What makes a video game great?: Gameplay

I've decided to begin a series called "What makes a video game great?" All video games have aspects, such as sound and plot, that are evaluated in reviews. Players expect certain standards of quality in these areas. Each post in this series will focus on one of those categories, beginning with today's topic: gameplay.

What is gameplay? It encompasses the game's controls and how elements like puzzles, obstacles, strategy and other challenges are implemented. Perhaps no other genre benefits from solid gameplay more than the ever-popular platformer. Thus, I will call upon my recent experience with Super Mario Galaxy 2, as it is a near-perfect example of superior gameplay.

The controls in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are simple to learn and fun to execute, the first sign of great gameplay. No one wants to spend an hour just learning which button does what, and when buttons can or cannot be used. Three simple mechanics can get you through the bulk of Super Mario Galaxy 2: moving Mario with the analogue stick, jumping with the "A" button, and shaking the Wii remote for a spin attack. Moves like back flips, wall jumps, and long jumps open up the entirety of the game, and are a joy to master.

But I've spent too much space discussing controls. The way these controls are used to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles is gameplay in action and is much more important than the controls themselves. This is where incredible feats of creativity take place. Super Mario Galaxy 2 excels in this arena. Even after 25 years of Super Mario, the creators are still able to find new and unique ways for players to execute old and familiar moves. The concept of varying gravity fields alone yielded numerous gameplay wonders in both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2.

So there you have it. What other games do you think deserve honorable mentions for gameplay genius?