Top 10 Qualities of a Good Video Game

We all love sinking into our couches, headsets on, snacks within arm's reach, and controllers in our hands, ready to dive into virtual worlds where anything is possible. But what is it that hooks us? What takes a game from "just okay" to "I need to play this every day for the rest of my life"?

Each of us might have our own ideas about this, and that's perfectly fine. After all, one of the great things about the gaming world is its vast diversity, where there's something for every taste. Maybe you're into the cinematic, emotionally charged storytelling that leaves you gasping, or perhaps the adrenaline rush of an online multiplayer match is your cup of tea.

For some of you, it might be the intricate puzzle-solving that keeps your mind sharp, while for others, the thrill of exploring lush, sprawling open worlds may be irresistible.

But while our tastes and preferences might be different, it seems there are a few common threads that most of us agree on. These are the qualities that, regardless of genre or platform, make a game unforgettable.

1. Good Gameplay

   Great controls, smooth movement and frame speed, fantastic level design, stunning graphics. These are all things I look for in a great game.

   People are going to disagree with me on this one, but I think Sonic Lost World definitely has all of these things. Yes, I actually like the controls in Sonic Lost World. Holding the run button isn't a big deal, and it really just feels like you are holding down a run button for Mario. Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario 3D World also have this. The list goes on.

   If the gameplay sucks, the game sucks. It doesn't matter if the story is awesome, if I can't have fun playing the game, then the game isn't good.

2. Originality

   I don't care about multiplayer. You always have that annoying kid on either team. Gameplay is indeed something, but nothing ever comes close to originality.

   For me, a good game needs to be something unique, exotic, and different from any other games. Sure, it might be severely underrated, but I've had enough of shooter games with the same plots over and over again.

   A good game can also be original by genre. You don't always need a multiplayer game to enjoy gaming. Sure, your friends can't play with you, but the point of any game is mostly based on its story, not playing together.

   Game developers need to experiment with other genres, like maybe horror. There aren't many spooky games after FNaF, or maybe something related to exercise?

   So please, if a game is different from your everyday games, appreciate it. It's one of a kind.

3. Good Multiplayer

   Example: Halo Reach - It wasn't Call of Duty. It had good maps and a lot of great game modes, the best being Grifball, Infection, and just regular Slayer.

   The best part was when, after killing an enemy, confetti would pop up and children would scream, "YAY!"

   Good multiplayer. Absolutely. You need a fantastic game with two to four players, and you've got yourself a pleasant experience.

   Super Mario 3D World, for instance.

   It's fun to have a multiplayer mode in a game.

4. A Long Story Mode that Lasts for Hours

   Spiderman on the PS4 is a 6 or 7-hour story game, but it took me at least a week (not in-game hours) because of other things I needed to do.

   Games like Skyrim will entertain you for hundreds of hours, and you're still not even close to being done.

   Yes, you want to have a great story with massive character development and interesting level design.

5. Responsive Controls

   Games are much more enjoyable and tolerable if the controls work well with them.

   This goes well with overall good gameplay.

6. Compelling Characters

7. Stunning Graphics

   This can be true. It doesn't necessarily affect anything (unless it's barf on the screen like Sonic Boom).

   Super Mario 64 DS is one of my favorite games of all time, and its graphics are outdated nowadays. FNaF Sister Location's graphics are somewhat lacking compared to FNaF 4, but it is still my favorite game in the franchise. Undertale is 8-bit, and it is such a good game.

   To me, graphics are a plus to the overall game. If the game itself is good, then the graphics are just a wonderful bonus.

8. Good Story

9. Good Use of Details

10. Made by a Good Video Game Developer

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Great Exploration

12. ?

    Beautiful Art

The Contenders

13. Good Soundtrack

14. Epic Boss Battles

15. Good Characters

16. Good Protagonist

17. Lots of Replay Value

18. It Works

19. Likeable Characters

20. Minimal Glitches

    A few glitches can make a game more fun or easier, but too many glitches in a game can ruin it.

    If about every 3 minutes it glitches, what's the point of playing?

21. Good Sound Design

22. Challenging

23. Good Camera Angles

24. No Blood and Gore

    The reason I added this is because there was intense violence, blood, and gore on the list.

    Like the item that said blood and gore makes a game good, it depends on the game itself.

25. Good Cinematics

26. No Repetitive Fight Scenes

27. Unique Humor