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BONUS QUESTIONS:
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTIONS:
Each week I will post what next week's debate will be, and allow you to all post your own "bonus questions" in the comments for next week's debate. I'll choose the best of the bunch and then we can get some serious feedback from all different gamer perspectives on not just each game/series, but also a few individual aspects of those games/series. Have something you're dying to know what other games thought of in the game or series? Post your question in the comments and find out what the response is!
NEXT WEEK'S DEBATE:
What's your favorite Legend of Zelda game in the whole series?
As usual, there's always an open door policy on suggesting future game debates in the comments. So don't be shy!
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTIONS:
Each week I will post what next week's debate will be, and allow you to all post your own "bonus questions" in the comments for next week's debate. I'll choose the best of the bunch and then we can get some serious feedback from all different gamer perspectives on not just each game/series, but also a few individual aspects of those games/series. Have something you're dying to know what other games thought of in the game or series? Post your question in the comments and find out what the response is!
NEXT WEEK'S DEBATE:
What's your favorite Legend of Zelda game in the whole series?
As usual, there's always an open door policy on suggesting future game debates in the comments. So don't be shy!
I can't think of a single series that I would vote for over Half Life. Maybe Final Fantasy, but that's a pretty big maybe. So yeah, I vote for Half Life this week.
Half-Life. I love MGS, but... well, Half-Life's story has always been far more engaging and less needlessly complicated than MGS's was, personally.
That's right, next week's game debate should be another big one. Start thinking about what your favorite Zelda game is now! Give yourself plenty of time in advance to mull it over!
MY VOTE: Half-Life series. I didn't like the MGS series much with its roots, but have given it more respect as the series has grown. Half-Life on the other hand, has been consistently respect-worthy.
BQ1: Online multiplayer (for HL game itself) that stands a chance at being as good as its massive mod competition. I'm very much so a CS > HL person when it comes to multiplayer, as are most people.
BQ2: MGS4 cinematics. I'll admit I haven't even touched the game yet, but the idea that someone had the balls to have hours worth of cinematics makes so damn happy. That was a bold step in the right direction for our industry, and I hope others follow (not just in that direction, but in making bold decisions).
MY VOTE: Half-Life series. I didn't like the MGS series much with its roots, but have given it more respect as the series has grown. Half-Life on the other hand, has been consistently respect-worthy.
BQ1: Online multiplayer (for HL game itself) that stands a chance at being as good as its massive mod competition. I'm very much so a CS > HL person when it comes to multiplayer, as are most people.
BQ2: MGS4 cinematics. I'll admit I haven't even touched the game yet, but the idea that someone had the balls to have hours worth of cinematics makes so damn happy. That was a bold step in the right direction for our industry, and I hope others follow (not just in that direction, but in making bold decisions).
I love both series to death but in terms of over all quality, I would have to go with Half-Life. Metal Gear Solid is very inconsistent in its narrative and characters, something that Half-Life gets down well.
I've tried so many times to enjoy the Metal Gear Solid franchise, and every time it makes me hate it just a little more. I always felt like I was really missing something by not playing these games (especially after I started listening to Podtoid), but I've now accepted that these games aren't for me.
Half Life, on the other hand, I have enjoyed several times over. It gets my vote.
Half Life, on the other hand, I have enjoyed several times over. It gets my vote.
Geez, this is a tough decision! Ummm... I'll have to go with Metal Gear Solid on this one just because the game-play in Half-Life has not changed all that much since the second installment.
MERYL!!!
MERYL!!!
I love both series, and I will admit that there is more FUN to be had in the Half Life series, BUT, I've recently fallen in Love with all things MGS. having played all the games in the MGS series twice since MGS4 was released last year. I love the storyline and that's what keeps bringing me back. I will admit that the story in Half Life is excellent as well, and the gameplay in it is tried and tested, but MGS is my pick,
MGS is my vote - If they ever release another episode for Half-Life 2 I could change my mind though.
MGS is my vote - If they ever release another episode for Half-Life 2 I could change my mind though.
