i don’t play games any more (at least, hardly), but these are the things i’ve learned about my preferences in games over the years, especially the ones that i played a LOT.
in rpg/rts games: early-game bugs that unlock any infinite resource. SOLVED skill trees or level systems that i can read then try different configurations. customizable bots are nice, too.
in rts/fps: solid, fully unlocked multiplayer with custom maps. lan gaming with no DRM so i can pitch a disc to my friends and we all install and play is great, but ubiquitous cracks are also fine. scriptable interfaces for combat tricks like the 4-shot glock in CS1.6 add an extra level of panache for me.
fighting games: solid controls, definable keys. also, combos that can be executed without timing: let me just input all the keys in the right order. also, please include a full-unlock cheatcode.
platformers/beatemups: let me run-and-gun. walljumps and double jumps are cool. if you want to throw in a few extra moves or let me build up to an ultimate, that’s cool, but i would like some control over which skills i pick up. having a co-op on these adds a lot of fun.
puzzle games: don’t make them. also, don’t put puzzles in any of the other game types. puzzles suck. fuck puzzles.
also, i don’t really give afuck about the story, even in the rpgs. i just wanna build out a character. if you can build up some interesting lore around MY quest to learn every skill/get all the equipment, that’s fine.