LinearWorld

Linear World

Applies to: computer games, ranging from action/adventure to abstract puzzle games such as tetris

Problem: We want to control the narrative / the increasing difficulty of the game.

Solution: Make game consist of a series of levels. No backtracking is permitted.

Consequences: This allows you to tell a pre-packaged story, interspersing story points with moments of interactivity. Also allows a series of puzzles of increasing difficulty that acclimate (http://gamedevleague.blogspot.com/2003_03_02_gamedevleague_archive.html) the user to the game. Also, it gives a ClearShortTermGoal: get to the next level. On the other hand, holistically, the player will feel like they're on a rail and that they're not participating in the narrative, and thus experience much less Immersion.

Examples: Panzer Dragoon Orta, Lode Runner, Spider-Man


CategoryHolisticDesignPattern?