What Online Games Seem to Lack

[LadyLuck34]

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In a desire to appeal to more gamers, either casual or hardcore, gaming companies seem to be focusing on either the ease of picking up a game (for the casual players) or the magnitude and use of online play (for the hardcore gamers). Something I’ve begun to notice for many of the games, especially those that put a large emphasis on online gaming, is that they are lacking in storylines.

Granted, some series (such as Call of Duty) have never had much focus on the story/campaign mode. However, with the effort to putting up a good custom and matchmaking system, other games have fallen behind in this area. Some games have less of a focus on online, for example Mirror’s Edge, whose storyline was regrettably short but involved enough even with the minor online play in Time Trial mode. I feel like the more main steam games nowadays, especially FPS, are sacrificing the potential of the campaign or story modes for the online play.

Older games, while they didn’t have online modes (for the most part), instead put their other efforts into multiplayer modes. For example, games from the Nintendo64 like 007 GoldenEye or Perfect Dark were able to offer not just involved story lines but also competent multiplayer modes. Granted, games nowadays try to appeal to campaign, offline multiplayer and online multiplayer, so they have more standards to live up to but the system of development has changed as well.

That being said, I’m an individual that is deeply appealed to with in depth and comprehensive story modes. A good game can be like a good book in how you’re drawn into it and want to keep going to ‘see what happens,’ even if you know you have work or need to sleep. Even RPGs in the past few years have fallen short; lacking the drawing ability that they previously had and severely disappointing me. In the beginning, games tended to focus on a single element of game play. The changes in technology and development can allow for the focus on more areas of a game and bring a greater change than simply relying on RPGs for our story mode needs.

(I won’t lie that I really want to get Final Fantasy XIII, but it’s not set to release for another year – April 2010.)

I’ve just been severely depressed with the story modes and campaigns that have been coming out. If you want to make a game that focuses solely on online gameplay, then don’t even put in a campaign mode (especially if it’s going to be half-assed).

[foomojive]

you should check out lost odyssey. has a really cool and emotionally engaging story.

[Godfree]

I like that game. But I got stuck on some boss and havent been playing the game since then.... One of the things I enjoy playing Phantasy Star Online is they had online quest where you can join other gamers to play together. It had a cool short story but we don't see that in games now for the Xbox 360, Wii or PS3.

Come on devs! Make some moves already! Great article Ladyluck :)

[LtblueTAIWAN]

Your right. Ever since the online revolution storylines have suffered. I think it's partially our fault, as gamers, for not really criticizing games for their weak story. A good story is not something gamers have some to expect of there games. Video game plots usually take the backseat because its not something that will hurt them in the final product. As gamers the best way for us to speak out is with our wallets but if a game is fun people will buy it regardless of the story. Maybe if reviewers would dock a reasonable amount of points for a weak story devs would start to take notice.

[FnkSkyline07]

Lots of people such as myself also look for replayabilty. Which you find in MP mode of the game. Take GOW for example, ppl stayed playing GOW for the longest on LIVE and now their on GOW2.

I don't think GOW falls under the category of half-assed campaign but I think that replayability has something to do with the crappy campaign modes from other games.

I really like what Bioware did with Mass Effect, no multiplayer, but I am currently playing through the story again and have definately had different experiences from the first play through.

Now waiting for ME 2.

[consequenzes]

Hmm interesting topic. The story has been sucked out of majority of games these days in favor of a more enjoyable online experience. It almost seems that achievements have also been more related to multi than a single player mode. I agree that the companies that create these days need to either give us a great single player experience, or a great multi cause when they try both, most fail.

Food for thought, could the lack of both being present in a game be a result of the storage space on a DVD? Perhaps if more space was available a solid experience on both fronts would be present. Maybe even download the multi portion onto the hard drive?

[tyrone hawk]

You know what's amazing? We all know that videogames are taking a huge amount of Holywood's profits, yet there are so few studios that really want to work on a solid background for the game. A true review for a game should be based on the whole package (great story, fantastic ending, multiplayer option based on the game background).

Is it too much to ask for? If some developers have gone the extra mile (take Braid, Bioshock, Half Life, Mass Effect), why can't the others do their homework?

I think the true 100% game is still out of the scope for a while...

[consequenzes]

What was the last game anyone was involved in that had the total package?

[LtblueTAIWAN]

What was the last game anyone was involved in that had the total package?

If some developers have gone the extra mile (take Braid, Bioshock, Half Life, Mass Effect), why can't the others do their homework?

Funny thing is those are all Single player games. Half-Life Deathmatch can be fun but I wouldn't say its as compelling as the campaign. I was going to say Dead Space but then realized that had no MP either

As for your disk space question, its convenient to blame it on that. Dev's could find a way around that if they really tired. I'm just guessing but I don't think that the multiplayer component of the game takes up a significant amount of storage to hinder the story in a game. Typically a games story just comes from cutscenes so maybe you do have a point. Game like Dead Space and Bioshock implemented the audio log approach to story and I loved it. I wish it were in more games. Far Cry 2 tried but the audio logs aren't easy to find.

I sort of want to say RE5. I don't really think it's the good story that draws me back though. The replayablity of the game comes from extras (Infinate Ammo, New Skins, New Weapons).

[LadyLuck34]

A lot of interesting points, many of which I agree with, to an extent. But the thing with me is that replayability currently relies on multi-player. Why no try to make a greater game by having replayability in both single and multiplayer?

I mean, example: Halo 1 was probably one of the more recent replayed single players for me. I probably spent more hours on that game than I did in multiplayer on Halo 2 or Halo 3 (not combined though). This tells me that it is possible for them to have a single player story line with that kind of draw and then develop the multiplayer system along it.

