Interesting thoughts tom. I certainly agree replayability and the ability to
create custom content matter a great deal, however I would disagree in terms
of complexity.
While games that have a steeper learning curve will put off some people, at
the same time the simpler a game is, the more likely it is to reduce down to
a basic reaction test.
Look at games like Swamp, and indeed shades of doom. Indeed, it is
interesting that while Packman talks is a far simpler game to play and
understand than shades, is quite possible to pick up and just press the
arrows, it seems far less prominant. Ditto with swamp or entombed, or indeed
Sound rts.
While David greenwood is an exceptional developer and has written some
fantastic games, i will say that writing quick and understandable manuals
isn't exactly his forte. They are very complete and provide all the
information, but for a first time player they can be a little on the
confusing side.
Indeed, I remember myself downloading and trying the demos of both startrek
final conflict and Lone wolf in around 2006, attempting to get to grips with
both games and not doing so, I just felt I didn't get everything that was
going on or really understand the game just from reading the manuals.
Then, some time later I listened to pod cast demos of both games and thought
"hay, that sound pretty cool!"
I think if someone did a full demonstrationg of time of conflict 2.0, showed
people the keys to play and most common optionns, went through the game
basics a lot more people would be willing to give it a try.
Another great example is King of dragon pass for the Iphone. The game is
complex, the interface is complex (and indeed used to take a little
wangling), but thanks to a very comprehensive podcast on applevis, it's
possible to get up and running with the game very quickly.
Indeed I probably ought to see about some more podcasts myself of one sort
or another.
So, while I do see the corrilation with complexity, at the same time, I do
think this can be very much alleviated with a good explanation.
Beware the grue!
Dark.
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