Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
cell—including being literally trapped in a high-tech version of the belly of
a beast: inside the dank, stomach-like trash compactor.
In
Uncharted 2
, the Supreme Ordeal kicks off when the half-dead Flynn
detonates a grenade, killing himself, seriously injuring Elena, and leaving
Nate to deal with the super-powered Lazarevic on his own.
9. Reward
Having successfully come through the Supreme Ordeal, the Hero now
“seizes the sword”—acquiring what she was after and/or accomplishing
what she originally set out to do. The reward for all her training, hard work
and risk-taking is now in her grasp.
In
Star Wars
, this is the successful rescue of Princess Leia, culminating
with the destruction of the pursuing TIE fighters and the escape into hy-
perspace.
In
Uncharted 2
, this phase is achieved when the player (as Nate) man-
ages to defeat Lazarevic.
10. The Road Back
Despite the Hero's incredible accomplishment, total victory has not yet
been achieved … and dark forces are now fully mobilized. The Hero must
escape the pursuing enemy/enemies and return to the Normal World with
his prize.
In
Star Wars
, the Road Back is represented by the flight of Luke, Leia, and
their allies to the Rebel base, and the Rebels' hurried preparations to attack
the Death Star, while the Empire advances on their vulnerable position.
In
Uncharted 2
, Nate (and the player) must literally run along the Road
Back as the city and its roads collapse under his feet.
11. Resurrection
During this final conflict between the Hero and Villain/Henchmen, there
comes a moment when all seems lost; when death—or at least the death
of the Hero's quest—seems to have actually happened. We are made to
believe, if only briefly, that the Hero has been defeated and has possibly
even died. However, through a surprising turn of events, the Hero (and/or
her quest) is “resurrected,” giving her one final chance to resolve the con-
flict—which she does, spectacularly.
