Science Forums 2

[Killean]

The first thing that grabs my attention about a game is the story. I don't even care if everything else is completly stupid (MIDI like music or none at all, single still-frame images or purely text based), just so long as their is a good story (comedy is good to see once in a while, gotta have the drama, got to have the sad moments with the good.). The next factor would be the graphics driving the game. 3D games with as few polygonal shaped characters and environments is looked down upon but 3D in any form is still wonderful. The visual effects on screen are also a major addition to any 3D/2D world. Next step down is the concept of the game. I love the good mind boggling puzzles and riddles they sometimes put into games that have a purpose being in there (such as the scene on Baldur's Gate 2 when the party visits the Asylum for the magicaly deviant. They are thrown into a huge maze which tests the sanity of a person by asking them riddles). Next down, customization controls such as character looks, build your own environment, these give the user a sense that they are in control of the game but the horrorfying truth is that it is still based off of control from the game. The second last feature that grabs me is the game physics and programming involved. I have always been amazed and the amount of detailed placed into any game engine, and the unique ways each development team will figure out one how to trigger and fullfill events. Last but not least is the music and sound effects. Although it is the last thing I consider, it does complete some of the most intense FPS, fighting, psycological horror and driving games. I have an added advantage in that I can hook all of my games (even for PC) up to a home theater system. Turn the volume up, up the subwoofer, turn down the lights, best way to get yourself in the 'zone'. A side bit to all games, the controls are realy never a problem unless the game is a sequel to one I had already played and got used to its controls. I know the new game has more features but just shift some of the none essential controls and keep the rest the same. I'm mainly speaking of one game in particular: GTA San Andreas. I miss the driving via use of the d-pad like in Vice City.