The story to Bioshock has to be one of the most interesting complex stories and even though it was the "spiritual predecessor" to System Shock to, was original in every right. So many twists and turns (one especially), memorable characters, and the best writing and voice acting I've seen in a video game thus far. Does anybody have an think there's an equally or unforgettable turn of events in a game (writing, story, premise, ect.)?
Is There a Better Story then Bioshock?
- Thread starter Celtic Predator
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I absolutely think there are better storylines out there, mainly the older Adventure and RPG games, where the story was the selling point, because the graphics and gameplay just couldn't be awesome at the time.
The Path.
Just... It wallows in artistic territory that few other games even make decent use of. I'm not sure if its appropriate to even compare it to other video games; its just so extremely different.
Still, I think points should be given to games that don't bother with catchy twists and straight-up fulfill their genre.
I can't figure out what on earth it is about the first Final Fantasy, but every time I see the ending scroll, I feel like I just read a long, classic fairy tale or myth.
Just... It wallows in artistic territory that few other games even make decent use of. I'm not sure if its appropriate to even compare it to other video games; its just so extremely different.
Still, I think points should be given to games that don't bother with catchy twists and straight-up fulfill their genre.
I can't figure out what on earth it is about the first Final Fantasy, but every time I see the ending scroll, I feel like I just read a long, classic fairy tale or myth.
Shadow of the Colossus nearly made me cry for a horse. That's gotta count for somethin'.
Half Life 2 (And its' accompanying episodes) have a terrific story to run through and nearly made me cry at that one point that was really sad in that one episode. So that should count.
Hmm... I guess you could just go read a book if you wanted a good story...
Half Life 2 (And its' accompanying episodes) have a terrific story to run through and nearly made me cry at that one point that was really sad in that one episode. So that should count.
Hmm... I guess you could just go read a book if you wanted a good story...
Eternal Darkness: for two reasons. First, how the story was told over millennia as seen through two dozen eyes. Second, the true ending is only revealed after all 3 possible stories are seen.
Ugh, Story is a word in gaming that lumps way too much together incorrectly. Let me summarize.
There is:
STORY, or PLOT, which is the basic "This happens. Then this happens. Then because of that, he decides to do X. But Person Y decides to betray him etc" It's the overarching narrative of what happens.
EXPOSITION, or STORYTELLING, is HOW the story is told. You can genuinely have a story that's just "Marines go to war. They fight a lot, then get killed." that is told so well, even barring its action scenes, that it wins awards. This depends on things like precise writing, sequence of events, what information is used to convey something (Seeing it firsthand vs reading it, hearing it from an ally, cutscene vs interactive segment)
SETTING, usually only applicable to fantasy or fictional games, is the world you're in. This is why realistic shooters are often uninteresting, but even they could have some interesting locales if they come up with some interesting twist on World of Rubble 3.
BioShock mostly succeeded in the area of Setting. No one had seen or heard of anything remotely similar to Rapture anymore, and everything in it contributed well to the world. Storywise the game is also very good, but I could probably find at least 5 games released just last year that are also just as good.
There is:
STORY, or PLOT, which is the basic "This happens. Then this happens. Then because of that, he decides to do X. But Person Y decides to betray him etc" It's the overarching narrative of what happens.
EXPOSITION, or STORYTELLING, is HOW the story is told. You can genuinely have a story that's just "Marines go to war. They fight a lot, then get killed." that is told so well, even barring its action scenes, that it wins awards. This depends on things like precise writing, sequence of events, what information is used to convey something (Seeing it firsthand vs reading it, hearing it from an ally, cutscene vs interactive segment)
SETTING, usually only applicable to fantasy or fictional games, is the world you're in. This is why realistic shooters are often uninteresting, but even they could have some interesting locales if they come up with some interesting twist on World of Rubble 3.
BioShock mostly succeeded in the area of Setting. No one had seen or heard of anything remotely similar to Rapture anymore, and everything in it contributed well to the world. Storywise the game is also very good, but I could probably find at least 5 games released just last year that are also just as good.
It isn't comparable gameplaywise, but I loved Warcraft 3's story more than I did Bioshock's.
Bioshock was an amazing game, though.
Bioshock was an amazing game, though.
Actually....
If you pay close attention to the game Bioshock Ones storyline doesn't really make sense.
Just, ignore the Andrew Ryan thing and you'll find that everything Atlas does doesn't really make a lot of sense.
You will also find many of Andrew Ryans actions don't really make sense. The twist actually BREAKS the majority of the story line. Because to believe the twist you have to believe that both Andrew Ryan and Atlas were either in on it together, or that they both didn't know about the twist. Each scenario doesn't make sense. If the twist is to be believed everything Atlas does is a massive wasted effort. Especially what he does after the twist. The sub scene for BOTH characters doesn't make sense. As well why tenebaum leaves you ignorant when she wants your help doesn't make sense.
Bioshock 2 i liked more simply because it had a logical flow. Characters magically disappeared (Tenebaum.. christ)but the stroyline was consistent. Inconsistency kinda bug me.
