Games With Fantastic Gameplay But Poor Writing A Funny Trend
It's a fascinating phenomenon in the gaming world when titles with exceptional gameplay manage to overshadow glaring weaknesses in their narrative. This year, we've witnessed a curious trend: two prominent games have been released to widespread acclaim, despite featuring writing that many would describe as bafflingly bad. This raises an important question: How much can outstanding gameplay compensate for subpar storytelling? Is it a matter of priorities for gamers, or are there other factors at play?
The Gameplay-First Mentality
In many gaming circles, gameplay reigns supreme. The core mechanics, the feel of movement, the challenge presented, and the overall sense of engagement are often prioritized above all else. A game can have a convoluted plot, wooden dialogue, and underdeveloped characters, but if it delivers a thrilling and satisfying gameplay experience, it's likely to garner praise. This "gameplay-first" mentality isn't new, but it seems to be particularly prevalent in discussions surrounding these two recent releases. This perspective values the interactive elements of a game, the player's agency, and the moment-to-moment enjoyment derived from the core mechanics. If a game provides a compelling loop of action, progression, and reward, some players are willing to overlook shortcomings in the narrative department. Think of games with intricate combat systems, vast open worlds to explore, or satisfying puzzle mechanics. These elements can be so engaging that they effectively distract from, or even overshadow, any narrative missteps. Furthermore, the subjective nature of gameplay cannot be overstated. What one player finds innovative and exhilarating, another might find clunky and frustrating. However, when a game manages to tap into a widely shared sense of fun and accomplishment through its gameplay, it builds a strong foundation of goodwill that can extend to other areas, including the narrative. A great gameplay loop can create a positive halo effect, making players more forgiving of weaker story elements. They might even actively seek out ways to interpret the narrative in a positive light, filling in the gaps and rationalizing inconsistencies in order to maintain their enjoyment of the overall experience. This willingness to engage with the game on its own terms, prioritizing the fun of play over the intricacies of plot, is a key factor in why some games with bafflingly bad writing still manage to succeed.
The Allure of Immersion and Engagement
One of the key factors contributing to the forgiveness of poor writing is the level of immersion and engagement a game can create through its gameplay. When players are deeply invested in the moment-to-moment actions, challenges, and rewards presented by a game, they are often more willing to overlook narrative shortcomings. A game with compelling gameplay can transport players to another world, making them feel like they are truly experiencing the events unfolding on screen. This sense of immersion can be so powerful that it blurs the lines between the player and the character, the virtual world and reality. When this happens, the emotional impact of the gameplay can outweigh the intellectual scrutiny of the narrative. For example, a thrilling boss fight can evoke feelings of adrenaline, triumph, and even relief, regardless of whether the boss's backstory is well-developed or the dialogue leading up to the encounter is clunky. The visceral experience of the gameplay takes precedence, creating a lasting memory that overshadows any narrative flaws. Moreover, engagement is not simply about being entertained; it's about being actively involved in the game world. Games that offer players agency, choices, and meaningful consequences create a sense of investment that can extend beyond the immediate gameplay. Players who feel like they are shaping the narrative through their actions are more likely to be forgiving of plot holes or inconsistencies. They might even interpret these shortcomings as opportunities for their own creativity, filling in the blanks and creating their own headcanons to make sense of the world. This active engagement with the game world fosters a sense of ownership, making players more invested in the overall experience and less critical of its flaws. The bafflingly bad writing can fade into the background when the player is focused on the immediate challenges and rewards of the gameplay. The feeling of accomplishment after overcoming a difficult obstacle, the satisfaction of mastering a complex system, or the simple joy of exploring a beautifully rendered world can all contribute to a sense of immersion and engagement that overshadows narrative shortcomings. In these cases, the gameplay becomes the story, and the player's own actions and experiences become the most compelling narrative elements.
