By Paul Honke

Video games, whether some people like it or not, have become a big part of our culture. For some it’s not just entertainment but their job (only if you get paid, not if you just play 24/7 in your basement). But people must wonder: what makes a video game good? Well, I am glad you asked because I will now explain the factors that make a video game enjoyable. Take note: I will not talk about the development of the game, but rather the factors you experience in the game.

I have divided the list into five categories: story, gameplay, animation, features, and characters.

The story mode in a video game is probably one of the most important parts in deciding if the game is good. Every game has a story mode built into it. The importance of a story mode is not only for the players to get into, but also to make sequels in order for the story to continue. A story mode’s goal is to hook the player into the game and keep the gamer playing it till the end. Plot twists are also components in most stories, such as getting betrayed by a friend, or unlocking a huge conspiracy within the game. Side missions are fun little missions that usually don’t contribute to the main story. These missions are there to either get you money or experience points. Sometimes the story is so good it makes up for boring or repetitive gameplay. For example, Assassins Creed (the first one) had repetitive and usually boring gameplay, but the story was so good I didn’t care. Usually the longer the game, the more chances for the story to develop; otherwise the game fizzles out.

The gameplay is also a very important factor in video games. The gameplay has to be fun to play and not too hard otherwise most players will get frustrated. A very important factor in gameplay is variety. Some missions in the story mode will have you do something else other that the usual gameplay. For example, one mission may have you drive a vehicle, and another mission might  have you do a stealth mission or variety in combat with special moves and different combos. Variety in a game is supposed to prevent the boredom of repetitive gameplay that plagues many games. Variety is usually a key component in long games. Repetitive game play is a big turn-off for most gamers. Variety in weapons, strategies, combat moves, travel are all examples of variety. In long games, variety is a necessity, otherwise repetitive game play will have to rely on the story and features to maintain gamer interest. I classify long games as 10+ hours.  Shorter games can get away with a little repetitive gameplay, but the game has to have a good story and be re-playable. Game play can be varied depending on whether it’s a stealth, combat, or a strategy game.

Now for animation.  Cole Lowary might disagree with me on this, but graphics do not make a good game. Is it important? Yes. Is it of lower importance? Yes. Just because a game has amazing graphics does not mean it is an amazing game. (Fable III has good graphics but is still a horrible game.) Graphics importance in a game is two things: presentation and animation. Presentation is basically just to look cool and somewhat realistic. Animation is more important since it involves how smooth the game is, whether in cut-scenes or during actual gameplay. In gameplay smooth animation will lead to a cool presentation of the game. Cut-scenes are just there to look cool.

And now for the features. Features are other modes you can do outside of story mode. This can be like an arcade mode, special missions, bonus costumes, gallery, and multiplayer. Usually short games are filled with special features that make it more exciting (How do you think COD has been around for so long?) Is this required? No. Does it add more excitement to the game and will it make you spend more hours playing the game? Yes. (Word of advice: Kane and Lynch Dog Days is only 4 hours and no multiplayer, so don’t buy it.)

Characters are always there in games, but the question is if their personality is good. It doesn’t matter if a character is strong because the player can make any character stronger, so we will stick to their personality. Personality in characters make you care about them and feel proud about playing as them. Boring characters just make you want them to die.

But the most important factor in an enjoyable game is the personal opinion of the gamer playing it.