MGS needs to focus on a good mix of gameplay and story. The first MGS game had it exactly right. The others (especially 4) have just been way too movie-like in their execution of the plot. When I think of MGS4 I can barely remember most of the levels because they were too easy and over too quickly. Sometimes I felt like they were only there so that the product could be classified as a game.
Half Life is by far the better series. My main gripe is that HL2 has been out for damn near 5 years and we still haven't seen the conclusion of the story arc in the form of episode 3.
Half Life is by far the better series. My main gripe is that HL2 has been out for damn near 5 years and we still haven't seen the conclusion of the story arc in the form of episode 3.
Metal Gear Solid for sure. Not only is it a revolutionary series in terms of inventing the stealth genre, it also has one of the most compelling and interesting stories of all time. It's continually pushed the limits in terms of graphics, sound, character design, and gameplay. And don't forget all those WTF moments (Psycho Mantis, Fission Mailed, Time Paradox, "her codec is on the back of the package etc). Innovation is what MGS has and it has it in spades. A greater game series, I cannot imagine.
All Half-Life has is some BS gravity gun and annoying FPS controls.
All Half-Life has is some BS gravity gun and annoying FPS controls.
Half-Life
Also, last week's debate lives on in the forums.
Also, last week's debate lives on in the forums.
Metal Gear Solid gets my vote.
BQ1: I'm *hoping* that the series evolves in a way that removes those lengthy cutscenes in such a way that you can become more emotionally involved with the storyline. It's a bad example, but the nuke scene in CoD4 wouldn't have been anywhere near as intense and awe-inspiring if you weren't there, in the thick of it, still being able to control your character while events went on that you couldn't control.
Hell, MGS1 technically did this with the torture scene. If that was to be in MGS4, chances are it'd be just one long cutscene, with little else to it.
BQ2: Personally, I'm an FPS nut, so I would normally say "the gameplay", but the MGS series is one of very few to get stealth working excellently, so instead I'll say the innovation that Half-Life has brung, or more specifically Half Life 2, with its physics puzzles and environment manipulation being fairly unique features to the game, and pretty much unheard of before Half Life 2.
BQ3: MGS, has to be MGS 1. NOSTALGIA GOOOGGLES. Probably I'd give MGS2 second place, because although 3 is a better game, the amount of hype and amazing graphics that we saw in all those old magazines with "THIS IS THE FUTURE" kinda makes me reminise a bit.
For Half Life? Half Life 1, definitely. It's practically on the same level as Quake in terms of classic FPS goodness, for all those buttons it hit just right.
BQ5: Oh god, this is a tough one. I'm stuck as to answering this, so I'll just say for MGS it would be the REX fight in 1, and the fist fight afterwards, although I'm so damn tempted to say the Hind fight too.
For Half Life, well, the start of Half Life 1, on the tram. Brilliant at setting the scene of where you are and what's going on. Loads of games have used this since, just going to show it works.
BQ6: For Half Life, I'd probably have made the game a less linear. Who says the military HAVE to catch you? Who says that you HAVE to take the G-Man's deal?
For MGS, I'd have tried to make the storyline a lot easier to follow, and it work with the gameplay rather than overriding it. Hell, I'm voting for it and I'm sure I don't know even 1/3 of the story of the series.
BQ1: I'm *hoping* that the series evolves in a way that removes those lengthy cutscenes in such a way that you can become more emotionally involved with the storyline. It's a bad example, but the nuke scene in CoD4 wouldn't have been anywhere near as intense and awe-inspiring if you weren't there, in the thick of it, still being able to control your character while events went on that you couldn't control.
Hell, MGS1 technically did this with the torture scene. If that was to be in MGS4, chances are it'd be just one long cutscene, with little else to it.
BQ2: Personally, I'm an FPS nut, so I would normally say "the gameplay", but the MGS series is one of very few to get stealth working excellently, so instead I'll say the innovation that Half-Life has brung, or more specifically Half Life 2, with its physics puzzles and environment manipulation being fairly unique features to the game, and pretty much unheard of before Half Life 2.
BQ3: MGS, has to be MGS 1. NOSTALGIA GOOOGGLES. Probably I'd give MGS2 second place, because although 3 is a better game, the amount of hype and amazing graphics that we saw in all those old magazines with "THIS IS THE FUTURE" kinda makes me reminise a bit.
