Good single-player games come in various genres and host distinctive characters, objectives, and stories that immerse the player into the game. More specifically, a single-player game is often made great through the focused writing in characters and stories and appealing gameplay. A game should be immersive in these aspects and invite players to explore the world it provides.
Continue reading to learn what can make a good single-player game.
Characters
Video game characters should be dynamic and exciting, immersing players in the game’s story. For example, the Batman Arkham series reimagines Batman’s famous rogue’s gallery to be boss battles, interactable non-playable characters (NPCs), or side missions.
In Batman: Arkham City, players meet villains with their own plans and factions making The title feels like a Batman comic coming to life with Batman using his gadgets and stopping villains from further destruction. The dialogue between characters is crucial, allowing characters like the Joker to amplify their personalities.
Interactive World & Level Design
Single-player games include interactable maps and level designs that invite players to roam. However, if done poorly, the game could feel lifeless. Players should be encouraged to explore a game’s map or level design to discover collectibles, optional missions, and NPCs. Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 5 does this well by filling the fictional city of Los Santos with life-like NPCs.
Gamers can encounter NPCs driving through the city, having conversations, hiking a mountain, or flying a helicopter. Additionally, players can encounter ‘strangers’ scattered throughout the map that give out optional side missions to the player. Likewise, the Uncharted series provides unique level designs that prompt players to prepare for a battle or solve a puzzle.
The series mostly follows Nathan Drake, who seeks lost treasure in exotic and dangerous lands. Although the main series does not provide open-world maps, it does provide unique-level designs that match the action-adventure genre. The worlds and level designs should fit the overall story and keep the player engaged and excited to experience cinematic-like sequences.
Gameplay
Single-player games should provide unique gameplay features that allow players to create different playstyles. Gameplay is how players interact with the world, create fighting combos, sneak by enemies, or travel like in Marvel’s Spider-Man. Players are given various powers to use against enemies and creative travel methods with immersive swinging.
The game encourages players to think of new ways to travel, fight, or sneak against enemies. As players progress, they upgrade their suits and gadgets to counter bigger threats. Overall, gameplay should encourage players to create their play styles and have a steady progression system that accompanies it.
Conclusion
Good single-player games should have the player in mind and provide an engaging and immersive story. All aspects of a single player should be united to complement the immersion. Ultimately the game should encourage players to explore its story and world through immersive gameplay.
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