The proliferation of video games has changed how we entertain ourselves, whether that’s in small moments of downtime or unwinding across a weekend. There are countless single-player and multiplayer titles to consider, many now available at the touch of a button through game subscription services. But what makes a great game? While personal preference plays a part in deciding this, there are a few key attributes that consistently appear in titles that receive widespread acclaim, so here are four elements that can make for memorable gaming moments.
Story
While not essential to all gaming titles, many possess narratives that capture the imagination and drive hours of gametime before ending in a conclusion that leaves a profound impression on its player.
A compelling, well-written story can keep players coming back to complete the narrative as soon as possible. This includes becoming immersed and connected to the characters within that narrative, wanting to see a payoff to their journey.
That isn’t to say a narrative has to be complex to be good. Even simple stories can be effective if they create an emotional connection. Game design experts frequently include immersive world-building and how narrative elements integrate into gameplay as key elements of good games.
Gameplay
Great gameplay can enhance an already captivating story, or even be so engaging that it doesn’t require a story to be considered good. Some of the best games that have stood the test of time have straightforward gameplay loops, like Solitaire or Tetris. But then, when you combine a great story with satisfying gameplay, you can elevate the entire experience.
Responsive controls are necessary for any game, allowing players to time their movements just right. Controlling your chosen character without fear of lagging or moving in the wrong direction makes a big difference.
Additional gaming equipment has made gameplay more innovative than ever. For example, virtual reality headsets can make players feel as though they’ve been transported into the game itself and responsive controllers can rumble to mimic effects such as earthquakes and jumping. It’s these little touches that make such a big difference and ensure players want to return.
Difficulty
To some extent, difficulty is subjective. What one player will struggle with may be an absolute breeze for another. Some games strike the perfect balance to make themselves challenging yet rewarding, while others allow for more customised difficulty so you can strike your ideal sweet spot.
This plays into the concept of “flow”, keeping the challenge to a level that maintains concentration without being overwhelmed to the point of quitting. Should you want to keep things simple, a straightforward game such as Deal or No Deal free bingo is a suitable choice, alongside a variety of themed slot games.
In-game Chat
While potentially not an essential feature for a great game, in-game chat has the possibility to create incredibly memorable moments for players. This can improve the overall experience and enable social connections, such as allowing teams to coordinate their movements and decisions.
By including in-game chat, you get to chat with others in the UK or overhear funny moments through things such as proximity chat. Modern multiplayer games recognise that facilitating connection between players is as important as the core gameplay mechanics themselves.
In reality, understanding what makes a game stand out from the pack goes deeper than these four broad strokes, but within that complexity are simple truths. Games can just feel good to play and keep us coming back for more. Others have stories we wish we could replay for the first time. And it’s likely we all have our own favourites for personal reasons too.
