Challenge Reality
1. EARTHBOUND
Super NESS 1994
Earthbound was released for the Super NESS and Game Boy Advance in 1994 and is the second game in the Mother series. It is a single player rpg that contains a relatively large map that the player can explore. Furthermore, its graphics make it seem somewhat older than what it truly is, but one only needs to start playing the game to realize that we are not talking about a simple game. As far as narrative goes, it has a rather simple story, and yet it manages to catch the player’s attention rather quickly. Yes, the battle mechanics might lack extensive animation and the menu might be somewhat dry, but its initial simplicity allows the player to understand how it works rather easily. Once the player grows accustomed to the game’s rules, the game adds new powers, objects and information that continuously peak the player’s interest.
In fact, there are a couple of interesting things within the game. For instance, if the player does not constantly call Ness's (the main character) mother during the game, Ness will become homesick and his attack accuracy will decrease. The most interesting mechanic in the game is the mushroom disease Ness can get while fighting mushrooms. The idea of constantly changing the player controls that move the character around is unique. Perhaps it can get annoying fairly fast, but it is still quite interesting. It is a mechanic that is rarely seen within game-plays.
2. MISCHIEF MAKERS
N64 1997
Mischief Makers is a 2D platformer game that was released for the N64 in 1997. It was made by Treasure and Enix when they struck a partnership. Throughout the game, Professor Theo is kidnapped multiple times, and it is up to Marina Liteyears (the main character) to rescue him. Despite this rather weak story, the interesting mechanics of the game make up for it. These main mechanics constitute of grabbing, shaking, and throwing. In order to pass the levels and discover the answers to multiple puzzles, the player must use these three mechanics constantly. The game makes it possible to grab not only enemies but also friendly npcs. This is rather interesting since most developers usually leave friendly npcs as unmoving and almost background-like objects. Being capable of grab and throw them around is quite pleasing, to say the least.
Another aspect of the game that seems to pop out constantly is the fact that the control joysticks are not used when moving the character*. This may become quite annoying for some players to get used to, but it does force them to get out of the comfort zones. Once the player has become accustomed to these controllers though, he then may start exploring the multiple mechanics and places hidden throughout the stages.
3. SPACE CHANNEL 5 PART 2
PlayStation 2 2002
Space Channel 5 Part 2 is a video game developed by United Game Artists and published by Sega in 2002. It is a fairly unique game and appears to be a predecessor of the games such as “Just Dance.” However, instead of the player moving their bodies to copy the NPC dancer on the screen, he or she had to memorize a rhythm and then imitate it by pressing specific buttons on the controller. At first, the game is quite easy, giving the impression that it is meant for beginners. And yet, as it progresses, the tunes get harder, faster and more convoluted. It is a fairly good game with strong mechanics, but its constant repetitiveness and cheesy quotes lead some players to lose interest rather quickly. Furthermore, the repetitive “Chu” and “Hey” commands become irksome the further the player is in the game. Then again, the appearance of Michael Jackson as Space Michael give the game a bit of a needed twist.
However, one must give the game props for their originality and rhythm. The graphics are relatively nice for 2002, and the backgrounds (and even the storyline) are quite inventive and attracting.
4. CHILD OF LIGHT
Many Platforms 2014
Child of Light is a video game developed and published Ubisoft in 2014. Right now, it is available in many platforms such as Xbox, Nintendo, Playstation and PC. The first thing that strikes the player upon starting the game is the art of the game. Every detail seems to have been done with care and outmost sensibility. It almost leaves the player drooling with pleasure.The next thing the player notices are the voices and soundtrack. They caress one’s ears, gently immersing the player in the game before dragging him to its depths with an iron grip. The narrative itself is also exquisite, always keeping the player on edge and wondering what will happen next. It has the option of being a CO-OP game where player 1 controls Aurora (a “damsel” that has died and wishes to revive) and player 2 controls Igniculus (a “firefly” Aurora finds in Lemuria after dying). If the game is played by only one player, then the player has the ability to change between the characters and pick which one to control throughout the gameplay.
Finally, it is worth noting the active-time battle mechanics where the enemy and player cannot attack at the same time. Instead, it is based on turns. The player will choose an action and once done (ex. Attacking, defending, etc), the enemy is capable of picking one. Of course, the battle lasts until either the player’s or the enemy’s HP has reached 0.
Note to Teacher: This is an awesome game!