linear or non-linear stories?

[operative x]

What kind of story is the best, linear or non-linear strories. Like metal gear solid is linear and deus ex is non linear stroy. What would be the best type of story for a game??? please give your comments, Thanks

[Telexen]

linear...but there has to be a mix between it and good gameplay.

[skuz]

Nothing beats an excellent story, linear or not.

Even better with great graphics, but I can live without eye candy.

[operative x]

Skuz, what if the game has great gameplay and a good story you won't care about graphics?

[MrPurple]

That is soo true.
Look at some of the old square RPGs.
8 bit graphics, horible rendering, but the story is so compeling that it just drives you in more and more.
Although lately I have seem many game makers abandoning story, be it linear or non, for graphics which is sad, but I must say that sometimes those FMVs do make the game sort of come alive.

Anyway back to topic, I say both are good.
Linear since it makes it simpler to play
Non Linear since it makes it more interesting to play

[VHockey86]

I think it just plain depends on the story, some linear stories such as some Final fantasy games are good, but then again some linear stories arent. As for non-linear I seem to prefer it (go morrowind!), but both are great.

One of those things where it has so many other factors to determine whether or not the game is good you cant really say either one with much credibility

[MrPurple]

The problem I got with most non-linear is that there are so many path you don't know where to start.
You are sort of lost and without a goal, or don't know how to get there.

[operative x]

I had the same problem with morrowwind. lol

[VHockey86]

Really? I whipped my way through Morrowind and beat it in 8 days on xbox.... prolly about 6 hours a day but still. Just did lots and lots of guild quests than did the main quest at like level 40 and didnt struggle at all

[operative x]

WOW! i rented it and played it for a week straight and only got 2 or 3 questes done!