The feel of the game?

Hey there...new member here, and what's more, my first post, so please be nice

A couple of days ago I saw some of the interviews with the Blizzard development team in the context of the World Invitational in South Korea.

There I saw Chris Metzen talking about – among other things – both the dynamic and mechanics of the game, but also, in terms of this topic more importantly, the “feel of the gameâ€.

Chris himself mentioned that every little unit on the screen, that being a “space ship†or a tank, had a story, a background if you will, and that was part of “the flavour of the gameâ€, or “the charm of itâ€.

Metzen underlined, if I recall correctly, that it was important to retain this “feelâ€, as well as the game balance.

So, is this part of the reason you guys played the original – and anticipating the next one – as well?
I know that, for my part, the almost childlike expectation I had, when I bought the first game. I must have been about fourteen or fifteen. And the strange thing was that I almost had the exact same feeling when hearing about the sequel, watching the game play trailer and the cinematic and so on.

I wonder what constitutes this “childlike expectation†(or call it what you wish) and furthermore, what enhances it? Perhaps this “feel of the game†– whatever that is – more than the actual mechanics and dynamics of the game?

Hmm…something to ponder mayhap…

(I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this in; it both has to do with units and the story to some extend, I suppose. So sorry in advance moderators if this is to be the case...)

By the way…sorry if the text is a bit inconsistent in places…English is only my second language after all…

- Annatar

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

I don't think you have to worry about your english at all.

As for the childlike expectation I know how you feel. When I was anticipating the first game I was obsessed . Now i'm the same way. Then again, i've been this way for every Blizzard game. It's pretty surreal when you finally get your hands on the finished product. I have no idea why I get so excited about games but a lot of it has to do with the many memories I have playing the original Starcraft. I want that same feeling with the second one.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Why thank you for the response. ;D

I agree...it is very hard to explain for me as well, as to why I actually do experience this childlike expectation - which of course in this sense is not meant derogatively at all... ^_^

And I also recognise that sense of wanting to relive or reexperience some earlier feeling or state that the original game - or games, stories, movies in general - prompted...

But I do wonder if all this is enhanced by that "feel of the game" or the game mechanics, or perhaps a combination of the two? I really enjoy to immerse myself in the story and general background of the game, focusing much more on the individual unit and it's relevance and place in the Starcraft universe, rather than the actual game mechanics...maybe that's just me... ^_^

That is why I was somewhat relieved when I heard Mr. Metzen make the notion of "the feel of the game", emphasizing it's importance...


Anyway, it's quite hard to actually put one's finger on what is it exactly that makes one enjoy and play these games...perhaps it's not even necessary to explain it...which makes this topic I made rather futile...

- Annatar

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

There was something very polished about Blizzards 'adaptation' of the science-fiction genre to the computer.

I think a big part of the success of the StarCraft universe stems from its strong references to genre classics like Star Trek (the ever-roaming Terrans), Star Wars (the Protoss 'psi' force) and the Alien-series (the Zerg hive culture), which could also explain the nostalgic sentiment that many have towards this particular title.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

You sure have some relevant notions there Zoot, I must admit...

Nothing much to add from my point actually, other than agreeing upon those cultural (in terms of science-fiction that is) that you mentioned. I've noticed those references as well, also in the form of "dialogue" or expressions from particular units...Hmm, makes me wonder if perhaps there should be a reference of some sort from Frank Herbert's great Dune-trilogy in there somewhere...? :-\

Perhaps it is the case - although I have not examined it thoroughly - that there is a sense of nostalgia there as well - in the context of playing the game...but it could very well be that there is a sense of recognition there...which is relived all over again with the announcement of Starcraft 2, I suppose...

Other than that, thank you for the reply ;D

- Annatar

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Inevitably - if not directly then indirectly through the aforementioned classics, or the Dune computer game. One might perhaps even attribute StarCraft's focus on resource management (minerals and vespene gas) to Dune's focus on 'spice'?

