Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
able to fall too, and anything that doesn't fall must have a very good reason not to (have wings, for
example). Consistency is the key.
Challenges: What Are the Objectives and Goals We've Set for the Player?
What do players have to do to win? Which subgoals do we give them to conquer along the way?
Challenges are what players are here for. They learned the moves, now they want to use them to
win the game. A game must have clear goals to aim for and nice rewards when the player reaches
them. The challenges must also be arranged, so that they steadily get harder as we travel through
the levels.
Together, actions, rules, and challenges are what we call the mechanics of a game.
Mechanics of “Shadows on Deck”
We've already established that this is a platform game, and a story-driven one at that. A platform
game means jumping will be involved somewhere down the line, but beyond that there aren't
any restrictions on what we can do. But we need to be clear on what we consider to be the most
important elements of our game.
Storyline
To support the story, we want to make beautiful cut scenes and be able to talk to people along the
way. These will not be a major part of the challenge of the game, but they will be key to
maintaining the player's motivation and interest in the game.
Nimble and Clever
For the game play, one particular aspect is important to us: we don't want to take the obvious
combat option, and would prefer Flynn to use his wit and agility to beat the bad guys. That means
we've got to make him faster than the lumbering skeletons and give him the ability to jump
higher and use traps and distractions any way he can.
Sidekick
We've already given Flynn a companion (Archie the parrot), so let's put him to good use. The
sidekick should be used both as a game play mechanic and important tool, but also as a guide
Flynn can talk to and get good advice from. Archie will be a great help in making sure the player
knows what the current objective is.
So with these in mind, let's flesh out the actions, rules, and challenges of Shadows on Deck.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search