Welcome to Gaia! ::

It depends on what I want out of a certain genre, and what is promised of that specific game. It could be any number of things.

For example, when Bioshock came out, I was told the story was superb and the gameplay was lacking. I agree.

Counter-Strike is supposed to be a skill based FPS consisting of only multiplayer. And it is.

Or I'm playing a platformer, such as Super Meat Boy, I expect to be challenged. I expect to have to have good timing, to have good depth perception, or to be able to judge distance.

I guess you can say what makes a game good for me is the game executing what it set out to do originally.

A good story followed by good game play.

Attractive graphics (doesn't have to be the best, I just want to find it nice)
Fluid graphics (Beast Rider Golden Axe or water looks really nice to me, but it's frustrating to see how ugly her hair is and the graphics for her in gameplay are terribad)
I like a good story, but apparently I can find even a simply story to be really compelling.
Good voice acting, if it is preset.
Games that do not rely on DLC (I personally just don't like having to get DLC to make things attractive or more fun)
Games with good controls and camera view pleeeeaaaasssseee.

Enjoyable gameplay.

Amazing music is a nice plus too.