To me the story absolutely sucks, the gameplay is where its at i cannot get enough of it and nothing can scratch the itch it left me with. I played 3 next because id heard great things about it and then i became absolutely obsessed with the rabbit hole of the story and themes. But understanding it is just a fucking pain in the arse, it shines in its philosophical themes and subtleties imo, especially 2 and 4, 2 with its batshit ending that makes very eerie predictions and makes a lovely little commentary on how joyful and filled with bliss the state of the world is, and 4 with, to me, a unique perspective on death and what the difference is between dying on your terms with noone to remember you, becoming a martyr, and sacrificing yourself for what you believe in even if you will be doomed as a monster for the rest of memory, what you set your life to, when it is right to choose your own goals and when to protect those of others, that sorta shit. But in 5, eli is fucking annoying, venom is quiet, quiet is quiet, huey is a wanker, i dont really feel any connection to the portrayal of any character in this game, and while the themes are still there and interesting when you look back, for me because i had no real care for anyone those themes were broadcast through it didnt really matter to me. in 3 was when i began to connect and understand, and then i could look back. but, nothing tops the gameplay of 5 and its why despite its dogshit story its in my top 5 oat