Immersion in Video Games

[TheGame]

Originally Posted by Thespis721

Okay. I can agree that GTA might be a little off for an example because of the gameplay flaws but MGS lacks immersion for me, completely. And long cut scenes are a big reason for it. Whether they are boring is moot because when the cut scenes get this long (and it's the same issue I have with Square Enix games), the gamer starts becoming a witness instead of a participant. If I am just witnessing the game, then I don't feel immersed then if I am participating in it.

It's like the old theatre adage, Don't tell, show. In gaming, you need to take it a step further.

I disagree. But you're entitled to your opinion on the matter, and I respect it.

I don't believe that GTA4 has many gameplay flaws, its about as realistic of a city that's ever been made in a video game before, and its combat system is good. And it offers more freedom then almost any game to date. Its flaw is a lack of a good story line that really pulls people into that world and makes it real for them. Niko is not a guy that anyone who is sane can really relate too, he's just overly evil about how he handles things for no apparent reason.

I belive that cutscenes can add more life to a game in a lot of ways. MGS4 in particular is over loaded with them since its the ending sequence to 7+ games over the last 15+ years. It had to single handedly put every part of Snake's life to rest.. so I excuse its long cutscenes early. Plus I like the story and follow it closely.. so I'm bias towards it.

So I'll back away from that one as an example, since I know someone who wasn't already immersed in the series would not care much for the conclusion of the story. (But I'd like to point out that MGS 1-4 on average is as high or higher rated then any of the series you listed as a 'good example' of immersion, for a reason.)