What's the most important element in a game?

[Supershroom]

For me it's quite important if a game gets boring after several completions or if it makes me want to play it over and over. Especially it's great if the game has challenges or highscores that I try to improve again and again. That's why I love Sonic Heroes so much.

[megamario126]

Let's see...well other than gameplay, of course the controls. They should feel too loose or too stiff.

Next is the replay value. There can be stuff to unlock (alt. costumes, sound test, etc.) and maybe even alternate routes (depending on the gameplay genre).

Then comes the graphics. They should be distinguished enough for me to see my own character, important items, enemies, etc.

After that, the audio. Sound effects that shouldn't be too obnoxious.

Music could be important, but not necessarily.

Story. This comes last for me. The story could be class the AAA++++ type, but if the gameplay's not that great then I'm debating whether or not I should continue. Also, this is a video game, not a visual work nor a literary piece, so yeah, I feel that this aspect of a game comes last.

[Oranjui]

That last point depends on the game. Look at Journey for example. Gameplay is really minimal, but that's made up for with the story and music (evident from how ridiculously well it sold).

[Harmless]

Personally, I feel every character has a story to share, even if it's as simple as saving the princess from Bowser or fixing a Star Rod.

of course it depends on the game though, but in a lot of cases story can apply really well more than people think

[Amethyst409]

I think Gameplay is more important then other mechanics.
Everything is important in games, but Gameplay is important.

[*Emelia K. Fletcher]

I think Gameplay is more important then other mechanics.

Mechanics are part of gameplay, y'know

[Newgeneration]

Like mentioned already, it does depend on the genre because we can't just single out one and only one part as the most important thing in every game ever.

If you ask me though, I'd say that just like a painting, the real important part is the unity of the elements themselves, not one individual element. Of course, the gameplay is necessary, but if you focus more on that one thing and less on the others, it might hinder the game itself. You'd be better off with a game where all the parts of it are good, than to have something with amazing graphics and poor gameplay, or astounding gameplay and an awful story. Of course, there are exceptions, but it's still important.

Basically:

Everything is important in games,

[Rizumu Tenshi]

Like mentioned already, it does depend on the genre because we can't just single out one and only one part as the most important thing in every game ever.

If you ask me though, I'd say that just like a painting, the real important part is the unity of the elements themselves, not one individual element. Of course, the gameplay is necessary, but if you focus more on that one thing and less on the others, it might hinder the game itself. You'd be better off with a game where all the parts of it are good, than to have something with amazing graphics and poor gameplay, or astounding gameplay and an awful story. Of course, there are exceptions, but it's still important.

Basically:

Everything is important in games,

Now THAT'S A POINT! But that's just one of rare TRUE points sadly...

[Oranjui]

Who said anything's 'true' or not here? This thread is about opinions. :p


That said, I do agree with Newgen. Balance is definitely important, but it's not something you want too much of. If each element is in perfect equilibrium, nothing will really stand out. That's why people focus on eye-catching graphical styles, or neat gameplay gimmicks, or really powerful storylines/characters.

I still hold audio above all else, but that's just me.