This is the start of my DES304 Journal blog. This week has been full of emotions - these havent necessarily been good, neither have they been bad. In short it has been a rather busy week, adapting to the new learning system and simultaneously moving into a new flat.
Once everything had settled down, I stuck myself into getting in grips with the new module material. The task for this module (DES304) has sparked a fair interest within me. I thoroughly enjoy creating and problem solving functions and mechanics within games.
As it was suggested I began to look into a game, from which I'd be able to analyse a unique mechanic that wasn't (or rarely was) seen in other titles - My thoughts focused on Crysis, Crysis 1 to be exact.
Crysis Cover Art.
Not only was Crysis 1 successful due to its sheer technological advancements, its nanosuit control mechanic was unique and legitimately fun - similar solutions were only seen years later, in titles such as CoD: Advanced Warfare. It gave the player a lot of opportunity to tackle specific situations in different fashions, from stealth to mindless guns blazing. An alternative mechanic I wondered about researching, was the grapple hook from the Just Cause series. However I went with Crysis purely based on personal preference.
The reason, I think, what made the nanosuit mechanic so successful was actually to do with its simplicity. If you break it down, each ability just changes a couple of player stats. Coupled with an energy meter which depletes overtime, the player was forced to think how to use ability and tackle the obstacles in front.
Crysis - Nanosuit control wheel.
With this In mind, I think that a similar thought process could be used for the design of my own mechanic. A Lot of the time simplicity is the key to success. Yet, this is not set in stone. This is the stage in which brainstorming is key. I have created a document relating to all small Ideas that have come across my head or that were pitched to me by friends. As we progress a little further into the semester, I will use the process of elimination to decide on a mechanic I will prototype.