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Opa-Opa said:
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.

If games are to ever be considered as art, then this is the quality they have to exploit the most. Immersion, immersion , immersion. Protagonists who talk break it the moment they open their mouths.