Wednesday, June 29, 2011
DID YOU GUYS KNOW?
The Settlers of Catan game that we played today was invented by a German man named Klaus Teuber. After retiring from his profession as a dental technician he became a full-time game designer... a well known one at that!
Success:
Sold over 15 million games in the series
Translated into 30 different languages
*known for its simple yet complex dynamics
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tic Tac Toe: Third Dimension
Hey this is Matt. Working with Celeste, we brainstormed a Tic Tac Toe advanced version with a focus on using three traditional game grids arranged in a vertical column.
- Possibly set up as a point system, with more points for specific patterns and multipliers for multiple lines of the same type
- Layers can be switched, or rotated (could maybe be that each player has a one-time use for this mechanic)
- Could be timed so the layers switch/rotate in a pre-determined way or randomized way on their own
- Variable rules/amount of things you can do for different difficulty/complexity levels
The main gameplay focus changes that come with setting up the game grid in this new way are on the ability to rotate or switch layers, as well as new patterns that can be created besides the traditional vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Games would be judged by a final score instead of who gets three in a row first, and the points can benefit from special patterns that score more or even multipliers from getting multiple horizontals, verticals, etc.
At the moment, there is still room for refining and defining the new rules, such as possible extra players, a timed version to make it more fast-paced, things you can do with your turn besides placing your mark, and what could be done after all the marks have been placed.
- Possibly set up as a point system, with more points for specific patterns and multipliers for multiple lines of the same type
- Layers can be switched, or rotated (could maybe be that each player has a one-time use for this mechanic)
- Could be timed so the layers switch/rotate in a pre-determined way or randomized way on their own
- Variable rules/amount of things you can do for different difficulty/complexity levels
The main gameplay focus changes that come with setting up the game grid in this new way are on the ability to rotate or switch layers, as well as new patterns that can be created besides the traditional vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Games would be judged by a final score instead of who gets three in a row first, and the points can benefit from special patterns that score more or even multipliers from getting multiple horizontals, verticals, etc.
At the moment, there is still room for refining and defining the new rules, such as possible extra players, a timed version to make it more fast-paced, things you can do with your turn besides placing your mark, and what could be done after all the marks have been placed.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Epic Tic Tac Toe, yo.
Tic Tac Toe used to be such a sedentary game. The only movement involved was the act of marking your selected spot... and blinking. But not anymore!
*Infomercial Music*
Together with my partner, Christy, we have developed Epic Tic Tac Toe!
We upgraded the grid from a 3x3 to a 5x5 grid to ensure more play space.
*But what will you do with more space??*
Fight for it!
We have incorporated a die which will be rolled to determine which game the players must play in order to earn the minute long glory and right to mark the grid!
There will be 6 mini games ranking from easiest to sort of hardest.
They go as follows:
1) A round of Rock, Paper, Scissors
2) Within 60 seconds, each player must fold as many paper cranes as possible. The player that if furthest along in the folding process wins! (Note: Crane must look like a legit crane. No "pointy frogs" or "prehistoric squirrels")
3) Word Game! The player that last rolls the dice chooses a letter and a subject for the opponent. The opponent must think of as many words as possible that start are within that category and start with that letter within 60 seconds. i.e. (Letter: C, Subject: Food) Cake, Croissant, Clam. After that 60 seconds, the roles reverse and another 60 seconds is put on the clock. The player with the most words wins. If there is a tie, have a rematch!
4) Play the "A. B. C. D" game. A game which tests reflexes. Here's a video that sort of illustrate what's supposed to go down (BTW... This was the best video I could find so... yeah I apologize about that in advance!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkTVms5viqU&feature=player_embedded
Bascally there are 4 hand signs A (Prayer), B (X Shape), C, (Upward Facing palms), and D (Downward facing palms). There is one leader that calls out a letter. Those who have the same hand sign as the leader, gets a slap. The number of slaps you receive correlates to the letter. i.e. 1 slap for A, 2 for B, etc.
