Games Development - Exercises

22.4.2024 - 22.7.2024 (Week 1 - Week 14)
Tan Yi-Tyng (0353327)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Games Development 
Exercises

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INSTRUCTIONS

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LECTURES

WEEK 1 (22.4.2024): Introduction to Game Design

WEEK 2 (29.4.2024):  Scamper

WEEK 3 (6.5.2024):  Game Design

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EXERCISES

WEEK 1 (22.4.2024): Game Review   

Instructions:

Based on the game website provided by Mr. Razif, we are tasked with selecting two games and writing reviews of them. These games were created by our seniors. Our reviews should include the pros and cons of each game as well as suggestions for improvement. We need to carefully observe every aspect of the games, including interface design, features, implementation of sound effects, playability, game environment, and gameplay.

Website link: https://thedesignschool.taylors.edu.my/gamezone/category/unity/

Game Review #1

Fig. 2.1: Sneak Out to Snack by  Katarina Indira

Game Name: Sneak Out to Snack 

Developer:  Katarina Indira
Genre: Puzzle-Strategy

Pros:

• The game story and setting are very interesting and fun, I can easily relate to them, as they remind me of my childhood experiences.
• The visual design, including illustrations and backgrounds, is aesthetically pleasing, with well-coordinated colors and themes.
• The game has clear buttons, icons, and information boards that enhance navigation and the overall user experience.
• The background music is well-selected and suitable for the story setting, creating a sneaky and adventurous atmosphere.
• I can play the game smoothly and enjoyably, although it can be slightly challenging.

Fig. 2.2: Clear navigation and easy to understand.

Cons:

• I believe there might be a small mistake by the developer. While playing level 1 of the game, I noticed the Unity workspace background at the end of the left side, which can be quite distracting at times.
• There is inconsistency in the size of the CCTV red area, which confuses me when I haven't entered the area but it's already detected.
• There is a bug where the main character is hiding when I press H, but other characters can still push me while walking, which feels weird.

Fig. 2.3: Mistake of the unity workspace background

Improvements:

• To enhance the user experience, I recommend adding more sound effects such as walking sounds or incorporating sound effects for when the user fails or wins the game. Although I have noticed that there are sound effects sometimes when losing a game match, there are also times when they don't appear.
• Adding a hint feature would enhance playability, especially for users stuck on the same level or confused about finding items.
• I suggest making the CCTV highlight area consistent and in line with the illustrated red area.

Game Review #2

Fig. 2.4: Reaper Test by Sam Mun Hoe

Game Name: Reaper Test

Developer:  Sam Mun Hoe

Genre: Action-Adventure

Pros:

• The story setting and theme are quite interesting and exciting to play.
• The visual design, color mood, game environment, and character design are very minimalist, simple, and consistent, suiting the theme well.
• The game rules and instructions are straightforward and easy to understand.
• The gameplay was very fun and challenging, although there were times when I felt frustrated when stuck at a certain point. The game is equipped with fighting mechanics to overcome obstacles, allowing players to attack using melee or ranged attacks. The ranged attacks feature is limited but also gives players a chance to earn rewards after defeating monsters.
• The difficulty progression in each level is well-arranged. I could feel that the game progresses from simple challenges to familiarize players with the tools and features, leading up to a climactic struggle. Once successfully overcoming the most difficult level, the game slightly slows down the pace to allow players to catch their breath and avoid feeling too setback.

Cons:

• The game has a challenging start that may be unforgiving for beginners.
• Controlling the main character while jumping and running simultaneously can be challenging, with inconsistent movement making it hard to estimate at times.
• Lack of sound effects when the character dies or fails a level.
• I hope there can be a sign or information indicating that I have successfully passed a level and entered the next one. This would give players a sense of accomplishment after winning each level.

Fig. 2.5: Jumping across the stones without falling down
was the most challenging aspect.

Improvements:

• Consider using lighter colors for the main character's costume to create contrast with the background.
• Add more sound effects for gameplay, such as character death or defeating monster sounds.
• Adjust the background music to create a more fitting atmosphere, perhaps with a scarier or more tense feel.
• Refine and improve character control movements, especially for jumping, running, and acceleration sensitivity.

WEEK 2 (29.4.2024): Game Ideation 

Instructions:

During class, Mr. Razif instructed us to create our own game idea using either the Scamper or 3(I) methods that we learned during the lecture. We were given links to select any 2D platformer games as references for our game idea, and we had to write down the story and the gameplay.

Website links: https://playclassic.games/games/ & https://www.classicgames.me/

Game Idea:
Before starting to form our game idea, our group spent some time playing some of the games, and in the end, we decided to use the Scamper method and take the Kirby games as references.

Here is the Miro link for our game idea: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVNkU0KJI=/?share_link_id=564601257215

WEEK 3 (6.5.2024): Game Design

Instructions:
For this week class exercise, we were tasked to pick one of our favorite game that we enjoy the most, and list down what specifically that we like about the game we choose in term of the Gameplay, Player experience, Mechanics in the game.

Game Review:

As someone who doesn't play games frequently, if I had to pick a favorite, I would definitely choose Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). This is the only game that has made me addicted and kept me playing nonstop for a few months. I would rate this game 10 out of 10. It's very popular, and there are multiple factors that contribute to its worldwide popularity.

Fig. 2.6 - Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)

Here are the reasons why PUBG is my favorite game:

• The gameplay and player experience are thrilling, known for heart-pounding moments. The game's clear goal of being the last one standing is a powerful motivator.
• There are options for playing the game, such as in single-player or multiplayer modes. For team players, it can be played with friends or with anonymous players. It requires a lot of teamwork, communication, and coordination.
• The game is user-friendly as it offers a wide range of customization options. Players can customize background colors, sound effects, personalize characters, or adjust button placement according to their preferences.
• The game constantly updates with new game modes, new environments, mechanics, providing multiple options to prevent boredom.
• PUBG offers realistic graphics and sounds. Gunshots, footsteps, grenade sounds, and their visual effects are realistic. The maps are designed to be realistic and fun to explore enhancing the lifelike experience.
• The game has a uniquely addictive design, each round is different, offering a new adventure every time you play.
• It's easy to learn but hard to master, leading to addictive gameplay where players spend hours practicing and improving their skills.
• The feeling of winning a chicken dinner after being the last person or team standing is very satisfying and adds to the addictive aspect of the game.

Fig 2.7 - PUBG gameplay

Fig 2.8 - PUBG gameplay

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REFLECTION

To be added..

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QUICK LINKS

Task 1: Game Design Document

Task 2: Art Asset Development 

Task 3: Game Prototype

Final Project: Playable Game