Both Storylines weren't that amazing to me. Though i really enjoy BOTH games. A lot. Its just i find so many people are blind sided by this twist that they don't pay attention to how its actually really really dumb.
Please don't flame me to death.... Is just my opinion...
If you pay close attention to the game Bioshock Ones storyline doesn't really make sense.
Just, ignore the Andrew Ryan thing and you'll find that everything Atlas does doesn't really make a lot of sense.
You will also find many of Andrew Ryans actions don't really make sense. The twist actually BREAKS the majority of the story line. Because to believe the twist you have to believe that both Andrew Ryan and Atlas were either in on it together, or that they both didn't know about the twist. Each scenario doesn't make sense. If the twist is to be believed everything Atlas does is a massive wasted effort. Especially what he does after the twist. The sub scene for BOTH characters doesn't make sense. As well why tenebaum leaves you ignorant when she wants your help doesn't make sense.
Bioshock 2 i liked more simply because it had a logical flow. Characters magically disappeared (Tenebaum.. christ)but the stroyline was consistent. Inconsistency kinda bug me.
Both Storylines weren't that amazing to me. Though i really enjoy BOTH games. A lot. Its just i find so many people are blind sided by this twist that they don't pay attention to how its actually really really dumb.
Please don't flame me to death.... Is just my opinion...
The question is pointless, everyone has an opinion, for example, I am of the opinion that the original Knights of the Old Republic is the best video game storyline (yes, it was a shameless rehashing of the original Star Wars trilogy but thats definitely not a bad thing).
Planescape: Torment, look it up. An incredible game created around the same time as Baldur's Gate and using the same engine.
Quotes from some old reviews for the game, copied from Wikipedia:
-'... we were swept away by Planescape: Torment. It wasn't the effective engine, demented characters, or lavish lands that won us. It was the rich storyline. This tale is more a reflection of your true self than any game ever made.
-'The game's level of detail and its emotional impact have prompted some players to cast about for literary peers.'
-'Planescape Torment's] limits are elusive. [...] Even small choices have multiple and unpredictable results, leading players to incidents, to confrontations or to nothing much. The game resists resolution or even comprehension. A rambling text like Planescape Torment bounces when you try and nail it down, it resists totalisation. It has its moments of "rush" and of confrontation, but it wants to be savoured, wandered through, in the company of armed companions.'
Yeah... it's a pretty incredible little game. Pity that despite a strong fanbase, the game is still relatively unknown.
Quotes from some old reviews for the game, copied from Wikipedia:
-'... we were swept away by Planescape: Torment. It wasn't the effective engine, demented characters, or lavish lands that won us. It was the rich storyline. This tale is more a reflection of your true self than any game ever made.
-'The game's level of detail and its emotional impact have prompted some players to cast about for literary peers.'
-'Planescape Torment's] limits are elusive. [...] Even small choices have multiple and unpredictable results, leading players to incidents, to confrontations or to nothing much. The game resists resolution or even comprehension. A rambling text like Planescape Torment bounces when you try and nail it down, it resists totalisation. It has its moments of "rush" and of confrontation, but it wants to be savoured, wandered through, in the company of armed companions.'
Yeah... it's a pretty incredible little game. Pity that despite a strong fanbase, the game is still relatively unknown.
Let me start by saying I love Bioshock, it is very high on my game list but I'll be honest here:
Other than the atmosphere and twist ending, Bioshock was not much special. Sure, I loved System Shock and anything that wants to suck up to that is okay in my book (if we're going to knock things off, lets make them good ones), but it just didn't have enough meat in it.
As for this:
Also, I say it now, and I mean it, KOTOR 2 >>> Bioshock 2.
THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.
Shine out.
edit: To the post above me-- Planescape: Torment. KOTOR was just the first one that popped in my head, but Torment definitely fits the bill as well.
edit2: Another post I missed-- "(yes, it was a shameless rehashing of the original Star Wars trilogy but thats definitely not a bad thing)."
I don't see much how it is at all a rehash? Also, KOTOR > every other star wars story, including the original trilogy. Who's with me?
Other than the atmosphere and twist ending, Bioshock was not much special. Sure, I loved System Shock and anything that wants to suck up to that is okay in my book (if we're going to knock things off, lets make them good ones), but it just didn't have enough meat in it.
As for this:
In regards to this, in my opinion, Knights of the Old Republic beats Bioshock in all of these categories. And I can probably name a dozen games that do at least one of those better than it did. Also massively one ups Bioshock by having multiple good characters, as opposed to.. I dunno, the only 2 characters actually IN bioshock? Not that I dislike its way of exposing the past and its peoples, I just think KOTOR did it so much better.Celtic Predator said:
Also, I say it now, and I mean it, KOTOR 2 >>> Bioshock 2.
THAT. JUST. HAPPENED.
Shine out.
edit: To the post above me-- Planescape: Torment. KOTOR was just the first one that popped in my head, but Torment definitely fits the bill as well.
edit2: Another post I missed-- "(yes, it was a shameless rehashing of the original Star Wars trilogy but thats definitely not a bad thing)."
I don't see much how it is at all a rehash? Also, KOTOR > every other star wars story, including the original trilogy. Who's with me?
