Games Role-Playing Practical
INFO111 Computer Games
Introduction Role-Playing Games (RPG) are one of the oldest genres of computer games, with the earliest examples appearing in the 1970s. They were, and still are, inspired by non-digital role-playing games, primarily (though not exclusively) Dungeons and Dragons. Role-playing games continue to be popular, both in single player and massively-multi player forms. . Some of the basic features of an RPG game are: 1. Avatar: The player interacts with the game world through on (or occasional more) character. These character (more formally known as avatars) improve in skills and equipment as the game proceeds. 2. Quests: Most role-playing games offer the player a continuing sequence of quests to perform 3. Exploration: RPGs usually offer the player a large and detailed game world to explore. 4. Equipment: Players have the ability to replace, improve and/or upgrade the items and weapons their character uses These are not the only features you will find in an RPG, nor are they always implemented in the same way. In this practical you are going to look at two RPG games and see how these, and others feature, are implemented in them. The two games we are providing for you are Diablo and Neverwinter Nights. Both games have a fantasy setting. Fantasy settings are by far the most common setting for digital role-playing games, although science-fiction, post-apocalyptic and other settings have been used. Diablo is an example of a click-fest game where combat is common and consists of the player repeatedly clicking on the ir chosen target. Neverwinter Nights is one of many games based directly on the non-digitial rolepaying game Dungeons and Dragons. Apart from its having a rather different approach to combat to Diablo it also comes with a comprehensive set of game development tools, which we will be using later in the semester. Analysis Here are some areas you might like to consider in your analysis. We dont expect you to address them all in your one-page report (theres not enough room, but if you choose RPG for your assignment then you will have more room to be more complete) and you might thin of other aspects to discuss as well. The Player Character: known (also as the avatar). How much are you able to customise your character to start with? How much time do you spend doing this? How easy was it do? Equipment: How does the game handle equipment? How easy to use is the inventory system? Can you access it during combat?
Combat: How easy or hard is the combat system to use and understand? Is it real time or does it allow you to pause and give orders? Tutorials: Does the game include a tutorial? How good is it? Is it part of the game proper or separate form the game story? Plot Development: Most role-playing games including these two have a story? How is it conveyed? Is it interesting? How well does the game immerse you in its setting? Non-Player Character: How are non-player characters handled? Can they accompany and help you or are just there to talk to? Interface: Generally how easy, informative, etc is the game interface? How easy is it to navigate through the options? Quests: How are quests handled? Is there a quest log or does the player have to remember them? How good is the interface to this? Is there a limit to how many quests you can have at a time? Character Improvement: How does your character improve in skills and abilities? Most digital role-playing games use levels these two do. Does the implementation of experience points and leveling up in thes...