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

[richardhutnik]

Pipedream24 said:

Video game stories are on the most part cliched and predictable, but that doesn't mean they have to be ridiculous. I agree, MGS4 is absolutely a mess. I can't believe so many people hearld it as one of the greatest stories of all time. The story is incoherent at best and borders on absurd at points (Seriously, Raiden going into battle with no arms and his sword in his teeth). Kojima is better than that. MGS, Snatcher, and ZoE were at least enjoyable stories.

Modern Warfare 2 is another game with horrific storytelling. I know it's a FPS, but there is no continuity to the story what so ever. It jumps all over the place and leaves you wondering "What the hell did I just do".

I also agree with Bioshock being the pinnacle in video game stories so far (Heavy Rain was pretty damn good as well). I don't expect Hollywood scripts for games. Development cost are already high enough. But at least keep things in the realm of plausibilty and have the plot make sense.

I personally thought Modern Warfare 2 did a really good job on DELIVERING the story and feeling like an epic.  The issue I have is the story, to me, was a train wreck.  I contrast this with Bad Company 2.  The story of Bad Company 2 was better, but the delivery was weaker than Modern Warfare 2.  So, in short, I would say the story of Modern Warfare 2 was a problem, rather than the delivery.