What do you think is the most important thing on a really good video game?

[XAdrianX]

There's always something that makes a game really REALLY good (on a personal perspective) I mean, of course, a GOOD game must be the combination of a lot of good things (characters, gameplay, story, art, voice acting etc.) but there's always ONE thing, be it unique and new or something that had been done before but slightly changed, that makes a game stand out.

My personal opinion, its the mix of relating to your character (be it fully customizable or not), the game's capability to be immersive and when the story makes you take a decision that somehow makes you have to think really thru before answering and making your choice, which ultimately make me feel even more related to my character since he does what I would do and last the sensation that, while still in the game, I am free to act to my will sandbox).

The games I personally think are really good are Fable 2 (with all its flaws) Fallout 3, Oblivion and GTA San Andrea's (because it reminds me of my home city)

So, I would like to know what do you think makes a good game a "really really good game" and if you could explain your answer and name the game you inspired your answer on.

P.S: If there are a lot of errors in this post please remember english isn't my original tongue.

 

[ThePirateMan]

GAME-play.

Pretty much it.

Story and characters are a very close second tho.

 

[Mikeyfell]

Mainly it's the writing
If the characters are well rounded and interesting I will more than likely love the game despite it's faults
see Dragon Age, or Mass Effect.
Jak 2 is right up there and Prince of Persia Sands of Time

 

[tjspeirs]

GAME-play.

Pretty much it.

Story and characters are a very close second tho.

I used to feel this way, but I've actually come to put gameplay and the story on the same level.

 

[Tofuuu]

Story > Gameplay

 

[jowo96]

It really depends upon the game. KOTOR was an amazing game but (in my opinion atleast) the gameplay kind of sucked. It was awkward, repetetive and the difference between winning and losing was too often down to luck but the story was interesting, the characters were deep and the world was fun to explore.

Now if you look at a game like Modern Warfare 2 the story is as good as absent and the most relatable thing about the characters is their beards but it is fast paced action with stunning graphics and constantly makes you feel like a BAD ASS.

There is no one way to do a game, the focus should and does shift according to what experience you are trying to deliver. And that will often mean sacrificing some aspects of gameplay for others

 

[Shady Dealer]

story and or atmosphere i cant realy decided at this point

 

[icyneesan]

Fun. Duuuuuuh.

 

[Benmonkey7]

Gameplay, then story. If I wanted just a good story I would get a book, I want gameplay for me to enjoy and a story to keep me interested.

 

[Geekosaurus]

Yeah, it has to be fun.

 

[The Real Sandman]

A good game has good gameplay, or a good story, or a good presentation, or it delivers an overall good experience.
(See Saints Row 2, Metro 2033, GTAIV, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Batman: AA)

A great game has great gameplay, and a great story, and a great presentation, and it delivers an overall great experience.
(See Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, Beyond Good and Evil, Half-Life 2, No More Heroes, Silen Hill 2

 

[Cowabungaa]

Immersion/atmosphere.

Immersion can be reached through whatever means, be it the gameplay (Bad Company 2's multi for example), an amazing setting (Mafia 2), an amazing story (Bioshock), smaller things like a certain graphical style that really fits well, brilliant music, or better yet, a combination of those or just all of them.

If a game through those means manages to really immerse me it becomes one of my favourite games.

 

[Terminate421]

Depends, if its something like dead space, I want story and immersion

If its Halo, I want a sweet story and multiplayer too.

 

[Physics Engine]

Art direction/style and gameplay.

Story is unimportant in many games as my own narrative usually clashes with the game's written one. Let's face it, some games require no story and are made worse by including one. Ask EA how the story parts worked for Need for Speed. Nobody needs a reason to drive cars fast. How about the story sequences in Sin and Punishment 2? Laughable! Still an awesome game, especially when you ignore (or better, skip) the story.

As long as I can control the actions of my (character, car, spaceship, whatever) well the frustration levels stay low and I can continue enjoying the game. If the art style is pleasing and easy on the eyes, then that makes the game easier to enjoy.

 

[Gigaguy64]

Fun.
It can look amazing, it can have the slickest gamplay ever, it can even be entirely written Satoshi Kon...but if its not fun then it doesn't matter.

 

[infinity_turtles]

I think a good story with average gameplay is better than the otherway around, but nothing can wreck a game like crappy controls. So yeah, controls are what I find most important.

 

[hurfdurp]

I prefer gameplay over story. If I want a good story, I read a book. It has to be fun to play for me.