Pushing You Over The Edge

[ThePerfectionist]

If you're like me, you're a cheap bastard that doesn't like spending 60 bucks on everything that catches his fancy. This is why I usually spend time at the rental store first (though admittedly lately I've been just picking up games I already knew I'd want, like ME2).

Here's the question, right up front: What (non-central) aspects of games will sell you on them and make you want to buy rather than just rent?

For me, re-playability is a big thing. I still own every console I've ever owned and on some nights I'll dig out the N64 or the PSX and have myself a good time. The reason I'm selling my copy of Prince of Persia is not because the Prince is a dick or that Elika makes me want to stick my head in an oven (or the many other flaws the game has), it's that having played it once, I have no interest in doing so again (Compare this to the SoT series, which I have probably beaten nine times).

So, what sells you all? Bear in mind that when I say non-central aspect, I mean you can't tell me it's the story or the gameplay or the characters. What little something extra pushes you from "I enjoyed playing this" to "I need to own this"

 

[FinalDream]

Length of the single player campaign, anything 8 hours or below (using actual measurements of time not 'the developers say it should last 8-12 hours' when in reality it is only 4:30 hours long) is a rental. I don't care about multiplayer at all.

 

[Sephychu]

Amount of time I can spend enjoying the game is a big factor, but mainly I just have a look via demos or a mate who has it for good gameplay, storyline and just general fun.

 

[HT_Black]

The promise of Garrus' return was enough to make me fork over $60 for ME2, and the gas mask timer feature was enough to get me to buy Metro 2033.

 

[Ironic Pirate]

Destructible environments possibly, if all my friends have and they won't stop bitching about it.

And the two weirder ones.

Muzzle flash. The reason, and I mean THE reason (and the free maps) I bought BF:BC2 new was the amazing muzzle flash. I'll still break out the AEK against a really shitty team because of how awesome that shit is.

This is weirder and more complicated, but if you can talk about the game, and not just the story. As in, talking about strategies, tips, etc. "Whenever I fight a _____ I use ____ spell and then finish them off with a .45 to the head." "Really? I'll run around them throwing matches till they ignite, then apply my claymore to their face." Gives me a nerdgasm.