Basic Information:InstallationOverviewStory & RolesGameplayBuild GameplayScene & Comic GameplayPhysics Exploration GameplayContentUser InterfaceSpecial FeaturesDocumentation & BugsReview: The GoodReview: The BadReview: ComparisonsReview: ConsiderationsReview: SummaryEnd of review!Assignment 1CIS 4879/29/09David ElnerBasic Information:Title Garry’s ModDeveloper Team GARRYGenre Indie (Mod)(Sandbox)Price $10Requirements Source-engine Game1.7 Ghz CPU512 MB RAMDirectX 8 Graphics CardWindows 2000/XP/VistaMouse, Keyboard, InternetRecommended Pentium 4 3.0+ Ghz CPU1 GB RAMDirectX 9 Graphics CardWindows 2000/XP/VistaMouse, Keyboard, InternetInstallationSteam – Content Delivery PlatformAutomated installation, updatesGame license associated to accountMust own Source Engine game to playSteam – www.steampowered.comOverview“Sandbox” gameplayPrimary focus on physicsSecondary focus on custom contentPlayer-created contentStory & RolesStory-less gameplay“Make your own adventure”Player roles vary greatly: - Architect - Role-player - “God”Single player and multiplayer(Same gameplay)Player-created comicGameplayFree-formProvided tools & propsCommon types:- Build games- Roleplaying games- Comics & scenes- Physics explorationNo scoringBoundless!Typical build gameplayTypical scene gameplayBuild GameplayMost common form of playConstruct devices, vehicles and structuresTypically single-player orientedPayoff: In-game interact-able creationsPlayer built catapult Player built “Mech”Scene & Comic GameplayArrange props, ragdolls, and effectsPayoff: Screenshots and VideosPlayer created scenesPhysics Exploration GameplayPlayer created Rube Goldberg deviceContentMost art & sound from Source games(i.e. Half-Life 2, Team Fortress 2)Ability to add custom content:Props, Effects, Sound, LevelsWeapons, Tools, ScriptsUser InterfaceBased largely of FPS interface of HL2Readily accessible menus via hotkeysTools/devices are used like weaponsStrong dependence on mouse/keyboardVarious game interfacesSpecial FeaturesModdingAPIs and LUA scripting“Sub” mods: Scripted gameplay modules.Ability to import external contentPlayer created scene with custom modelDocumentation & BugsDocumentation:Available through online Wiki.Bugs:Physics basedContent basedScript basedPlayer-created sceneReview: The GoodOpen-endness: replayabilityFreedom: diversified playCasual play: little investmentPlayer-created sceneReview: The BadCreativity required: variabilityPatience required: easier frustrationPlayer-created sceneReview: ComparisonsLittle direct comparison to other gamesMixed parts of god-games, role-playing, etc.Other physics games story/challenge drivenVersus physics games:GMod is much more diversified (good)GMod doesn’t provide direction (bad?)Review: ConsiderationsTarget audienceRequires strong spatial reasoningSome mature contentMore appealing to ‘hardcore’ gamers & engineer-oriented players.Ideal gamer: Young gaming adult (14-25)Can be extended to older/casual audiencesDesignMod form: Not as extendableReview: SummaryStrengthsFreedomCustomizationWeaknessesInterfaceLimited audienceRecommendation:Cost vs. entertainment provided makes for great value!Improvements:Persist progress, improve interfaceEnd of
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