If you click on this post thinking it’s about Dark Souls II because of the featured image, I apologize. I couldn’t find a good featured image for today’s little rant.

A long time ago, my brother and I were playing Xenosaga for the Ps2. I remember I would watch him play. It’s a cinematic JRPG with long cutscenes and I liked the story a lot! But when it was my turn to play the game for myself, I skipped all the cutscenes. He gave me a nasty stare and said, “Oh, you are one of those people.” I shot back at him and said, “Why go through all the cutscenes again when I have already watched you play?” Then he responded, “You have to pay attention to the story to know why you are fighting. It’s part of the game.” With respect, he has a valid point. Having a story can make a game interesting. In fact, some people only play for the story. I respect those who enjoy video games for the story. My brother is good at games but mainly plays for the story.

These past few years, dipping my feet into the indie game world. I noticed many story-driven games that don’t emphasize gameplay. There is a group of folks who defend such games. I am not all that bothered by it. However, it’s insulting when someone on WordPress calls folks like me unsophisticated. They label us as muscle-heads. They think we rely on our fists because we don’t stress about the story.

Story driven games help people think. They make them more socially aware, socially sophisticated, and civilized. These games open up a dialogue among people. I am not entirely against it. Humanity has come a long way from a monkey brain through years of exchanging ideas. I don’t think having a monkey brain is such an insult. Some people are so rational that they remind me of a machine (PC) with arms and legs. And if you ask me, I don’t know if they are any better than monkeys. If they are so smart, why do they try to outsmart each other through debate? They end up destroying the planet altogether with their sophisticated killing toys. I digress.

Video games can be a great place. You don’t have to think and, at the same time, you do think. It’s such a paradox but that’s why I love the medium. Solving problems and strategizing are considered thinking. The point I am trying to make is that gameplay is just as important as the story. For me, it’s a stress reliever. Take gameplay out of the equation, you get nothing more than just an interactive story with some pretty visuals. I have no concerns about it. However, don’t go around hating those who want a little challenge, some strategy, and a bit of conquest. Gaming requires a lot of patience. Trial and error my friend, that’s how we get better.

For the record, this post is not directed toward anyone in particular. It’s just the information I have gathered over the years. I often ask myself this question many times as well. Why I love horror and challenging games. I don’t know, but it sure doesn’t make me a monster.

Picture Credits: Dark Souls II: Scholar of the first Sin; Nier Automata; and AI_TheSomniumFiles.