NEOPHYTE'S PROFILE

author=harmonic
Puzzles, as defined by how to navigate through the dungeon, are the definition of how to execute dungeon design. Some way to break the monotony of walking in a straight line from dungeon entrance to boss.

Yeah, I will expand on this. The word 'puzzle' is sometimes not a good word for this type of subject.

The problem (and this pertains mostly to rpg's) is that outside of battle, you are not doing anything. You are holding down a button or key and walking in a direction, looking at the (possibly nice?) scenery. No thinking is involved. There needs to be some interaction involved, otherwise it's lifeless and boring. Traditional rpg battles are still interesting and fun because they require you to think, and you're looking at flashy animations that show your input.

It's a make or break thing, really. Just like anything else in your game. A good game becomes great with unique designs, but can also make a turn for the worst. Creating good puzzle design is just like creating a good battle system. You can't just plug in generic things and think you've created an interesting environment. The puzzle design of...let's say...Lufia 2, is really ancient and not a good way to showcase good gameplay. There are random colored blocks in dark caves which look ridiculous compared to the environment around them. Signs are posted up giving you hints like "turn the sun stone 90 degrees clockwise to see the other side of this room", which does not stimulate your excitement in any fashion. Laying down some dynamite and seeing an entire room crumble, or just having some neat spells that change the environment around you to create more depth is more dynamic and exciting to look at. It also helps when there isn't just one solution only. It isn't necessary, but good design means a person can solve your challenge in more than one way. Play Puzzle Quest and to some extent, Zelda. Or just play your battle system. Your battles also have more than one solution (I hope).

If it's sloppy, it sucks. Unfortunately, this is the case 95% of the time. Good-looking areas vs. good-playing puzzles...a good designer knows how to make these co-exist.

gauge design is limiting in rm2k3. You have to learn to cut corners to get a decent UI with it.. The advice here is good stuff.

Also, why do two icons in the selection menu have that border design, while the other two do not? Get some consistency!

This is a very good idea.

I must have this.