Moments in Game Design

[Shademp]

An intentionally broad topic, inspired by the awesome Extra Credits team who analyze and pick apart both the video game industry and the design that make up games both good and bad.


When did the developers succeed to enhance an emotion or theme via the gameplay and when did they fail to do so? What small touches made a gaming experience feel so much richer versus where did the game design fall short?

Feel free to analyze the moment even if you can't decide for yourself if the moment is good or bad. If you know a good article or video about game design that you wish to share you can post that here as well.


EDIT: For more of this type of content I also recommend...
- "Errant Signal"
- Egoraptor's Sequelitis series
- DNSQ: The Hidden Tutorial in Super Metroid

 

[Shademp]

- Errant Signal -Valiant Hearts (Spoilers)

 

[Shadowfox]

Nice to see another viewer of Errant Signal

System Shock 1 retro review by Super Bunnyhop: http://youtu.be/Vnh0l_Ecpx4

This game was very intimidating to play when I first went in, precisely because of the complexity of its controls. Not that this games was unique in that regard, IMO; I think it was a common thing back then to have to study game manuals over and over again to memorise their controls.

The control scheme encouraged a slow, cautious style of play and exploration in the beginning. So I had time to acclimatise to the controls. In fact, it really didn't take that long to get used to them. I think the only issue I had with the controls was during the cyberspace portions. Oh, and climbing ladders. Especially that last one.

One aspect of the game design as mentioned in the review that I really liked at the time was having the story and plot unfold almost entirely via recordings and notes left behind by the deceased inhabitants of the station. Added a new level of loneliness and creepiness to many of the levels.

 

[Shademp]

I just have to embed this recent Extra Credits video because it brings up a question I've sometimes found myself asking. "Am I overanalyzing game design by wanting mechanics to reflect and convey the story?"

DAT ENDING IS SO FUNNY

*listening to this guy's video now*