Game Design
Ongoing coverage on Game Design.
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Send in the Clown is a turn-based RPG comedy about fighting one annoying child at a birthday party where there's only one fight in the whole game
Send in the Clown is a unique turn-based RPG focused on comedy, where players control a clown hired to save a child's birthday party from a disruptive brother. The game features a single, hour-long experience with a focus on preparatory minigames and social interactions before a final boss battle against the child.
World of Warcraft: Forever won't destroy what made the old classes so satisfying by modernizing them into oblivion: 'The level of mechanical complexity found in the beta classes is indicative of our intentions'
The article discusses how World of Warcraft: Classic's slower combat and simpler class mechanics offer a more satisfying experience than modern MMOs. Blizzard Entertainment intends to maintain this core design, pacing, and tone in future iterations, focusing on engaging depth rather than overwhelming complexity.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 583: I’ve got my Aion 2 of you
The Massively OP Podcast episode 583 covers various MMO topics including Halloween events, the launch of Aion 2, World of Warcraft Forever's promotional efforts and level cap, and the return of Throne and Liberty to NCSoft. The episode also features an MMO Spotlight on The Secret World.
Choose My Adventure: Slowly peeling back the multiple odd layers of Aion 2
The author expresses a mixed but curious sentiment towards Aion 2, finding its blend of K-MMORPG and mobile game elements odd yet intriguing. While initial combat felt boring and the UI cluttered with notification dots, deeper mechanics and potential for engaging gameplay are starting to emerge, prompting a desire for further exploration.
Red Dead’s Shocking Twist Ending Angered A Lot Of People, But It Was The Right Call, Rockstar Co-Founder Says
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser defended the controversial decision to kill off John Marston in Red Dead Redemption, explaining the narrative and production challenges involved. He noted that while players were angered, the decision was ultimately right for the story's weight and that a similar narrative beat was achieved in Red Dead Redemption II with Arthur Morgan's death.
Max Payne 3 was a "failure," says Rockstar co-founder – because despite writing Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption games, he's no Sam Lake
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser admits that Max Payne 3 was a personal failure due to not capturing the desired neo-noir tone, despite its technical achievements and solid gameplay. He contrasts his own writing approach with that of Max Payne creator Sam Lake, acknowledging that the game's reception was largely negative.
As The One Ring RPG campaign approaches $3 million in pledges, its designers promise "many adventures ahead"
The crowdfunding campaign for The One Ring Roleplaying Game has surpassed $3 million in pledges, exceeding its initial target by 32 times. Lead designer Francesco Nepitello expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, which has led to numerous stretch goals being added. The revamped ruleset, new bestiary, and adventure book are set to ship in October 2027.
Fight or Kite: Trove’s September PvP update was a step in the right direction, now it needs a leap
This article analyzes Trove's recent September PvP update, which introduced Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, and Deathmatch modes alongside the existing Bomber Royale. Despite the expansion of options, the author found the implementation lacking, citing issues with a single queue for all modes, difficulty finding matches (especially on Xbox, which appears to lack crossplay), and the controversial decision to allow player character stats and gear to carry over into PvP, creating an uneven playing field. The author concludes that the update was a disappointment and recommends players, particularly on console, avoid PvP until significant improvements are made.
Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival learned the wrong lesson from Resident Evil 7
This article critiques Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival, arguing that its first-person perspective, inspired by Resident Evil 7, detracts from the game's potential as a third-person action title. While praising its gore and atmosphere, the author finds the perspective choice disorienting and detrimental to both character immersion and combat mechanics.
"I cannot confirm nor deny any Easter egg in Area 51," says the man who definitely knows there's something hidden in Battlefield 6's latest map
Nicholas Bombray, part of the Seasonal Creative team for Battlefield, discusses the series' tradition of incorporating Easter eggs, including potential hidden secrets within the Area 51 map. He explains that these secrets can sometimes be spontaneously added by developers.
