I like games that try to create an original setting, a world that really stands out among the crowd. Different games do this in different ways. Some have intricate storylines or clever scripts; some use distinct graphical or musical styles; some try to evoke a memorable atmosphere by paying careful attention to detail; some integrate engrossing gameplay with the storyline; and some manage to do all of the above. What they all have in common is the ability to draw the player in, to involve the player with whatever is going on. Gameplay does play a significant role in this process - bad gameplay can really detract from the experience, and good gameplay can enhance it - but I don't view it as the centrepiece. Generally, I would prefer a thoughtful, intelligently written game with fast-paced and uncomplicated gameplay to a game that has very elaborate gameplay but puts no thought into the world in which that gameplay takes place.

Put plainly, I like games that are fun. I view gameplay as pretty much the most important part of a game. In other words, if a game has excellent gameplay but a lacklustre story, I'll usually enjoy it far more than one with a great story but annoying gameplay. Of course, there are exceptions to this (there are exceptions to everything). My ideal game follows a fairly linear story while allowing for a reasonable amount of exploration. And I HATE being forced to level up.

I also like being wowed with good graphics, music, and performances (i.e. presentation); though it's certainly not the end-all and be-all, it eases the experience more than you'd expect. And note that there are plenty of SNES games whose presentation I consider superior to PS2 games - it's not just how high-quality things look, but how well it's pulled off.

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