Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
only has to use the first control pad; the other one is disabled. After a period of time,
when the player is already familiar with the basic controls, the objective may become
a little harder. He is asked to start using the second control pad. To use such tac-
tics correctly, the plot of the game should express these stages in a creative manner.
If the player has only one button for a period of time, that should be the best one-
button-game experience ever!
Astronaut is Gone uses onscreen controls in a full manner. The normal layout is
made up of a virtual joystick to the left, which controls the AMU's directions on the
screen, and a throttle slider to the right, letting the player accelerate the unit or break
it. There is also a
FIRE
button near the slider. The plot helps to organize a step-
by-step learning of controls. It is intended that the computer system of the AMU is
broken, but it tries to repair itself on its own by making various self-tests, which is
not a fast procedure; so, systems of the Unit come back to life one by one. At the
very beginning, only the direction joystick is available; the throttle control is con-
sidered out of order. The AMU is moving forward slowly, and the speed cannot be
increased or decreased. The player learns how to maneuver in space, avoiding colli-
sions with rocks and space junk. There are also several objectives such as catching
some spare parts that are floating in space. The player needs them to fix the Unit.
Then, the computer system declares that the throttle is in order. The environment
around the protagonist becomes a little more hazardous; so, the player is forced to
use the main engine. One of the ideas is to show a space part that is running away
from the protagonist because he should increase the speed to catch it. Finally, after
a period of time, the
FIRE
button is activated. To present a new feature, the game
asks to shoot some rocks that block the way. As you can see, only the tutorial plays
a role of the integral part of the game rather than the boring appendage.
