Discussion Topic for Episode 74 - Your Favorite Game Story

[bsmith3258]

With the release of both Uncharted 2, and Brutal Legend we are in the salad days for story in video games. This week we want to know what is your favorite video game story, and why did you like it so much? Further though, and in light of the fact that the two games I just mentioned are getting the reputation for succeeding more on their story, rather than their game play, does your favorite game linger for you because of its story, and despite of its game play, or was it a seamless combination of the two? Lastly, do you guys think there is a certain game genre that favors story telling more than others, or can a competent game designer tell a story in almost any format?

That is a lot guys, but answer what you want, and I will do my best to summarize what everyone says. Don’t forget about the iTunes reviews contest, we are one more good week away from one of you topic posters becoming twenty dollars richer on the PSN. Have a great week everyone, and I hope to see you all on Friday for CGN.

[Jay D]

I have to think that telling a story is a lot easier in RPG format because of the game length. The twists and turns can be numerous yet few and far between. When a story can last 40+ hours it bodes well for being good more often then not.

As far as my favorite story, I would have to take a bit of a detour compared to what I originally thought about posting. I am going to choose Final Fantasy 10. Each character had a great part in the big picture. Waka and LuLu had good individual stories and came together towards the end as a family with their child. You also had the main story with Tidus and Yuna(for some reason i want to say it was a romantic touch but I think that was 10-2).

Bottom line is that most Final fantasy games have had great stories.

[Fireheart/FireVader/Chilliredjim]

I would have to Diskworld for the ps1..I love that story and I loved having the luggage as explained by Terry Pratchet who created Diskworld The Luggage is a large chest made of sapient pearwood (a magical, intelligent plant which is nearly extinct, impervious to magic, and only grows in a few places outside the Agatean Empire, generally on sites of very old magic). It can produce hundreds of little legs protruding from its underside and can move very fast if the need arises. It has been described as "half suitcase, half homicidal maniac"

[food86]

my favorite game story was and is legend of zelda ocarina of time, this was the one game that really captivated me and made me into a hardcore gamer. This game was the one that opened my eyes to the gaming world and still think to this day is my favorite game of all time followed by uncharted 2 mgs4 and then uncharted 1

[Jonathan Ramirez]

Metal Gear Solid 4, the 20 year long story line of solid snake all coming to an end. This game had an insane roller coaster story line. Every 5 minutes something awesome happens. Meeting up with basically every character ever from the series, the best cutscenes in any game ever, the best gameplay of any mgs game to date. Anyone that cannot appreciate the greatness that is Metal Gear Solid 4, I feel sorry for you. Outside of Video Games this picture shows the Greatest story line ever.

[bsmith3258]

Mclane!!!!!!!! Are you in the business of wounding me this week? Get back to Demon's Souls, and leave me alone!

[PK07]

Pac-Man stands head and shoulders above creative writing for its time. Although not expressed directly, the themes are perfectly clear. Its a neverending fight or flight conflict through the maze of life, whilst constantly being plagued by the demons of our past...

Where does that lead to... feeling trapped... self medicating... drugs... hallucinations....

And then finally, turning on the only ones who were ever there for us.

[Aggilus]

i haven´t played too many games as much as the cummunity but for me the best story so far has been Jade Empire (I know, not a PS game but have only 7 PS3 games so far).
Other than that I think TR: Underworld was a great mix of Nordic myth with the Lara Croft myth.
I think and a very good developer can craft a story in any game genre bur as JD says RPG are more suited to stories than a FPS.
I haven't finished yet but Dead Space caught me with the gameplay as well as the story so anther example of great stories in no RPG games. Others are UC2 y BL. they are not RPG but their stories are fragging awsome (no bad words BSmith) jejeje


Up the Irons

[bsmith3258]

This is deep, I think the ozone hole down there may have cooked your brain. Thanks PK I will do my best to summarize.

[Boe]

i think the best story that many people didnt get to enjoy was heavenly sword. i really enjoyed the voice acting,animation and well its god of war with a very hot red head. i also found that the last boss to be a very good challenge and quite impossible on the harder difficulities. i still find that to be the best buy of this generation of the playstation only games (dont have uncharted 2 yet). if you must know i have had my ps3 since christmas 2007, still have the receipt for it some where and that was not on my first purchase with the ps3 but it was my second bunch that i purchased and i still play it from time to time to this day.

[David Riley]

Even though Uncharted 2 is a great story, my favorite has to be Batman: Arkham Asylum. It could be because I'm a comic collector, and I actually learned to read by reading Batman comics. Still, this story was really good.

[Fatleboo8]

I want to say Brothers In Arms Hells Highway had one of the best stories to me. It made me so sad how my favorite Characters were slowly dying off, and it also immerses you into the game. If you havn't played it, play it, but only play for the story line, it's amazing.

[iMixMasteR]

Vampire Rain no doubt about it. Flawless game with top of line gfx.