I have to say that the mention of Starcraft did make me remember how awesome the story was. Story can definitely make a good game more interesting.

A good story can help a game, depends on type of game though. I don't think u need a great story in an action or beat 'em up game but a good story definately helps for RPGs.

As for cut scenes, it depends. Cut scenes are great in a game like skies of arcadia where it complements the story. But in games like final fantasy, where cut scenes take precedence over game play, making it feel very linear like ur watching a movie, i can't stand it.

Hmm...
Tough question.
I think there have been quite a few cutscenes that I have enjoyed. However, I'm not so sure I really enjoy them that much anymore. Graphics has almost entirely stopped having a "wow" effect on me, so they loose out on that point. Stories in games are usually pretty bad, and cutscenes do not really help with that. Also, they are not interactive, which means that any cool thing a character does during them is something I would have liked better to do myself.

Therefore I think that cutscenes are nowadays mostly irrelevant, and a lazy mans solution. Just look at Valve, and to a point, Ubisoft (to a point since they often mess up with telling a story without cutscenes).

I realise that in certain games it's almost impossible NOT to have them, but unless they actually add something to the experience they should be avoided.

I guess that is one of the main reasons why shooters never grip me as others games do. I need a story to play most games. I hate mindless violence and no reason other than "because you can". I don't need to prove anything to anyone online, so multilayer games without a point does nothing for me. Sport game don't need a story other than its a past time tradition. Storyline FTW!

Cutscenes are hit or miss with me. I seen some of the greatest cutscenes and worst cutscenes in a video game (hell some of the them from the same game).

I would say though, Blizzard has had some of the best cutscenes ever. In fact Blizzard has always to me had the perfect blend of cutscenes and story ever in a video game.

they both can hurt or enhance a game. and sometimes, they just arent needed.

So a story is the difference between mindless violence or non-mindless violence?

I think they're looking for people like you in the army ;)

Depends on what kind of game. But really stories and cut scenes in a game are a hit or miss. I mean who would have thought that SSBB's story and cut scenes would have been so good. Really well done. Don't usually get that from that series. But then you get other games that really need the story aspect and they jsut turn out to be a drag.

So yea a hit or miss. Some genres need it and others don't.

Stories are more crucial than gameplay itself. Developers need to start recognizing this

I love games with a good story and I've also(like other posters) always seen cutscenes as a reward. Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Heavenly Sword, Uncharted, God of War etc. I couldn't wait to get to the next leg of the story. Needless to say, MGS4's cutscenes were not only welcome, but immensely enjoyed by this gamer.

Go read a book and stop playing games :P