Gameplay is a crucial aspect that can make or break a game all on its own. While graphics, for example, are of secondary importance to me, if the gameplay is terrible, I'm the type of gamer who will quickly abandon a game and never return to it. On the flip side, if a game's gameplay is captivating, I can easily sink hundreds of hours into it. For instance, I've personally spent over 2000 hours playing Destiny 2, despite being well aware of its significant flaws. However, one thing every Destiny 2 player can agree on is the exceptional moment-to-moment gameplay that Bungie has delivered. It's unfortunate that no other game has been able to replicate that experience, as healthy competition is always beneficial, particularly in the entertainment industry. But let's move on from Destiny.
Another example that comes to mind is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, as already mentioned in part 1. When you first play the game, it may seem extremely challenging and almost unfair at certain points. However, once you immerse yourself in the game and master its core mechanics, it becomes an absolute joy to play through. Many reviews describe Sekiro as flawless and perfect when it comes to combat, and while those are strong words to use, I believe Sekiro deserves such praise, at least in terms of its combat.
So, what makes a gameplay so captivating? It primarily varies based on the genre of the game. Shooter games typically excel in delivering fast-paced and action-packed gameplay, while RPGs and action games should prioritize a responsive and fluid experience. This is one of the main reasons why games like GTA or Red Dead Redemption, despite being great games, have received criticism for their gameplay. Ultimately, the key aspect is making the game feel rewarding. If a game achieves this, people will continue to play and stay engaged.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have games like the infamous Superman 64 or The Lord of the Rings: Gollum. While Gollum has numerous problems beyond just its gameplay, that aspect alone is enough to deter anyone from playing it. Superman on the other hand is a very old game yes, but almost nobody would ever argue that it was an unplayable mess at the time.
So, what makes gameplay unbearable? It's certainly frustrating if a game feels unresponsive, characters are clunky to control and the camera has a delay, or if the controller layout is poorly designed on consoles. However, the absolute worst aspect is inconsistent gameplay. A prime example of this is Gollum, where the character fails to grab onto ledges that are clearly within reach or doesn't interact with certain objects. Such issues alone are enough for me to give up on a game. While some of these problems may be due to bugs or glitches, there are far too many games that launch in such a state or lack the necessary attention from developers, leaving them unplayable even years later.
Anyway, let me know what you think and leave a comment
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