Why does game storytelling have such low standards? [MGS4, HL2, etc.]

[contestgamer]

O-D-C said:

thelifatree said:

O-D-C said:
when developpes, all developpers set out to make a game, the gameplay SHOULD come 1st, everything else should be secondary, especially story, games arnt meant to be viewed or read, their meant to be PLAYED, if you want a great story read a book.

Im not saying games cant deliver a good story but if the gameplay dosn't compliment it then it's an excersise in futility.

In other words, I agree 100% with the OP

At sometimes the gameplay should come first

 

But at times I disagreeDisagree, The story and the Characters, the world can help create gameply ideas, with mecha, magic what have you that wouldn't be realized if you just trying to make something that's just gameplay, and it feels more Authentic

My point is that developers should do it both ways

 

Look at Nintendo, specifically The Legend Of Zelda

Nintendo has stated many times that when they begin developing new Zelda games the 1st thing they work on is the gameplay mechanics, what will this game do differently, once that's established the games development begins, and the last thing decided on is the story.

Ocarina Of Time

Majora's Mask

Wind Waker

Twilight Princess

Spirit Tracks

and now Zelda Wii are all getting their stories put in LAST, while the gameplay gets the immidiate attention. Now Nintendo has been making Zelda games since 1987 and by following this formula have created the most critically acclaimed game series of all time, both in regards to gameplay and story. Why? Because by the time it comes to making the story elements they can perfectyl wrap it around the established gameplay pacing and formula.

 

Now compare Zelda's story to a Kubrick or Dostojevski and it becomes pretty clear that Nintendo's approach to storytelling is FAIL.