Case Studies

I'm still in the general research stage at the moment, I've been looking at a range of mostly iPad games that I either like the look of style-wise or that I think have interesting dynamics and utilise the touchscreen in a unique way.

Badland

* distinctive look, black characters and objects with vibrant coloured background
* similar to Limbo
* simple sillouette character
* distinct levels set out by seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter)

Limbo

* black and white with a film grain texture
* Rayman-esc (kind of...)
* depressing setting
* tells a story throughout gameplay however no text or spoken words

Canabalt

* endless runner

* black and white pixellated visuals

* only mechanic is jump!

Alto Adventure

* simple yet affective graphics

* blocked out graphics manage to still look beautiful

* snowboards!

Dark Echo

* black and white (introduction of colour in later levels)

* based on sound and movement - find the exit to win

* press and hold to make louder noises (this could be useful)

Alone

* endless runner set in space

* controlled by movement of finger on touchscreen

* simplistic graphics (bit boring I think!)

Dumb Ways to Die

* love how this game looks

* primarily makes use of touchscreen controls 

* very fast paced

Year Walk

* only controls are left, right, forward, back (scrolling)

* makes use of orientation change

* perhaps the creepiest thing in the whole world

Zen Bound

* need two hands to play!

* gameplay could only work on touchscreen devices

* puzzle, no narrative

Looking back at the games I've briefly investigated they all seem to look quite similar in ways and share a few graphic styles at least. I know what kind of style I want to go for, now it's just waiting for that idea to come...

(if only I had time to play all of these games!!)