I made a few remarks about this topic in the last two posts, that is, difficulty in games. I think this is probably the hardest thing for a game developer to get right. The important thing to discover is the difference between challenging and hard.
When a game is challenging, the player is kept on their toes and have to use most of their ability to win. When they mess up, there are things that are easy to see which they need to fix. For instance, in street fighter, if you keep getting punished for throwing out some move that is -23 on block, it's not too difficult to realize that unsafe moves are called that for a reason. Stop using that move in that situation. You have only yourself to blame for getting beat for doing stupid things.
On the other hand, if a game is just plain hard, things get really frustrating. It's no longer a feeling that your skill beat the game. Now you just feel that it was luck. If you're playing street fighter and all of your cross-ups (requiring your opponent to guess if they need to block right or left), or your high-low mix-ups get blocked, its hard to win and it seems futile to attempt to. That's the thing with computer opponents though. They don't need to guess. They can have the ability to know what side an attack will land on. Game developers need to make them "stupid".
Of course it's not just about the game being hard. You also need to make things challenging, but not easy. If its easy, then its not fulfilling when you win. It seems to keep up the challenge in a game, there are a few routes a developer can go.
1) Introduce new enemies: If you are further into a game and you see a new enemy, you will not be surprised if he takes different tactics to kill or needs more work.
2) Increase the number of enemies spawned: If you are going to keep seeing the same enemies and their abilities will be the same as every other time you see them, you increase the difficulty of that encounter by having more enemies that need to be killed. You don't want to swarm them, but keep things hectic enough so that they can't pick off guys one at a time either.
3) Keep enemy difficulty a constant: No matter where you are in a game, enemy type A will always be .75 of your strength and enemy B will always be 1.5 times as strong. As you get stronger, so do they. This sort of makes sense, but at the same time, you, as a character were doing all these crazy things to get stronger. You opened the blue door with the blue key and killed the evil robot to get the new gun. The enemies, on the other hand, did not. Technically you have no idea what a later game enemy was doing while you were looking for the blue key, but since enemy AI tends to be very simple and static, you assume that they have just been patrolling their area, back and forth, for the past three hours, waiting for you to give them a lead salad. Enemy B did not get a text that said "The Hero has leveled up. Better do some push-ups"
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bioshack
Two in one day?! Crazysauce.
Just beat Bioshock. I really enjoyed it. I love the distopian art-deco look of Rapture. I'm also reading Atlas Shrugged right now, so that made an interesting combo as well.
I played the game on normal and it wasn't super difficult. Not that you should assume that normal is going to be really difficult, but on some games it is. Sure, I saved every three seconds because I don't like dying and was scared of things jumping out at me, but it was still good. The last boss was easier than I thought it would have been. Maybe I'm just that awesome.
I think it told a story very well, using audio journals left by people to tell it, rather than leaving countless books laying around that you have to read. I certainly applaud those whose job it is to write the filler books you find in RPGs, but you're playing a game... you usually don't want to have to pay attention to text.
Just beat Bioshock. I really enjoyed it. I love the distopian art-deco look of Rapture. I'm also reading Atlas Shrugged right now, so that made an interesting combo as well.
I played the game on normal and it wasn't super difficult. Not that you should assume that normal is going to be really difficult, but on some games it is. Sure, I saved every three seconds because I don't like dying and was scared of things jumping out at me, but it was still good. The last boss was easier than I thought it would have been. Maybe I'm just that awesome.
I think it told a story very well, using audio journals left by people to tell it, rather than leaving countless books laying around that you have to read. I certainly applaud those whose job it is to write the filler books you find in RPGs, but you're playing a game... you usually don't want to have to pay attention to text.
Vroom Vroom
How many posts am I behind now? Two, once I do this one?
I bought GT5 yesterday. There are so many cars. Over 1000. That's all well and good, but it would be nice if there weren't twenty Skylines and fourteen Honda Civics. I understand that those cars have a large following and such, but having a different car would be much more interesting. Sure, I'm saying this partly because I'm not a car nut and am a casual player, but I assume that if there is a player who really likes their Civic EX or SE or whatever the letters are, they are happy they can get that car, but could care less about having seventeen Skylines. Maybe I just don't understand.
I like the license system in the game, because I like almost all training modes. The only problem I have, which is not something that can be fixed in the game, is that when I don't do well, I usually don't have any idea what I'm doing wrong. It's obvious when I do something in 15 seconds and its supposed to be 10... but when the difference between bronze and silver on my time is .05 of a second, there's no "Oh duh. Just brake here instead". The other thing that gets me is when, in trying to improve my time, I am barely shaving hundredths of a second off my time, but need to get at least a tenth or two off to get the time I want. It's tough because I'm struggling to gain so little and need to do a lot more. But, one thing I have noticed in regards to this, is that sometimes I just do it. All of a sudden I've shaved off the tenths and did what I want. This is due to the fact that I can't detect tenths and hundredths of a second. So I may not perceive any difference in my performance, but the clock says I did it faster.
