A reader has asked Google AI what makes the perfect video game, and the answer highlights four key qualities: great control, clear rules, no wasted time, and good style. The AI's top three examples of near-perfect games are Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Elden Ring.
Google's Surprising Top Three
The reader, writing under the name Dirtystopout, was surprised by the omission of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which is the highest-rated game of all time according to Metacritic, though that status has been debated recently.
When asked what makes the perfect video game, Google AI responded with four points: great control (the game reacts fast and feels good to play), clear rules (you always know what to do or how to learn), no wasted time (levels or worlds are fun to explore from start to end), and good style (the art, music, and sound fit the world).
Critiquing GTA 5 and Modern Game Design
The reader criticises GTA 5's controls, particularly driving and combat, which they describe as awful, though they acknowledge the game gets the other three qualities right. They also note that many modern games hide their rules, leaving players to figure things out, which can be done well (as in Breath of the Wild and Elden Ring) or poorly.
They lament the decline of game manuals, noting that few companies provide instructions on their websites, leaving players to watch YouTube guides, which they feel takes away some of the fun.
No Wasted Time and Good Style
Path Of Exile 2 is praised for its lack of wasted time, being filled with enemies and bosses, while Assassin's Creed's open worlds are criticised for becoming overwhelming with map icons and exhausting by the end.
On good style, the reader cites Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and WipEout as examples of games that get it right, noting that many games achieve this quality.
The reader concludes by inviting others to consider whether they agree with Google AI and whether Metacritic should be the authority on game quality.
