Mute protagonists. Good or bad?

[Opa-Opa]

Rainbird said:

mirgro said:
I feel like HL2 has one of the best story-telling elements out of any game. Silent protagonists are what the strength of Video Games as a medium is all about. If you wanted a movie and things, go watch one. In the game YOU are playing.

Again, HL2 has one of the best narratives in all video games.

Opa-Opa said:
Dunno what you guys are saying ... I feel silent protagonist provide players with such a deeper level of immersion into the game, than a boisterous, over zealous character.

Citing: Mario, Link, Gordon Freeman, Claude Speed (GTA III), Chrono, and many more iconic protagonists.

There's so much more in-game interaction and empathy on part of the player due to the "masked" characteristics of the silent hero.

That's exactly what I am not getting. I know it's not me in those situations, it's a different person with different strengths and characteristics from myself. These characters feel like muppets to me, and why the hell would any NPC talk to a muppet like it's a person, when they are thoughtless shells made to look like a person. It just feels so disconnecting, and breaks immersion for me.

I understand what you're saying, but part of playing a video game is assuming the role of a character.  If you feel verbal or nonverbal dialogue is the definitive characteristic of your protagonist, then it's your preference.  Just know, that as soon as a character opens his mouth, he has the potential of alienating the player.  I think part of the allure of gaming with a mute hero is filling that so called "shell" with your own imaginative qualities.