Ars Technica re-investigates writing in gaming

Posted May 7, 2007 at 1:52PM EST by QJ Staff

Listed in: PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, PC Gaming Tags: Digg

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Now we know many gaming sites have re-iterated and argued this point over and over again - that the story concepts and the driving of the story are just as important as the quality of the visuals. But given Ars Technica's technical nature and prowess over technology, it's amazing they've been able to put their point across so vividly with a game everyone could relate to.

Well, just about everyone in gaming of course. Valve's Half-Life 2 was the first of the games they cited in their multi-part investigation, whose story was written by Mark Laidlaw. The incredible effort and time placed into the "written" content of the game reflects immediately in the opening sequence.

We don't know about you, however, but Half-Life 2 still isn't a keeper in this blogger's books if it comes to gauging art. In fact, aside from the opening sequence, there's very little dialogue or "written" content that is memorable in the game. Even after playing the game over 10 times.

You can hop right into the article by Ben Kuchera over at Ars Technica via the "Read" link below. Currently, the article spurred another heated discussion about graphics and visuals versus game design and storylines over at digg.com">Digg, but if you'd like top place your two-cents right here, feel free to do so.

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See me being a huge fan of Half-Life. Which is still one of the best FPS I have played to date. Was really disapointed in Half-Life2. Alot of friends agree when people say there is alot of story and plot to Hl2 as soon as you get off. Im one of the many who look back at the game and recall saying "WTF" while running and shooting combine.

HL2 had no story what so ever. Baisicly your running around trying to get to the tower while helping the resistance. Plot has been done many of times and has been in countless movies. Waiting for it for Years was a disapointment. EP one and such is not worth it either.

Storyline is important. Everyone seems so worked up on graphics now of days but really. Who will want to play a sequel to a game that had no story but had a flashy new engine. Oh wait tons of people.

# HL2 > HL1 — Guest 2007-05-08 00:53

It's odd to me that you guys don't think Half Life 2 had any story to it. I'm also a huge fan of Half Life, but Half Life 2 blew me away and I was so deeply sucked into Gordon's world, I've yet to experience that type of feeling in any other game since. I mean it wasn't just the dialogue that moved the story along, the atmosphere helped immensely.

I guess for me Half Life 2 was a perfect blend of graphics and story.

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Ars Technica re-investigates writing in gaming

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