Week 1 Tasks

1. Imagine that you are a level designer working in the 1980s. Knowing the limitations associated with this era, what type of game would you develop?

A runner type game where you are being chased by the police for stealing priceless possessions, you have a motor bike motorbike and you will have to get from point A to point B with obstacles to avoid. The game will have a various amount of levels with different paths which get more difficult as you get further in the game. You are given 3 lives when you start, once all lives are lost its game over. Pick up objects along the way for extra points and lives. Once you earn a certain amount of points a life is added to your player. A high score board will display at the end of the game to display your score.

2. Play three games—one from the 1980s, one from the 1990s, and one released after 2004. Compare and contrast how levels and environments are designed in all three games.

Games in the 1980’s such as Mega Man 2 were simple, with a very limited amount of detail in the levels and environment. The game itself still brought a lot of appeal and fun for the audience of gamers with a series of stages and characters.

 

1990’s where games, environments and the scenery of the levels have a more detail and a more spacious environment to manoeuvre in 3d such as Metal Gear Solid. Games like Metal Gear Solid came out bringing a whole new idea and concept of gaming to the industry with things such as stealth and manuvering campabilitys.

 

Nowadays you have games such as GTA taking over with the world they have created of a simulated life where it’s much more than just a level. The environment and surroundings on the game are much more realistic and life like compared to earlier games in the industry. Also adding online multiplayer has taken the game to the next level. Being able to do missions and play with friends live online is another great experience in gaming.

3. How does a game’s genre affect the way its levels and environments are

designed? Choose one level from three different games—each from a distinct

primary genre—and compare how these levels are designed with regard to

setting, goals, puzzles, and risk–reward system.

                                                       - Strategy -

Strategy games such as Red Alert have a series of levels that are mostly set up on big landscapes; some maps involve bridges to get across to your opponent, others involve transporting your units via transporting boats and some maps are all connected so all it takes is a simple hike. In order to claim victory the player will have to collect gold/diamonds to earn money and build a base with defence but also an army to send out and conquer. Once the objective is complete the player’s team is victorious and will proceed to the next level.

                                                            - Racing -

 Racing games are really competitive just like any other game genres. When It comes to most racing game they mostly concentrate on the cars first and environment second. Although race based games nowadays are being taken to the next level, graphics wise and handling wise. The setting is either on a race track or through the city/landscapes. The aim of the game when it comes to racing is basically being first in every race or event in order to receive the best benefits and rewards. If found to come in other places besides 1^st in a race/event you will still receive a little reward but may not progress in the game therefore having to restart and repeat the same stage.

- FPS -   

First person shooter games such as call of duty have several levels of which allow you to do loops around the map in multiplayer therefore insuring an enemy encounter. The maps are designed in a way and kept at a reasonable size for more frequent encounters. The game levels can vary from a city landscapes to an outdoor setting.  On multiplayer goals can consist of capturing the opponent’s flag, securing areas or even a Team Death match where it’s a fight for which team reaches the desired limit to win the match.  The aim of the game is to get high scores in any mode to upgrade your player their weapons.