5) Wheel barrow a friend/random person 5(ish) feet fastest.
6) Play a game of "Ninja". Refer here: http://www.wikihow.com/Play-the-%22Ninja%22-Slap-Game for instructions.
The foreseen issues with this version is that there will need to be some form of explanation for at least 2 of the games. But fun games tend to need multiple layers and dimensions of fun so some short explanation should be fine. Another potential negative is that it's active, that you can't play it during a road trip. Also, there is mild violence involved.
What's nice about this format is that it allows multiple players in on the action! This is especially encouraged for the games 4-6! Players can also organize into teams which will naturally incorporate some form of organization and strategizing! More fun!
This game is great for ice breakers, family reunions, and fun summer days!
Awesome.
Numero Uno
Hopefully I'm not the first to post.. I'm getting used to this extensive blogging technology. So extensive.. so advanced.
Tic Tac Toe Projecto is running smoothly thus far. Allen and I had a rather productive evening at our nearby U Village Starbucks discussing the underlying rules and tribulations of our new, life size, Tic Tac Toe meets Battle Ship meets Ultimate Frisbee game. It's sure to be a interesting twist on the originally tepid time waster once played while waiting for meals at restaurants. Our variation challenges the player's involved in intellectual strategy as well as physical ability. The traditional X's and O's are still the main symbols (unless a third or fourth party is involved.. more on that come Sunday) but getting these symbols in a row is only the half of it. Players must make it to the opposite end of their corner without being outdone by their team member using throwable X's and O's as their only form of navigation within the constrained playing field. Players meander through the space by placing the symbols within the boundaries in hopes of creating an effective bridge to their destination; however, players have the ability to disconnect opposing team member's bridges thus impeding (and hopefully outdoing) their opponent's ability to reach the other side.
Problems are sure to surface when we bring this game to life. So far, Allen and I have only tried this game on paper, surely the physical world will shed light on some loose ends.
This version of Tic Tac Toe may seem like a deviation from the original game. It involves far more physical exertion, projectile objects, potentially 2-4 players, and a much larger space for play. Nevertheless, I feel it stays true to the foundations of the original game through it's symbols and objective of maintaining a certain amount of these symbols in a row. What are your opinions? Should this game stay within the original realms of Tic Tac Toe in terms of being played on paper or should we consider the alternative of making it entirely interactive?
Tic Tac Toe Projecto is running smoothly thus far. Allen and I had a rather productive evening at our nearby U Village Starbucks discussing the underlying rules and tribulations of our new, life size, Tic Tac Toe meets Battle Ship meets Ultimate Frisbee game. It's sure to be a interesting twist on the originally tepid time waster once played while waiting for meals at restaurants. Our variation challenges the player's involved in intellectual strategy as well as physical ability. The traditional X's and O's are still the main symbols (unless a third or fourth party is involved.. more on that come Sunday) but getting these symbols in a row is only the half of it. Players must make it to the opposite end of their corner without being outdone by their team member using throwable X's and O's as their only form of navigation within the constrained playing field. Players meander through the space by placing the symbols within the boundaries in hopes of creating an effective bridge to their destination; however, players have the ability to disconnect opposing team member's bridges thus impeding (and hopefully outdoing) their opponent's ability to reach the other side.
Problems are sure to surface when we bring this game to life. So far, Allen and I have only tried this game on paper, surely the physical world will shed light on some loose ends.
This version of Tic Tac Toe may seem like a deviation from the original game. It involves far more physical exertion, projectile objects, potentially 2-4 players, and a much larger space for play. Nevertheless, I feel it stays true to the foundations of the original game through it's symbols and objective of maintaining a certain amount of these symbols in a row. What are your opinions? Should this game stay within the original realms of Tic Tac Toe in terms of being played on paper or should we consider the alternative of making it entirely interactive?
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