Games don't need stories.

[Voltaire]

I agree that games dont need a complex, intricate, or even good story or plot. But modern games (post Sony and FFVII?) are all about capturing "cinematic" sequences. Its saddening to see this form of entertainment try to clone itself into another. I, personally, vote for PLAYING a game, and not WATCHING one.

Course a solid story does make one want to continue to "play" the game, so it does on occasion serve as a catalyst for play, but games shouldnt rely on the story to get people to want to play.