I bought GT5 yesterday. There are so many cars. Over 1000. That's all well and good, but it would be nice if there weren't twenty Skylines and fourteen Honda Civics. I understand that those cars have a large following and such, but having a different car would be much more interesting. Sure, I'm saying this partly because I'm not a car nut and am a casual player, but I assume that if there is a player who really likes their Civic EX or SE or whatever the letters are, they are happy they can get that car, but could care less about having seventeen Skylines. Maybe I just don't understand.
I like the license system in the game, because I like almost all training modes. The only problem I have, which is not something that can be fixed in the game, is that when I don't do well, I usually don't have any idea what I'm doing wrong. It's obvious when I do something in 15 seconds and its supposed to be 10... but when the difference between bronze and silver on my time is .05 of a second, there's no "Oh duh. Just brake here instead". The other thing that gets me is when, in trying to improve my time, I am barely shaving hundredths of a second off my time, but need to get at least a tenth or two off to get the time I want. It's tough because I'm struggling to gain so little and need to do a lot more. But, one thing I have noticed in regards to this, is that sometimes I just do it. All of a sudden I've shaved off the tenths and did what I want. This is due to the fact that I can't detect tenths and hundredths of a second. So I may not perceive any difference in my performance, but the clock says I did it faster.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
London Pride
Fuller's London Pride is pretty much what I expected the ESB to be, based on name alone. A step up from the ESB on my unofficial scale of pale ales, this beer has a larger hops scent and a definitely noticeable hops flavor at the end.
The color is a little lighter than the ESB, that is, light brown. Not dark gold, like a IPA could be. There was a sweetness to it before you got the hops. It wasn't a malty sweetness, like what you find in barleywines. It was crisper, dryer, less sticky. More like a sweetness one finds in cider, sans apple.
I remember that the old toad used to have a beer made from them called the EPA. It reminds me of the ESB. Then one day they got rid of it. Somebody told me (Dan) that the London Pride was the same thing. It wasn't. I got it and thought "This is a lot hoppier than the EPA was". I didn't say anything, but I knew he was wrong. Having the London Pride the other day reminded me of this.
As I said in my ESB post, I think that ESB is a good beginner english ale. Once you are ready to try something with more hops, I think London Pride would be appropriate. It's not overpowering, but you can't miss it.
The color is a little lighter than the ESB, that is, light brown. Not dark gold, like a IPA could be. There was a sweetness to it before you got the hops. It wasn't a malty sweetness, like what you find in barleywines. It was crisper, dryer, less sticky. More like a sweetness one finds in cider, sans apple.
I remember that the old toad used to have a beer made from them called the EPA. It reminds me of the ESB. Then one day they got rid of it. Somebody told me (Dan) that the London Pride was the same thing. It wasn't. I got it and thought "This is a lot hoppier than the EPA was". I didn't say anything, but I knew he was wrong. Having the London Pride the other day reminded me of this.
As I said in my ESB post, I think that ESB is a good beginner english ale. Once you are ready to try something with more hops, I think London Pride would be appropriate. It's not overpowering, but you can't miss it.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Original
Today is a day for Weihenstephaner Original.
I am in love with this beer. It's a Munish Helles Lager (Germany's answer to the Czech Pilsner). This is the exact thing I want when I'm looking for a thirst quenching beer. Better than Becks, Heineken (not difficult), Stella and even Pilsner Urquell (obivously not a Helles, but close enough).
The first thing I noticed about this beer is how many bubbles is had in the glass. This was easy to see because its a very clear, light yellow beer. All I can say about the scent is that it is beer. It's the exact smell that I assume most people would associate with beer.
The flavor is simple, and I think that is what makes it so good. It's not fancy or unusual. It's a lager done right. If I didn't want to make sure I had some for later, every time I buy this, I would probably drink most of them that day.
There aren't any off flavors, it comes in a brown bottle (a rariety for this style, it seems) and can be had with anything. It won't overpower your food, or leave a lingering taste.
It seems that I'm going to be giving a lot of good reviews to the beers I drink. This is because the selection here isn't great, unlike the amazing Beers of the World right down the BHTL from RIT, or even Wegmans. I will try to find some new ones to discuss, but if I can't, expect more good reviews because I'm going to buy what I like.
I can certainly do some reviews on cider and perhaps even whiskey and gin.
I am in love with this beer. It's a Munish Helles Lager (Germany's answer to the Czech Pilsner). This is the exact thing I want when I'm looking for a thirst quenching beer. Better than Becks, Heineken (not difficult), Stella and even Pilsner Urquell (obivously not a Helles, but close enough).
The first thing I noticed about this beer is how many bubbles is had in the glass. This was easy to see because its a very clear, light yellow beer. All I can say about the scent is that it is beer. It's the exact smell that I assume most people would associate with beer.
The flavor is simple, and I think that is what makes it so good. It's not fancy or unusual. It's a lager done right. If I didn't want to make sure I had some for later, every time I buy this, I would probably drink most of them that day.
There aren't any off flavors, it comes in a brown bottle (a rariety for this style, it seems) and can be had with anything. It won't overpower your food, or leave a lingering taste.
