What Makes a Great Video Game

Everyone has their own opinions as to what makes a good or even great video game. Great graphics, good story, or the design as a whole are just a few of the things we think of when discussing the qualities of a great video game. Let’s take a more in depth look at the what makes a great game and you can decide for yourself what to look for the next time you are looking for a new adventure, um, game to purchase.

Story

When asked what makes a great video game, a common answer is story. Similar to reading a story within the pages of a book, playing a game with an exceptional story line will draw you in the world. There way of telling a story through an interactive setting. Once there, you encounter well written characters you begin to have an emotional connection too. This creates the need to continue playing the game to see how the story unfolds with the character (your) decisions throughout the adventure.

Design

Graphics and cinematic cut scenes are providing the visual that goes along with a great story. Of course your imagination is already decided for you; but getting a clear picture of the story being told through video game mechanics while deciding to explore, complete missions or collect items gives your brain more power to solve puzzles and navigate the environment during the game.

Whether realistic or cartoon based graphics that fit the gameplay and story, with it’s unique world, characters, and more create memories and experiences that last a lifetime that can be passed down throughout the years. Mario Brothers is a great example.

Game

When the word game comes into play, you think of the games themselves, but you also think of the game mechanics that you need to play that game. The controls it takes to play the game, the control of the character and the mix of element you encounter as you play.

Gameplay

The interactive way video games can immerse you into different settings, worlds, or even universes is amazing. They’ve definitely come a long way with video games from when they were first introduced to the public.

While in the process of playing a game you are given control over the character, choices, where to go and what to do at any given time throughout the game (if it’s an open world game). (Examples: Horizon Zero Dawn and Zelda Breath of the Wild) Others allow you to control the character and decide what to collect and what not too. (Examples: Crash Bandicoot and Ratchet and Clank)

Controls

The ease in which you are able to learn the controls of a game is fantastic while still providing more difficult challenges throughout the game. With the control you have for games, you are able to do so much more than you ever have before.

Variety

As with most stories there is a variety of genres for video games that allow you to find ones that might interest you. From strategy, action, adventure, role playing and more; there is plenty to choose from that will fit your personality and interests.

Extras

Goals/Accomplishments

All games provide goals you need to accomplish to get to the next step, providing a sense of victory as you progress through each level or area. Whether small or large, that sense of accomplishment is part of the reason why gamers continue with the completion of the game. You are also able to gain progress with side missions, exploration, and collectibles while staying focused on the main achievement within the game.

New and Old

Even with older games like Mario Brothers, the game makers have been able to keep their originality while still creating something that new that gains attention and nostalgic value to those that love the franchise. With these games as well as many more with the same nostalgic, yet new quality, gamers are glad to see something familiar in a whole new way. It’s a win-win.

Music

As with graphics and cinematic cut scenes, music and sound affects play a role in setting the mood providing to the game a sense of suspense, adventure, sorrow and more. It creates a deeper emotional connection to the characters and missions those characters are facing. If you heard the music of some of your favorite video games, you would recognize it right away, giving you the familiarity of the game.

Replay

If a game has all the above, you will enjoy playing them for years to come. Everyone has that one or two games they come back to because they love the characters, their journey through the game and more. Not to mention that some games now provide you with different endings and in-game rewards. The unique experiences we have while playing is something we will never forget.

Final Thoughts

No matter what you feel is the reason for a great game, your own personal experience is what brings out the value of that game. What you think of the game, whether you play it again and your connection to the characters; the world whether expansive or straight forward depends on your personal interests. What are some of your favorite games?

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