Gameplay is a Vehicle

Gameplay is an important part of a video game. In fact, it's what makes a video game, well, a video game. Without it, we just have a movie. In most cases, the focus of a game is on its gameplay and mechanics. In others, it's a way to progress the story with elements of interactivity. Gameplay is the vehicle in how the medium moves along, while the game's layout and story is the track.

A while back I was playing Final Fantasy X in an effort to work through my backlog of video games. I can't say that I've picked up the game for a while. However, it got me thinking about the mechanics of the battle system, and how it differed from my other experiences with other Final Fantasy games. FF X uses a turn based battle system, that also changes with the actions that the player takes. For instance, a standard attack will keep the order of battle. However, if I decide to use an item, use an ability, or cast a healing spell, the order is changed. This allows me to strategize, and puts more weight on the decisions that I make in battle. Though, admittedly, I was playing Final Fantasy X for its story, as opposed to its gameplay. While the battle system is solid, it's nothing all to special. Granted, it's a majority of the game, but it's more of a means than a focal point. Final Fantasy games, and other RPGs, are primarily all about the story that they want to tell. However, gameplay is still important. Gameplay is the reason I haven't invested as much time into other Final Fantasy games. I find that the ATB system isn't functional, nor conducive to carrying the game. There's nothing wrong with a turn based battle system. Pokemon proves this with every game. Turn based is safe, and reliable. Like a mini van.

That being said, other games have an immense focus on their gameplay, such as fighters, platformers, shooters, and the like. These games spend a long time in development having their mechanics worked on. Having them be refined to the highest end. To make the controls tight and responsive. Super Meat Boy is a good example of this. In SMB, the player has full control over the character, yet is sent against nearly impossible obstacles. These boards are extremely difficult, but can be overcome with skill and patience. It's all possible within the confines of the games mechanics. Like a driver trying to shave off seconds to get a better time each lap, or to move up to the next position on his conquest for first place. Games that focus on their gameplay are like sports cars. Their fast, responsive, and extremely dangerous because you'll end up dying a lot. Though, when you've mastered it, you come off looking like a badass because you can swerve around corners and maintain control every inch of the way. Games with gameplay are its primary function are like a Lamborghini.

Some games don't necessarily have a set track. They allow the player to go anywhere, and do anything that they want to. These games can go off the beaten path, and go mudding, get dirty, and have fun doing whatever catches their fancy. Skyrim is one of those games. Skyrim allows players to go wherever, and do whatever they please. If they wish to become a master of the arcane arts, then they can do so. If a player wants to become a master of the sword, wearing heavy armor, and carrying a shield to plow through enemies because stealth is for the weak, then they can do so. If the player wants to be a deadly shadow that takes out his enemies from a distance, or slit throats, then they may do so. If the player wants to become a werewolf; and the list goes on. Other games like Just Cause 2, let the player go wherever they want, and blow up anything they want. These game can allow for total exploration, for both on and off road. These games are like a Hummer.

Some games try and do something different. Some games experiment. They've still got four wheels and an engine, but there's something... different about them. They don't obey what is traditionally considered a game, they do things differently because they understand that games can do more. The Walking Dead video game by Tell Tale Games tells an emotional story, with character, and heart. The game doesn't really have anything of a traditional game. There isn't much action, yet there's a lot of drama. There is gameplay to be sure, but not as we understand it. Games of earlier days were still experimenting with gameplay, and game design. The Dreamcast is home to many of these, including: Ecco The Dolphin, Crazy Taxi, Jet Grind Radio, Space Channel 5, and Shenmue are only a handful of games that broke the mold of what a game is. These kind of games take what we know as a game, and modify it to become something more, something different, something wonderful. These games are kind of like... well, this:

As important as gameplay is for a video game, it's really more of a vehicle. How much fun you have with that vehicle is how well it functions. Game play is absolutely crucial to a game, as it can make or break it. There have been several times that I haven't completed a game because of its broken gameplay, as everything hinges on it. That being said, it isn't everything. If Mass Effect didn't have the story, or universe that it did, it wouldn't be the same game. 

What are some games that you play for just the gameplay, or vice versa? Are there games out there that you couldn't care less how the gameplay and mechanics were so long as you got to experience the story? Let me know in the comments!