As simple as it sounds, there is only one reason we buy video games. Not because it has cutting edge graphics, an in depth story or a new play mode, its because we want to enjoy ourselves. To have fun. Some enjoy playing with others, some do not.

Some games amaze us with is first trip through the world it creates. So many games are deemed great due to the first play through. There are games that provide you dozens of hours of material for you to experience for the first time (Oblivion, Fallout 3, GTA). They impress you with the span and breadth of what they provide. They rely on you, the player, to move along the story and you directly control your enjoyment of the game. Single player games set a stage and you are the star.

Other games rely on other people to make the game enjoyable and you directly influence the enjoyment for others. Skill, of both your opponents and yourself, has the greatest influence on your enjoyment of the game (World of Warcraft, Battlefield, MW2). When such games are developed, you are provided location, not circumstances, to have fun. Be it an MMO or a first person shooter, when a game is considered online, you play but a piece of a greater whole.

Very few games can have both a compelling online and offline experience. Most sacrifice one for the other. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, deemed by most as one of the greatest games if the year, has both an online and offline component. The online component boast an array of maps and play modes, unlockable abilities and weapons. The game provides you the circumstances to enjoy yourself for hours online. Its single player portion, however, is short. Most players of skill will be able to go through the game by themselves in a little under ten hours. It is provided to give you a taste of what can be available online. Single player is training for multiplayer.

Uncharted 2, also deemed by most as one of the greatest games of the year, has a very strong single player story. It's cinematic appearance and scripted events make you feel as if nothing can best you. You are the star and it's world, the stage. It's online half is less compelling. While it does not feel tacked on,it is still unnecessary to the game. Multiplayer is the after dinner mint for single player.

Games that completely exclude one or the other shows you the hight of video game greatness. World of Warcraft, easily the most profitable game in existence, is online only yet millions of people still play. Shadow of the Colossus, single player only, is always used in the continuing argument that games are art. Team Fortress 2 is still insanely popular despite its simple premise. Mass Effect (or Dragon Age: Origins if you prefer) shows compelling stories and worlds. There are exceptions of course, and mostly RTS'.

The point of all this is that game do not have to master, or even contain, both aspects of gaming to be great. I would even go so far as to say that some of the greatest games from previous years do not. Developers need to decide on what they want the game to be, what they wish to include or exclude, may make a good game greater. Imagine Uncharted 2 with a longer story without multiplayer, or MW2 with more maps or abilities with no single player, would either be any worse for it?

P.S. Vote for me as Gamespotter of the year

P.P.S. Or vote for PixelHunter , Safad0 , masterpinky2000 , david_lck or Brianfox1 as they are all awesome.

P.P.P.S. Seriously though, vote for me