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Monday 14 January, 2008
Gamelog # 1
SUMMARY:
Mario Kart is a third person, 3D racing game for the Nintendo 64. You can choose from a variety of characters from old Mario games and race on new courses designed to challenge its players. The various Mario characters ride on mini motor karts and pick up items, which are used to help speed, themselves and hinder the other opponents in the race. The point of the game is to use these items and complete the courses in the fastest time.
GAMEPLAY:
In my first 45-minute session of playing this game I played single player versus the NPC (non- player characters), on the easiest setting 50cc. At the beginning I was able to pick from a variety of Mario characters (Toad, Princess, Bowser, Yoshi, etc). Then I chose my course which consists of four different tracks that must be completed at either first, second, or third place in order to receive a medal which is the final goal unlocking the next levels. At the starting line I began to feel anxious, as the countdown started because I realized I wasn’t sure how hard the NPC competition would be. As the race progressed I was impressed with the physics and the response to the environment. Each turn held a new obstacle and I found the computer to be challenging, yet beatable.
I also thought this game was interesting because it was much more expansive in its 3D environment then most linear racing games. For example when I came across the “beach” track I was capable of going under water and getting air on some of my jumps which added a whole new advantage to my place in the race. While I played this game alone I actually had fun and found it interesting because of the various items that I could use to tackle other characters and aid my position in the race. The various items were used differently some boosting my speed, while others slowed my opponents down. After about half an hour I experienced the effects of all the items and was able to use them to with some skill enough to get a gold medal on the easy mode.
Gamelog # 2
GAMEPLAY:
In the second session of this game I was able to encounter a completely different side by competing in a multi player session with three other characters. Instead of racing I played a four player battle game. For this style each characters has three balloons, which represent their health. Rather then racing for the best time the goal is to use the items to destroy the other characters health while maintaining all of your characters balloons (winner is last man standing).
The multi- player environment was much more interesting because it forced one to improve their skills with the various items during the battles. It also comes with four new maps that are designed symmetrically to challenge its players. I had a lot of fun playing the battle arena in this game because it challenged me to overcome my opponents and forced me to become better at using all of the items.
DESIGN:
From the very beginning this game provided many challenges. After the easy modes I realized I could increase the skills and artificial intelligence of the competing computer players. This provided new challenges when my opponents drove faster and used their items more skillfully. It became even more challenging and interesting when I unlocked new levels and tracks became more intricate and complicated. This was able to keep the game interesting because I had to become better at using my items and adapt more quickly to the new environments. The multi player added even new challenged when I had to play against my peers who were more advanced and used greater ingenuity.
I had very mixed feelings about the reward system of this game. Even though I was able to beat the levels on various difficulties and unlock twelve new levels I soon got bored with only winning a medal each time. The most satisfying reward is to beat your friend in a battle round.
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