More subtly, titles like Blade Runner (the bleak Terran society) and Terminator ("Somebody called for an exterminator?") also spring to mind.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Ever roaming terrans? They were "forced" onto three initial planets in the sector and then expanded to the other ones. They don't really roam.

Anyways, here's all the references:
Followed by
StarCraft Expansion Set: Brood War (1998) (VG)
StarCraft: Ghost (2005) (VG)
StarCraft II (2008) (VG)
Spin off from
WarCraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) (VG)
- It's a "craft" game, in space.
References
"Star Trek" (1966)
Fahrenheit 451 (1966)
Star Wars (1977)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
- "I love the smell of napalm." in both.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
Kaze no tani no Naushika (1984)
- Reavers in Starcraft resemble Ohmu
Highlander (1986)
Top Gun (1986)
Aliens (1986)
- dropship lines
Platoon (1986)
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
RoboCop (1987)
"Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987)
"The Simpsons" (1989)
"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993)
WarCraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) (VG)
"Star Trek: Voyager" (1995)
- "State the nature of your medical emergency!" in both.
WarCraft II: Tides of Darkness (1995) (VG)
Diablo (1996) (VG)
WarCraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal (1996) (VG)
"Tenkû no Esukafurône" (1996)
The Rock (1996)
- Quote: You call down the thunder, now reap the whirlwind
Independence Day (1996)
Jerry Maguire (1996)
"King of the Hill" (1997)
Contact (1997)
Event Horizon (1997)
Starship Troopers (1997)

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Why, thank you paragon for those references...they are most appreciated... ;D

I'm currently replaying both the original and Brood War at the moment (plus some of those separate storyline-related campaigns and missions; Enslavers, Deception, Resurrection and such), so I'll be sure to look out for those along the way...

Thanks again...

- Annatar

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Either way, Blizzard officially describes them as "nomadic", which is practically the same:

"Command the nomadic Terrans, mysterious Protoss or the bloodthirsty Zerg as they wage war on the edge of the galaxy."

It probably is not so much a description of their history in the game, as it is a description of an innate existential condition.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

I think they just meant that their buildings moved.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Whatever works for you. I'm not claiming to be an authoritative source on anything, but it is quite common to associate human unrest in science fiction (especially cyberpunk) with anxiety - in StarCraft in contrast to the more balanced Protoss and the impulsive Zerg.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

It makes sense that Terrans would be nomadic. In the Matrix, I think it was said best that Humans are parasites. We leach all the resources off a planet and move on.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

well, at least they don't live on their ships for the most part.
Like the xel'naga, they are really nomadic as well as the dark templar before they found shakuras.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Exactly. It is a view that is associated with the philosophy of postmodernism in which human civilization has realized that it is unable attain definite truth about anything and therefore is left with endless expansion and search for meaning.

There is, by its own method, many interpretations of postmodernism, some of which are fairly positive, holding that meaning is out there somewhere, but that we just don't know where to find it yet (think Star Trek and Star Wars). Others are more bleak and nihilist, holding that there is not and will never be any truth (think Blade Runner and Terminator).

Now, in the StarCraft universe there is clear hints of meaning - the mysterious Xel'Naga. The Protoss descend from the Xel'Naga and quite certainly has some place is their greater scheme of things. The Terrans, on the other hand, are of unknown origin and described as 'vagabond' - they wander not knowing if or where they belong.

Not that it make any difference - and it is just my interpretation anyway - but I personally like to have some idea of where my computer games come from when the bookworms bug me saying that computers are a waste of time.

Maybe Terrans don't live on their ships, but it's my impression that, in the long run, they are always moving outwards, unlike Protoss, who are always seeking back to Aiur.

I don't remember reading anything about the Xel'Naga society?

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

Why, this has evolved to be quite a reflective topic indeed...my thanks to you all for that... ;D

I do not know much of Xel'Naga society myself per say, other than that they viewed themselves as sort of "Stewards", who held sway over their dominion, observing and teaching "lesser races"; that be evolution-wise, technological, psionic, and what not...
This was allegedly the last or highest step in evolution; to maintain a "Stewardship" over lesser races...

