Well fun is something you enjoy doing almost at any time. Compulsive, well… it’s not necessarily fun, but it’s something you are compelled to do until the end, and it’s somewhat more of an obligation.

The best example would be a compulsive-obsessive disorder, which, in leymans terms is basically a need to be able to control the world around you doing seemingly unimportant tasks – at least for the outside viewer -, on a very meticulous and repetitive way, i.e. twisting the door knob 100 times just to make sure that it’s closed, or organize your vegetables in the fridge on specific patterns of colours and shapes.

But, just to give my closing argument, on a more standard outlook, the average worker is compelled to do his/hers job every single day because the income is needed. But they don’t necessarily enjoy their tasks… It’s just that… A necessity!

That’s way games are fun, they clean us from our daily routines

I like the analysis of Orbital et al, although I suspect there are other patterns to find in that set of games too.

@Stew: Thanks – ace game it was too.

-D

Q: Is Orbital fun, or is it an instrument of compulsive activity? est. approx. 19 Penns/sec.

On a more serious note: , I tend to find the games I like most have a high density of decisions per second and/or a moment of decision followed by a few moments of uncertainty-anticipation.

Orbital does both rather well: There is a constant decision making process as the ejector swings to-and-fro as to where you want to knock one out. Then the split second commitment to that decision. Then the aniticipation-uncertaintly as your shot does its thang. There’s practically zero time where your brain isn’t engaged. (I’m still rubbish at it though)

Other games that I think fit this system: Worms, Tetris, Peggle, Weird Worlds: Return To Infinite Space(less so, and in a very different way, but still).

I’d be interested to hear why other people think they like particular games. Always good to have awareness of different perspectives.