The Bottom Feeder

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

In my last post about Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Z:TotK for short), a very popular game, I suggested that people would be interested in thoughtful criticism of slightly older games, once the dust has settled and people had the chance to calmly reflect about them. Most people don't actually care about deep dives into game design.

Cutscenes 81

Cutscenes Terrain Games Puzzle 81

Keith Burgun

APRIL 10, 2023

Before I get started, I should make it clear which context it is that I’m talking about: single player, somewhat narrative driven videogames, like RPGs or adventure games. This concept of “secret” doesn’t really make sense in a strategy game, contest, or a puzzle. The same is true for secrets in games.

Fantasy 52

Fantasy Puzzle Content Cutscenes 52

Keith Burgun

JUNE 18, 2022

Indeed, one of the main starting points for the design was that it wouldn’t be a puzzle, standing in contrast to the highly puzzle-like nature of Advance Wars. I think the bigger problem is that this pursuit of the 1P Strategy Game has really hampered my games’ ability to connect with players.

Games 52

Games Puzzle Graphics Concepts 52

Radiator Blog

OCTOBER 13, 2022

There's a Portal-like moment where you escape the puzzle. Can't wait for the full frontal in the next game!) Wayward Strand by ghost pattern This is a young adult sidescrolling storybook sort of game about hanging out on a steampunk airship recommissioned as a flying hospital / retirement home in rural Australia circa 1980.

Indy 52

Indy Film Games Point and Click 52

Radiator Blog

NOVEMBER 10, 2021

This is similar to my tactics games writeup and Enderal (huge Skyrim mod) writeup where I spoil some interesting game designer / systems design things. I don't discuss much of the game narrative. I assume general game design knowledge but minimal Deathloop-specific knowledge.

Fighting 52

Fighting NPC Puzzle AI 52

Raph Koster

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

This, in fact, was what my signature design style was. Highly narrative, intricate puzzles, and immersive storytelling. It’s stuff that single-player game designers know how to do. Breadcrumbs, dialogue trees, cutscenes, progression paths. It would take a looong time before any MMORPG had anything comparable.

Sandbox 59

Sandbox Simulation Content Scripting 59