Control Resonant composer used Dylan's 'involuntary hero' backstory and his 'dysfunctional' relationship with Hedron to inform him of the soundtrack, which offered 'a whole dimension' for the score
Control Resonant composer Petri Alanko discussed how the game's setting and the complex relationship between protagonist Dylan and antagonist Hedron influenced the soundtrack. He explained that Dylan's role as an 'involuntary hero' and the 'dysfunctional' dynamic with Hedron provided significant material for the score, which also incorporated 'human vocals' to add a unique dimension.
Hearthstone is full of "tall tales," but that leaves room for limitless narrative possibilities
Hearthstone's narrative approach, characterized by 'tall tales' told in taverns, allows for limitless storytelling possibilities within the Warcraft universe. Executive Producer Nathan Lyons-Smith and Lead Game Designer Brendan Sewell discussed how the upcoming 'Reign of the Black Empire' expansion and the new Journal feature will tie narratives together cohesively, serving both core and new players.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force – spelet som alla hatade
Metroid Prime: Federation Force, despite its initial backlash and chibi art style, is an underrated and misunderstood game that deserves a second chance. While not perfect, its co-op gameplay and expansion of the Metroid universe outside of Samus are brilliant ideas that could be further explored in a sequel, potentially with a darker tone and developed by studios like Arrowhead Game Studios.
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse review: Welcome back, Drac
Castlevania: Belmont's Curse is a highly acclaimed action-platformer that serves as a love letter to the franchise's lore and fans. Developed by Motion Twin and Evil Empire with Konami's support, the game features beautiful art, a compelling story with new characters like Rose Belmont, and deep gameplay systems. It is set to release on October 15, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Max Payne 3 Writer Says He Got it “Completely Wrong”, Considers it His Failure
Former Rockstar Games writer Dan Houser reflects on Max Payne 3, considering it his personal failure and the studio's biggest miss. He acknowledges that the game's shift towards high-octane action and away from the original neo-noir style alienated fans, despite its critical acclaim for gameplay and narrative elements.
ISK: Utmaning från Toem 2 - Ge dig ut i världen och fota!
The Indiespelklubben is hosting a photography challenge for October, centered around the game Toem 2. Participants are encouraged to take photos inspired by the game's themes and scenes, either from the game itself or from real life, using any camera. The most creative submissions will win a t-shirt.
I was wary of D&D Star Wars, but it looking so much like Rogue One gives me hope
The upcoming Dungeons & Dragons Star Wars tabletop RPG is generating hope due to its grounded, scoundrel-focused approach, reminiscent of Rogue One and Andor. Developer Wizards of the Coast is praised for focusing on non-Jedi characters and grassroots stories, which the author believes is a more interesting narrative direction for the franchise.
New March of Giants character Pandemos brings some serious toxicity to the MOBA's playtest
Ubisoft Montreal has introduced Pandemos, a new character for its upcoming MOBA, March of Giants. Pandemos is a 'plague doctor of pestilence' who can deal damage, disrupt enemies, or heal allies. The character is available in the ongoing Pioneer Playtest, which runs until October 18.
Ready To Rock? Alpha Nomos’ Beat-Based Puppet Combat Lands On Xbox, PS5 And PC
The rhythm-action roguelite Alpha Nomos, developed by RibCage Games, has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Players control Cello, battling through a ruined world with instrument-based weapons, where combat is tied to the game's soundtrack. The game features roguelite elements with musical power-ups and a timing-offset option for accessibility.
You need not hunger for that Zelda Ocarina of Time remake when we already have Indigo, a colossal N64 romhack featuring mushroom forests and bearded Link
Indigo, a full game replacement romhack for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is set 15 years after Majora's Mask and features new items, enemies, bosses, maps, and story. Playable on PC via static recompilation, the mod includes an older, bearded Link and is currently in public demo stages, with developers asking for patience regarding its completion.
