Name a game design philosophy/practice that you really like

I like how some developers make a real effort to get crap like health meters and what not off the screen or at least make all that "info" less conspicuous. It makes the game more immersive. Examples of this are Dead Space (the health meter being displayed on the main character's back was brilliant), GTAIV (putting the health meter around the mini-map and making it so that weapon/money information only appears when neccesary definitely helped reduce screen clutter). Prince of Persia, etc. I believe Ico and SoTC also do this.

Dead Space did the no hud system amazingly well. I love games where the HUD dissapears while not in combat, or games that try to intregrate all hud elements in game, (Metro 2033, Far Cry 2, Dead Space), even though I dislike Far Cry 2 with a passion. I also praise developers that try to be original with their control schemes (Killer7). If it ain't broke, don't fix it is a sort of double edged sword. Some games can be ruined if the dev tries to mix the gameplay up abit during a sequel (Final Fantasy), but it can also excel by using the "If it ain't broke, don't think it" mentality (God Of war 3).

Immersive and well constructed storylines with fantastic voice acting...hopefully with characters I can identify with.

Ghostbusters is another game like Deadspace where they tried to hide the hud in the Proton Pack.

So you mean, what HUDs we've liked right??

Aiming down the sights. One of the few things I still love about CoD. It feels so natural pulling the left trigger to aim in, and the right to fire that its uncanny. I want all shooters to utilize this (most do, I know)... in fact it feels weird when shooters don't to me.

"Don't hate the Playa, hate the game"

I like health meters on enemies because it helps me decide what to do better.

So you mean, what HUDs we've liked right??

GreenGoblin2099

No, not really. The HUD thing is just my response to my own question. You can talk about anything.

Actual role playing, wherein the sort of character you are playing as truly matters, player freedom is less of an illusion and more of a reality, and the choice and consequence stuff is deep, intelligent, and well thought out.

See also: Fallout and Arcanum.

Immersive and well constructed storylines with fantastic voice acting...hopefully with characters I can identify with.

Ghostbusters is another game like Deadspace where they tried to hide the hud in the Proton Pack.

SolidTy

Was Ghostbusters any good? I hear alot of mixed messages about it.

the emphasis on teamwork in bc 2 i like (online).i like playing a game and feeling like i am being useful even if i'm getting butchered left right and centre by pros

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Really shows the passion developers have when they do this.

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Zerocrossings

Really? I must have completely missed that. Is that in Echoes or Corruption?

I do not know if this counts, but I like being able to walk into wide and open enviroments. Mainly, "if you can see it, you can go there." Games like Crysis, Stalker, and Shadow of the Colossus. I like being in a huge world. I also tend to like destructible environments.

I appreciate games more when the game itself is not dependent on scripted action.

[QUOTE="Zerocrossings"]

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Dataleak

Really? I must have completely missed that. Is that in Echoes or Corruption?

First game. Im not sure about the rest, havent got to them yet as im playing the trilogy set on wii.

[QUOTE="Zerocrossings"]

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Dataleak

Really? I must have completely missed that. Is that in Echoes or Corruption?

It's in the first Metroid Prime. When you obtain the X-Ray visor, you can see Samus using her index finder to fire her weapon.

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Zerocrossings

Going one step further with the health meter idea. I am a huge fan of health not regenerating after standing around for a few seconds. Give me a few health packs and let me experience the fear and the panick of combat (or the simulated video game equivalent).

The when it's done philosophy, well that implies you are good at making games (see blizzard for where this philosophy works)

Going one step further with the health meter idea. I am a huge fan of health not regenerating after standing around for a few seconds. Give me a few health packs and let me experience the fear and the panick of combat (or the simulated video game equivalent).

Jojay3

I agree that regenerating health does sort of take away some of the tension in a game.

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Really shows the passion developers have when they do this.

[QUOTE="Zerocrossings"]

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Really shows the passion developers have when they do this.

funsohng

One of the reasons why i stopped playing. The trilogy set is such a big package, i need a break to play other games.

And that Valkria Chronicles thing, it sure is. I also like the Character Biography and Criminal Audio Records you find in Batman AA

this reminds me, i have Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime Trilogy, which i havent even started yet after getting it on day 1 i heard they are very long games, dont think im gonna have enough time anyways, i think all the background info on Squadmates and how likable they are in Valkyria Chronicles can be an example of that too?funsohng

Same here. I picked up Metroid Prime Trilogy on its release date and I am only eight or nine hours through the first game. I recommend that you give it a try though. It is pretty fun IF you get engrossed into the game, which is something that has always been difficult for me to do with the Metroid series.

Adding minor design details to the game that could have been left out. Example is how in Metroid Prime, you can see Samus's hands operating the gun when you equip X-ray vision.

Really shows the passion developers have when they do this.