Story rich?

[Grinnar]

Steam advertises this as "story rich" (along with the sequel). I don't believe this to be accurate.

[gizz]

What is your reasoning?

[Mr. World]

Yeah, what makes you think that?

[Grinnar]

Does it have an interesting story? Yes. Is it story rich? No.

[DrMoodyBlue]

You haven't answered their questions. By making a statement that it is not "story rich", you need to back that statement up with evidence. First, what is your definition of "story rich"? Second, why doesn't the Portal franchise meet your expectations of what you define as "story rich"?

[Grinnar]

Originally posted by DrMoodyBlue:

You haven't answered their questions. By making a statement that it is not "story rich", you need to back that statement up with evidence. First, what is your definition of "story rich"? Second, why doesn't the Portal franchise meet your expectations of what you define as "story rich"?

The game starts off with stuff, then there's nothing for most of the game play. Then there's stuff at the end.

Story rich? I don't believe this is accurate. Did you play the game?

[DrMoodyBlue]

Originally posted by Grinnar:

The game starts off with stuff, then there's nothing for most of the game play. Then there's stuff at the end.

Story rich? I don't believe this is accurate. Did you play the game?

That's not an adequate answer.

Yes, I have played both games. However, the issue isn't my having played the game. The issue is your not having supported your argument.

"Story rich" doesn't necessarily mean lots of characters and dialogue in the game. Much of it can be what implied or inferred in the environment itself--it's not spoon-fed for you. Portal is very short, but there are enough story elements to discover in the game environment that implies a rich history behind it. Where is everyone? Why is there graffitti? What does it mean? Who is behind all this? Will there be cake? Portal raises many questions, which implies that a lot of thought into its backstory was made. Many of those questions are answered in Portal 2, and the sequel also introduces story elements that tie the game with Half-Life. Portal 2 also raises questions of its own, some of them answered in the game, and some left unanswered. This, to me, demonstrates a story that is creative and imaginative, allowing players to even come up with their own ideas. It even spawned a fan-made game that takes place between Portal and Portal 2. This is why I believe that the claim of it being "story rich" is apt. A story shouldn't just be laid out in front of you, but encourage your imagination to run wild.

[Grinnar]

Okay, since you want me to rexplain it. THE WHOLE MIDDLE OF THE GAME is missing story elements beyond little tidbits of irrelevant information. The beginning and end are where it's at. Story rich? Explain this to me.

[DrMoodyBlue]

Sigh... I just did. Please reread my comment above. There are elements scattered through out both games that add to the story and mythos. However, they require you to go off the beaten path and explore. They aren't irrelevant; they provide clues to the history of Aperture and Chell herself. Also, just because not every question you have is unanswered in the game, it doesn't mean that the story is lacking. They are meant to generate your own imagination and encourage fan discussion. Some of the best literature out there have ambigious endings, or leave questions for the audience to figure out on their own. If the fact that some of the narrative seems to disappear during game play, remember that the first Portal game was meant as a short puzzle game, and they probably want you to focus on solving them. However, that doesn't mean that the game (and franchise) lacks a rich story.

*incidentally, someone has posted the timeline of the games and their relationship with Half-Life on this discussion board. It's based on all Valve-sanctioned sources.

[Grinnar]

Originally posted by DrMoodyBlue:

Sigh... I just did. Please reread my comment above. There are elements scattered through out both games that add to the story and mythos. However, they require you to go off the beaten path and explore. They aren't irrelevant; they provide clues to the history of Aperture and Chell herself. Also, just because not every question you have is unanswered in the game, it doesn't mean that the story is lacking. They are meant to generate your own imagination and encourage fan discussion. Some of the best literature out there have ambigious endings, or leave questions for the audience to figure out on their own. If the fact that some of the narrative seems to disappear during game play, remember that the first Portal game was meant as a short puzzle game, and they probably want you to focus on solving them. However, that doesn't mean that the game (and franchise) lacks a rich story.

*incidentally, someone has posted the timeline of the games and their relationship with Half-Life on this discussion board. It's based on all Valve-sanctioned sources.

So basically you don't know what the definition of "story elements" are. Cool story, bro.

[DrMoodyBlue]

If you are doing this to try my patience, congratulations. I know what the elements of a story are, thank you. What I can't seem to get across to you is that Portal doesn't necessarily follow the traditional linear narrative of a story; however, they are all there. This is my last comment on the matter.

[Grinnar]

The hell are you on about? I did not make this thread just to provoke or insult you. I asked a question and all I'm getting back are inane responses that confuse lore and story elements with puzzle mechanics.

Get over yourself.

[Khorps]

Originally posted by Grinnar:

The hell are you on about? I did not make this thread just to provoke or insult you. I asked a question and all I'm getting back are inane responses that confuse lore and story elements with puzzle mechanics.

Get over yourself.

what the hell is he on about? are you serious? he's trying to answer your question and you just keep refusing his answer and insulting him

[Grinnar]

Originally posted by Khorps:

what the hell is he on about? are you serious? he's trying to answer your question and you just keep refuting his answer and insulting him

re·fute
rəˈfyo͞ot/
verb
gerund or present participle: refuting
prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove.
"these claims have not been convincingly refuted"
synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate; More
prove that (someone) is wrong.
deny or contradict (a statement or accusation).
"a spokesman totally refuted the allegation of bias"
synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate

Of course. His statement is dishonest.

[Khorps]

Originally posted by Grinnar:

Originally posted by Khorps:

what the hell is he on about? are you serious? he's trying to answer your question and you just keep refuting his answer and insulting him

re·fute
rəˈfyo͞ot/
verb
gerund or present participle: refuting
prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove.
"these claims have not been convincingly refuted"
synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate; More
prove that (someone) is wrong.
deny or contradict (a statement or accusation).
"a spokesman totally refuted the allegation of bias"
synonyms: disprove, prove wrong, prove false, debunk, discredit, invalidate

Of course. His statement is dishonest.

my bad, iv fixed the wording now

[Grinnar]

If I have to repeat myself, because you refuse to read what I day, I'm going to get rude over it when you insult me for it.