Quite a thoughtful read. I agree with you. You can write a great narrative for a video game, but if the other elements are not decent enough or not matching the story one try to tell it could ruin the experience.
Also, I have Spec-Ops: The Line but haven't touched it yet, this post made me sure it's a must play. Great post!
Thanks for dropping by mate! Yea great narrative can definitely exist with all the right bits and pieces fall into place. Spec-Ops should definitely be something worth giving a crack!