Believe it or not Bayou Billy is kind of a huge inspiration. It was the first game(from my experience. i know there are a few before that i think tron did it too) that took different game styles and put them together under one theme. Giving a new experience every level. It keeps the game fresh and exciting.
My own game is designed based off this idea. You play an RPG but it has all of these other elements to keep you entertained. In my opinion I feel like giving players more options and different ways to play is very rewarding.
The problem is balancing these out simply because if you have a driving section, not everyone is good at drivers. But, on the NES nobody cared or lost interest simply because every weekend you would rent a video game(nobody bought games if you did you were one rich fkrrr) and you had the game the whole weekend. You pushed through it regardless, simply because you have nothing else.
Unfortunately, balance factor is crucial because gamers lose interest very quickly now. It’s not a weekend rental, but a couple clicks to download a new game if the other does not interest you.
Inspiration from game design mechanics for me personally, usually come in the form of NES games. The fact of the matter is, NES games has some pretty advanced titles and ideas.
There is plenty wrong with Bayou Billy. But it’s one of the few games where you can drop kick enemies to drop chicken, cruise in a jeep, use the nintendo gun to drop enemies, and of course punch birds in the face.
