FUNDAMENTALS OF GAME DESIGN, SECOND EDITION

What Computers Bring to Puzzles

Computers enable us to make a lot of puzzles that would be impossible or expen­sive to create in the real world—consider the logistics of supplying all the parts in The Incredible Machine in physical form, including the mandrills, cats, and goldfish that appear in the game. Even if a puzzle is physically possible, the computer can add a number of useful features to make the gameplay easier and more enjoyable.

■ Enable nonphysical or awkward moves. The computer can let players do things that don't correspond to physical actions in the real world—for example, changing the color of something. You can also let the player control several things at once with just one key, something that would be awkward to do in a physical implementation.

■ Include computation features. You can use the computing power available to automatically generate new puzzles, find solutions to the current puzzle, or gener­ate hints about what the player should do next.

■ Enforce the rules. In a lot of physical puzzles, it's up to the player to enforce the rules. Sometimes players make mistakes and break the rules accidentally. A com­puter game can make sure that never happens.

■ Record player moves and allow the player to undo them. This very useful fea­ture for games involves moving objects around in a sequence. The solitaire game Freecell allows the player to undo one move, but it would be better if he could undo as many as he wanted, back to the begining of the game.

■ Structure the experience. The computer allows you to present the experience in a particular order, if necessary, passing automatically from one phase to another. In the real world, the player would be looking at the instructions and saying, "Let's see, what am I supposed to do next?"

■ Teach. You can include tutorial modes and step-by-step instructions to help your player get into the game.

■ Use bells and whistles. Obviously, with sound and animation, you can make a puzzle much more aesthetically interesting on the computer than it would be as a physical object.

■ Enable online play. The computer lets players compete against one another, compare solutions, and be part of a puzzle-solving community.

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