Week 12 Notes and Links

Due to an unexpected conflict, I will not be in town on Thursday.  I have provided the links to genres within games and the history of fighting games below.  Please take time to go through them and be ready for indie games on April 3rd.  I apologize for any disappointed souls that yearn for my lecture, may you find it in your heart to forgive me. For those of you interested in what I'll be doing, here you go...
Kurt's Presentation To The Board

All the homework I have received has been entered and about 60% of the papers thus far. If you can't wait until next week to see your grade in class, email me, I will send it to you this weekend when I get back.

Genres of video games.  Is this overboard, not defined enough, does it matter?
http://www.robinlionheart.com/gamedev/genres.xhtml

Here is a Brief  History of Fighting Games and a few more questions. What are the basic features and mechanics of fighting games?  Why does side view work better than full rotation?  Are they gaining popularity again, why or why not? Is there room for more advancements besides better graphics and realistic gore?
http://www.gamesradar.com/fists-and-fatalities-history-fighting-games/


The best competitive fighting game comeback? Street Fighter competition at EVO 2004
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgSAOxwr0xE

The worst fighting games ever? I almost forgot about ShaqFu, almost...
http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/12/the-10-worst-fighting-games#11


The rest of the homework, 3 weeks left!

HOMEWORK 8 (Diary 2): DUE BEFORE CLASS ON APRIL 11th.

• Play for next week and diary on two of the following
  • Sonic the Hedgehog (any of the 2D versions)
  • Gunstar Heroes
  • Castlevania (any of the 2D versions)
  • Metal Slug (any)
  • Earthworm Jim (any)
  • Ristar
  • Wonderboy
  • Strider
  • Ecco the Dolphin (any)
  • Vector Man (any)
  • Golden Axe (any 2D)
• For comparison also play (so play a total of 3 games)
  • Dig Dug
  • Burger Time
  • Elevator Action
  • Frogger

HOMEWORK 9: Draft Game Pitch due on April 17th – BRING TO CLASS

1. essentially the elevator speech for your game.
2. 1 page, detailed description
3. focus on big ideas, characters, setting, etc. whatever “sells” your game
4. should list 3 similar games
5. should speak to how your game is different/better than those three
6. should speak to the game’s perceived market - Read this!

*** something you might want to watch if you have time - Will Wright Game Design Video

Extra Credit  (DIARY 3): DUE BEFORE CLASS ON APRIL 17th.

-  May be substituted for another diary as well.  Also, Because of the nature of RPGs you only have to do one.

• Play and diary on any of the following:
  • GameTap Classic RPGs
• Compare 
  • Heroes of Might & Magic against another classic strategy game

Game Design Doc  – Due by midnight, Sunday, April 27th.