For Half Life? Half Life 1, definitely. It's practically on the same level as Quake in terms of classic FPS goodness, for all those buttons it hit just right.
BQ5: Oh god, this is a tough one. I'm stuck as to answering this, so I'll just say for MGS it would be the REX fight in 1, and the fist fight afterwards, although I'm so damn tempted to say the Hind fight too.
For Half Life, well, the start of Half Life 1, on the tram. Brilliant at setting the scene of where you are and what's going on. Loads of games have used this since, just going to show it works.
BQ6: For Half Life, I'd probably have made the game a less linear. Who says the military HAVE to catch you? Who says that you HAVE to take the G-Man's deal?
For MGS, I'd have tried to make the storyline a lot easier to follow, and it work with the gameplay rather than overriding it. Hell, I'm voting for it and I'm sure I don't know even 1/3 of the story of the series.
Half-life! Each release continues to set the bar for gameplay and storytelling in videogames.
One thing I appreciate about MGS is how bonkers the storylines can get. You won't find any cookie cutter plots in MGS.
One thing I appreciate about MGS is how bonkers the storylines can get. You won't find any cookie cutter plots in MGS.
Half-life.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded! Not much expectation. Half-life was a momentous PC game. Half-life 2 was a bit meh and each episode just felt more like a a tech demo. I have seen enough of half-life and don't expect much from it at this point.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
Solid Snake.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Half-life. There was nothing like it back in the old PC only days.
Not caring much about the MGS games.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
The moment the portal opened.
MGS: just don't have one.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
All the levels in Half-life.
MGS, didn't care much enough to remember any episode. The only thing that stuck on my mind is the exclamation mark and the box. Don't recall any specific episode that stuck out on my mind.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Half-life, I don't know how much else I could have done more. Possibly adding RPG elements to the game similar to System Shock.
MGS: Come up with a better storyline. It didn't make any sense when it first came out. It didn't get any better as the series progressed. It was just annoying toward last two titles. Stop the nonsense and hire real story teller and editors. Game play wise, it was okay, but I could have used more of the Splinter Cell like game play than what I saw in MGS.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded! Not much expectation. Half-life was a momentous PC game. Half-life 2 was a bit meh and each episode just felt more like a a tech demo. I have seen enough of half-life and don't expect much from it at this point.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
Solid Snake.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Half-life. There was nothing like it back in the old PC only days.
Not caring much about the MGS games.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
The moment the portal opened.
MGS: just don't have one.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
All the levels in Half-life.
MGS, didn't care much enough to remember any episode. The only thing that stuck on my mind is the exclamation mark and the box. Don't recall any specific episode that stuck out on my mind.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Half-life, I don't know how much else I could have done more. Possibly adding RPG elements to the game similar to System Shock.
MGS: Come up with a better storyline. It didn't make any sense when it first came out. It didn't get any better as the series progressed. It was just annoying toward last two titles. Stop the nonsense and hire real story teller and editors. Game play wise, it was okay, but I could have used more of the Splinter Cell like game play than what I saw in MGS.
Nice match up. I like Half Life, but Metal Gear wins by a mile.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
So many things. I would love to see the current storyline die. I fucking hate Raiden. Everyone fucking hates Raiden. He was a mistake, and everyone knows it. MGS2 fucked up the storyline so bad that now, whenever a movie in a series fucks up the storyline, I call it the MGS2 of the series, even if it isn't terrible on its own (Alien 3 is the MGS2 of Alien). Luckily, there's a shit ton of stuff to work with. I would buy a PS3 on the spot if they said they were making a WWII MGS with The Boss as the main character.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
The controls are a lot better. MGS has bad to average controls.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Metal Gear. As bad as MGS2 was compared to the other games, it was still fun. Metal Gear was just mediocre. Sure, it started the series off, but I still didn't like it that much.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
The Boss fight in MGS3. Everything was perfect in that fight. The music, the impending nuclear doom, the way the flower petals changed color... It was fucking amazing. And then they pulled it off again at the end of MGS4, although that wasn't quite as good.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
I didn't like MGS4 anywhere close to as much as I liked 3, but it did have the best environment. The 4th and 5th areas were perfect, and if the rest of the game had the same emphasis on stealth as they did, MGS4 might have been my favorite.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
For Metal Gear, I don't think I even have to say it. For Half Life, I don't know. Maybe not introduce the idea of Half Life 3 being episodic, because a game ever 2 or 3 years isn't episodic.
