There's no shortage of video games these days, but what exactly separates the best from the rest? What is it about certain games, like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and The Last of Us, that makes them great versus good? As our technology continues to improve and we're able to evolve video games like never before, there are five key factors that have risen to the top when it comes to making excellent games. It all comes down to perfectly executing:
- Gameplay
- Narrative
- Controls
- Freshness
- Graphics
Of course, there should be special mentions for the soundtrack, customizability, and more, but at the end of the day, these are the five core qualities to focus on. Because if you want to make a high-quality game that can outlast time and everything else on the market, the only way to do that is by mastering these five traits. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done, and very few games are able to hit every note. But the ones that do? That's exactly why they belong in the hall of fame. Let's dive into each one!
Gameplay
What exactly does gameplay mean? While there's no definitive term to describe it, it's best summed up as the interactions between the player and the game itself; in a way, gameplay is about the entire experience as a whole.
Think of it as the mechanics in a game - do you find yourself frustrated because it's too challenging to complete? Or is it just the right level of difficulty that pushes you to your limits but still feels achievable? Developers put a lot of care and focus into developing the right gameplay that enhances a game's experience and makes players come back for more. Gameplay is incredibly crucial because everything that the player can control should feel smooth, engaging, and most importantly, enjoyable.
Narrative
Behind every great game lies an even better story that is the driving force of a lot of its success. The narrative of video games of so much more than just the plot, it has to do with many aspects, like:
- The dialogue
- The characters
- The setting
- The atmosphere
- And much more!
Without such a well-crafted narrative, you'll find little to no reason to want to play the game. Because this core factor is what makes you care about the characters, want to complete every single goal, and find out what happens at the end. Essentially, a good story is what makes a game so incredibly addictive; it's that desire to progress in the storyline so you can learn what happens next. It's the same idea as being unable to put down a really fantastic book!
Narrative also plays a huge role in immersing gamers into the fantastical world that's been created. Everything must work in tandem in order to make you feel like you've transported into a different reality. Can you imagine just how confused you'd be if you were playing a historical game with characters that spoke in slang? Or a cowboy game that took place in New York? Making sure the atmosphere and setting match with the character and dialogue takes careful research - take a close look at your favorite game's narrative next time to see just how much it improves your overall experience!
Controls
Nothing takes you out of a game more quickly than bad controls that leave you frustrated, confused, and ready to quit. Controls are so important because they're largely how players interact and enjoy the game. When things feel smooth, intuitive, and essentially second nature, it enhances the experience because you're able to focus on other parts of the game versus what buttons to press and where your hands need to go.
This is all the more crucial in difficult games that require quick thinking and fast reflexes. If players have to take even a second to question which button does what, that could be the difference between beating the boss or level and failing miserably. All the best games in the world have seamless controls that are easily accessible to a wide range of different players. It's no mistake that these top tier favorites all share this commonality.
Freshness
With new games coming out every month, it can be hard to discover something that hasn't already been done before. But if you want to be with the best, you're going to have to do your best to find it! When there are already thousands of farming simulators like Stardew Valley, or tons of first-person shooters like Call of Duty, new games have to deal with the additional struggle of creating a fresh and new approach that doesn't feel tired or overdone.
Whether it's wowing players with new mechanics, unique narratives, or interesting worlds, there has to be some new "it" factor that'll draw in the crowds. You have to give people a reason to choose your game over established favorites, after all.
Graphics
When it comes to video games, looks do matter. The better the graphics, the more impressed your audience will be. Some of the greatest games of our generation have stunned players with their beautiful animations, like Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Forbidden West, and more. Sometimes, people will buy games purely for the aesthetic, not even considering gameplay, mechanics, or anything else! That's how powerful amazing graphics can be in drawing in customers.
Final Notes
When you think of all five of these key video game traits, do any of your favorites perform well in all the categories? Crafting the perfect video game is truly a blend of art meeting technology, all in an attempt to give players the best visual and hands-on experience. That's why the next time you play an amazing game, make sure you take a moment to really appreciate all the hard work and amazing craftsmanship that went into making it! It's truly a rarity.
