Monday, 25 November 2013

Analyses of 3 launcher games (Group Project Work)

High there, I have recently undertaken a task to research and review (play and analyse) a handful of "Launcher Games" so we can find ways in which to improve our group game overall but with particular attention to the sounds in the game. I thought I'd post my findings on here along with the links for you all to play the games too. see what you think.

Sound/Launcher Research


First off take a look at this one’s pre-loader, it's a fun goo filled tube which is somthing we were going for in our game.
The opening game screen also has a lab feel to it so some possible inspiration in there too
The distance bar is interesting here too. Rather than just a score they have a ruler up the side, I thought this was nice (see the other games for distance/destination bar)

Sounds
·         Starting BGM is kind of slow and creepy but OK, nothing special, slight sci-fi tones in there too
·         The actual games BGM is much faster paced with kind of a Japanese “Chibi” feel to it, like Sonic the Hedgehog meets Nyan Cat… I like it :)
·         Launch Sound: I really liked this one, it’s a whoosh with the character squealing.
·         Bouncing spring boards: classic “BOING” sound but again very appropriate and fits well with ours too.
·         Character Bounce, there isn't actually any sound I could hear when the character hits the floor in this game


This pirate themed launch game uses some interesting things (although they are not one button so we can’t use them) such as using the arrow keys and WASD to control angle of the boat when launched. However their progression bar is a map with an implied ending to it signified with an “X-marks the spot” thing. This really got me hooked trying to reach it (I never did) but it did make the progression meaningful and far more interesting rather than just “beat my high score”
Also this game had a very good upgrade system that we could borrow from, points translated into gold to spend on upgrades to your launcher, boat, steering and bounce high. Essentially higher levels reduced slowly down on bounce, increased bounce height and launch distance.

Sounds
·         Games BGM I like a lot, it’s like pirate 8 bit dub step J
·         Launch sound isn't all that great, but it is a good explosion noise
·         Barrels explode with a satisfying bang. General explosion noise
·         Hitting the water’s surface makes a satisfying noise and I think water could be used in our game somehow too.
Over all I think this is a definite launch game to play as it does get you hooked. All give it a go J

This game wasn’t great but wasn’t bad either. The Pre-loader was interesting as it was a short animation telling a minor (tiny) back story of this guy finding a meatier and wanting to send it back to space (if I remember correctly)
The opening menu sucks and the general GUI isn’t all that intuitive. However the same as previous game, there is an actual end (that I came close to) which does massively add to that “just one my try” factor. The game has an excellent levelling up system to but the actual GUI again is a little flimsy. I think the pacing in this game isn’t all that god either due to the fact that you quickly gain all the upgrades that make a difference and are left with rubbish “unnecessary” upgrades such as flowers to attract more firefly’s (currency) of which you have no more need for.
Sounds
There wasn’t much in the way of sounds. A satisfying collection sound for fire flies and a good explosive/braking sound when you hit red fire flies but that’s about all mostly.
Other things to note in this game though is that the assets are introduced at different distances and the further you go the more there are. For example the first 100 meters it’s just collectables, then birds are added, then more birds, then booster fly’s and blocker fly’s which again become progressively more abundant as you gain altitude. It’s a good way of keeping on the pressure.

One last thing about this game. At the end of the level when you run out of momentum, the rock hurtles back down to the floor again, potentially picking up more fire flies on the way but towards the end this can take a long time. Designers added a “skip” button that appears once maximum height is achieved, trading off the possibility of collecting a few more flies for not having to wait until your next go. Food for thought.

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