And I'm really excited about the next debate. I was actually going to submit that question this time.
@D Sane:
Like half the stuff you said was great about MGS can be applied to Half-Life, so I have no idea what you're talking about.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
So many things. I would love to see the current storyline die. I fucking hate Raiden. Everyone fucking hates Raiden. He was a mistake, and everyone knows it. MGS2 fucked up the storyline so bad that now, whenever a movie in a series fucks up the storyline, I call it the MGS2 of the series, even if it isn't terrible on its own (Alien 3 is the MGS2 of Alien). Luckily, there's a shit ton of stuff to work with. I would buy a PS3 on the spot if they said they were making a WWII MGS with The Boss as the main character.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
The controls are a lot better. MGS has bad to average controls.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Metal Gear. As bad as MGS2 was compared to the other games, it was still fun. Metal Gear was just mediocre. Sure, it started the series off, but I still didn't like it that much.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
The Boss fight in MGS3. Everything was perfect in that fight. The music, the impending nuclear doom, the way the flower petals changed color... It was fucking amazing. And then they pulled it off again at the end of MGS4, although that wasn't quite as good.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
I didn't like MGS4 anywhere close to as much as I liked 3, but it did have the best environment. The 4th and 5th areas were perfect, and if the rest of the game had the same emphasis on stealth as they did, MGS4 might have been my favorite.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
For Metal Gear, I don't think I even have to say it. For Half Life, I don't know. Maybe not introduce the idea of Half Life 3 being episodic, because a game ever 2 or 3 years isn't episodic.
And I'm really excited about the next debate. I was actually going to submit that question this time.
@D Sane:
Like half the stuff you said was great about MGS can be applied to Half-Life, so I have no idea what you're talking about.
Half Life, no question.
BQ1. A conclusion to the story would be nice! Half Life 2 deserves not only an Episode 3, but a Half Life 3. It's a solid story told in real time with amazingly well made set pieces.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
It has a lot more history to it. MGS spans decades, so much so that it left a bad taste in my mouth about having to follow all the stories to it. That's good and bad, but I appreciate a game that has that much character depth to it, even if the story doesn't hook me.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
MGS2, because it had a great demo and the first half of the game was fun. It lost me at Raiden though. Half Life 2 would definitely have to be the main one for me. My first entry to the series and also a fantastic game that I've played through now 4 times since it came out. Very rare for a game to get that much playthrough from me.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
I don't follow enough of MGS' story to comment so I won't. Half Life has been a roller coaster tracking the life and times of the most unfortunate scientist to ever be stuck with a crappy low level job. The most engaging moment for me in HL2 was actually taking down the first strider in the proper City 17 area. Those bastards were mean.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
City 17 when the walls start closing in. It adds such a creepy amount of realism and claustrophobia to the game.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
If I were Gabe, I would've continued to ignore the pleas and cries of all those who play TF2 and make Half Life Episode 3 before doing a single class update to TF2.
BQ1. A conclusion to the story would be nice! Half Life 2 deserves not only an Episode 3, but a Half Life 3. It's a solid story told in real time with amazingly well made set pieces.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
It has a lot more history to it. MGS spans decades, so much so that it left a bad taste in my mouth about having to follow all the stories to it. That's good and bad, but I appreciate a game that has that much character depth to it, even if the story doesn't hook me.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
MGS2, because it had a great demo and the first half of the game was fun. It lost me at Raiden though. Half Life 2 would definitely have to be the main one for me. My first entry to the series and also a fantastic game that I've played through now 4 times since it came out. Very rare for a game to get that much playthrough from me.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
I don't follow enough of MGS' story to comment so I won't. Half Life has been a roller coaster tracking the life and times of the most unfortunate scientist to ever be stuck with a crappy low level job. The most engaging moment for me in HL2 was actually taking down the first strider in the proper City 17 area. Those bastards were mean.
