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msu_Lacy's XKCD The Game (PC)
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| [March 6, 2009 02:06:26 PM]
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Session 2
-Overview-
Playing through a second time has brought a new insight of the game, some irritating some not. The way the game is set up with different genres for each level creates an interest that won't die so quickly. If it were just a shooter game or just a pong game, interest in it dies quick, even if each level is slightly harder or has different bad guys, it is still the same set of skills.
This game however enables a person to play different styles, so it would be like playing a series of different games, instead of a single one. There is a downside though: the person would not have an enjoyable time if they only liked one of the genres of the entire game.
-The Level Design-
The second time through the game I had few problems. The learning curve of each level is pretty straight forward and obvious. Once the basic movements and 'how to win' is worked out, it is pretty easy and fast to beat the game.
-Story Concepts and Interest-
The story behind the game mechanics belong to the world of the online comic strip 'XKCD'. It is about the plight of the main character and his boomerang. The point of the game is the main character trying to retrieve his boomerang from the hat guy and the player is required to go through the levels, achieving each one.
The game ties the interest of the player by the story cut scenes between each level, as well as the interesting designs of the levels themselves. It was a good idea to have cut scenes placed in the game, it captures the attention and it provides a goal to the player, as well as a possible reward after the levels are conquered.
-Final Thoughts-
Seeing through the entire game twice I've seen a few bugs and glitches, but the concepts are solid and the mechanics are relatively advanced. The way the creators were able to bring together different genres and create a smooth game with an interesting story deserves congratulations. I definitely found the game interesting
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| [March 6, 2009 02:03:26 PM]
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Session 1
-Overview-
XKCD the game brings a lot of different genres together smoothly. Overall it is basically an adventure game that requires you to complete many different obstacles in order to reach the conclusion. Each level of the XKCD game requires a different set of skills to complete. The first level is a shooter type game with the mouse, for example.
Overall it is an interesting idea to mix and mesh the ideas to make a complete game, instead of relying on one theme throughout.
-The Level Design-
Each level of the game was different set up completely. Luckily the objectives were all simple, so that means there is very little need to 'learn' how to play the level.
A problem I saw in the game was that some levels were too difficult and did not have a proper 'reward/punishment'. The player still continued even when the objective was not met. For example, the second and fourth level both allowed me to continue even when the enemy reached the end first or before I was able to destroy him.
However, the levels have their redeeming factor. The thought and work put into their mechanics and the visual aspects are obviously high for a three week period and I enjoyed the challenge, even when I didn't actually have to complete the objective to continue.
-Gameplay-
Gameplay was relatively simple for a game that switches controls with each new level. The creators were nice enough to provide a description of what is to be done before each level, which is all that was really needed for a simple game such as this.
The controls were relatively smooth for each level, with little difficulty. A player shouldn't lose because they were having trouble with controls in this game.
-Technical Thoughts-
Playing through the first time I ran into a few glitches, such as running into three spiders at once on the racing level and not being able to move at all. I was forced to exit the game and re-enter. For the most part though the levels are set up well for the three week period. A few glitches are expected.
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msu_Lacy's XKCD The Game (PC)
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Current Status: Playing
GameLog started on: Friday 6 March, 2009
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