RYAN GARCIA ››
ASSIGNMENT SIX | OCTOBER 7, 2006 ››
For each of the following puzzle types (as defined in chapter 6 of the text) explain how they might be used in a computer game, and how they occur in real life circumstances.
- Building Puzzles
- Information Puzzles
- Word Puzzles
- Excluded Middle Puzzles
- Preparing the Way
- People Puzzles
- Timing Puzzles
- Sequence Puzzles
- Logic Puzzles
- Riddles
- Dialogue Puzzles
- Trial and Error Puzzles
- Gestalt Puzzles
CHAPTER SIX “DESIGNING THE PUZZLE” Q & A ››
- Building Puzzles
In a computer game, a “Building Puzzle” requires the player to create an object through a clever use of items to achieve a seemingly unrelated task. For example, picking a door lock with a found hair pin. An example of this in real life, is using a stack of books to reach something that is beyond reach.
- Information Puzzles
An “Information Puzzle” in a computer game requires that the player provide a piece of information to complete the puzzle. For example, placing a missing stone, that when restored unlocks a gate to a different dimension. In real life, it's as basic as providing the right answer in a test to get good grade or knowing the combination to a lock.
- Word Puzzles
“Word Puzzles,” like “Information Puzzles” require the player to supply the right information (in this case, words) to solve the puzzle. In a game, word puzzles are seldom used. But when word puzzles are used it can take the shape of supplying a missing letter in a sentence. The perfect real-life example of this is the game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
- Excluded Middle Puzzles
“Excluded Middle Puzzles” are complicated puzzles that involve many elements to work together to solve a puzzle. A game example would be playing the right notes on a magical instrument that causes trees to grow taller, knowing this the player can use the instrument to make a tree taller that would help the character reach an item or door that he couldn't otherwise. I can't think of a good real-life application of this but I'm sure there's a good one.
- Preparing the Way
“Preparing the Way” makes it more difficult by making the player create the right conditions for the “Excluded Middle Puzzle” to work. In my previous game example it could be bring dirt and plant a seed in order to play the instrument to make the tree grow. In real-life, going with the whole tree-growing example fertilizing ground in order for plants to grow right and healthy so that we can eat the eventual crop (I know, bad example).
- People Puzzles
As the name implies “People Puzzles” involve people. In a game a puzzle might require the player to tickle someone to get them to release a magical orb (I just thought of that). In real-life situations every person is a puzzle and the best example is dealing with a boss at work.
- Timing Puzzles
A “Timing Puzzle” is not about instant gratification but patience. In a game for example there may be a camera that scans a room back and forth. In order for the player to pass by it would have to be at just the right time. In real-life it could be waiting for just the right time for that piece of pizza to come out of the microwave.
- Sequence Puzzles
“Sequence Puzzles” require events to trigger in the right order to solve the puzzle. In a game, it could be playing musical notes in the right order so that the magical trees will grow. In real life it's like building a car, but to have the car start one needs to build the engine part by part in the right order.
- Logic Puzzles
Logic Puzzles require the player to figure out the solution of a puzzle through the investigation of clues given in a conversation. In a game the player could find a recording giving him clues on how to unlock a door. The player must reason the correct answer. In real-life a Mathematical word problem is similar if not the same.
- Riddles
Riddles are puzzles in themselves and are the same in games as in real-life. In a game a door could stay locked until a riddle is solved. In real-life riddles are common.
- Dialogue Puzzles
I'm a little unclear on the true nature of “Dialogue Puzzles” the book explained it and I know it has to do with an actual dialogue with another character but I don't know what is a puzzle about it.
- Trial and Error Puzzles
“Trial and Error Puzzles” are not puzzles at all they involve, well, trial and error. In a game you get a set of choices and no clues, and the player has to try out each choice until he gets the correct one. In real-life getting lost in a city and trying out every street until you find the right one.
- Gestalt Puzzles
A “Gestalt Puzzle” doesn't give any obvious clues to the player but rather it is found out through game play and clues in the game's environment. In a game a player might not know they're in a spaceship but they may enter a room with no gravity or see engine components until a window reveals that he is in fact in the middle of a galaxy. In a real-life situation one could drive into a neighborhood with buildings and upon driving around sees a bell-tower, students with books, signs to classes until he figures out he is in a University campus.