How do you feel about the inclusion of narrative commentary in games?

[killamch89]

How does commentary within game narratives influence your immersion and understanding of the story? Do you find that it enhances the experience by offering context, humor, or additional layers of meaning, or does it sometimes disrupt the flow? Share examples of games where narrative commentary either enriched or detracted from your overall experience.

[Scorpion]

Commentary in games like "The Stanley Parable" enriches immersion by providing humor and depth, enhancing understanding of the narrative. However, in some titles, excessive commentary can disrupt flow. Balanced commentary, like in "Bastion," adds layers while maintaining an engaging experience.

[killamch89]

When narrative commentary is integrated organically, it can transform gameplay from mere entertainment to meaningful reflection. Spec Ops: The Line brilliantly subverts military shooter conventions by gradually revealing the horror of your actions, forcing players to confront the disconnect between typical shooter gameplay and the reality of violence. Its commentary works because it emerges from your own actions rather than being delivered through heavy-handed exposition.