Fez (PC/Mac/XBLA)
Observations:
Fez is a huge influence for us on this project as it is extremely stylised and has a peaceful, exploratory quality to the gameplay that is reminiscent of 80s and 90s video games. It is littered with references to popular culture that reward players who choose not to rush through the experience.
Relevance:
Level design is bright, detailed, complex and beautiful. The world feels alive with characters and animals that blend into the surroundings. Unique mechanics make the game’s puzzles mindbending to play.
Pros:
+ Stunning visuals
+ Innovative Mechanic
+ Great use of sound
Cons:
Limbo:
Limbo is a bleak side-scrolling puzzle game. It has visuals unlike any other game, employing layered background elements, black and white contrast and generous use of blur to instil in the player a sense of unease. Limbo is a fascinating but uncomfortable play. There are definitely plenty of visual aspects here that we could employ in our own project.
Relevance:
The subtle visual effects in limbo, which include blurring, layers of background scenery and monotone colours.
Pros:
+ Depth created through layering
+ Great atmosphere
+ Clever use of blurring
Cons:
Bit Trip Runner:
Cons:
Observations:
Bit Trip Runner is a staple in the indie game scene. Its character, commander video, frequently makes cameo appearances in other games. It plays like an endless runner, with the character constantly moving, leaving the player to avoid obstacles by jumping, ducking, kicking and vaulting. The graphics are very reminiscent of 8-bit games, but with modern, 3D elements that give it such a charming style. Music is huge element in the game. The player is rewarded for successful play by the soundtrack building in a layer. When you play this, you feel as though you are making music as much as you are running.
Relevance:
Nostalgic in both visuals and sound. The music is intrinsic to the feel of the game to extent that you feel as if you are making music as much as progressing.
Pros:
+ Rewarding gameplay
+ Learn through playing
+ Retro vibe
Cons:
- Can be very frustrating
- High difficulty level
- No checkpoints
Bit Trip Beat:
Observations:
Bit Trip Beat takes classic pong gameplay and takes it to the extreme. By forcing the player to be constantly alert for 15-minute long levels and employing no breaks, the game requires a kind of immersion from the player that is rare to see today. The visual distractions increase if the player is doing well, and are stripped away to their most plain if the player is doing badly. These put pressure on the player to redeem themselves. The meticulous attention to detail in the game is carried through to the menus which work as a kind of mini-game in themselves.
- No checkpoints
Bit Trip Beat:
Observations:
Bit Trip Beat takes classic pong gameplay and takes it to the extreme. By forcing the player to be constantly alert for 15-minute long levels and employing no breaks, the game requires a kind of immersion from the player that is rare to see today. The visual distractions increase if the player is doing well, and are stripped away to their most plain if the player is doing badly. These put pressure on the player to redeem themselves. The meticulous attention to detail in the game is carried through to the menus which work as a kind of mini-game in themselves.
Relevance:
Pros:
+ Strong 8-bit style.
+ Interesting reward system for the player.
+ Crazy visuals throughout.
Cons:
- Difficulty can put off players.
- Cannot play for short periods of time.
- Limited replay value
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