Poll: Does a game NEED a complex story to make it a good game?

[Gladion]

If your favourit games dropped the complex story and made the gameplay better; do you think it would make them better?

Insted of these over complicated plot lines, that drag on and on making loads of plot holes on the way, couldn't we go back to the time when games were like: He's/She's evil kill him; Kidnaped (Insert name here) go get he/she back ect. In my opinion I think games are spending too much time on the plot/cinimatics and not enough on the game play. I just want to get your opinions.

You can't be serious about this. Video games have almost always sacrificed story for gameplay. I can't recall a single case from recent years where it had been the other way round. Not trying to offend you, but I absolutely cannot understand your point.

 

[chromewarriorXIII]

I played the Afro Samurai demo. That didn't seem to have much of a story besides, some guys want you dead because of a headband. But the gameplay was great so it was fun. I feel that made it a good game.

 

[Trivun]

To me it depends a lot on the game. Things like Tetris, Mario and Spyro/Crash (PS1 only, of course), although a diverse range there, didn't have complex storylines (look at how simple the first Spyro game was), but were still absolutely awesome and some of the best games I've ever played (I'm currently going through a retro phase including Pokemon and old GBA games at the moment). However, things like Halo, and latterly Assassin's Creed, Gears of War, and possibly Bioshock in the next couple of years, have complex storylines and that's one of the best things about them, in my opinion. Especially Halo.

 

[Psyco Slim]

it depends on the type of game. L4D is a prime example.

 

[Shycte]

Tetris

/thread

 

[whaleswiththumbs]

I think it really depends on the type of game, RPG yes, most important element really(you not playing one for the same gameplay mechanics in a different setting are you?). Strategy, pretty important, but you should work on other things first(like gameplay). Shooter, i would like one but i can last more than half the game trying to find different ways to shoot the same gun, which should be there if you want me to buy it) MMO, no i'm fine playing with others without a story. And Puzzle, a bad story could hurt a puzzle game while a good one probably won't help alot, unless your Portal-style, because those ones are the only puzzle games i buy.

 

[Blazing Steel]

If your favourit games dropped the complex story and made the gameplay better; do you think it would make them better?

Insted of these over complicated plot lines, that drag on and on making loads of plot holes on the way, couldn't we go back to the time when games were like: He's/She's evil kill him; Kidnaped (Insert name here) go get he/she back ect. In my opinion I think games are spending too much time on the plot/cinimatics and not enough on the game play. I just want to get your opinions.

You can't be serious about this. Video games have almost always sacrificed story for gameplay. I can't recall a single case from recent years where it had been the other way round. Not trying to offend you, but I absolutely cannot understand your point.

I understand your point, but I think they spent too much time and money on the cinimatics for RE5. I do like the game, but there are chunks of pointless information which I skip anyway. I would rather they cut the cinimatics that aren't directly linked to the main plot, (so less padding) and transfer that ammount of time into more gameplay. Alot of games stick in lots of small pointless cut scenes that add up.

 

[Silent Biohazard Solid]

Not complex, necessarily, but there should be a story as much as there should be graphics and gameplay.
There are plenty of games out there, that kinda suck, and I'd be much more inclined to play them if they at least had a decent story.
And then, there are really good games out there, gameplay wise, that I'm not that inclined to play because their story sucks. Or simply because the narrative is weak like in Dead Space. If the main character had some lines and an actual personality, and it had some events beyond, "You found a video log," maybe I wouldn't have been so damn bored playing that game.

 

[GoldenRaz]

Depends on the gameplay; if the gameplay is energetic and simply pure fun, then story is certainly not necessary(just look at Left 4 Dead...). However, if the gameplay isn't pure liquid entertainment, then story is quite important(Assasin's Creed comes to mind, Kingdom Hearts). Although complex stories tend to be a shitstorm of plot lines and loose ends that don't make sense.

 

[darkcow55]

I, personally, need a plot or "amazing" and/or very addictive gameplay. Mario and puzzle games are about the only thing I will play without a plot.


Crackdown comes to mind here. I read "Super hero GTA" and though "cool" but the complete lack of plot meant I didn't even finish it.

 

[Nigh Invulnerable]

Games like Metal Gear Solid are perfect examples of having a complex plot. However, my own opinion of the series is that the plot is so poorly executed that it chokes out any enjoyment I may get after a while. Info dumping your complicated storyline does not make it more compelling. In fact, it does the exact opposite for me. Plus, Liquid knows jack doodly-squat about genetics. The recessive genes =/= 'bad' or 'negative' things. That moment ruined any attempts at serious storytelling Kojima was going for from then on.

Portal's story is simple and conveyed merely through the dialogue of GLADOS and little environmental details as you progress through the levels.