The Protagonist Problem

[Slacker Magician]

Games like this really piss me off:
"MC, should we kill this guy?"
Choices:
Yes
No
"All those points you made are right MC, I totally forgot all about those events! Let's kill him for all the reasons you provided with your ever so descriptive 'yes'."

Growlanser 2 is a good example of a combination game, Wein talks all the time, but you make the decisions.

[lordrand11]

I'm not really sure, I feel personally that it depends on the story and game direction. I enjoy the silent protagonist in Link (other than the occasional WAAAAHHHHH) because it fits the story really well. On the other hand I enjoy a fully fleshed out character like Mass Effect's Commander Shepard.

[JKDarkside]

I'm not really sure, I feel personally that it depends on the story and game direction. I enjoy the silent protagonist in Link (other than the occasional WAAAAHHHHH) because it fits the story really well.

No, Link does not fit. Do you know why? Because they try making him a character with his own relationships. So why does he never say a damn word? It's a real mood killer and makes absolutely no sense in the story or world of the game.

[Shareware]

I actually really like stories that have a detailed explanation of why the MC is silent, or at least have a reason for it.

One thing I love/hate about Zelda games is that Link is silent. I love the fact that he's silent, I hate the fact that everyone pretends that he isn't.

If there were some justification for his muteness, I would like that, and I would like other characters to acknowledge that he never says a single word, rather than have it to where they hear him talk, but we don't. Which is not to say I think he should ever speak. I think he is the best silent protagonist out there.

But you know what I would like? If they had the balls to give him ONE line in Skyward Sword. Hell, not just one line, one word.
Just have him tell someone his name. I think that would be kinda neat.

"Hey, kid, what's your name?"

"Link."

Boom. That's it. The only line any Link has ever said in any Zelda game.

[JKDarkside]

I actually really like stories that have a detailed explanation of why the MC is silent, or at least have a reason for it.

One thing I love/hate about Zelda games is that Link is silent. I love the fact that he's silent, I hate the fact that everyone pretends that he isn't.

I agree with this, it's another reason Chrono from Chrono Trigger annoys me.

That's why i brought up the other language idea, it would be a great way to keep him as a silent observer, someone along for the ride and gets mixed up in some big stuff, having to communicate with body language and basic actions (not sign language, more like expressions or stuff like a pat of the shoulder).

That's what I would like seeing in Skyward Sword. That way he's still communicating while never saying anything. It could actually make him way more interesting.

Hell, make him mute and write the script around that.

[Aeonhunter]

I feel that a silent protagonist works to make things less restrictive. Sometimes you just need the supporting characters to do the talking, and let the main character do the walking IE: opening a can of W.A. on some Dodongos and Navi telling you what you need to know. A better example would be: GTA 3. Sometimes emotional baggage limits a story's possibilities. Occasionally even gameplay. Personality in a character can give you someone to relate to, and someone to back-up on a personal level. Silent protagonist: for the game, protagonist with personality: for the player.