5 Clever Uses of in-Game Mechanics in Online Games
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5 Clever Uses of in-Game Mechanics in Online Games
Unveiling the inventive use of in-game mechanics that redefine online gaming experiences, this article brings together expert insights to explore how players manipulate virtual worlds to their advantage. From strategizing ambushes in 'Ashwathama' to engineering marvels in 'Minecraft', the piece dissects the genius behind these digital innovations. Dive into the mechanics that are pushing the boundaries of gameplay, as detailed by those who know them best.
- Timeline Explosion Ambushes in Ashwathama
- Doctor Strange's Portals Revolutionize Gameplay
- Minecraft Redstone Builds Functional Calculator
- Among Us Uses Sabotage and Deception
- The Witcher 3's Dynamic Dialogue Choices
Timeline Explosion Ambushes in Ashwathama
One of the most creative uses we have used in-game mechanic in an online is the "timeline explosion" strategy in our game Ashwathama the immortal. That's probably India's first RPG game.
Why It Was Clever:
The mechanic was intended for combat scenarios, but players repurposed it to create chaotic, unexpected situations, like ambushing unsuspecting players or NPCs in old castle.
It became a tool for demonstrations of player ingenuity, creating memorable moments.
It showcased how players could think outside the box, using a skill in ways the developers likely never imagined, pushing the boundaries of what the game allowed.
Doctor Strange's Portals Revolutionize Gameplay
If you've played Marvel Rivals, you'll no doubt have seen Doctor Strange and his portal creations. This allows players to jump across the map in quick time, providing an entirely new tactic to counter and fight against.
The portal mechanic was also included in Splitgate, and soon Splitgate 2, with it being an FPS where players can create portals, jump across the map, and attack from any angle at any time. Arguably, this revolutionized the gameplay loop in the FPS title, allowing new tactics, strategies, and more to be conceived, keeping the game fun and unpredictable.
More games need to adopt this portal-like mechanic, in their own way, and introduce a new way to play online games. Imagine the madness if EA Sports FC introduced a portal minigame, or Rocket League added a portal mechanic. Hell, Fortnite could have a portal mechanic and it'd drop right in with no change needed to the game modes. It'd be chaos. It'd be fun. It'd be great.
Minecraft Redstone Builds Functional Calculator
One of the most creative uses of in-game mechanics I've seen is in Minecraft, where players use redstone to build elaborate contraptions. As a programmer myself, the things you can do are quite frankly mind-blowing and would have been a major advantage to me as a child. A standout example is a player constructing a fully functional in-game calculator, combining logic gates and redstone-powered pistons. This is considered fairly basic, considering some players have gone so far as to create a fully functional copy of Pokemon within the game, but this ingenuity showcases how players can manipulate basic mechanics to create something entirely unique, blending technical skill with creativity.
Among Us Uses Sabotage and Deception
I've always been very impressed by the way Among US uses sabotage and deception as a core mechanic, giving players the option to creatively misdirect opponents and turn it into more of a social engineering game rather than a plain PvP. This strategic manipulation of game elements to achieve a win exemplifies how thinking outside the box enhances gameplay - something that Among Us does extremely well, as you can always win even if you're not particularly good at the other game mechanics.
The Witcher 3's Dynamic Dialogue Choices
A popular PC game that exemplifies creative use of in-game mechanics is "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt." The game is renowned not only for its captivating narrative and world-building but also for its innovative mechanics, particularly the dialogue and choice system.
Creative Use of Dialogue and Choices
Branching Narrative: The game's choices don't just affect the immediate outcome but ripple throughout the entire world. Decisions made in one quest can have far-reaching consequences, sometimes affecting the game's story hours later. It creatively uses a dynamic narrative system where no choice is ever entirely right or wrong, and the consequences aren't always clear at first.
Character Relationships: The game integrates meaningful character development by allowing players to shape their relationships with key figures, including Geralt's romantic entanglements and alliances. These relationships are influenced by dialogue choices, creating a deeply personalized experience.
Combat and Magic: While not as unconventional as some narrative elements, the combat system incorporates strategic use of the character's magical signs, which can be combined in clever ways with environmental elements—such as using fire to ignite enemies near oil or creating illusions to manipulate foes. This combination of combat mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Why It's Clever
The creativity of "The Witcher 3" lies in its integration of player choices and narrative depth. The ability to craft a completely different experience based on decisions made during gameplay is not only innovative but also keeps players invested in the outcome, providing a truly dynamic adventure.
