Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Block Koala
Jan 3, 2025
In this conversation, game designers Patrick Traynor, known for Patrick's Parabox, and Frank Lantz, creator of Universal Paperclips, delve into the block-pushing puzzle game Block Koala from the UFO 50 collection. They discuss the game's mechanics, community feedback, and the evolution of Sokoban-style puzzles. With humor and insight, they unpack the challenges faced by players and the nuances of puzzle design. Their reflections on player engagement and the impact of artistic choices make for a lively and engaging dialogue.
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Episode notes
Unprepared Frank
- Frank Lantz hadn't played Block Koala before recording this podcast episode.
- Rob Dubbin informed him it was considered the first "consensus dud" of the UFO 50 collection.
Lack of Clarity
- Sokoban games offer an "aha" moment where opaque puzzles become clear.
- Block Koala lacks clear tutorials, making it difficult to grasp its mechanics, according to John from the Discord.
Numbered Blocks
- Block Koala's core mechanic involves pushing numbered blocks.
- A block can only push another if its number is greater than or equal to the next block's number.