Design Discussion – The Mechanics Design Bit
The basis of any game is the mechanics that drives it. While that seems like a simple enough concept, but it is sometimes hard to quantify if a mechanic is successful. As a designer, I am constantly creating, updating, tweaking, and balancing mechanics that someone created – be it myself or another designer.
I feel like a successful mechanic should be satisfying to the players. I know that sounds all so vague. But at the end of the day, there is no perfect formula for a successful mechanic. A mechanic is successful if it makes the player feel good. I have noticed a few things that goes into the definition of a “successful” mechanics. While these are not hard rules, they have helped shape my designs.
- A successful mechanic should fit into the game.
An example of a mechanic that does this pretty well is the suicide move from Samurai Showdown 4. Players can sacrifice their own life and forfeit the current round and start the next round with a full super meter (POW guage). The theme of a suicide or seppuku fits well in a game about samurai fighting and it adds a level of strategy in the meter building game which is often crucial in a fighting game. - A successful mechanic has a purpose and can deliver on that purpose.
Treasure Hunter, an ability given to the thief class in Final Fantasy XI Online shows what happens when a mechanic is unclear and when it does not deliver on a purpose. Based on the name alone, players assumed that this ability increased drop rate of items. It did not do that as far as anyone can tell and I do not believe that Square Enix ever gave the players a clear answer on what it is sposed to do. - A successful mechanic is simple to use and easy to understand.
The Dragon Punch (Shoryuken!) from Ryu (or any of the shoto characters) in Street Fighter is a good example of this. It is simple to use and the player clearly understand what it is used for. At the same time, its easy enough for the opponent to understand what its intent is and react accordingly. - A successful mechanic does not compromise the aspects other mechanics at work or the gameplay.
- A successful mechanic creates engagement from the players.
Something like Focus Attacks from Street Fighter 4 is very successful at doing this. Using it in the correct situation makes the player feel smart because it can be used as both a defensive tool or an offensive tool. At the same time, it can be punished properly by the opponent.
For example: Bayonetta, Super Street Fighter 4, and Team Fortress 2 all pretty much showcase these mechanic design ideas. As I have stated previously, these are not hard rules. But if you look at games that I have mentioned, I think you will find similar philosophies in the design of their mechanics.
