So youtube randomly decided that I would enjoy watching videos of classic nintendo games (SNES, N64, etc.). They were right, of course. As I was watching them, I was thinking about what made those games fun, and why I felt like many of the games I have experienced today don't seem as fun. These are my thoughts:
Those classic games were skill games. Sure, most were single player, but the most enjoyable part about them was just playing them well. Not the story, the graphics, or any of that stuff, but the controls, the reflexes, the speed, and the excitement. Now, most of these aren't present in RPG games, but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be.
To take a classic example, Super Mario RPG took skill in traversing the map in order to find hidden items, avoid enemies, complete challenges, or play minigames. Even in battle, you got bonus damage and defense if your reflexes were good enough.
Now, for a non-RPG example, Kirby Superstar. That was a game you could play over and over and over and over, mastering new abilities each time. Making it through a level with a certain ability or killing a boss a special way was very satisfying.
After realizing this, I'm going to be making a conscious effort to try and make my games more 'skilled.' What do you guys think?