Scaffolding: Concept Review - Luis Hernandez

Game 1: Pokemon Sapphire

Game page: https://www.emulatorgames.net/roms/gameboy-advance/pokemon-sapphire-version-v11/

My motivation for working with this game mostly has to do with the fact that Pokemon holds a special place in my heart. I've played every Pokemon game and generation three is one of my favorite generations. I also decided to pick this game because I thought it would be fun to make a custom controller for such a popular game and franchise. I believe this game could benefit from an alternative controller because adding a controller that resembles an in-game item or "artifact" will add to that feeling of immersion and it will also help players feel more connected to their Pokemon. This is very important because almost every Pokemon player fantasizes about being in the Pokemon world and having real Pokemon. The inquiry question that got me thinking was "Could you control a game with a fishing rod? An antique radio? A record player? A violin? A toaster? A telescope? etc." This made me turn to the different objects and "artifacts" that exist in the Pokemon world and try to turn them into controllers. I have two questions for the peer review regarding my designs. One, which one of the three controllers would you like to see made and why, and two, your opinion on how well each controller fits the game.

"Design #1: Poke Ball Controller"

I was inspired to make a controller with a Poke Ball because they are iconic and are a must for Pokemon and I also thought it would be fun to make a controller with something unique as this.

"Design #2: Pokemon Aura Glove"

I was inspired by the Auro glove that appears in a Pokemon film and decided to add to it by having the glove feel like the player is giving commands to the Pokemon which allows the player to feel like they are in the Pokemon world.

"Design #3: Poke Flute"

I wanted to make a controller that resembles the Poke Flute because I thought it would be interesting and unique while also being tied to the Pokemon world.

Game 2: Space Invaders Extreme

Game Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/744050/Space_Invaders_Extreme/

Space Invaders is a classic game that almost everyone played at least once, myself included. Even though the original game is old, Space Invaders Extreme is a good "reboot/update" that makes the game better in my opinion. Although the game is still relatively simple, this is a game that I find myself coming back to occasionally because I enjoy playing it a lot in my downtime. That's why I'm motivated to work on this game. I believe this game would benefit from an alternative controller because although this game is enjoyable, it sometimes gets repetitive and it needs a "new breath of fresh air" to have fun in a new way. Two inquiry questions motivated my choice, those being, "What physical gestures are present in the game play?  Actually or by representation?" and "Could you control a game with a fishing rod? An antique radio? A record player? A violin? A toaster? A telescope? etc." These two questions made me start thinking about controllers that would make the game more fun and enjoyable for players while at the same making them a bit unorthodox. Regarding feedback, there are two questions I would like to ask. One, which controller seems like it would be the most fun to use and why do you think the others are not, and two, are there any improvements you would like to see regarding where each of the "buttons" are?

"Design #1: Spaceship Controller"

This is something that instantly came to mind and I thought that the idea of controlling a ship that is in your hands controlling the ship in-game was cool.

"Design #2: Commander Glove Controller"

I simply wanted to give the player a way to feel like they are commanding the ship like a commander by using gestures and I thought this was a good way to do it.

"Design #3: Commander Glove Controller"

I was inspired by multiple controllers such as the SNES, arcade sticks, etc., and wanted to make a controller that would utilize different sensors while also maintaining the the "core idea".