Reflection on Final Project
In considering the final project for the module, there were a few challenges form the original conception, although I am happy we were able to get advice from the Masters nevertheless, here’s what I thought:
Good
The story of the game seem very vast and expansive to where it could really expand the universe if necessary, different tribes or anything like that and the concept of making a puzzle game was also a nice little challenge . I think I put a lot of effort into making the design and approach of the game, also leading the team this time with a good idea on what I was doing. I found it fun trying to research all of the different techniques needed for a puzzle game, and really being invested with the concept.
I felt my drive was because of my passion to make something to challenge the player, inheriently games design principles would lead you to do the opposite.
What I liked about the final project in general was the world that we created as well, mianly it was because of Pratik in the team, however I was happy to suggest some other things to help along, as I knew there was ambitious vision for the game. Mixing Horizon with Cyberpunk narratively was a genius thing to do and it worked out well.
Addtionally creating the first level, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t challenging for any players initially and like most standard games.
Bad
With the negative points, there are a few. Unfortunately, I feel that creating the levels also needed to be less constraint whilst building the game, after Chapter 1 wanted to create a hub world, so players could have more freedom in which puzzle they choose to complete with a big Master Door, however I felt it started to become difficult to visually represent it, plus I feel like I didn’t have time, but some could argue otherwise, at least I got one chapter for the game completed.
Secondly, I was also being ambitious in creating the level designs myself, but two problems arose as I feel that the first level could’ve been better with certain elements of contruction which again I know it’s the beginning but really and truly the game needs more opening spaces for players and with the way it is, the design is quite old. It could work if fully implemented, but that was what came to mind. Additionally, there was a lack of assets, which again felt like it was basic and gray, so there was no UI, no music, and no visual elements which you know, could have been found with some research, but again lacking time constraints was one of the issues considering the scope of the game.
Lastly, the prototype itself, even though showing off the simple interaction, that’s all it showed off and didn’t show much else
Overall, I still like the journey of it’s inception and the creativity we all presented during this time.