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
City 17 when the walls start closing in. It adds such a creepy amount of realism and claustrophobia to the game.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
If I were Gabe, I would've continued to ignore the pleas and cries of all those who play TF2 and make Half Life Episode 3 before doing a single class update to TF2.
Metal Gear Solid. I grow up with that series, my childhool lives on it.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Metal Gear: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
Half-Life: Give Freeman a Damn Personality
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Metal Gear: ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
Half-Life: Give Freeman a Damn Personality
Half-Life.
BQ1: To be honest, sequels that are on time. That's all. I love everything about HL up, down, and sideways, but Valve doesn't really fit the bill for Episodic games.
BQ2: Characters. I love the Half-Life cast, but there is a bit more to love in the MGS series.
BQ3: Half-Life 2 Episode 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4 respectively.
BQ4: see answer to Bonus Question 3.
BQ1: To be honest, sequels that are on time. That's all. I love everything about HL up, down, and sideways, but Valve doesn't really fit the bill for Episodic games.
BQ2: Characters. I love the Half-Life cast, but there is a bit more to love in the MGS series.
BQ3: Half-Life 2 Episode 2, and Metal Gear Solid 4 respectively.
BQ4: see answer to Bonus Question 3.
Oops, I missed Half Life on BQ3-5.
3: I would say Episode 1. I really like going through it with an NPC partner. Valve managed to make that not only bearable, but fun. I still don't know how they did it.
4: What happened to Eli.
5: I don't know. I and my brother had a discussion about this, but we couldn't decide. I still haven't made a decision.
3: I would say Episode 1. I really like going through it with an NPC partner. Valve managed to make that not only bearable, but fun. I still don't know how they did it.
4: What happened to Eli.
5: I don't know. I and my brother had a discussion about this, but we couldn't decide. I still haven't made a decision.
Debeo Laurus: Yeah, I'm with you. Seriously? There's no contest. Metal Gear Solid 3 alone is not only one of the greatest games of all time but it's better than ALL of the Half-Life games combined.
Half life. The series has basically invented most of the storytelling devices that we associate with first person shootsers today.
Metal Gear Solid, but not by much. They're both really great series but MGS just had more great moments.
My vote goes to MGS, as it is my favorite game series overall.
BQ1. For the sake of the series, I just hope it ends soon, as I would appreciate if it did not get run into the ground. Let Kojima work on other projects.
BQ2. I really like the way Valve handles "cutscenes" in that you control the character fully throughout most of the storytelling sections.
BQ3. For Metal Gear, it is a tie between MGS and MGS4. For Half-Life, I would go with Half-Life 2 (not the episodes)
BQ4. MGS: Final Fight with Liquid Ocelot at the end of MGS4. HL: The scene in Ep2 where the Vortigaunts are healing Alyx, and G-Man cuts in. "Prepare for unforseen consequences"
BQ5. MGS: Once again, the final fight with Liquid at the end of MGS4. HL: Ravenholm.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
BQ1. For the sake of the series, I just hope it ends soon, as I would appreciate if it did not get run into the ground. Let Kojima work on other projects.
BQ2. I really like the way Valve handles "cutscenes" in that you control the character fully throughout most of the storytelling sections.
BQ3. For Metal Gear, it is a tie between MGS and MGS4. For Half-Life, I would go with Half-Life 2 (not the episodes)
BQ4. MGS: Final Fight with Liquid Ocelot at the end of MGS4. HL: The scene in Ep2 where the Vortigaunts are healing Alyx, and G-Man cuts in. "Prepare for unforseen consequences"
BQ5. MGS: Once again, the final fight with Liquid at the end of MGS4. HL: Ravenholm.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Half-life. Even though I frequently enjoyed the plots of MGS, still Half-life.
BQ1: To be honest, I don't like the presentation of the story and character development of Half-life. The fact that Gordon Freeman doesn't talk makes every scene feel like it's a ride at Universal Studios or something. I cared about relationship BETWEEN characters, but never felt like Gordon Freeman is actually a part of the experience. I know I'd probably be flayed for suggesting it, but I actually want Gordon to talk...
