PixlBit

And I believe your belief that my points are valid is, er, valid.

If there was one game to pay full price for, it's this one, my friend.  Bioshock Infinite is brilliant storytelling.  When you finally do play it, make sure to take it slow and savor every last drop while it lasts.

Wow, thanks for the awesome comment.  I also love Half-Life 2--probably my favorite FPS before Infinite, in fact--but the game hasn't aged as well as expected due to what you're describing.  Gordon doesn't speak.  He's just a drone controlled by the player, and this robs the narrative of some much needed pathos and drama.

I also agree with your Portal assessment.  The first game was really more about GLaDOS and the mystery behind the entire facility, so providing Chell with a personality wasn't necessary.  It may have even been a hindrance.  In the more story-driven second game, however, I do believe providing her with a voice would have enhanced the proceedings further.

Anyway, good luck with your career in game design.  With your deep perspective on narrative-driven gameplay, I expect to see some great stuff from you someday!

Yeah, you got a point there.  Always preferred Lou Albano's voice, myself.

I love both Dead Space and Half-Life 2, but Gordon is a nonexistent phantom to me and nothing more.  Isaac comes off better in the first Dead Space, I think, because at least you can see him due to the third-person perspective.  Link (from Zelda) is the same way--he seems more "real" simply because of that visual connection you have with him.

As for voice acting, I think it's simply become standard for games these days, outside the indie scene, at least.  And in certain genres, like the FPS, they're practically required for any kind of storytelling.

Sorry, that last comment was mine, but I wasn't signed in!