For gamers, the hardest part of the passion that burns inside your soul is keeping it in check. With so many titles on the market, you can think of an excuse to play every single one of them. In a perfect world, you would. In an imperfect world (sorry, folks), it’s a financial nightmare that leads to bankruptcy.

As the gaming industry grows and games become more ubiquitous, it’s more important than ever to choose titles wisely. Thankfully, the process doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are some fun yet surprising features you should consider before proceeding to the checkout.

Excellent Sound Quality

It’s tempting to assume that a video game is all about visual aesthetics. Players put so much emphasis on graphics and pixels that they often forget about the sound. Of course, it doesn’t register until later on when you wonder why the title didn’t live up to your high expectations. Once you factor it in, you realize that the noises make everything more realistic and vibrant. As a result, everything from the music to the sound effects lures you and makes the gameplay immersive. You should look for a high sound and music ranking when researching reviews.

Backward Compatibility

Previously, the controls were the most important components of video games. Without sharp and intuitive movements, players can’t interact or access the world as they would like. This remains the same, but there is a new stumbling block – compatibility. As next-gen consoles are released, their technology can make some titles unplayable. If these are your favorites, it’s frustrating to realize that you need to pay for it again or switch between consoles, which is a hassle. With gaming technology evolving at a rapid pace, backward compatibility should be a feature you always consider for the sake of the user experience.

Real-Life Elements

The best games imitate real life. Yes, it’s fun to push the boundaries of the map and do things you wouldn’t dream of doing in the real world. Still, it’s the small stuff that makes you happy, such as turning an online casino into a traditional one with the help of augmented and virtual reality. Grand Theft Auto is a prime example as the developers often used elements from real life to enhance the gameplay, from launching a casino to letting you go to the gym to exercise or get a haircut.

Online & In-Game Balance

There’s no doubt that the industry is trending towards online gaming. However, you can’t put all of your eggs into one basket, not when some games cost as much as $50. Online modes are cool because you can test yourself against global users, and there is player interaction. Still, there’s nothing like indulging in a campaign as the gameplay is a major reason for playing in the first place. For instance, people in the past have criticized the campaign length in Call of Duty for being too short. Not only do you want a decent length solo player mode, but you also need a balance between challenging and rewarding.

What do you look out for in a video game?