Why do you play videogames?

[Salsashark]

I think, for simplicity's sake, it is possible to narrow this down to two primary reasons, or kinds of games. There are "game" games, wherein the most important thing is to exercise your reflexes, get a high score, etc. Then there are story or atmosphere-driven games where the experience is more important than anything else.

I know that in reality these aren't mutually exclusive groups. For instance, aesthetics, music, artwork, atmosphere all can play a huge part in the appeal of "game" games. They are videogames after all. Likewise, we all know that story-centric games can fall flat without a compelling interface/gameplay.



Also, I realize that most people here-- myself included-- like both "types." But humor me, because I think in making this vague distinction we can maybe see which is more important to us in a game at this point in time.



Personally, I find that I tend to gravitate towards games with strong atmosphere. Art design, music, fluid controls.. those things are far more important to me than challenge or replay value. Ico is a good example because like someone just mentioned in another thread, if you strip it of its aesthetics it isn't nearly as remarkable, because its combat is horribly simple and its puzzles are totally effortless. But even though I acknowledge that it has flaws, I think it's the closest thing to a perfect game that exists right now because of everything else about it. Of course this could be argued.

Obviously as technology progresses we're seeing many more games that focus on storylines and graphics, but I don't think that's the natural progression necessarily. Just kind of interested to see what people here would say about this.

Also, I wasn't quite sure where sandbox games or Sim games would go here. I suppose something like GTA or even Tail of the Sun would be a "story" game and Sim City...well, I'm not really sure about that one. That game is banned from discussion!

[frostwolf ex]

lately story is a bit more important than gameplay. i still expect good gameplay, but i cna play a game tht play similarly to older games if the story and atmosphere blows me away(beyond good and evil for example), whereas reused storylines and lazy atmosphere can make a great game a chore to play regardless of how well it plays. so, id rather play an ok playing game with a steller story or great atmosphere, like silent hill or morrowind, than a game with great gameplay but no context.

[elfneedsfood]

I voted the poll is bogus because one week I may want to play something like NSMB or Sonic Rush, and the next I'll want to play something like Dreamfall or Indigo Prophecy. Both types of games can be great. It just depends on what kind of mood I'm in as to which kind of game I prefer at any given moment.

[TaekwondoNJ]

Without good gameplay you have nothing. DKJB and NSMB are two of the most enjoyable games I've played in years and they do it just off of shear gameplay. Although some games can really nail it with atmosphere. Shadow of the Colossus is probably THE best example in recent history I can think of that really nailed this. But the thing is, games can be amazing with shitty graphics, low quality music, and no plot, just on sheer gameplay alone. The same can't be said for the reverse.

[Josh]

I play games to have fun. I play whats good and avoid the shit.

[MarkRyan]

Only jackasses play games for story.

[Tommy Tallarico]

Only jackasses play games for story.

IBTN

[Salsashark]

Only jackasses play games for story.

Ha, actually I think you raise a good point. The fact that the best-told stories in games are probably the most minimal says a lot. Most dialog/acting/stories in games are terrible on their own, but I think the atmosphere around them can be pretty great. I would never watch a 50 hour movie with the writing and plot of Final Fantasy 7, but the game is still really absorbing (to some).

Anyway, all of the games you praise on your website have amazing art design and atmosphere.

[Andy]

Josh stole the correct answer.

Play what is fun to you. Who cares if your fun comes from a narrative, or from parrying some guy's hadoken.

[Salsashark]

Josh stole the correct answer.

Play what is fun to you. Who cares if your fun comes from a narrative, or from parrying some guy's hadoken.

Eh, I don't think one is better than the other either, but I think there's definitely a growing gap between the two. That is all.

Obviously you shoudn't play games that you don't enjoy...