Boss Rush reviews a lot of games using a multitude of areas to judge them on such as plot, character, music, and more. You can check out some of our game reviews through our Reviews Page. However, which of these aspects is the most important component to making a video game good? 

Gameplay obviously is an important aspect to reviewing a game. The way that players interact and actually maneuver in the game is important to ensuring a good experience. A game with clunky mechanics isn’t enjoyable for anyone unless clunky mechanics are the premise of the game. There can’t really be a game if there isn’t any actually playing happening. Can there? 

I can already think of several games where the experience and ambience of the game itself much more carries the game and makes it a surreal adventure. Many games, particularly horror games, rely more on the way the environment and sound enhances the game rather than the actual gameplay. In fact, in some cases, the gameplay interferes with the overall haunting experience. 

Yet, what is ambience and music without a story? A story surely makes a great video game as well. Players can attach themselves to characters and feel emotions through the game as the story progresses. A great story can create a great game. 

But then, not all video games are enjoyable alone. In fact, many long-lasting games are multiplayer. Playing with other players makes the game enjoyable. A good time with some friends is always great. People all think and play differently which makes the multiplayer experience that much richer. 

For me personally, I think the most important thing in making a good video game is story. I think of the many text RPGs that I’ve played where there is very little ambience and even the gameplay feels rather repetitive, and yet I’m sucked into the game through the words written on the screen. A story leaves a lot of room for interpretation and empathy. Furthermore, a story does not only need to be told through words. The ambience and environment can reveal a story about the world the video game takes place in. The rise and fall of music can demonstrate the way a story rises and falls as players struggle through and conquer challenges. The stories I find in video games make me enjoy them that much more.

What do you think is the most important component to making a good video game? Is it the way the game makes you play it? Is it the story it tries to tell? Is it the environment and world that sucks you into it? Share your thoughts in the comment below or in our Boss Rush Discord! 

Featured Image: Markus Winkler

The Boss Rush Podcast: The Flagship Podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network

The Boss Rush Podcast – The Boss Rush Podcast is the flagship podcast of Boss Rush Media and the Boss Rush Network. Each week, Corey, Stephanie, LeRon, and their friends from around the internet come together with other creators, developers, and industry veterans to talk about games they’ve been playing, discuss video game and entertainment based topics, and answer questions solicited on social media and the community Discord. 

New episodes of the Boss Rush Podcast release every Monday morning on YouTube and all major podcast applications like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Patreon supporters gain one week early access. 

Listen on your favorite podcast application or watch on YouTube!
Anchor | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google | Twitch | Overcast | Pocket Casts | Stitcher | Amazon Music

Follow The Boss Rush Podcast on Social Media:
Twitter | Discord | Instagram | Twitch | YouTube | Facebook Group | Facebook