Examples in Recent Games
To illustrate this phenomenon, let's consider some specific examples from recent game releases. While I won't name the two specific games the original title alludes to (as that would be subjective), we can discuss the types of games that often fall into this category. Open-world action RPGs, for instance, are frequently cited as examples of games where gameplay takes precedence over narrative. These games often feature vast worlds to explore, countless side quests to complete, and intricate character progression systems. The sheer amount of content can be overwhelming, and the main storyline sometimes feels like an afterthought. Players may spend dozens of hours engaging with the game world without ever feeling compelled to progress the main plot. Instead, they are drawn in by the emergent stories that arise from their own actions and interactions with the world. They might stumble upon a hidden dungeon, uncover a secret faction, or forge a unique bond with a companion character. These experiences, driven by gameplay and player agency, can be far more memorable and meaningful than the overarching narrative. Another genre that often prioritizes gameplay is the character-action game. These games are characterized by fast-paced combat, stylish visuals, and a focus on player skill. The story is often secondary to the action, serving as a loose framework for the gameplay. Characters might be archetypal and dialogue might be cheesy, but the core mechanics are so refined and satisfying that players are willing to overlook these shortcomings. The feeling of mastering a complex combat system, executing a perfectly timed combo, or defeating a challenging boss is the primary reward, and the narrative is simply a backdrop for these moments of triumph. Even in narrative-driven genres, such as adventure games or RPGs, gameplay can play a significant role in shaping the player's experience. A game with a well-written story can still be hampered by clunky controls, tedious puzzles, or unbalanced combat. Conversely, a game with a mediocre story can be elevated by engaging gameplay mechanics, such as a compelling exploration system, a satisfying crafting system, or a dynamic dialogue system. The key is finding the right balance between narrative and gameplay, but in some cases, exceptional gameplay can indeed compensate for bafflingly bad writing. These examples highlight the diverse ways in which gameplay can overshadow narrative in modern games. Whether it's the emergent stories of open-world games, the visceral thrills of character-action games, or the engaging mechanics of narrative-driven games, gameplay remains a crucial factor in the overall player experience.
The Subjectivity of Writing and Taste
It's essential to acknowledge the subjectivity inherent in evaluating writing. What one person considers "bafflingly bad", another might find charmingly cheesy or even intentionally ironic. Taste in narrative is as diverse as taste in music or art, and there's no objective standard for what constitutes "good" writing. Some players appreciate intricate plots, complex characters, and nuanced dialogue, while others prefer simpler narratives that serve as a backdrop for the gameplay. Some enjoy campy humor and over-the-top characters, while others find them grating. This diversity of taste makes it difficult to make definitive statements about the quality of writing in a game. A game that is lauded for its narrative by one critic might be dismissed as poorly written by another. Furthermore, the context in which a game is experienced can significantly influence one's perception of its writing. A player who is deeply immersed in the gameplay and enjoying the overall experience might be more forgiving of narrative flaws than a player who is bored or frustrated. The power of suggestion also plays a role. If a game is widely praised for its story, players might be more inclined to interpret its narrative in a positive light, even if they have reservations. Conversely, if a game is criticized for its writing, players might be more critical of its flaws. It's also worth noting that writing is not just about dialogue and plot. It also encompasses world-building, character design, and environmental storytelling. A game with weak dialogue might still have a compelling world and memorable characters, which can compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a game can also influence one's perception of its writing. A game with a distinctive art style, evocative music, and a strong sense of place can create a powerful emotional experience that transcends the limitations of its dialogue or plot. In conclusion, the subjectivity of writing and taste is a crucial factor in the discussion of games with "bafflingly bad" writing. While some players may be turned off by narrative flaws, others may be able to look past them or even appreciate them as part of the game's overall charm. The key is to recognize that there is no single standard for "good" writing and that individual preferences play a significant role in shaping one's perception of a game's narrative.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Ultimately, the success of a game is a balancing act between various elements, with gameplay and narrative being two of the most crucial. While exceptional gameplay can undoubtedly compensate for weaker writing in some cases, it's not a universal solution. There's a limit to how much narrative flaws can be overlooked, and a truly great game strives for excellence in both areas. The question isn't whether gameplay or writing is more important, but rather how they complement and enhance each other. A game with a compelling story can be made even more engaging by satisfying gameplay, while a game with thrilling gameplay can be given greater depth and resonance through a well-crafted narrative. When these two elements work in harmony, the result is a truly unforgettable gaming experience. However, the fact that some games with bafflingly bad writing still achieve critical and commercial success suggests that the industry, and gamers themselves, are willing to prioritize gameplay in certain situations. This may be due to the interactive nature of the medium, where the player's agency and the moment-to-moment experience are paramount. It may also reflect the growing complexity of game development, where limited resources and time constraints often force developers to make difficult choices. Whatever the reason, the phenomenon highlights the ongoing debate about the relative importance of gameplay and narrative in video games. It's a debate that is likely to continue as the medium evolves and as gamers' expectations and preferences continue to shift. In the end, the ideal scenario is one where games strive for excellence in both gameplay and narrative, creating experiences that are both engaging and meaningful. But in the meantime, it's fascinating to observe how the power of gameplay can sometimes triumph over the shortcomings of writing, demonstrating the unique and often unpredictable nature of the video game medium.