| curl-6 said: For me, it's Metroid Prime. From its masterful opening, with the wrecked frigate Orpheon filled with dead and dying Pirates whose injuries your visor describes in gruesome clinical detail, (I mean, you gun down enemies who have broken legs and can't escape, or who can't aim back at you properly due to brain damage. That's dark stuff) the game is a tour de force of atmosphere and immersion. There are just so many masterful little touches, like condensation misting your visor as you pass a steam vent, your X-Ray visor revealing the bones in your hand inside your arm cannon, or the way that that electrical interference causes static. Seeing the world through Samus's eyes makes for one of the most immersive gaming experiences I've ever had. The storytelling is also a stroke of genius; by conveying its narrative through well written scan logs, the story is never heavy handed or forced upon the player, yet those who choose to explore are rewarded with a rich backstory told from the perspective of both your allies and your enemies. In particular, hearing your enemies speak of you fearfully is immensely empowering. Of course, it doesn't hurt that its audio-visual design is top notch, and it all glides along at a slick 60fps. The end result is a masterclass in game design, the likes of which is seen only a handful of times in each generation of gaming. |
