1Upsmanship: Game Mechanics That Should Be In More Games
Jun 20, 2022
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The podcast explores desired curated experiences in videogames and the importance of incorporating accessible game mechanics. They discuss the concept of contextual glory kills and the fun competitive nature of time-sensitive challenges. They also explore unique game mechanics in Elden Ring and the significance of twist endings in video games. The hosts touch on the perception of game length and cost-effectiveness.
Final bosses should be tied to the game's plot and themes, adding depth and meaning to the conclusion.
The concept of diegetic HUDs can enhance immersion by seamlessly integrating important information into the game world.
Incorporating enemies with distinctive parts adds complexity and encourages tactical thinking in combat.
Deep dives
Video Game Mechanics: Twists as Final Bosses
In video games, the final boss is often seen as the climax of the game's story. However, many games struggle to make the final boss feel connected to the overall narrative. This is where the idea of "twists" comes in. Rather than simply being a challenging adversary, the final boss should serve as a culmination of the game's plot and themes. Games like Red Dead Redemption and The Walking Dead have successfully implemented this idea, with their final bosses representing key moments and concepts in the story. This approach adds a layer of depth and meaning to the final boss encounter, making it more than just a test of skill. By tying the final boss to the overarching narrative, games can create a more satisfying and impactful conclusion for players.
Video Game Mechanics: Diegetic HUD
HUD (Heads-Up Display) is a common feature in video games, providing important information to players during gameplay. However, HUDs can sometimes feel cluttered and distract from the immersive experience. The idea of a diegetic HUD, as seen in Dead Space, offers a solution to this problem. In Dead Space, the HUD elements are seamlessly integrated into the game world, appearing on the protagonist's character model and creating a more immersive and realistic experience. This concept can be expanded upon in other games, finding creative ways to incorporate HUD elements that fit within the game's narrative and aesthetics. By reducing the reliance on traditional HUDs, games can enhance immersion and create a more cohesive gameplay experience.
Video Game Mechanics: Enemies with Distinctive Parts
In many video games, enemies are often presented as monolithic entities with a single hitbox and health bar. However, there is a growing interest in exploring enemies that have distinct parts or components. Games like Horizon Forbidden West and Dead Space have implemented this concept, allowing players to strategically target specific parts of enemies for different effects. This adds complexity and depth to the combat mechanics, encouraging players to think tactically and utilize different strategies. By incorporating enemies with distinctive parts into more games, developers can create more engaging and dynamic combat experiences for players.
Letting Players Create Time Trials in Games
The podcast discusses the concept of allowing players to create time trials or speed trials in games. This feature, as seen in Super Mario Odyssey's balloon race, enables a player to set a time challenge for others to match. The hosts express their belief that many games could benefit from incorporating this mechanic, allowing players to compete against each other in a fun and engaging way. They suggest that games like Assassin's Creed or GTA could explore this concept, creating races or challenges that go beyond traditional combat-focused gameplay.
Replacing Final Bosses with Meaningful Choices
The podcast explores the idea of moving away from traditional final bosses in video games and replacing them with meaningful choices as the climax of the story. The hosts emphasize the importance of making the final boss encounter a choice that reflects the player's narrative journey and encourages creative thinking. They highlight games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mass Effect 3 as examples where the memorable moments are not the final boss battles, but rather the choices that shape the story's outcome. The hosts advocate for games to focus on providing meaningful and resonant endings, rather than simply defeating a powerful enemy.
Ever play a videogame and think "I would LOVE to have a grappling hook in this"? Adam and Mike go back and forth sharing their favorite videogame mechanics and why they should be featured in more games. Smash that play button to see if YOUR favorite mechanics make the list!