11 November 2007

Prototype Critiques 3.0

The same critique template was used as for the previous prototype presentations

3.1 Stick Ninja


Balance: Lots of game play elements (characters, categories, weapons, etc)
Model: Paper prototype with red and white dice for enemy and player odds. Simple layout.
Art: Quick sketches, nothing over the top, which is good for a prototype.
Mechanics: You can only see your own item card, and must make a judgment on whether or not you should fight your enemy.
Originality: Seems like a fairly original game. I like that there are alot of game play elements to keep it interesting.
Translation to paper: Translated well to paper prototype.

Some other notes:

  • clear goals for proceeding
  • gives player option to change their character and weapons


3.2 Zodiac War

Balance: Looked to be fairly balanced, but I don't know how much this will help them since the prototype did not closely mimic their game.
Model: Similar to street fighter.
Art: Simple, elegant artwork. Blue for player, red for enemy.
Mechanics: Turn based. One of the team members simulates game AI.
Originality: Not overly original, as it is similar to arcade style fighting games.
Translation to paper: Had a tough time translating to paper. Ended up with a turn based board game.

Some other notes:
  • Players got the hang of the game quickly
  • Got good pointers on what to improve for gameplay (attack variation, controls, pace)

3.3 Crack Quest

Balance: Ok, but needs a bit of work to keep it challenging.
Model: A digital prototype. I am not sure what engine they are using, but they appear to be modding an iglue game?
Art: Appears to be mostly what came with the game they are modding, with some of their own subbed in.
Mechanics: Run and shoot (needles are a nice touch).
Originality: Not overly original in mechanics, but the idea/story of the game is original.
Translation to paper: They did not have to deal with this since they built a digital prototype.

Some other notes:
  • comicy art feel
  • got loads of feedback from their testers about how to add to the game.

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