I know exactly how you feel, and I agree. One of the big reasons I sold most of my video gaming devices (combined with a need for them to stop distracting me from schoolwork) was the deterioration of video game story and character devices. One of the better examples I can think of is Prince of Persia 1 versus Prince of Persia 2. The first game was great. Granted, the story had some rather trite elements, (an evil Vizier trying to do some giant evil) but the character interaction that developed between the Prince and whatever that woman's name was well-done. Then we get number two, which completely does away with anything resembling well-done character interaction or development. I blame marketing departments (ala Dilbert: The TV Show).