Had this discussion with a buddy a while back on the importance of story in video games. He doesn't touch a game if he knows the story is lackluster. However, I can overlook bad story if other conditions are true. I am curious how other people think. Let me explain my thought process when it comes to games:

(Note: For the purposes of this list, I personally only have these three things I care about. Some people care about Graphics/DLC/modability/other things, and when you reply you can use those.)

I divide games into three basic categories: Story, Gameplay, Music. Story and Music are pretty straight-forward. Gameplay is mostly how fun the game is to pick up and play, but may also encompass any replayability, multiplayer, New Game+ mode... those sorts of things. So when it comes down to my decision on what to purchase or play, my decision process is like:

  • If the game has awesome Music, awesome Gameplay, awesome Story... I go out looking for it as soon as possible.
  • If the game has awesome Music, good Gameplay, average Story... I see if I can borrow it from a friend, download a demo or rent it (but honestly, who rents these days?)
  • If the game has awesome Music, good Story, average-to-bad Gameplay... I look for the soundtrack and perhaps read up on the story if I am interested.
  • If the game has awesome Gameplay, good Story, average-to-bad Music... I buy it when comes out but listen to my own music.
  • If the game has awesome Gameplay, good Music, average Story... I'd buy it if I wasn't playing anything else at the moment.
  • If the game has awesome Story, good Gameplay, average-to-bad Music... I look for a video of all the combined cinematics in sequential order.
  • If the game has awesome Story, good Music, average-to-bad Gameplay... I look for a "Let's Play" of it on YouTube from someone with a sense of humor.
  • If the game has average-to-bad Music, average-to-bad Gameplay, average-to-bad Story... I laugh with the people who openly mock it on the internet.

Keep in mind these are just some combinations. There are always gray areas. How do you guys think?