movie and read the book "A Clockwork Orange", and I feel Kubrick's movie as something even stronger than the book. And this is my point: You can't simply decide which type of medium is better. Orwell's book and Kubrick's film are masterpieces of two different brilliant minds, in different times and in different medias. What they do have in common is that they make art with the story they are telling you. And in this context, I put the original "Metal Gear Solid" also as a masterpiece, and answering that yes, video games can be an effective storytelling medium. There's no point in choosing between Michelangelo and Mozart. Likewise, I think George Orwell, Stanley Kubrick and Hideo Kojima are all genius. Yes they are completely different kinds of works, but all of them are something you can simply call 'Art'.

Very interesting article. I myself got bored with games in general, but games that try to deliver something more, usually with a strong storytelling, still brings some interest to me. In my opinion the biggest problem is finding the balance with gameplay. Games with a real plot tend to be boring. That´s where the Metal Gear series shines. The plot is in general great and the gameplay is really interesting. It´s true that none of them are perfect anyhow. Metal Gear Solid 2 for a moment has an amazing plot, something that takes you back to Orwell´s 1984, but it dosent give you the emotions you may have playing MGS4. But I have a feeling the industry is moving foward in this category. And if not, hey, they are remaking Monkey Islands ! PS.: Today, in august 2009, I have to say that I tried hard but I cant play Torment.