Does the main story matter in open world games?

[Ouroboros24]

Kotastic said:

Ouroboros24 said:

Actually, Majora's Mask's main story gives the whole game the theme and depth it's been known for.  For instance, because there is death looming over the people of Termina, there is a heightened sense to finish the game quickly or at least finish the objective of the portion that the game is in. 

To answer the question, some games need story(in my opinion the better ones), some games is just the hub.

I get your point, but I feel like that's not really the MAIN story, more like an environmental feel/motifs the story gives off that it really starts to kick in once sidequests are partaken, but it's not the main story.  And eh, I hear it's not really a pressure to finish the objectives because you have songs that slow down time/restarts the 3 day cycle.

I'm confused now.  Okay, the main story of Majora's Mask is that you must fine the 4 guardians to help repel the moon that is soon to collide with the land of Termina and ultimately kill the people.  The game starts you off in storyline as a Deku shrub.  You aren't able to transform into Link until the story gets to the point where you can.  Yeah, its envirmental feel/motif, but the game is strongly based on story.  What made Majora's mask so enduring to players were the cause and effect of what happens to the people of Termina because of what's happening with the main story.  As the 3 days nears its end, the game and its enviroment also changes because of the story.  By the third day, you can feel a sense of urgency, the land actually trembles.  The story makes the game, the exploring stuff is good, but the story makes it. 

Watch the game theory episode of majora's mask and see why it was so heart wretching to have little malon's sister go to sleep.