Poll: What is most important to you in a game?

[Onyx Oblivion]

Gameplay.

Specifically the combat system, usually. I lot all kinds, but I especially like having it reward efficiency. Like Bonus EXP/money for winning battles quickly or without taking damage, that sort of thing.

I'm also a sucker for LINEAR exploration.

Linear levels with audio logs and stuff. Bioshock, Dead Space, etc.

I also like driving fast with a good soundtrack. Nothing like blazing down the interstate in San Andreas to some Freebird.

 

[pat34us]

Gameplay.

A frustrating UI, shit controls, or a game riddled with bugs can ruin the best of games.

Good lord THIS! I have bought a ton of games that sounded/looked great but the controls were so bad I hated playing them. Monster Hunter 3 is a big offender.

I forgot bugs, all I need to say is New Vegas, I was so excited for that game and it was so buggy that it was unplayable.

 

[Recron]

Game play above all else for me.
if the story is good, great or even the greatest thing ever written but the game play is bad I'l just go find the cut scenes or a lets play

 

[GrimHeaper]

Gameplay can stand alone unlike the story and such which is why I believe it's the most important myself.
You can have none of the other things and good gameplay could still drive it.

 

[Liudeius]

To me, a game can get by with either great gameplay (so fun that I don't want to stop) or a great script (such a good story that I need to know more). With either alone I'll probably continue to play a game, but both together are what make the best games.

 

[GrimHeaper]

Depth, first and foremost. Then come the writing, aesthetics and finally the sound design. That's of course assuming every other aspect of it is at least passable. I don't like these sort of questions because it makes you think you're being asked what sole quality could a game ride on.

Many games only have one huge quality and they usually sell well.

 

[GrimHeaper]

Depth, first and foremost. Then come the writing, aesthetics and finally the sound design. That's of course assuming every other aspect of it is at least passable. I don't like these sort of questions because it makes you think you're being asked what sole quality could a game ride on.

Many games only have one huge quality and they usually sell well.

For instance?

I meant extreme examples, like Dwarf Fortress [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koZUS2h-Yzc]. Depth-wise, it seems an incredible game, but let's be honest, the gameplay, sound and visuals suck complete and utter ass.

I recall there being a game called Flower or something of another and many FPS games sell just for gameplay. The kind of people that only buy for online gameplay.
Or games that have very singular elements like phoenix wright or Professor layton.

 

[chaosfalling]

Script.

Games nowadays are too cliched and samey for my liking, so what really motivates me to complete them to their bitter end are their stories.

 

[DarkhoIlow]

Gameplay plays a huge role and story comes fast behind it.

But a balance of everything is best.

 

[OhSnap]

Characters. I guess this would fall into script/voice acting.

If the character is a complete twit and unlikable, I just can't force myself to keep playing. Probably why I haven't been able to get through most final fantasy games (that and they're just unnecessarily drawn out). If the person I'm supposed to be playing as gets nothing but cliché lines delivered in a voice that sounds like nails on chalkboard with the personality of a wet sponge, no matter how magnificent the gameplay is, I can't be bothered with the game.

Gameplay is of course important as well to me, but not as much of a make or break. I can usually tolerate bad camera angles and bad controls.