Since my full-time job now entails coming up with story elements for video games, I've been paying more attention than ever to the stories in all of the games I play. Story has always been important to me, but now I'm paying attention to every nitty gritty detail, including how the story is delivered and the how the game world changes as a result of the story.
I finished the main storyline in Skyrim over the Christmas break, and I have to say it left me feeling pretty disappointed. It wasn't the story itself. I actually quite enjoyed the plotline of being dragonborn and searching out clues as to why the dragons were returning. Granted, it's not the best story I've ever come across in a game, but it was intriguing and kept my interest. My disappointment came from the lack of impact completing the story had on the larger world of the game. The only indication I got that I actually finished the story was the Xbox Achievement I unlocked. There was no cutscene or other indication, and when I traveled back to the town where I made my home, no one seemed to realize that I had just saved the world, and that was a big let down.
From a development perspective, I completely understand the reasons why the world didn't change. 1. They want you to keep playing long after you finish the story. 2. The amount of additional writing, not to mention VO recording, that would need to happen in order to have all of the characters acknowledge your accomplishment would be staggeringly huge. I get that. But I still would have liked to have some acknowledgement of my accomplishment, otherwise what's the point of having a story?
I was actually so disappointed that I just turned off the game and don't plan on going back. I might have continued playing if the story experience hadn't left me feeling like I had spent hours upon hours playing for basically nothing. I know not all gamers play games for the story, but I do, and in my opinion Skyrim fails as a story-driven game.
3 comments:
It may fail in plot but the point of The Elder Scrolls has always been making your own stories. In a world of HD graphics we don't have to use our imaginations much any more but I think, if you apply it Skyrim, you can fill in the holes.
How right you are, I believe you got more acknowledgement in Oblivion for defeating Mehrunes Dagon.
Talking of storyline, I must say the Mass Effect sideline stories are very good,Ike Jack's or Samara's background
I hated Skyrim's stupid campaign. Oddly enough I found it too linear in many instances such as the dungenons and the boring fetch quests so I never finished it.
I just wanted to pop in and say hi. I wondered what some of the IGN girlfight team was up too. I know you got kicked out of IGN (which I will always hold a grudge for u). I read some of your posts, some happy and some sad but I hope all is well ultimately, especially for this year, and even if it isn't never lose hope. I had the litterally the toughest year of my life last year too but I always try not to let it put me down.
You don't know me but I was the guy who asked if you ladies have an opinion on the MGS franchise which none of you did -___-
I really miss IGN girlfight. It is THE best podcast I have ever listened too and still continue to hope of some form of a ressurection even though you ladies are now scattered everywhere.
Anyways, I hope you have a good day. If you see or hear Dana, tell her that some random guy still appreciates the work you did on the podcast and at IGN.
Thanks
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