What Makes a Game an Instant Classic?
When it comes to what makes a PC game an instant classic, there are a lot of different factors that come into play. Generally speaking, an instant classic is a game that is fun and engaging, that stays in the minds of gamers for years to come. The game is talked about and discussed within the gaming community and often referred to as a benchmark within its genre.
So what makes a game an instant classic? One of the first things people usually mention is the quality of the story being told, as this can really add to the overall experience of the game. Great storytelling can really make a game stand out and separate it from other titles within its genre. This often includes immersive sound and visuals, coupled with a storyline that is difficult to forget.
Along with an engaging story, the game should have a unique and interesting atmosphere. This includes things like the environment in which the game is set, and any characters that are part of the game, as well as the different mechanics in place. Everything should be intertwined with the narrative to help accomplish one cohesive experience.
Next, a game needs to have strong and varied gameplay elements, as this is what keeps gamers engaged and coming back for more. It’s important to note that different genres will have different needs when it comes to gameplay. A great example of this is RPGs, as they need to have a wide variety of quests to tackle and weapons/skills to learn. An open world adventure game can have a great variety of gameplay elements, including puzzles to solve and secrets to uncover, just to name a few.
Finally, a game should have great replayability, as this makes it worth playing multiple times. It’s great when a game has a wealth of options and allows the player to customize their experience. It could be something as simple as having multiple endings, or having various options to explore with each playthrough. No matter what, the idea should be that the making the same game slightly different each time. All of these things can help make any particular game an instant classic.
Five Upcoming PC Games with the Potential to be Instant Classics
So which games have the potential to become instant classics? As mentioned, it can be tough to pick out beforehand which game has the potential to become an instant classic. Even so, there are some games that seem to be pointing in the right direction, and stand a chance at becoming a classic. Here’s a look at five upcoming PC games that have the potential to be instant classics.
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is an upcoming open world action/adventure game developed by CD Projekt Red. It’s set in a futuristic world, and players take on the role of a mercenary attempting to make a name for themselves in the world. The game looks incredibly immersive, with a great atmosphere and a soundtrack that is sure to be memorable. The game also looks to have an outstanding story, which could help the game reach classic status in the future.
2. Gothic Remake
A game that is sure to garner a lot of attention is the Gothic Remake. Gothic was a popular PC RPG released back in 2001, so a remake of the game is sure to tantalize a lot of people. The game looks to bring back all the features that made the first game so great, as well as add new content and visuals. The game promises a great story and a unique atmosphere, two things that can help make a game an instant classic.
3. System Shock Remake
The System Shock franchise has been iconic in the gaming industry, and it looks to make a huge comeback with the Remake. The game is a sci-fi RPG, set in a horror-filled space station. The game looks to draw heavily from its original counterpart, while also updating everything and telling a new story. The game has a lot of interesting mechanics in place, such as the ability to upgrade certain weapons and tools, that can help make the game an instant classic.
4. Starfield
Starfield is an upcoming game from Bethesda, and it looks to be the first of its kind. It’s a sci-fi role-playing game, but more importantly it’s an open world game. Players can explore and discover new worlds, as well as take on a variety of quests. The game looks absolutely stunning and could hold its own against any other space exploration game out there. If the game can have an engaging story and varied gameplay, then it could be an instant classic.
5. Elden Ring
To finish off this list we have Elden Ring, an upcoming game from FromSoftware. It’s an action/adventure RPG, set in a fantasy world inspired by Nordic mythology. The game looks absolutely stunning, with incredibly detailed visuals and an eerie soundtrack. The game also looks to have an engaging story and varied gameplay, two key ingredients to making an instant classic.
Conclusion
When it comes to what games could become instant classics, there are a lot of contenders. The five games mentioned in this article are only a few of the possible games that could reach classic status. At the end of the day, a game has to have a great story, recognizable characters, interesting gameplay, and great replayability in order to stand the test of time. While the games mentioned are up and coming, it’s hard to say if they can truly become instant classics, as only time will tell.
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