I agree though, that as consumers, we're not accurately reflecting what we would like to see. Equally, many sites and magazines that review games conveniently ignore areas that are lacking in games because they're not considered the most important.

And Skyline, I personally thought the GOW2 story line wasn't too great. The only reason I even played through it a second time was to get the achievements for playing on Insane. I had much more to complain about in the story line, than to compliment. I replay it much more on multiplayer, which makes me sad because there is so much potential for the story.

[FnkSkyline07]

I replay it much more on multiplayer, which makes me sad because there is so much potential for the story.

But isn't that the part that makes the GOW2 campaign great? The different scenarios that character were placed in. Dom losing his wife (this one maybe not so much), locust queen escaping, the recordings from Fenixs' father, another Carmine brother dying (will there be another Carmine in GOW3?) those are all potential spins that can and probably will be explored in the next GOW, don't you think?

[LadyLuck34]

But isn't that the part that makes the GOW2 campaign great? The different scenarios that character were placed in. Dom losing his wife (this one maybe not so much), locust queen escaping, the recordings from Fenixs' father, another Carmine brother dying (will there be another Carmine in GOW3?) those are all potential spins that can and probably will be explored in the next GOW, don't you think?

All of those wants were in there, but it could have been done so much better. There are questions I have for the next game's campaign, but not enough of a pull by the story to have any desire to buy and play it. The characters are awesome and the story setups they made could have really brought together a great campaign, but the final result just didn't do it.

[LtblueTAIWAN]

This is more a debate between Campaigns\PvE\Story and Competitive Multiplayer, right? A lot of games nowadays have co-op campaign experiences which is technically MP. Single player games are dying out. I just wanted to get the argument clear.

When Dom's Wife (supposedly) appears i felt sick to my stomach. I don't think a game has ever effected me that much before so I tip my hat to Epic on that one. The story overall still fell short though. They setup an interesting storyline for the 3rd installment though. Marcus' dad working with the locusts...

[LadyLuck34]

Well yes, the overall argument is the dying of story modes (or at least their quality in general) versus the almost over-development of MP (damn it I want good stories people - which most online games are lacking for me). I like my MP, but I prefer my games shaken and not stirred with some good old fashioned story lines in them.

And really? I though the part with Dom's wife was melodramatic and anti-climatic. It was kind of like 'well that sucks' but not particularly moving. I felt like there were so many obvious references and set-ups for the sequel that the actual story was neglected. And the focus on making a better online experience also contributed to that.

I guess it's more of a list of issues. Non-existent story lines, story lines with issues, over-emphasis on MP and so much more. While I enjoy playing co-op campaign (played the Halo 3 one all the time with my dad when I was at school), I don't just want the experience of having friends there too. I want a bonafide, good campaign experience that can only come with a good story (and story mode setup) and then maybe with the added bonus of enjoying it with friends. But yes, it seems good story modes are a dying dream of the past.

For the most part, currently, you can't even get a really good story mode experience with RPGs. Maybe I'm expecting too much of online games, but if they can put that much development into the online mode, then trying to fill the current gap of story modes doesn't seem that far of a stretch. They used to be able to do it, so what's stopping them now?

[LtblueTAIWAN]

They used to be able to do it, so what's stopping them now?

We, gamers, should wright a letter to all devs.

You guys should save this question for your next round table, maybe E3. It's a goodon'.

[Suplex Bunion]

We, gamers, should wright a letter to all devs.


We gamers, should get jobs in the gaming industry, and write the stories.

We grew up with some of the best games ever made, and it's time we start a new rejuvenation era.

[LtblueTAIWAN]

Gaming Renaissance! Let's GO!!!

[LadyLuck34]

Gaming Renaissance! Let's GO!!!

We should be a super secret team that has a cool name o.O Interesting thoughts Blue and Suplex, could start a fun discussion with those.

[tyrone hawk]

What was the last game anyone was involved in that had the total package?

I will take 2 examples that I'm most familiar with.

Halo is at the moment the game with the most detailed background, and Halo 3 gave us a great finale for the trilogy. The MP part is also real good, but I would have liked that the Covenant warriors were included in full force to face the Spartans (thanks Halo Wars!). Bungie kept on its promise to give us a Halo game worth its value for the 360. I know some people have commented that Halo 3 should be called Halo 2.5, due to graphics concerns (and glitches), but all in all, almost a 10.

Battlefield Bad Company became the fun game for 2008, and I mean fun for the story and the MP sessions are simply chaotic fun! I do hope the background is more developed for the next game, but I can say it's a great start. I thought that Frontlines was better, but I can tell you, I have so much fun on the BF:Bad Company MP sessions that I did with Frontlines.

Comments?

P.S. One technical issue that I don't want to forget telling you about it: COD4 showed us that you can use the loading screens to fill up the story, so the call to all developers: stop putting lame wallpapers and give us more details! We're almost in 2010, so those "Loading..." screens are out of the picture with the next-generation consoles.

[consequenzes]

Interesting points so far. I've been playing BF:BC here and there and the cut scenes are funny, gameplay is good, but it isn't giving me that "hell yeah" feeling. COD4 I got into but before you know it, it was over. Same with COD:WAW.

I'd love to play more multi in games and I'd even go as far to get a game that the group was playing even if I had no interest in it otherwise. I feel the same way about co-op. (Anyone up for some co-op?) Now Co-op to me is the best thing since sliced bread IMO. It just brings back those Contra feelings of the old days (Both players using the "spread" of course).

Maybe the devs are being lazy, I don't think that we as gamers and product buyers are asking for too much, just a better experience not a phoned in sequel.