Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Week 9 - Game Technology

Yay.....FINALLY a blog about game TECHNOLOGY!!!

Game platforms have changed alot since I was five. One major change was the technology, and in particular how games were played, and how games are played. A breakthrough in game controllers was the Joystick as it was both comfortable and easy to use. However it only really worked with flying games because aeroplanes have a similar control to navigate the plane.

Other platforms used a stick and buttons pad which was eventually the best platform for fighting games (especially Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat). A standard for controllers was the nintendo (NES) controller. It had a D-pad and two buttons, which is just a simplified version of todays controller. Compared to previous controllers, it was relatively comfortable, and developers used this controller to game various genres of games, most of which played well. But controllers weren't very good with FPS (first-person-shooters) games. This is because you need to aim at your opponent while you move. This is where Sony Dual Shock controllers came to use. It had a d-pad and to two analogue sticks. It made playing easier but it still wasn't that good. That is why FPS games are better on PC's where you use your Keyboard (to move and pick weapons) and Mouse (to aim and shoot). Real time Strategy games are also easier with a mouse.

Ergonomics have become a big issue with games. A controller that feels better to use will porbably have a gamer spend more hours at a time on a game. In other words, it helps to create an enjoyable experience. It also reduces the risks of getting aches and pains or blisters on your hands. I would say ergonomics that became important in gaming with the Sega Saturn and then in the PS1. The N64 controller was not ergonomic because you had to change between the analogue stick and the d-pad for different games. I would also say that the PS2 and the xbox 360 controllers are the most ergonomic as they fit confortabily in anyones hands. Even PC mice have become ergonomic to use. A company called Razer makes computer mice specially built for gaming by using outstanding performance and ergonomic design.

The design of consoles have changed a great deal as well. They have become less of an eyesore and more of somthing you can put in your living room. The only real reason for this is that they want to sell more copies.

The Nintendo Wii changes everything we have become to know about games consoles. The controller adds a new level of interaction with games. It is both ergonomic and easy to use, and it could also show the future of gaming. However, just like every other type of contrroller, it does not 'cater for all' types of games. This is why i think that the normal controllers will remain for the time being........untill they bring out a new type of controller!!!!!!

Week 8 - Storytelling for games

This blog is all about storytelling in games.

To get one thing certain, it is that Games CANNOT replace literacy as it is a FORM of Literacy. And not all stories are made up, some are real, and some are a mix of the two.

Many games follow storylines, example of these are; Most RPG's (Final Fantasy), Many Action Games (Legend of Zelda, Grand Theft Auto, Max Payne), Fighting (Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat), FPS', WWE (was WWF) games, and other genres very often have storylines.

I think that a strong story does make a better game. This can only work if the game requires a storyline. For example Max Payne is set like a movie and you control the main character, if the game never had a story, it would be pointless. A good storyline will drive you to complete the game because you want to know 'what happens next' and it can be like you are in your own movie. We have been reading books and watching films or TV for most (or all) of our lives and now for the first time, we can play a part in these stories....in effect we can live our childhood dreams e.g. being able to play a favorite hero, heroine, or maybe even a drug lord?!?!? etc.

But on the otherside some other games (like Football games) are better without storylines because otherwise, it would be daft.

Storylines can be implemented in many ways. For example, a story can revolve around the main character (which is usually controlled by you), or your character is just a part of a bigger story.