What draws you to certain games?

[Kaiden]

Why do you choose the games you play? What qualities make a game really good for you? I assume a lot of people will have the same answers, but a friend and I had this conversation at a bar recently and I was surprised that we were really far apart. So I thought why not try a thread on it.

For me the number one thing is the "story," it keeps me playing for more than just passing idle time. I love getting really into worlds. I read a lot as well and a good story can keep me playing the worst designed game of all time. I have to know what happens.

Character Building is huge for me. Advancing and upgrading characters is such a great feeling of accomplishment. Sounds kind of nerdy typing it out like that, but I love building up characters to powerhouse bad ass's that crush everything. Though by the time you get to that stage the game is either over or gets boring very quickly.

My last big thing is Music, I find myself buying game soundtracks or singles off iTunes all the time. I love music and a great soundtrack to a game is just awesome.

Most other things I can work myself through. Some sort of competitive aspect will keep me playing a game I am bored with only because I love the competition so that can be an added bonus. Though with my qualities above most the games I pick out tend to be RPG's and don’t really have any competition built into them.

So to make it a discussion, what are the qualities you most enjoy in games? When you are waiting for "blank game" what are you most excited for about it?

[Dodie16]

Hmm.. I never really thought about what draws me to a game. I suppose first and foremost would be if it looks like it'd be a worthwhile experience. Games are meant to be fun, so that's number one for me. Mario games are never much for actual plot (RPGs aside), but holy hell, are they always delightfully enjoyable. :3

I suppose another thing that draws me to a game is the developer behind it. If they've had a pretty solid history of great games, then I'll pay attention to future releases too. I know that's kind of not fair to some new companies, or ones that aren't very big yet, but I have to watch the cash I spend... If I hear good word about some obscure game, then I'll at least check out more info to see if I'd like it. ^^

[Kurt Zisa]

A lot of what you guys have said is the same for me too. However I'm more likely to buy a game if I've played others in the same series. I guess it's just me being safe really. Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts games are generally good so if I see one for sale I'm more likely to go for that instead of, say, Dragon Quest. Although I haven't seen a (pre-owned) DQ game for sale in a while now which may be the actual reason but hey.

[markandrewkinzett]

Difficult question to answer generally it is very dependant on opinion so here is mine. Most people like certain genres such as RPG'S, First/Third Person Shooters, Beat em ups etc. As a rule I like RPG'S (a bit obvious I know!) first attraction was the first time I played FF7 and got into the first battle and my reply was WOW AWESOME! and my love for FF games started there. As for other games they are Res Evil Games (blood and gore is reason enough!), Doom (just a classic and dead hard on Ultra Violence great challenge), Tekken3-6 (need no explanation here), Metal Gear Solid (again no need for explanation) and finally Prince of Persia (again no need for explanation) and those are my particulars there are other odd title hera nd ther but as a rule I stick to the above games. The attraction I think is mainly 'The look' but if you have played a game and enjoyed it and they bring out a sequel you are then attracted by 'The Name' so it is very different for different people.