Game Studies: Exercises 1&2
23.04.2025 - 7.05.2025 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Diane Sani Alexander Wan / 0378712
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Game Studies: Exercise 1 & 2
LIST
1. Instructions
2. Exercises
- Exercise 1
- Exercise 2
3. Reflection
INSTRUCTIONS
EXERCISES
Exercise 1: Favorite video game and what makes this game great?
Introduction to R.E.P.O
REPO is a fast-paced, survival horror indie video game that plunges players into a futuristic world where debt collection is dangerous at high stakes. The players are tasked to collect valuable assets from heavily armed defaulters across the universe within the game. There are obstacles to be faced during each level, the higher you go the more harder it gets to deal with monsters.
The video game was launched in February 26, 2025. Which makes it super recent ever since it was released in the platform, Steam. It gained popularity pretty quick from all gaming streaming platforms.
Gameplay:
- Team-based extraction missions
The game fits up to 6 players and you enter a realm that is filled with horror facilities. The goal is to locate the valuables, which is physics based items like vases or statues, and bring them back to an extraction point.
- Risk vs. reward mechanics
The items are fragile and damaging the items will lose its value, and time pressure plus there are monsters to bring tension throughout the game. Success means higher in-game cash rewards, whereas failure can lead to losses.
When collecting items
- Teamwork required
Items often need multiple players to carry. This makes communication key, for example; one player must distract the monster while the other collect items and bring it back to the extraction point.
- Rescue mechanic
If a teammate dies, a player can retrieve their robot head and can place it onto the extraction point with the amount it says to retrieve a teammate.
The extraction point to get rewarded
Why it stands out:
- Physics comedy + horror blend
Though this game has some horror aspects to it, it doesn't seem to be when playing it, due to the physics of the game. There are playful moments when you get to hear your friends since there is a proximity voice call within' the game meaning, when a player is far in the game the voice starts to become distance like quieter the farther they go. There are a lot of comedic parts in the game which makes it super fun to play.
- Game characters
The character design in the game is very unlikely horror. The player itself is a robot. The designs for the monsters are also unique and they all have their own specific power to them which makes it more interesting to play.
Characters in REPO
Conclusion:
REPO is a a great example of a game to those who are interested in basic horror survival games. It is a uniquely chaotic and thrilling co-op experience gameplay. The game stands out as the monsters got you hooked as soon as the level gets harder as everything. There are unpredictable moments from teamwork and the physics in the game.
The engaging experience makes it comedic meaning users appreciate the game a lot more. The mechanics of the game is interesting and it isn't too complicated.
Exercise 2: Non-digital to digital - Evolution of a game from tabletop to video game
A game I decided to go for is The Game of life.
I remembered playing this game as a kid and it was a good of way of knowing what life could possibly be like as a kid.
Gameplay:
This game consists of 2-4 players on board game but in the video game it can fit up to 6 players.
- Players get to pick a car token to represent themselves (and later, family members)
Spin the wheel (numbered 1–10) and move forward that many spaces.
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Follow the instructions on the space where you land. Common types include:
- Life Spaces: Draw a Life card with a special event (e.g. invent a new app, go on vacation).
- Action Spaces: Draw an Action card and follow it—could be good or bad!
- Family Spaces: Get married, have children, adopt pets.
- House Spaces: Buy or sell a home.
- Taxes or Expenses: Pay money.
Throughout the game, players make choices such as:
- Choosing careers and salaries.
- Buying insurance or investing.
- Deciding on paths (e.g. Buying and selling homes.)
The board game.
Components of the game.
The Game of Life is a humorous, fun simulation of the life experience with unexpected twists, surprises, and life-altering decisions. Players follow the path of life from young adulthood to retirement, experiencing different aspects of life from career choices and marriage to surprise expenses and life-altering windfalls. Though much play is based on chance, smart decisions will decide a player's financial status at the end of the game.
Lastly, the game encourages laughter, storytelling, and reflection on the randomness of life. Wealthy or merely wealthy in experience, The Game of Life tells players the journey is as precious as the destination.
REFLECTION
Experience: Throughout this exercises it gave me time to think about the game a lot more and having a better understanding of it and why it makes it super fun to play. All these games that I put here were the ones that I truly enjoyed playing and recommend others to try it out. The only reason to why I still continue playing the game, it's because the game wasn't that hard to understand and it's all pretty straightforward.
Observation: Realized there is more to the game than it just being fun to play. I tried playing it back again to look out for things that I find frustrating but it all seemed easy to get through, well because I already played it through.
Findings: The overall look of the game is pretty unique for both and it has it owns way of making the game fun. This could eventually help with our board game mechanics and find ways we could improve in our own game, so doing the research also educated myself in a way.
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