Mechanic Analysis
This is an assignment I worked on several months ago, where I provided examples of mechanics that were randomly selected for me. I realized I hadn't uploaded it, so I figured I'd do so before I start uploading my more current writings. Enjoy!
Mechanic 1 - Memorize/Recall
Potential Setups
Memorizing the map layouts in FPS games
Memorizing weapon placement in arena shooters
Memorizing button combos
Memorizing passwords in older games with no saves
Memorizing cheat codes
Memorizing cards/tiles that are only flipped over and need matched
Memorizing shortcuts in kart racers
Memorizing what ingredients/components combine to form other items
Recalling what killed you previously so that you can watch out for it next time
Recalling the solutions to similar puzzles encountered previously
Recalling the answers to trivia questions
Examples
1 - Mega Man X (Capcom, 1993)
Description - In this example, players can continue from the last place they left off by entering a password. These passwords are given to them at the end of stages, or when they get a game over.
2 - Super Mario Bros 3 (Nintendo, 1988)
Description - In this example, the player must match two tiles by flipping them over. If they are incorrect, the tiles are flipped back face down. They get two chances each time they find this mini-game, and the tiles will remain the same the next time they find this mini-game. This means that they must memorize the tile placement in order to win, rewarding players with the items on the matching tiles.
3 - Street Fighter II (Capcom, 1991)
Description - In this example, the character will perform moves when the player presses a button combo that they memorized. This allows them to use stronger and more advanced attacks.
Flow Chart
Mario Matching Mini-Game
Mechanic 2 - Consume
Potential Setups
Using potions in RPGs
Taking damage and losing health points
Spending money/currency
Using up a weapon or armor’s durability
Sacrificing pawns
Using a spell that requires mana
Depleting stamina by running
Using crafting materials
Playing cards from your hand
Assigning skill points
Examples
1 - Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo, 2004)
Description - In this example, players assign a skill point to one of three categories when Mario levels up. Doing so is permanent, and the skill point can not be re-used.
2 - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo, 2017)
Description - In this example, Link’s weapons will lose durability each time they are used to hit an enemy. Once it’s durability is fully depleted, the weapon breaks.
3 - Final Fantasy (Square, 1987)
Description - In this example, the player spends their currency buying equipment.
Flow Chart
Paper Mario, Spending Stat Points
Resources
Arlo (Director). (2017, March 11). In Defense of Breath of the Wild's Brittle Weapons [Video file]. Retrieved July 16, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCMDG51cf5w
Hanson, A., & Avidan, D. (Directors). (2016, December 17). Paper Mario TTYD: Right in the Giblets - PART 10 - Game Grumps [Video file]. Retrieved July 16, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN3j2WT_ky8&index=10&list=PLRQGRBgN_EnrzdGqBL9mP7crrIWd1zM6D
Play Retro Games. (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2017, from http://www.playretrogames.com
Screenshots of Super Mario Bros. 3, Mega Man X, and Final Fantasy.
BurningAegis. (Director). (2014, January 4). Street Fighter II (SNES) - Ryu (Hadoken only)[Video file]. Retrieved July 16, 2017, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvtB7iZd6s0
Street Fighter IV Fight Pad Action Voice Key Chain (n.d.). Retrieved July 16, 2017, from http://www.strapya-world.com/categories/Street-Fighter-IV-Fight-Pad-Action-Voice-Key-Chain/5161.html
Screenshot of the Street Fighter button combo.
