Chip Off the Old Block
I believe that the best mechanics are also the ones that are the most flexible. By changing a mechanic’s context and use you can create an entirely new challenge. Let’s look at a mechanic that can be found in many action and adventure games—the pushable block. While this mechanic is often maligned for being slow, unrealistic, or boring, the pushable block mechanic continues to be used by designers because it’s flexible. Let’s follow our hero through the dungeon to see different ways we can use a pushable block for gameplay.
Welcome to the dungeon! Unfortunately, our hero’s path is blocked by a large stone block. But if we push it aside, we can enter.
Now our hero has to get up to that ledge. No problem. We just push a block to create a platform that he can jump up onto.
Ah, the old switch gate. If our hero stands on the switch, the gate will open, but when he steps off, the gate closes. What to do? I know! Let’...