What is unique about games? Their inherent interactivity, right? So why should we sit passively through a cut-scene when as the hero we have the opportunity to discover the story ourselves? Eddie Inzauto at Gamernode argues that this is one of the compelling features of Bioshock, the Xbox360 title making mega waves in gamer circles.
Since there is no traditional narrative in Bioshock, the backstory must be disclosed via other means. The way that players explore the game world to discover its history acts as a powerful tool for immersing them in the experience. Rather than explicitly explaining what has happened, who did what, etc., the story is pieced together slowly from the bits of information scattered throughout the city of Rapture.
This information comes in the form of random signage found posted on walls, short audio and video clips, and of course the aftermath of all manner of structural and biological destruction. Everything players see in the underwater city augments the story formulated within their own minds. The imagination is a magnificent thing when prodded in the right direction.
Compelling. Is there a lesson in there for traditional entertainment media makers? Perhaps to give their audiences more credit?
