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All gamers have experienced playing a game they can’t put down, a game that seems to get everything right. When you’re in the middle of playing a great game, it’s often difficult to pinpoint exactly what separates it from titles that are okay or even good. You just know that this game has pulled you in like no other, and that’s all that really matters.
You might not realize that all great video games share a few common elements that separate them from the rest. When a game is truly head and shoulders above the rest, it creates a unique experience for the player, but it doesn’t deviate from a few core concepts. Keep reading to learn what makes a video game great.
Gameplay
Whether you’re playing a casual game like Candy Crush Saga or exploring an extensive open world in a game like Red Dead Redemption 2, there are few things more important than gameplay in separating good games from great games.
For example, the top online casinos have created experiences for gamers that replicate the brick-and-mortar casino experience, allowing them to play their favorite games without leaving the comfort of their homes. They offer players games that are user-friendly and easy to play.
While it’s possible to create a great game without an engaging storyline or the best music, if the gameplay is lackluster, it will flop no matter how good the other elements are. The runaway hit Flappy Bird from 2013 is one example of this phenomenon.
The game lacks a story and has basic music, yet it was engrossing, and players couldn’t get enough. It was a great casual game because it was easy to play and become immersed in the simple yet satisfying world. Gameplay is so important because, unlike other forms of entertainment, the player is in control.
If the player doesn’t have fun controlling the game, it won’t end up in the great category. Call of Duty, PUBG, and Fortnite are all successful because they got the gameplay right.
A Great Soundtrack
If you’ve played games in the Final Fantasy or the God of War franchises, you know how important the soundtrack is to a game. Creating video games that use music to engage players is one of the most important tasks of developers when designing video games.
A title that uses sound correctly sets the mood for the entire game; music signals where you’re at in a game. Many video game franchises use special music to let players know it’s time for a boss fight. Listening to the soundtrack can affect your emotions as you play the game, making it one of the essential elements in game design.
Storyline
While a storyline isn’t a make-or-break factor when determining a video game’s greatness, a solid plotline can enhance the gaming experience. A game with a compelling narrative provides gamers with an immersive experience and an escape from their routine. The story also helps players understand what’s happening around them and gives them a purpose.
