How do you approach Video Games?

[Xen]

After reading the underrated and overrated game threads, I realized that people seem to approach games differently then I do, leading to different experiences.

For example, I approach games with almost no expectations. I find I am pretty good at judging which types of games I will like, so that might help. But after finding the game, I forget any reviews, previews, videos, demos I experienced. I sit down with the following ideas.

1. What is the game's expected length? For me, about 3/4 the time reviewers say.
2. What type of game is it? FPS, RPG, ect.
3. On which system did I get it? For instance, any multi-platform game I will play on PS3 if I can, and failing that I will use computer over 360.

Also, while I have a huge list of games that I've played and are probably similar in many fashions, I completely forget them for the purpose of this game. I bring carry-over skills to the table along with statistical data, but nothing from stories or the game-play feel. By doing this, most of the time games feel completely new to me. That is a great feeling. This is more difficult with sequels, but still works somewhat.

[HikariAngel]

I approach video games under the cover of night, silently stalking them until they are unaware of my presence...

Actually, if it's an RPG, I'll generally ask my local gamestop how good it is. There's one guy who quite literally has every RPG ever made both for Japan and the US, so I take his opinion heavily. After that, it's just the recommendations of others, what I think of the box art (I found an awesome game just because I liked the art), how interesting the title is, and other mostly superficial stuff.

The game's length has a little weight; if it's short, it better have a lot of replay value. If it's multi-platform, I'll take PS2 over Gamecube. (I don't have any of the new systems).

[Elijah_Morendale]

I'm a sucker for older games (NES, SNES). I'll check out the reader reviews on gamefaqs.com to see what everyone else thinks--I've been screwed out of five bucks many a time before.

I tend to stay away from modern RPGs. I miss the good old days where all I had to worry about was leveling up, and not a million pointless mechanics that "add depth" to the experience (FF8 draw system, FFXII, I'm looking at you). Hell, the alchemy system in Odin Sphere even ruined the experience for me.

And I care not about graphics. Not in the least bit. The gameplay has to be finely tuned for its genre (Chrono Trigger for RPGs, SMB3 for platformers, Perfect Dark for FPSs, King of Fighters for fighting games, those are a couple of my examples). Story depends on what game it is.

[Bloodrose]

I approach a game on the basis of feel. I'm predominantly a PC gamer, although I own more than a few consoles. FPS and RTS games are my favorite genres, but I'm willing to play anything if it offers an entertaining, immersive experience.

That gets me to where feel comes in. Any well thought-out game can have a great concept and a great story, but if it is poorly executed, or suffers from a horrible UI, then forget it. Games, as entertainment, are all about feeling like you are a part of what you are doing, and if I'm dragged out of the experience every 30 seconds by an annoying interface, the entertainment value suffers.

[Caden Law]

I'm a PC gamer mostly, but I'm still a sucker for a good console RPG, Adventure or Fighting game (like Tales of Symphonia, Zelda, or even pro-wrestling games). When I PC game, I mostly stick to FPS and RTS games (most recently Dawn of War; haven't found any recent FPS games that do anything for me), with the occasional flight simulator (pity nothing's come out to catch my attention there in...years).

On the whole, I usually take my time and try to be overprepared for most of the battles and quests a game throws at me. Plots only matter if they make a good bit of sense; slapstick loses me early on and then there are games which just don't have a good storyline at all (Lost Planet springs to mind first and foremost). I like to be surprised, but it rarely happens.

What matters most is the fun. Variety counts in this, along with a good user interface.

I'd say more, but Elijah pretty well summed it up for me D:

[Saxon]

Not much of an approach when I go about it. I find a game that interests me, I rent or buy it, then I play it. Not a lot of thought involved. ;)

[Reiko]

I used to be a PC gamer but I just can't afford it anymore. The makers of PC games have pretty much ended up not caring about who can run it. It's probably because there's really only two big companies running things and it's sad to see pC gaming in this state.

I mostly enjoy RPGs. I prefer ones with good sci fi or fantasy elements and like being able to interact with the plot. MMO's are no fun too me since they can't have a story that centers around a player like the solo RPGs can.