Game Design (Deconstruction, Rebuild and Analysis)

Writing this in the planning stage for my upcoming game: Catch My Drift. 
Day 1/9 Development

In reflecting about ideas for this game, I find myself thinking about the aesthetics. But I did not think about how fun it is, or how to make it fun? That is a mistake. I think a bad looking fun game can be successful, but is there a point in making a good-looking bad game?

In its essence, what makes arcade racers fun? What makes JRPGs fun?

Deconstruction (Fun in arcade racers)
I think the fun part of racing games is not limited to racing. It is also customisation. This is because customisation offers freedom. For example, the player is trying out different builds or making their ride look like something they would want to drive. Customisation has to be a big part of the game for it to be fun (extensive customisation: i.e camber, springs, body kit, downforce, paint, vinyls, rims, spoilers). Perhaps offer the player a chance to customise their car before the game even starts.

The player will think: this car is mine and I worked hart to perfect it. Perhaps we can always showcase the car in the main menu. 

Deconstruction (Fun in RPG games)
In my opinion, it is fun to learn more about this world because it is interesting. It is something different from my world. The stakes are real or there is a mystery, so I need to know more. Also, it is fun because I can do whatever I want. Forza implements this to some extent. You can go to different places and do what you like. There is also freedom in building relationships with who you desire (or a party), and going for different character builds. 

The ultimate solution to freedom in a racing game RPG: the smartphone. 
Choose who to respond to and where to go. Choose who to contact. 

Messages: 
"Hey, wanna film a tiktok" - Deepen relationship with Social media star and earn street cred (Point based event)
"Hey, get me a part from this garage. Closes soon." - Unlocks new parts (Time-trial)
"Race against the other crew at midnight, don't be late" - Earns street cred and money (Race)

The girls should have photos with their car or silly photos on the messaging  app lol.

In summary, what makes both racing gamers and RPGs fun is freedom. A fun game gives the player many options. The solutions I have come up with are to implement a garage with extensive customisation and a smartphone. In the rebuild phase, these 2 mechanics will be built. They will be analysed in a separate post with an Analysis.