I think what makes a game good is it's production crew. People who have a vision and want to convey it through a video game. They need a good director and writers just like if they were making a top selling movie. The best games are always created this way.

For example, the Final Fantasy series and it's interesting events leading to some convoluted story. Uncharted 2 as well and its crazy camera work making a movie-like game. Shadow of the Colossus with it's smurfing beautiful world. Kingdom Hearts for bringing classic disney movies to life. Final Fantasy 7, 8 or 9 and their interesting direction with their environment's art style. Also, Chrono Trigger with its interesting time travel storyline. These games all captivate the audience with their unique concepts and artistic perspective.

Games are like the next level of storytelling and the technology for it is only getting better.