Xbox 360
Having purchased a couple of Guinea Pigs the other week, I've realised that they're a lot like videogames: they're great fun to play with, both alone and with friends, and whilst they have a high intial startup cost, the benefits you'll receive from them are well worth the asking price. They also cost around the same, but, whereas my Guineas will bring happiness to my home for the next 4-8 years (here's hoping much longer), games don't quite seem to last that long.
Sure, some games are well capable of standing the test of time, with classics such as the original Super Mario and Sonic The Hedgehog series joining such an illustrious rank but, for the most part, the software you lay down 40 hard-earned notes for doesn't seem to garner more than a few month's playtime before being relegated to the bottom of the heap.
But what are the most important elements of a game that will keep you playing well after the main plotline has finished?
Whilst the main storyline of any game is important, the number and variety of things you can do outwith the main plot are equally as important. Bethesda Softworks, developer of the Elder Scrolls series and the mighty Fallout 3, has this type of explorative gameplay refined to a T. Whilst the emphasis of their games focus on the story driving the game, Bethesda allow players to proceed with the story precisely as they see fit. Fancy doing a bit of the main quest, then buffing up your character via the numerous and varied sidequests? Go for it. Want to take a break from people altogether, and wander the world, exploring whatever you happen to stumble upon? It's up to you. Or would you rather go on a violent rampage, murderising each and every single living being that comes across your path? Well, you can, if it so pleases you, but just make sure that that kind of behaviour stays within the game world.
By creating realms where you can explore everything, talk to anyone, and behave in any way you want, Bethesda creates not games, but universes, that once you're sucked in, you'll find it hard to get out, not that you'd want to. By giving the player a huge sense of freedom, they create gameworlds that players will happily sacrifice work, friendships and romances to, and that's what keeps them coming back for more.
But what if you fancy something with a bit of multiplayer? Well, there's plenty of games that fit the bill. If the multitude of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) available fail to float your boat, then games such as Bungie's Halo 3 should do the trick. Whilst it had an intriguing story, there wasn't really anything (apart from maybe achievements) that would entice you to the main story mode.
Bungie well made up for that, however, with the comprehensive multiplayer the game offers. Massive amounts of customisation, persistently populated servers and a developer that knows how integral the community is to their success lie at the heart of Halo's online success. As great as the team-based online modes were, however, the co-operative aspect of the game was admittedly a little shaky, falling prey to the premise of simply crowbarring in a greater number of players into the single player storyline. This lead to a usually frustrating experience, with one player inevitably soldiering on ahead, blasting all in their path on their lonesome, with three irritated, bored and fed up Elites dragging their grumbling heels behind them...
Valve, creators of some of the finest first person shooters ever made, including Counter-Strike, Portal and the seminal Half-Life series, have noticed this occurence, and have kept it in mind when developing their latest offering, Left 4 Dead. So named because of the four playable characters, Left 4 Dead sees you and up to three mates trying to survive a zombie apocalypse, travelling from one location to another, before engaging in a last-stand battle against wave after wave after wave of zombies before extraction arrives. Whilst single player can be fun, playing with bots rather than humans, the game is at its very best when you have a full squad of friends, barking orders at each other, and saving each others' asses. Think of it as 28 Days Later, but with a hell of a lot more firepower.
Each playthrough will be different, however, due to thee fact that the so-called 'A.I. Director' switches things up every time you play, meaning that zombies, weapons and ammo will appear at different places at different times. As a result, everytime you and your pals play, you'll have a different experience, leading to some very addictive gameplay, causing you and your friends to reminisce about your survival experiences for days afterwards.
But, most importantly, the integral part of any game that you can come back to, time and time again, is fun. Whilst developers seem to be ever more focused on better looking graphics, better looking games do not necessarily equate to greater enjoyment. If a game is fun, it will remain fun, no matter its technical specifications. What would you rather play: Tetris, or Barbie Horse Adventures: Wild Horse Rescue? Not every games company believes that the average consumer is a complete moron, and it's these companies that will create highly enjoyable and memorable games, meaning that you'll be more likely to find a game you'll love to play over and over again in the future.
If all else fails, you could always get some Guinea Pigs.
Incidentally, they don't have names yet, so any suggestions are welcome. They're both female, so, sadly, Bill and Ted are out.