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jp's Read Dead Redemption (PS3)
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| [May 10, 2016 12:20:45 PM]
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Grand Theft Horse is actually a pretty accurate way of describing the "game" side of this game. I don't know why I'm somewhat surprised by this but the more I think about it the more I realize that we have solid examples of games that share a common underlying game grammar even when there are differences in mechanics, gameplay, setting, theme, etc. It's easy to say that Mario games share a common design backbone, but it's not so easy if you have to limit yourself to exclude sequels and common characters, theme, and more. So, Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption are now my go-to example for this. (I'm guessing that Assassin's Creed, Far Cry and Watch Dogs are probably in the same boat)
Now, if I had to make a list of what those ingredients are the make up that fundamental grammar and how they are expressed, I'd struggle for sure. But, I'll try...
a. Shared UI language - the minimap and key locations on the map (or the outer circle when too far away), maybe also the camera angle and perspective?
b. Day/night cycle (I wonder if the timing is similar? so, how long does the cycle last in realworld time?)
c. Distinct locations/areas (each area having it's own name, distinct characteristics, but still seamlessly connected to each other)
d. Collectables randomly hidden/located in the world
e. The way missions are structured and offered. I'm guessing that there are also commonalities in how long it takes to complete a mission including travel to/from where the mission happens.
I can't think of any more at the moment, and looking back it seems like a sorry list that would have a hard time meaningfully distinguishing GTA from, say, a 3D Zelda game? I think someone should look into this more deeply... what makes a "GTA like game a GTA like game"? (Bully also fits this experience in my mind as well)
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jp's Read Dead Redemption (PS3)
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Current Status: Stopped playing - Something better came along
GameLog started on: Sunday 10 April, 2016
GameLog closed on: Tuesday 10 May, 2016 |
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