BQ2: The character development. I cried several times in the MGS series even though I have complained about it being way too preachy and long-winded. Still, there are several moments that just made me feel much more connected with the characters in MGS.
BQ3: Half-life Opposing Force (I think it's called). Games too rarely show "the other side" and I thought it was ground-breaking to have an expansion take place during the first game. It gave a unique perspective on the events that took place. MGS was my favorite. That was just an experience unlike any other the first time I played it. I loved everything about it, except for the backtracking later on. I especially loved the unique boss encounters.
BQ4: In HL2 Episode 2, seeing Alyx get taken away... that made my heart stop. In MGS2 Emma's death by far.
BQ5: HL1... holy shit. When you spend so much freaking time under ground and then you come out to the surface for the first time, only to be forced BACK under due to the high volume of soldiers gunning you down? The combination of relief from being in the claustrophobic environments with the panic of being out of the frying pan and into the fryer? I haven't experienced anything quite like that in a game since then. There are way too many scenes in HL that I could name though. I can't even think of one particular area of MGS except maybe the scene where you happen upon Grey Fox's freaking crime scene. That made me nearly wet myself.
BQ6: I would have made Gordon talk. Once again, I know this is blasphemy, but I just hate the feeling I get when playing as him. It's like I'm an observer of everything happening, not a participant. In MGS, I'd have taken a cue from HL and allowed more of the story to happen while actually playing the game, instead of pausing every 15 minutes for a cutscene.
Wow! I'm exhausted now.
BQ1: To be honest, I don't like the presentation of the story and character development of Half-life. The fact that Gordon Freeman doesn't talk makes every scene feel like it's a ride at Universal Studios or something. I cared about relationship BETWEEN characters, but never felt like Gordon Freeman is actually a part of the experience. I know I'd probably be flayed for suggesting it, but I actually want Gordon to talk...
BQ2: The character development. I cried several times in the MGS series even though I have complained about it being way too preachy and long-winded. Still, there are several moments that just made me feel much more connected with the characters in MGS.
BQ3: Half-life Opposing Force (I think it's called). Games too rarely show "the other side" and I thought it was ground-breaking to have an expansion take place during the first game. It gave a unique perspective on the events that took place. MGS was my favorite. That was just an experience unlike any other the first time I played it. I loved everything about it, except for the backtracking later on. I especially loved the unique boss encounters.
BQ4: In HL2 Episode 2, seeing Alyx get taken away... that made my heart stop. In MGS2 Emma's death by far.
BQ5: HL1... holy shit. When you spend so much freaking time under ground and then you come out to the surface for the first time, only to be forced BACK under due to the high volume of soldiers gunning you down? The combination of relief from being in the claustrophobic environments with the panic of being out of the frying pan and into the fryer? I haven't experienced anything quite like that in a game since then. There are way too many scenes in HL that I could name though. I can't even think of one particular area of MGS except maybe the scene where you happen upon Grey Fox's freaking crime scene. That made me nearly wet myself.
BQ6: I would have made Gordon talk. Once again, I know this is blasphemy, but I just hate the feeling I get when playing as him. It's like I'm an observer of everything happening, not a participant. In MGS, I'd have taken a cue from HL and allowed more of the story to happen while actually playing the game, instead of pausing every 15 minutes for a cutscene.
Wow! I'm exhausted now.
Ha ha ha! Do I even have to state my vote? Of course I do...
THE METAL GEAR SOLID SERIES!
Favorite game in the series is MGS4 and my fav game for Half-life, would be Half- Life 2: Episode 1
THE METAL GEAR SOLID SERIES!
Favorite game in the series is MGS4 and my fav game for Half-life, would be Half- Life 2: Episode 1
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT...
IS Portal INCLUDED IN HALF-LIFE CANON??
Technically it IS a Half-Life game, and that could sway a few votes.
IS Portal INCLUDED IN HALF-LIFE CANON??
Technically it IS a Half-Life game, and that could sway a few votes.
I hate you for making me choose (these are probably my favorite series of all time along with the games Team Ico has made) but I'll go with Metal Gear Solid.
Metal Gear SolidWhy, WHY would you make me vote against Half-Life?
