Log #2 - Paper Prototype 1

Today, we played our first paper prototype that was based on our battle system for our game. We came up with the idea for this prototype through a series of iterative thought processes based on the design of our game. We knew we could not create a paper prototype based on the general gameplay itself because of the real time restrictions. We narrowed it down to two possibilities for this prototype and it was either the puzzle or the battle mechanic. We chose to focus more on the battle mechanic with a small puzzle incorporated into it in order to strengthen our proof of concept. A grid based layout of a map was created as we knew we could not create a real time experience of the game through a paper prototype. One of the problems that we ran into during the creation of this prototype was that we knew we had to come up with something that was very similar to the game experience we are going for. So, we had to sacrifice some of the mechanics, such as the movement mechanic in the game. In this paper prototype we used a grid based movement system and an action list as well as action points in order to govern the players' decisions. Players would be able to move and attack turn by turn, based on the amount of action points they had. The goal of this prototype was to have both of the players working together to get a paperweight onto a raised platform in order to unlock a door at the end of the map while fending off enemies at the same time. We wanted to create that same experience players get when playing a co-operative game as they had to work together in order to clear the level. We had a few play tests todoay and have already made some changes to the paper prototype in order to further strengthen our battle mechanic for the game.