What makes a Good Game?

jerbl · 2004-10-04 08:46:34

What makes a good game? I think that it comes from several things. First that the games should be polished and simple. This has to do with overall feel and interaction, it should not be second-rate or have obviously unfinished parts. Second, it should have tangible characters and a involving story. Just like a book, the plot can make or break a game, or at least that the characters be tangible so that you feel like you really interact with them. Third, you must feel like you don't get everything the first time. This allows you to either keep playing 'ad infinitum' or to be able to start over and feel like you are picking up parts you missed or misunderstood. Fourth, the content must not be vulgar or offensive. I realize that this is pretty subjective, but for the most part, it is self-explanatory. Fifth, it must stand the test of time. Believe it or not, good games last, if it wasn't good, it didn't last. There are exceptions to the rule, exceptions being the true gems that people overlook because of under budget advertising and exposure. Those games are under served to the public because of limitations placed by the publishing company and the influence of that company obviously has an effect of who gets exposed and what reviews are made on it. Even those games though, generally are accepted as classics to the audience that they are exposed to, this isn't quite the status quo, but its sorta close

And now, for candidacy as the greatest (and most confusing but extremely interesting and involving) game of all time, I submit Final Fantasy 7. Any takers?

Talduras · 2004-10-04 10:49:24

For this I will piece apart several games that rank high on my list.

Dragon Warrior 4: Even though this series has never completely focused on story, the execution of those elements here was amazing. The game is separated into 5 chapters (the fifth is the longest). The first four chapters present you with characters that will eventually join the hero in the fifth chapter. Not only that, but it makes their reasons for joining you clear. Not only that, Chapter 2 introduces the name of the villian, Necrosaro, and also gives witness to one of the first cruel actions he does in the game (an entire population of a castle is removed by him... though, somehow the castle itself doesn't have a scratch. Creepy :shock: ). What's more interesting is that you run across a town that was built by him, yet all the residents are good folk. Supposedly, something happens to him that corrupts him into wanting to destroy all humans. In fact, twice throughout the game, someone he's very close to tried to pursuade him to put away his hatred toward humans. That didn't happen.

The main draw this series has for me is exploration. Once you get a boat, you can go practically anywhere. Plus, the locations are fun and memorable, and you get to loot dungeons (you actually have to find four pieces of armor in order to get to a certain location). Although I still think the most memorable part of this game is that you find a castle in the clouds that has a population of elves (the winged type, apparently) and is ruled by a dragon. Don't worry, he's nice. He actually asks you to hunt down Necrosaro. Kinda surprising he doesn't do it himself, though he does rescue your group after the last battle. The place was starting to crumble. O_o

Super Metroid: This is what a 2D action game is all about, and this is the best game in the entire series (haven't played Prime, though). It's simple, yet complex. There are tons of secrets, tons of items, cool areas to explore, and the progression in which you get most upgrades is perfect. Not too early, not to late. Not only that, but several things add to the atmosphere of the game. You will likely have some areas that you really enjoyed because of these elements. Plus, this game actually had some semblance of a story. Not much, mind you, but what's there you can still appreciate. Also, the difficulty here is perfect. It's not unfairly hard, yet it's not overly easy either. Just enough difficulty to get your heart racing.

That's about all I can think of. I will add that having a good cast of characters helps (mostly for RPGs). Characters are actually a big part of my focus as I continue to work on my story project.

lettuce · 2004-10-05 11:56:11

Hmmm.. the greatest game ever, let me think about that for a sec. STARWARS GALAXIES!!! Man that wasn't hard at all. I am a huge gamer and have tried out most of all the mass multiplayer games out there. This is by far the best game i have ever played and don't see it changing in the future, OH wait Jumping Into Lightspeed is coming out soon. Even though i love first person shooters, and look forward to playing counterstrike 2(if it ever comes out), i don't think it will ever beat SWG. Personally i feel there needs to be a first person shooter that is pay to play, that will stop all the cheating.