BONUS!
1. NOTHING! MGS4 was meant to be the finale, I hope it stays so. Fantastic conclusion to the series, if not a bit too westernized for my tastes. Fucking Ryan Payton.
2. I like the narrative style of Half-Life better. Who doesn't? You play Metal Gear, you experience HL.
3. Screw you all: MGS. Hands down. Then MGS2, MGS4, and MGS3.
4. The final scene after the credits of MGS4. Manly tears.
5. The Shadow Moses re-visit in 4. Incredible, and handled with such love.
6. The removal of all supernatural aspects of the plot in 4 really bothered me. I also felt that there should have been more interaction between Meryl and Snake.
BONUS!
1. NOTHING! MGS4 was meant to be the finale, I hope it stays so. Fantastic conclusion to the series, if not a bit too westernized for my tastes. Fucking Ryan Payton.
2. I like the narrative style of Half-Life better. Who doesn't? You play Metal Gear, you experience HL.
3. Screw you all: MGS. Hands down. Then MGS2, MGS4, and MGS3.
4. The final scene after the credits of MGS4. Manly tears.
5. The Shadow Moses re-visit in 4. Incredible, and handled with such love.
6. The removal of all supernatural aspects of the plot in 4 really bothered me. I also felt that there should have been more interaction between Meryl and Snake.
This one's closer than last week's for me, but I'm still going to have to go with Half Life.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
Episode 3...maybe with the portal gun. Hopefully some new weapons and enemies too.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
The option to use stealth rather than being forced to blast your way through everything. Don't get me wrong, shooting everything is fun, but having the option and even being encouraged to use stealth is great too.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Half Life 2 Episode 2, and for Metal Gear, so far I've only played MGS1(GameCube version) and MGS4, but I liked MGS4 better.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
Half Life: The end of episode 2. Metal Gear: I've only played MGS 1 and MGS 4 so far, but I'll have to go with [Metal Gear Solid 4 spoiler] Probably the death of Naomi [end spoiler].
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
Half Life: Episode 2 in general, because it's environments are more open than the rest of the series, and the whole rush of getting to the launch site before the combine do. The final battle is incredible too. Metal Gear: South Africa in MGS4. The combination of fighting alongside the rebels, being a more action-oriented chapter, while still being able to use stealth...awesome. Again, epic ending.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Half Life: Try to come out with games and episodes quicker. Metal Gear Solid: As much as part of the draw to the series is the complex storyline, maybe it's a bit too complex. I would try to stick to the primary theme a bit more and drop at least some of the technical bits and minor characters.
BQ1. What are you hoping to see in the future from the series you voted for? Feel free to get very detailed and long-winded!
Episode 3...maybe with the portal gun. Hopefully some new weapons and enemies too.
BQ2. Name one thing you like better about the series you didn't pick.
The option to use stealth rather than being forced to blast your way through everything. Don't get me wrong, shooting everything is fun, but having the option and even being encouraged to use stealth is great too.
BQ3. What was your favorite game/episode in each series? Why?
Half Life 2 Episode 2, and for Metal Gear, so far I've only played MGS1(GameCube version) and MGS4, but I liked MGS4 better.
BQ4. What was the moment(s) in each series that emotionally affected you the most?
Half Life: The end of episode 2. Metal Gear: I've only played MGS 1 and MGS 4 so far, but I'll have to go with [Metal Gear Solid 4 spoiler] Probably the death of Naomi [end spoiler].
BQ5. What is your favorite level or environment in each series? Why?
Half Life: Episode 2 in general, because it's environments are more open than the rest of the series, and the whole rush of getting to the launch site before the combine do. The final battle is incredible too. Metal Gear: South Africa in MGS4. The combination of fighting alongside the rebels, being a more action-oriented chapter, while still being able to use stealth...awesome. Again, epic ending.
BQ6. Pretend you were the creator of each series. What are some things you would have done differently?
Half Life: Try to come out with games and episodes quicker. Metal Gear Solid: As much as part of the draw to the series is the complex storyline, maybe it's a bit too complex. I would try to stick to the primary theme a bit more and drop at least some of the technical bits and minor characters.
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