25 January 2016

Mini Project 2

The Second Project I created in my first semester was a game created around the story of Joseph. I created an Auto-runner games in Construct 2. Having never used this software before, It took a while to learn and understand how it worked, yet I feel I created a game that acts upon the feedback received from my previous project

My feedback basically stated that I needed some form of interaction. The play testers were constantly looking for things they could interact with, even though I had stated that it was a purely visual environment.

Note: None of the tiles used for the platforms are my own, nor is the middle section of the background. All references can be found at the end of this post.
                                                                                                                                                                   

I designed and created a simplistic Joseph character, and soon relised that I needed a running animation for the character. I created a run cycle, which took much longer than I anticipated.


After my first iteration of the characters run cycle, I decided that it needed more detail, as it didnt reflect much of story. I therefore added the multicoloured coat, as well as hands to the character.


In order to reflect the story, I designed the game around the idea of collecting the colours from the coat. I therefore created a number of coloured pieces of material, and placed them around the environment. I also added a particle effect and sound to create a small reward system for the player.
I also added background music that I hoped would cause less stress for the player, knowing that the game was unlikely to be completed by the player first time.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Feedback

As well as learning how to use a new game engine, I also learnt a lot from the feedback I received on the game.

Music: I found that the sound effect of the reward system was acceptable, yet the background music was seen as annoying to the young audience I was aiming the game towards, yet adult players enjoyed the music. It seems young people desire the tension that the music presents in such a game.

Addictive: My game was described as 'One of those addictive games', which was particularly pleasing. Everyone that played the game desired to complete the game, regardless of how many times they failed. People watching the gameplay were also reacting to the game; cheering when a person did well, and moaning when they failed. They desired to complete the game, even though they werent playing.

Visuals: Certain obstacles blended in well the background. Some found that this added to the fun of the game, while others said it should stand out more.
                                                                                                                                                                   

Further Development

If I was to take this game further I would create a tileset of my own to use for the platforms. I would also design a background of my own that fit well with the style and I would ensure all obstacles stood out from the background. In addition to this, I would add a main menu to the game, and an end game scene. Another option would be to add a high score list or achievements. Additional levels could be added to extend the playtime.
                                                                                                                                                                   

References

Audio

Bensound, 2015, Acoustic Breeze, [Youtube]. Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7T8oFqUG6s> [Accessed 29/12/2015]

Koenig. M, n.d. Magic Wand Noise, [Audio Download]. Available at: <http://soundbible.com/474-Magic-Wand-Noise.html> [Accessed 29/12/2015]

Game Engine

Scirra, 2015, Construct 2 – Free Version [computer program] Available at: <https://www.scirra.com/construct2> [Accessed 29/12/2015]

Tile-set

Kenny, 2013, Platformer Pack, [Download]. Available at: <http://kenney.nl/assets/platformer-pack-redux> [Accessed 29/12/2015]


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