Quality writing and storytelling: if a game's story is front and center, I'd rather have Grand Theft Auto V quality writing opposed to Assassin's Creed qualtiy writing. I want to be immersed in this awe-inspiring story, with excellent characters and chilling writing that makes you laugh or gives you goosebumps, whichever the situation calls for; whether it be told through numerous cutscenes (Metal Gear Solid series (especially 4), The Walking Dead), its gameplay and/or environment (Portal 2, Bioshock, and Half-Life 2), or a pitch perfect balance between the two extremes (Uncharted 2 and 3, The Last of Us, every Grand Theft Auto after 2). If you're gonna tell a story, make damn sure I don't force myself to sit through it.
Extraordinary gameplay: gameplay, with mechanics and controls that are fun to play with. Now, that is not too much to ask, but you'd be surprised by just how many games fail at what is essentially their only task. Doesn't matter what genre it is, or whether it's linear or open, just as long as it is better than "it's not broken".
Polished presentation: doesn't need to be realistic, but it should be a pristine audiovisual experience, that sets out to and tackles whatever audio or art-style it represents with the utmost gungho. Tip to developers: you don't need millions of dollars to make an immersive, outstanding experience.
Length does not matter to me, because if the game is so good, I'll probably play it more than a few times (I replay Journey damn near every month; best $15 I've ever spent). I'd much rather have an incredible 15-hour experience (Uncharted 2) than a lethargic, repetitive 300-hour one (Skyrim).
Log in to comment