What do you think matters in a good videogame?

[Saiyuko]

Gameplay is an absolute must, so you don't get bored.Storyline is kind of important as well, and a good soundtrack.

[Overlord Darth Fluffles]

Every option is a HUGE factor for video games today. Graphics...ehh not so big, but to a lot they mean it all. I focus more on Storyline and gameplay.

[bakakame]

I'm going to sound cliche here and just out and say:

EVER ASPECT MATTERS!

I expect tight controls, shiny graphics, cohesive gameplay, and fitting sound. If one of those areas are lacking then guess what? It's not a good game.

[Tempest Wind]

I vote for none. They are all just as important as the other(well....not so much), in order to make a great game.

[nikoko-nozomu]

I'm not the biggest gamer, but I think that they're all important aspects of game play. How can a game be any good without them?

For me personally, though, the biggest issue is playability. If it takes me forever to figure out how to work the controls, I lose interest fast.

[Stryyder]

Here is my opinion, and it is not what I think everyone's opinion should be, just what my experiences are:

Gameplay - I'm guessing this a general category of the combined elements of story, cutscene, game controls and such, though "Gameplay" is kind of generic. Let's say this is how much the game gets you involved in what you are playing. 8/10 very important.
Playability(Controls) - 7/10 definitely important, but simplicity or complexity of controls can benefit certain games. Pokemon didn't have complex controls but still was a good game, but a fighting game requires precise button pushing and that fits those games. I think more that controls fitting the gameplay is important.
Storyline - 9/10 - While games with no overwhelming storyline can be fun (mario party, tetris etc.) when applicable a storyline is VERY important. My favorite example of this is the far underrated "Sly Cooper" trilogy on PS2. All 3 games blended beautifully together and brought together elements which were imaginative, engrossing and fun.
Graphics - 4/10 (situational). While each generation of video game consoles seem to stress the point of enhanced graphics, I am one of the proud who still hold that graphics CAN add to the enjoyment of a game, but do not GUARANTEE the enjoyment of a game.
Soundtrack - 6/10 (situational) - again, a soundtrack won't necessarily make or break a game, but it is an added bonus.
Characters - 7/10 - often character developement isn't used very well, such as in the much marvelled Halo series, though while he is not very well developed (outside of the novels) he is still a fun character watch and play as.
Replay Value - 8/10 - I've played plenty of games that I put down and say "that was fun" and then bring to gamestop the next day to try something else. But there are always those games that you come back to again and again (Smash Bros., Zelda, etc.) That's not to say that a one time game is bad, it's just a good time game that you can use to get a discount on your next endeavor.

[I<3ShellShock]

Heh, all of them matter to me except the soundtrack. The controls though, I don't want to hit ten things for one action. Graphics, I don't want to run through someone, or have it hurt my eyes.

[Divinity]

I'm a shallow gamer, so for me it's very simple: Good graphics.

I'm pretty sure I'd have never played Final Fantasy X if it didn't look like the best role playing game to play at the time. I can't imagine enjoying it as much if it were made in 2-D. Sure, almost everything listed in the poll is equally important to make a "great" game, but I'm a very visual person. Without the graphics, the game is lost.

Secondly, good music: Again using FFX as an example, the opening song was very catchy. That kind of thing motivates me to continue in the game, and helps me decide whether or not I want to go out and buy the official soundtrack.

Additionally, a good storyline. All I play are RPG's, and if there aren't any suprises... I lose interest very quickly.

[overwatch]

Additionally, a good storyline. All I play are RPG's, and if there aren't any suprises... I lose interest very quickly.

Then I shall try and convert thee from a shallow gamer - go out and get Baldurs Gate (PC) definatly one of the best stories ever written for a game ever!

Just to throw in my opinion; all the points are needed for a great game, but for me a truly well written and presented story can make up for the rest of the game, equally, a poor story in a game that is meant to be story driven can drive a game into the ground, or render it playable, but not addictive.

[zerog]

for me it's the replay value strictly because I like games that you can play over and over again without worrying about selling it back to game stop or something...

[konekotaku69]

if i were too grade a game
here would be my rubric

Detail
graphics= 6 points
soundtrack= 6 points

Game
Gameplay= 20 points
Playability= 20 points
Weaponry and Attacks= 8 points
Use Of Extras (Minigames, rewards...)= 10 points
Missions= 10 points
Diffficulty (too difficult too easy or just right)=5 points

Story, Characters and other people
Plot=15 points
Main Characters=15 points
Enemies=10 points
Minor Characters= 5 points
Ending=5 points

And well thats it ^^

[Light Buster]

Bioshock has all of that and here's why...

http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1579/BioShock.html

[.Lovebeat]

Everything you listed matters in the game but what I look for is a good story mostly, especially if it's a long game (like an RPG). It's not fun to play a long game that has a bad story imo. But for playing short games or just to play a game randomly, the story doesn't matter that much.