The Protoss viewed themselves as "taking over" this responsibility; and among their "pupils" were the Terran...- in their view, that is...I cannot remember where I read this, actually...some of the Protoss (e.g. Aldaris), seemed to view the Terran as inferior and not worth the attention...of course, I do not know the thoughts and actions of the Conclave...

The notion of the Terrans always "seeking outward" and the Protoss always longing home for Aiur is an interesting one indeed...even the enstranged Dark Ones on the twilight planet of Shakuras seem to bear that craving; albeit it will cause them great pains to achieve that...I must think on this notion a bit more properly, I think... :-\

In regard to the thread and the topic at hand, I wonder all these collective thoughts perhaps form part of that "feel" I thought (or Mr. Metzen thought) about? A part of that "childlike" expectation, if you like? Is the Terran nomadic lifestyle perhaps a comment on today's world and life's condition? And that is what we recognise when playing some of these games - the Starcraft universe among them, and the aforementioned titles in the posts above - and makes us enjoy them?...ah...my head hurts...

Understand, that the last paragraph is merely speculation of course...just trying to collect all these posts, and connect them in some manner to the topic I had in mind...

Once again, thank you for your thoughts...

- Annatar

 

Re: “The feel of the game”?

Ever the humble poster Annatar.  Welcome to the forums.

I guess this is why I prefer Zerg.  That explains it all.

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

the feel of the game.
if i would ever play sc2, i would feel fucking great!

 

Re: “The feel of the game�

My first computer game was Red Alert. it was for me at the time the most undenable sickness ever. i was amazing hooked. after came Duke Nukem 3D and Doom. I honestly didnt know of Warcraft or Warcraft2 before i played Starcraft. so Starcraft was my first blizzard game. I feel in love with the game before i even played it or knew about it. I remember buying it at Circuit City one day, I saw the box with a protoss face on it and i got my parents to buy it, my dad being a computer geek face always had this habit of "im the alpha you lil punk, im gonna play this game apart and you can get sloppy seconds" i sat there and watched him play, after 2 days i wanted to try but nooo he didnt finish the campaign yet, so i broke my piggy bank and washed my nieghbors cars to get enough cash to get my own copy, it was pretty much the first thing i ever wanted, worked for and had the enjoyment of buying as my own. I WAS HOOKED on starcraft. played it for days on end, finished the campiagn before my old dad and even smashed him into oblivion on multiplayer (he didnt play much multiplayer against me afterwards) anyways what im getting at is that Blizzard trully has magic in their games, when Brood war was anounced i was drooling over it for months. then diablo II and then OMG warcraft3 !?!? Coming into the knowledge of Starcraft 2 its not so much that i want blizzard to make me the real die hard sequal and make it as close as possible to the original, but more the faith that i know Blizzard hits everything they make on the dot, every game they make is a standard and a mile stone every time, so even if starcraft 2 will differ, i wont worry cuz i know blizzard will blow us away either way. all i can say is everytime i visit www.starcraft2.com and www.starcraft2forum.org i make sure i have a roll of paper towels near by to wipe up all my drool

 

Re: “The feel of the game”?

*drool*
i was shaking in excitement and glee the first 30 mins i heard sc2 was released/watching the presentation and previews =D

 

Re: “The feel of the game”?

Good point, in my opinion. StarCraft seem to represent all parts of the human psyche - Protoss correspond roughly to Freud's 'superego' (reason and spirituality), Zerg to the 'id' (drives and desires) and Terran to the conflicted 'ego' in between.

Perhaps StarCraft is so enjoyable to play because these three aspects are so notoriously balanced? Would it feel as good if one of the races was made inferior to the others? Or if the races were not modeled after the human psyche but, say, three American baseball teams? I don't think so personally - rather I think the balanced symbolic gameplay gives us a sensation of fighting the wars going on within us.

Again, just a thought.