Scaffolding: Concept Review - Team 12

 

Game Title: Zero Ranger

Game Website: se-made.com/zeroranger.html

Zero Ranger is a vertically scrolling shoot’em up in which the player controls a space fighter to dodge attacks by moving with WASD, shoot enemies, and reach the end of the level. Certain sections contain bosses which the player must defeat to continue. To defeat enemies the player has their primary fire which shoots forwards, a secondary firing type chosen between a side shot or a shot that fires behind the player, a third firing type chosen between a lock-on attack or an attack that can be charged over time, and a mode switch that allows the player to use a melee attack. By using an alternate controller the player can experience the game from an alternate view. This is especially important as repeating through levels is core to the progression in Zero Ranger. The alternate controller could also better immerse the player as the pilot of a high-tech spaceship. We drew inspiration from mechanical objects such as the player’s ship and the enemies within the game while sketching our ideas for alternate controllers.

Question 1: Do the controls seem intuitive for the 2D shoot’em up genre?

Question 2: Would the inputs provided be comfortable to use in quick succession in a fast paced game like Zero Ranger?

 

Game Title: Hollow Knight

Game Website: www.hollowknight.com

                Hollow Knight is a 2D action-adventure game in which the player explores vast underground areas and battles various creatures to progress through the game and learn more about the mysterious plot. To move throughout the world the player can walk, jump, and dash while using their nail to attack. The player can also use a resource called soul to regenerate lost health and utilize the dream nail ability to enter sub areas in the dream realm. An alternate controller can introduce a new way of playing that increases the difficulty found in the base game while also tying into the game’s themes. Light sensors in particular can be used to tie into Hollow Knight’s underground world. Other elements we drew inspiration from include the player’s main weapon the nail, the main character’s mask, and the benches found throughout the game which act as save points.

Question 1: Would these controllers be comfortable for long term use exploring Hollow Knight’s vast world?

Question 2: Would these alternate controls increase the difficulty of the game too much?