Let's Talk About Level Design

ThisGameIsSucky · Apr 29, 2019

Tonight let's talk about game and level design. This discussion should be straightforward...I'm gonna impose my own rule though, don't let the answer be a spoiler for any game. If you must please warn us in your response.

So, what is a turn off or a turn on when it comes to enjoying a video game about design aspects of games and design aspects of specific levels?

Try not to point fingers at developers for their work regardless of how you feel, I believe one hundred percent everyone is entitled to their opinions...just don't be mean. Give praise and constructive criticism.

For me a turn off would instantly be bad sound design. I play the synth and do little gigs and stuff irl with sound design so I'm sucker for a good soundtrack in a game. Let's take Fallout New Vegas for instance that radio soundtrack is full of powerful
mood setting western pieces that fit perfectly into the post-retro consumerist design of Las Vegas in a "vinyl atomic apocalyptic future." A game that does sound (and visual) design right would be Outlast with all of its heavy breathing and environmental sounds
(as well as lighting.) In that same aspect like I almost mentioned a turn on is lighting and graphics if done right, Borderlands for sure does that right.

But what do you think? Also remember to leave a comment (this is a new thing) about a suggestion for tomorrow night's discussion should be.

Also shout out to MoonClaw for using my title the other night, thanks for shouting me out lol.

:)

AdamKronus

Empty open worlds, full of "nothing to do and much to walk", as well as bad or outdated combat mechanics are things that keep me away from the game.

KaiZaChieF

yeah I hear that! I don't mind a fetch quest or two but when its over and over again it becomes old real fast!

Oraclea

One thing I strongly dislike is a section where something is determined randomly (e.g. an enemy's patterns of attacks), but that choice leads to wild swings in difficulty. It gives me a lot less satisfaction beating something knowing it just happened to
be a lot easier the time I beat it.

One thing I admire is when a game is able to add new mechanics and/or allow me to add new power-ups for my character, yet retain a similar overall level of difficulty throughout.

Pandy Yato

I like puzzles, lots of action and don't mind grinding but really don't like fetch quests or ones where you have to keep an NPC alive.

Daniel_0815

Turn on: Levels that explain themselves. Like Super Mario 1, you could clearly figure out all game mechanics by just playing the level, without any displayed text.

Turn off: Open World without anything to do.

Let's Talk About Level Design