The Gaming Experience

[Alexandros]

So seeing as how this is a gaming forum and all.

Multiple choices allowed.

Here's my view on it:

A) Graphics: Well, yes it must have good graphics to really capture me. No I don't need to make out every individual hair on Lara Croft's pretty little head but if it has a unique style of graphics that's good enough too.

B) Music: Not all that important but still adds to the overall package.

C) Gameplay: I have played games which, while they excel on all other points, are so impossible that they are only playable with an extensive walkthrough in front of me, and I assure you that is through no double-digit IQ of mine. So very important. I like a challenge but it has to be doable.

D) Storyline: Pretty important since it sets an overall mood to the game.

E) Camera/Controls: Damn important, I hate games that have **** default controls that require you to have ten double-jointed fingers on all three of your hands. Always end up remapping. And don't get me started on random angle/directional shifts in camera at all the wrong times.

F) Characters: Pretty important since you will be playing as them. The fine-looking Prince of Persia, for example......enough said.

Naturally this mostly refers to adventure games which is what I usually play, with some exceptions.

Discuss.

[Loop]

The smart answer is perhaps, all of the above. Nobody would play a game with everything there in spades, except in a text-based RPG. I doubt many people would play a game with no sound whatsoever.

It's quite the conundrum, to be sure.

I could site Disgaea as being the ultimate answer to gameplay over graphics, but it HAS graphics. Admittedly they're mere sprites, but pretty ones nonetheless.

[Sapphireruby]

Gameplay is the bottom line for me. That is what ultimately keeps me playing the game.

I did forget to check camera angle as that has a direct effect on the actual play. The graphics are all farily good on the newer games, but they too play a role in the ultimate experience.

The storyline is at the bottom of my list. If the game has captured my attention with basic playability and "challenges", character and storyline just kind of fade into the background.

[Talmon]

I hate to agree with a loon...

but gameplay FTW.

[Scarface]

I like games that are easy to pirate, arghh!

[Revolver-Ocelot]

I voted music and storyline.

There's gotta be a a half decent storyline or it's a waste of time completely.

[Nitrous]

I voted, Graphics, Gameplay and Camera/Controls.

Like saph said graphics in most of todays games always look good but if the physics engine behind it just aint up to scratch then it kinda lets the whole thing down as would the gameplay and controls. For example, the latest pirates game on the 360, looks great but its awful to play!

[Blondi]

Graphics, Gameplay and Storyline....gmv

[TendoDweeb]

I'd say growing up with a game you played more so when you were younger will instantly make the music great, very nostalgic if you will. DKC for example.

[Phatbowser]

To me, everything is important.
If one thing is lacking, it lessens the whole experience.

[Revolver-Ocelot]

Your screwed then because no game ever has it all.

[Loop]

BioShock is coming close.

[30111987]

Gameplay and Controls

the newer (3d) sonic games have been hampered by crap camera control

[Phatbowser]

Your screwed then because no game ever has it all.
Dude, nothing is ever perfect. Especially games. I haven't found a flawless one yet. SSBM was very close though.

[Scarface]

To me, everything is important.



Especially the use of small simple words.

[Moon Knight]

A game has to have a sense of style to draw me in. Blue Dragon apparently has great FMV but the gameplay is 15 years old, the story bites, and the characters are as shallow as rice cakes.

[Alexandros]

the characters are as shallow as rice cakes.
You and me, we need to talk about your use of similes, boy........

What do you mean by 'style' anyways, it sounds like it could mean anything. Be specific!

[Phatbowser]

Maybe some of you slackers need to make a game of your own and lets see if it is worth a penny.

[Loop]

Maybe some of you slackers need to make a game of your own and lets see if it is worth a penny.
If I did it'd be a damn sight better than Left Behind.

[nemesis01]

For me it always use, and always will be gameplay, people these days are obsessed with graphics, I agree better technology can add to the gameplay experience but for the most part it does not.

For example, Doom on the PS1. Still the finest FPS ever created imo, even better than the PC version i thought.

[Revolver-Ocelot]

Really? it's quiite dated though and not just graphically same as Wolfenstein all that bloody key finding constantly.

[nemesis01]

The thing I liked about it was that it didn't pretend to be anything else, a lot of games these days have so many different elements to them it's hard to classify what kinda genre they are.

Doom kept it simple.