Man you guys are dating yourselves. Commandore growing up to me was like what artifacts are to the inhabitants of this game.
I was always more of a strategy gamer, think Civilization or Hearts of Iron. I like numbers, min/maxing, etc. When I played a game that did have more a narrative story-like theme, it was generally JRPGs, which still had an element of strategy. I think for you guys growing up Adventure games were more popular, I could be mistaken.
Do think your GenX upbringing is the source of nihilistic themes and critique of a consumerist society in the game, or am I reading to much into it? The conversation with leader of the undead, the hut in the fog covered field.