What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

[Reincarnate]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

I've always been torn about plots.

While not a game, LOST was one of my favorite storylines for a long time. There were so many interesting mysteries -- and while I totally hate how it ultimately ended, there were some REALLY fun theories out there explaining how everything could work together (I still take my own "theory" as the "real ending" even though the final episode went a completely different direction). I also love the idea of unfolding something deep within a backstory that gives a huge insight into something about the present/future (for me, the first major revelation was the fact that Locke was confined to a wheelchair before the crash but somehow not after):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYfKHVdmjzQ

^I want stories to make me feel moments like these... emotional moments that are simultaneously huge plot drivers

Games like FF7 were also interesting for this reason -- jumping right into the action and then slowly learning more about character backstories and what that means for your immediate situation.

[xDrumRemixKidx]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

The plot and all around the chars, most games that draw people and myself is RPG,
World of Warcraft being a big one, very well, too...unrealish for me, no real life orcs for me.
I like Kingdom Hearts, my type.

[MrGiggles]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

I'm a real sucker for skinner boxes, to the point that I actively keep myself away from MMO's

I also enjoy depth in my games. Dwarf Fortress, Nethack, TF2, Bad Company 2, all games with lots of complexity.

There's other factors, of course, but I think those are the games I enjoy the most.

[Ultimate0]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

Medal of honor <3.

[TC_Halogen]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

Halogen: I've never been much of a replay-value guy unless it's concerning a multiplayer game (Super Smash Brothers: Melee is my favorite multiplayer game and I will *NEVER* get sick of playing that with others whenever the opportunity presents itself). I judge a game based on how I feel as I play through it the first time. I think it's hard for a game to captivate you one way on the first pass but then offer something different via a second pass. I mean, do most people *really* play NG+ modes?

Oh man, multiplayer games are a totally different thing though. A game can have a boring single player mode, but the moment you hook up that second controller to your system, all the fun starts there.

I will agree with you about repeating games, because it is true, if it gives you nothing the first time, what is it supposed to do for you the second time? Thinking about it that same way, if a game is really fun and holds your interest, you should be able to pick it up and play it again. Some games simply don't hold that kind of value, while others never seem to fail.

[Reincarnate]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

What do you think about storylines?

[Reincarnate]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

Ne?

[HoneyMelonCalibrator]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

This thread makes me want to start playing FF7 again and actually complete it.

[rushyrulz]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

I think I spent more time dicking around in Tomb Raider than actually doing what I was supposed to. I would climb to the top of a really high ledge/tower and dive off to either a. kill myself or b. dive into a pool of water way too shallow to survive, but do it anyway.

[TC_Halogen]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

What do you think about storylines?

Sorry to leave you hanging -- Kayla had a doctor's appointment, haha.

A storyline can make or break a game. I like it when a storyline invokes powerful emotions, but at the same time, being a bit over-dramatic in some sections can really take enjoyment away from me (FFX had very few moments like these, but they were there nonetheless). At the same time, a monotonous game is considerably worse than a game that is over-dramatic, because no matter how far a storyline goes in feelings, someone will always be touched by it. It's all dependent on the aspects of the game that I'm playing.

If I'm playing a hectic shooting game where the main character is a soldier who is being unfairly mistreated, I want to see anger and aggression; I want to see someone with no remorse for consequences, and I want to see someone who will make a devastating action within the snap of a finger. On the opposite side, if I'm playing a dramatic game where the main character finds out about someone who has been taken away from them, I want to see a character that fights for this person -- one who makes it clear that they'll devote their lives to save their loved one.

Storylines are a highly touchy subject, but to me, it has to invoke the emotions that the game is bringing. It may sound redundant, or even circular thinking from a logical perspective (storyline invoking emotions => emotions making the story), but it's only because figuring out the emotions that a storyline tries to invoke requires a person to look INTO the story and figure out why a protagonist (or antagonist) is bringing out a specific emotion.

That's just the connecting factor, though. I also take to storylines that are distorted and broken (like when a character doesn't know who they are) also, because it forces you to really think about why you're in a certain place, or how you ended up being there (just an example of one).

[leonid]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

For me:

- Amzin soundtrack
- Simple but decent graphics (e.g. graphics in Runman are horrible imo)
- Tight controls
- Varying difficulty
- Humor / Easter eggs
- Charismatic characters
- Replay value

[dAnceguy117]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

as of late, I've found myself playing more and more pick-up-and-play kinds of games. the best ones of this variety are equally playable for ten minutes or four hours. this quality is what I look for most in a game nowadays. (amzin soundtrack helps too.)

I have a couple of major preferences when it comes to storylines. silly stories tend to be most enjoyable for me, particularly ones with fourth-wall-breaking humor. I like it when games remember they're games and even occasionally remind the players. on the other hand, if we're going for something more serious, any story that avoids falling back on cliches works for me. a lot of plots from games don't do it for me just because they're too samey.

[Kibblre]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

Replayability is a HUGE factor for me. If the game is fun, I hate to just beat it and be done, or repeat the same things that I didn't like doing.

[HoneyMelonCalibrator]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

Games with a high replay value tend to fall more under the fun category where as games with a low replay value (for the most part) tend to fall more under the epic category; like a majority of the games listed in OP.

[Reincarnate]

Re: What, to you, makes a game epic/fun?

When I beat something as amazing as OOT, I don't necessarily feel the need to play it again, but that doesn't detract from its overall quality as a game (to me).

I might play it again much later if I am bored and feeling nostalgic, sure.