I think the Fromsoft formula is close to perfect, being a little of both. I want some actual direct guidance on what I am supposed to be doing if not where I am going. At least, if I have a choice where I can go. And with lore, they give you just enough to intrigue you, while actual exploration yields more information through item descriptions and, while not as significant as it could be, atmospheric storytelling.

It kinda makes you feel like an archealogist when you have to dig up the story rather than it just being told to you in its entirety.

I adore obscure and indirect storytelling.

I’m still, years later, obsessed with Bloodborne’s world and lore. I know so much about that game, but I would still not say I understand it, and I like it that way :)

That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a more straightfoward story; many things go into me enjoying a story and even more so an interactive story in a video game. So, a game can reel me in with saying “A world like Boodborne!” but that isn’t necessity.

I’m quite looking foward to playing Lies of P. I was under the impression that it was more indirectly told, but reading now that it employs more direct story telling doesn’t put me of in the least bit; it just adjusts my expectations.

I appreciate when the story is there if I wanna look for it, sometimes character centered games burn me out emotionally.

playing a named protagonist is cool though, the connection to the story is deeper, and you actually have to role play, neat stuff. The impact the story leaves is also more long lasting.

I still kinda lean towards minimalistic storytelling, . Major realizations always hit hard, theorizing and going down rabbit holes is fun, etc. Also forces me to pay attention and keeps me engaged on replays, to get a fuller picture. And since I enjoy exploration / discovery and it goes hand in hand with story in soulslikes it elevates both experiences for me.

I like the way Miyazaki handles it, makes me feel like I’m really exploring the world and uncovering its secrets. Nothing beats the feeling of making the connection between a random sword’s description and some kind of important figure. And the things I miss, I can probably find in a lore video somewhere.

While straightforward stories have their place, and I partake in them too, I absolutely adore the convoluted Miyazaki approach to the souls games. The games feel dreamlike in quality, and there is plenty of room for personal interpretation.

I think ds2 did the best job with story telling. You got the jist of the king and queen pretty easily

For me personally, video games are interactive stories. I want a good plot, engaging characters and setting, and to be able to experience it through a protagonist whose actions I control. I want to feel like I’m living in this world, making the decisions the hero would choose.

When I’m dumped into a game world where the objective is “run around and have fun!,” I don’t really know what to do. I don’t understand where I am or what’s going on. And the process of discovering the plot can be long and arduous, which just takes me out of the game. Especially if there are complex mechanics like skill trees or gear leveling, etc. I don’t want to grind in a game just to advance, give me a better flow to the story and progression!

Normal story and characters.