What makes a game great?

[Orwellian37]

I don't mean obvious things like story or gameplay. What are some individual things that make a game cross the threshold from being good to something amazing?

 

[Marter]

Tying all the elements it possesses together in a way that makes it fun to play.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

For me, it's replayability. May it be multiplayer, the fun gameplay, or the interesting story that you have to play through several times to understand.

 

[Gigaguy64]

They way it blends the Story and Game play together with Characters and music to create a experience, not just a game.
It has to get me involved with the it and let me have a great time while im playing.

That is when a game is great IMO.

 

[Flying-Emu]

Explosions and titties.

 

[Guy32]

For me, it's replayability. May it be multiplayer, the fun gameplay, or the interesting story that you have to play through several times to understand.

Seconded, with the exception of puzzle games. When the game lasts minutes re-playability is a requirement.

 

[Vrex360]

An immersive atmosphere, fun and redwarding gameplay, the ability to play with friends without it being a requirement to play the game, a good story and good characters.
Plus of course the ability to endlessly replay it.

 

[The Rascal King]

Being able to have sex with aliens seems to work.