It seems that I'm going to be giving a lot of good reviews to the beers I drink. This is because the selection here isn't great, unlike the amazing Beers of the World right down the BHTL from RIT, or even Wegmans. I will try to find some new ones to discuss, but if I can't, expect more good reviews because I'm going to buy what I like.
I can certainly do some reviews on cider and perhaps even whiskey and gin.
ESB
Beer post number two.
Fullers ESB, which stands for extra special bitter.
I had trouble with this one. I couldn't find good ways to describe it. What concerned me the most is that there wasn't much hoppiness to it. Bitters are a type of pale ale, which tends to imply a flowery, hop tone to it. It's not like I expected IPA from it, but still, would have liked a bit more flavor in general.
The flavor starts off a little sweet, maybe a hint of raisin. The flavor after that dissipates, but then there is a slight bitterness. And that's all I could find to say about it.
If anybody is interested in trying a true ale, I would recommend this beer. The name sounds a bit scary, but I don't think it has any characteristics that somebody who has had a few drinks in their life couldn't handle.
Probably my favorite thing about this beer is that it comes in a 16.9oz bottle, which fits perfectly in my large pintglass, which I believe holds 18fl.oz. even though the store marketed it as 20.
Fullers ESB, which stands for extra special bitter.
I had trouble with this one. I couldn't find good ways to describe it. What concerned me the most is that there wasn't much hoppiness to it. Bitters are a type of pale ale, which tends to imply a flowery, hop tone to it. It's not like I expected IPA from it, but still, would have liked a bit more flavor in general.
The flavor starts off a little sweet, maybe a hint of raisin. The flavor after that dissipates, but then there is a slight bitterness. And that's all I could find to say about it.
If anybody is interested in trying a true ale, I would recommend this beer. The name sounds a bit scary, but I don't think it has any characteristics that somebody who has had a few drinks in their life couldn't handle.
Probably my favorite thing about this beer is that it comes in a 16.9oz bottle, which fits perfectly in my large pintglass, which I believe holds 18fl.oz. even though the store marketed it as 20.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Fat Tire
Here it is, a new category of posts. Beer!
Last night I had a Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewery. Fat Tire has become my goto beer. It's only available in the west, so it has achieved somewhat of a cult status in the east. I'm not saying that it doesn't deserve it. It is one of the most lovely, drinkable beers I have ever had.
It's an American Amber Ale, which I poured into a mug style glass. It had the color of real maple syrup, Grade A, which is not as dark as most people think. Perhaps a bit lighter, but the hue is spot on. The lacy head dissipated quickly, but any that sticks around clings to the edges of the glass.
The smell is pretty sweet. It reminded me of Chimay, or another strong Belgian dark ale. The smell does is not indicative of the taste though. It has a low bitterness and some malty flavor, but it's not really sweet and sticky either. I think this quality is what makes it something that you could drink a lot of. Really hoppy or really malty beers numb the taste buds. This is mild enough to not do that, but still have a good flavor that one can appreciate. Though it has a ABV of 5.2%, so it would not be appropriate to call it a session beer.
The only problem was that I was impatient and did not let it chill long enough. It was probably twenty degrees too warm. It didn't taste bad like some beers do when they aren't freezing, but the warmth didn't add anything to it.
The brothers on beeradvocate.com say in their reviews of this beer that it is biscuity. I'm not sure what that means and I am curious. What sort of biscuit do they mean? The kind you put sausage gravy on? Something a bit drier? And then does that describe some wheat flavors it might have?
I love beer. And coffee. I can't pick one over the other.
Last night I had a Fat Tire from New Belgium Brewery. Fat Tire has become my goto beer. It's only available in the west, so it has achieved somewhat of a cult status in the east. I'm not saying that it doesn't deserve it. It is one of the most lovely, drinkable beers I have ever had.
It's an American Amber Ale, which I poured into a mug style glass. It had the color of real maple syrup, Grade A, which is not as dark as most people think. Perhaps a bit lighter, but the hue is spot on. The lacy head dissipated quickly, but any that sticks around clings to the edges of the glass.
The smell is pretty sweet. It reminded me of Chimay, or another strong Belgian dark ale. The smell does is not indicative of the taste though. It has a low bitterness and some malty flavor, but it's not really sweet and sticky either. I think this quality is what makes it something that you could drink a lot of. Really hoppy or really malty beers numb the taste buds. This is mild enough to not do that, but still have a good flavor that one can appreciate. Though it has a ABV of 5.2%, so it would not be appropriate to call it a session beer.
The only problem was that I was impatient and did not let it chill long enough. It was probably twenty degrees too warm. It didn't taste bad like some beers do when they aren't freezing, but the warmth didn't add anything to it.
The brothers on beeradvocate.com say in their reviews of this beer that it is biscuity. I'm not sure what that means and I am curious. What sort of biscuit do they mean? The kind you put sausage gravy on? Something a bit drier? And then does that describe some wheat flavors it might have?
I love beer. And coffee. I can't pick one over the other.
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