Talduras · 2004-10-05 12:13:31

Even though i love first person shooters, and look forward to playing counterstrike 2(if it ever comes out), i don't think it will ever beat SWG.

In a strange twist of cheapness and overspending, I may purchase a new video card if it has Half-Life 2 (which, of course, would have Counter-Strike Source with it). Of course, that means the video card would be in the range of $300 or $400. Hmm... I'll have to do some thinking, if that should happen.

carmen · 2004-10-07 13:47:19

funny boys, always thinking about what to buy next

jerbl · 2004-10-08 09:33:04

Carmen, you are probably right, maybe I ought to change that Lettuce, how did I know that SWG would be yours? You switched servers yet? I hear that you can now.

Talduras · 2004-10-08 09:36:47

funny boys, always thinking about what to buy next

Ha! You should see how many I've turned down. In fact, I dare say the only sure buy in my future is The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.

...and maybe Dragon Warrior 8, but somehow that remains to be seen.

jerbl · 2004-10-08 09:44:07

Seems to be an interesting game, just not on the radar for me In fact I don't have anything on the radar, I CAN'T, such is the life of a college student paying his own way.

Talduras · 2004-10-08 09:46:24

Seems to be an interesting game, just not on the radar for me In fact I don't have anything on the radar, I CAN'T, such is the life of a college student paying his own way.

Ah, you have learned the ways of the Frugal, my young apprentice. Soon, you will be the master.

...Whoa, I HAVE watched too much Star Wars. Oh well. *Chews on a lollypop shaped like a lightsaber*

carmen · 2004-10-11 09:46:01

Seems to be an interesting game, just not on the radar for me In fact I don't have anything on the radar, I CAN'T, such is the life of a college student paying his own way.

i can't help but thing that you are whining a little when you say it like that, be thankful that you CAN pay your own way in an out of state school, my part time job just barely pays tuition, my parents help me with my books :!: not everybody is even like that though, be thankful you don't have to play the loan mess :idea:

lettuce · 2004-10-12 16:56:59

Nah why would i switch servers? plus there is a fee to switch, like $15 i think. Oh have about counterstrike Talduras, if you buy half-life 2 which is already out i believe, you only get the beta to source. I also don't think that currently half-life2 requires that high of a video card, at least not a $400 one. Might be a nice thing to have when source comes out tho. radeon 9800 pro

doom3's recomended video card is the 9800 b/c there isn't currently a video card out there good enough for the game. Not saying i like this game, just a bit of useless knowledge, Doom3 stinks, it is way to dark to even play.

Talduras · 2004-10-13 00:35:19

Well, my current card isn't cutting it even for Dungeon Siege (runs Morrowind decently enough, with very rare exceptions here and there).

I think Half-Life 2 will eventually have the full Counter-Strike Source. From what I've heard, CSS is basically going to be Half-Life 2's multiplayer (to a point, I'm guessing). This is different from the original Half-Life and Counter-Strike because that was just a mod. No doubt they may be in beta for CSS when HL2 is released, but that's what updates are for. 8)

BTW, HL2 would only be justification for me to buy a super expensive video card. Considering how much I've avoided buying, it would be a first. Then again, this idea may very well go back into the list of stuff I've avoided, so the circle of life continues. =P

Jerbl.com Forums

#1 2004-10-04 08:46:34

What makes a Good Game?

#2 2004-10-04 10:49:24

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#3 2004-10-05 11:56:11

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#4 2004-10-05 12:13:31

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#5 2004-10-07 13:47:19

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#6 2004-10-08 09:33:04

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#7 2004-10-08 09:36:47

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#8 2004-10-08 09:44:07

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#9 2004-10-08 09:46:24

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#10 2004-10-11 09:46:01

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#11 2004-10-12 16:56:59

Re: What makes a Good Game?

#12 2004-10-13 00:35:19

Re: What makes a Good Game?

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