Gameplay...we talk about it all the time what do any of us actually know what it means. The first thing that pops into my head is the way a game plays, the intensity, speed and drama. Then again it could be many other things. It could simply be how a player gets to the next level, or just the interactions between the player and computer.
Many games will have similar gameplay styles such as first person shooters and racing games. They pretty much follow the same principle, get from here to here, shoot some dudes, go around in circles quicker than the others etc etc. However, there are some unique ones out there too. Portal for example was just a test to see if the design would actually work, and look at it now, a fantastic puzzle game, completely different to anything else on the shelf. The thing is, now that i have actually thought about what is gameplay, I'm not sure how to describe Portal's gameplay. I could just say that the gameplay is unique, but then that really isn't reviewing it is it?
The question, "Can it be designed into a game" is a yes. All the ideas put together, the sounds and graphics create the gameplay experience. The designers may not actually say, "right, the gameplay must be this this and this", it will just evolve from each area.
Is Gameplay important, it has to be, because in my mind, poor gameplay equals a poor quality game. But then again, who actually knows what gameplay is exactly, what I just said could be rubbish. Bah, back to stage 1.
Story and Character
Personally, I've never really been interested in the characters or the story of a game. I've always been interested in the environment the games are set in. However, characters and stories cannot simply be ignored, as without these, most games would be rather dull. Let's take Assassins Creed for example. The basic structure of the game is to simply go around stabbing dudes in charge of less important dudes. However, whenever you kill a dude, they tend to give you rather a lot of information, how they are related to the other characters, and what effect they have on the story. If you have the patience to sit and listen when you could be running and jumping over rooftops, you begin to realise that a lot of effort has been put into the characters personality and storyline. Personally, i tend to get rather bored, although I do sit through each cut scene in a game.
Some games and their characters have similarities with TV shows and films. There is generally a plot and a bunch of characters who you get to know after a while. You find out why there are in the situation they are in, there feelings for one another and their likes and dislikes. Games like this include the Final Fantasy series or oblivion. In these games, depending on how you behave, can alter the story and the characters behavior, resulting in a far more enjoyable experience.
Some games and their characters have similarities with TV shows and films. There is generally a plot and a bunch of characters who you get to know after a while. You find out why there are in the situation they are in, there feelings for one another and their likes and dislikes. Games like this include the Final Fantasy series or oblivion. In these games, depending on how you behave, can alter the story and the characters behavior, resulting in a far more enjoyable experience.
Aesthetics and Ergonomics with Consoles
When game console manufacturers started to design a new console, their main thought would be on the actual performance and power of the machine. However, recently, a lot of thought has gone into the looks of the machine too. Just take a look at some of the first consoles out there. Lets take the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it is practically a box with some buttons:
Most of the consoles from this era look like this such as the Atari 2600, the Brown Box and the Odyssey. Now on the other hand we now have consoles such as the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Comparing their designs to the ones above you can tell a lot more effort has been put in:
The PS3 looks very sleek and refined, with its reflective faces and chrome trim. I remember when I opened the box containing my PS3, I simply looked at it and went 'wow' and just sat there. The xbox 360 also has the sleek design with smooth edges, even though it is a box, it still looks good:
Now then, controllers are also an important part of a console. Looks are one thing, but how they handle is far more important. I have to say, I've only ever played on the PlayStation set and xbox's so I don't have any experience with the Nintendo set. I have been reading though that some buttons were difficult to reach on the Sega Megadrive and GameCube.
Both the PlayStation controllers and Xbox controller are very well design, for both comfort and usability.
Nintendo on the other hand, have created something new for this generation. The Wii consists of two controllers which are motion sensitive. Now i've played a few games on the Wii and i found it rather difficult with some games. For example, Farcry Vengeance was incredible difficult to handle, especially in close fire fights. As for Mario Kart, this was easier to control, but after a while, it started to make your hands hurt. The shape wasn't confortable and the buttons were too flat. This is Just my opinion though, others find it easy to use, others are unsure...
Storytelling in Games
It's always nice to have a story line included with a game, if done well it will make the experience far more enjoyable and interesting, whereas if done poorly, it could ruin the game.
The first series of games that pop into my head is the Metal Gear Solid set. Hideo Kojima is the brains behind the incredibly complex story which continues through the each sequel, one to four. One aspect which can throw people off course is the time line. Number one isn't the earliest one, number 3 is, and i don't have a clue about the others. Personally, I feel that the trouble with complex story lines generally involves having a rather long set of cutscenes at the start, which can get frustrating when you just want to play the damn game, *looks at oblivion*. The link below can give you a better understanding of what I'm trying to say.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/99-Metal-Gear-Solid-4
On the other hand, stories can make a game far more interesting. In my experience, Diablo 2 has always kept me interested. The story, in my opinion, is clear to follow, with interesting yet short, cut scenes. For the first time in my life, i am actually more interested about how the story will continue in Diablo 3, rather than the gameplay and new features.
Some games have tried to give the option of choice, where your actions affect the story, such as Bioshock and GTA IV. The advantage of this is it gives the game a slightly better replay value. Whether it's worth it or not is another question.
The first series of games that pop into my head is the Metal Gear Solid set. Hideo Kojima is the brains behind the incredibly complex story which continues through the each sequel, one to four. One aspect which can throw people off course is the time line. Number one isn't the earliest one, number 3 is, and i don't have a clue about the others. Personally, I feel that the trouble with complex story lines generally involves having a rather long set of cutscenes at the start, which can get frustrating when you just want to play the damn game, *looks at oblivion*. The link below can give you a better understanding of what I'm trying to say.
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/99-Metal-Gear-Solid-4
On the other hand, stories can make a game far more interesting. In my experience, Diablo 2 has always kept me interested. The story, in my opinion, is clear to follow, with interesting yet short, cut scenes. For the first time in my life, i am actually more interested about how the story will continue in Diablo 3, rather than the gameplay and new features.
Some games have tried to give the option of choice, where your actions affect the story, such as Bioshock and GTA IV. The advantage of this is it gives the game a slightly better replay value. Whether it's worth it or not is another question.
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