What makes a game great?

In some classes we tried to make a brief list of what makes a game great. I have my own ideas (which I briefly discussed in my contribution to Hobby Games: the 100 Best), and I intend to write a separate article about that, so I'll just list what we came up with in class in no particular order.

Innovation--it's good to be first

Story

Improving realism (e.g. destructible environments Red Faction) (bullet time) (scars) (camera movement) etc.

Really good gameplay (playability)

PvP, team play--something other than person vs. computer

Variety of modes of play (online, pvp, MMO)

Replayability

Customizable

Verisimilitude of the environment--when you’re there, it feels like you’re really there

Immersive

The music

Your character can grow and change (skills, attributes)

Non-linear gameplay

Good interface and tight game controls

Community