Game Analysis & Reviews:
Week 7 - Game Reviews and gaining inspiration
Phase 3 - Project Ideation
Purpose for Research
On this page I will be documenting my analysis and review of different games with similar themes to my own research. I can evaluate the different in-game features, mechanics and objectives and use this to inspire my own idea generation.
GAME 1: "BEATSTAR"
GAME
"Touch Your Music" by Space Ape Ltd. Follow the rhythm! Available on iPhone and iPad.
ABOUT
Users tap and swipe instruments, vocals or beats to play and experience your favourite songs.
GENRE
#1 in Music genre!
AGE RATING
9+
Infrequent/mild mature/suggestive themes
OBJECTIVES
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Feel every beat
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Master and unlock songs
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Discover new songs from favourite artists
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Experience songs in a different way
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Share music, compete with friends and play challenges.
FEATURES
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Easy and clear navigation/controls
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Music
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In-app purchases - XS Gems pack, S Gems pack, Special offers.
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Play your favourite songs.
MECHANICS
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Tap
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Swipe
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Hold
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Leaderboards
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Player follows the rhythm of their favourite songs
PUBLIC REVIEW
4.6/5 stars overall.
Most reviews reflect on it's poor loading time. Game works in real-time so players have to wait 3-8 hours to play another song - seen to be a waste of time.
MY REVIEW
I enjoyed interacting with my favourite songs and it became quite challenging after a while but I enjoyed it's competitive nature. It kept my occupied and was a good 'distraction' game.
GAME 2: "SHORT TRIP"
Game Link:
https://alexanderperrin.com.au/paper/shorttrip/
https://alexanderperrin.itch.io/short-trip
​
GAME
"Short Trip" made by Alexander Perrin.
ABOUT
An interactive illustration made for the web. Beautifully unique game where players operate 'the scenic railway' and take the local cats for a ride.
GENRE
PC and mobile Game
AGE RATING
N/A
MECHANICS
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Move left and right
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Ring the bell
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Very simple mechanics and controls
OBJECTIVES
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Operate the railway
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Take the local cats for a ride
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Experience an immersive journey through a beautifully illustrated graphic environment
PUBLIC REVIEW
4.8/5 stars.
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People loved the atmosphere
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Gorgeous artwork
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Breathtaking landscape
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Relaxing and calming
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Amazing minimalist game
FEATURES
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Interactive illustrations
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Sound effects - birds chirping, railway sounds, horn sound
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Atmospheric audio
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Short and simple gameplay
MY REVIEW
This has to be one of my favourite games. I love the simple yet engaging gameplay and the beautifully detailed art style. Perfect game to take a quick time-out and complete. Although the gameplay is short and sweet, I'll definitely be playing again. Loved the sound effects and attention to detail.
GAME 3: "ALOE BUD"
GAME
"Aloe Bud" - Self-care pocket companion.
ABOUT
This application provides people with self-care techniques and activities as well as reminders and health tips. Designed purely for mental health struggles.
GENRE
Health and Fitness
AGE RATING
4+
MECHANICS
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Physical activity - hydrate, move, breathe, break, rest fuel, refresh, stimulate, motivate
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Journalling
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Log activities
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Set reminders
OBJECTIVES
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Create a personal dashboard
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Journalling
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Create reminders
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Set reminders
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Activity log
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Fulfil self-care techniques and activities
PUBLIC REVIEW
4.8/5 stars.
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Simple and effective
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Cute art style
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"Gentle ways to a better you"
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Gentle on the eyes
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Love the aesthetic
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Allows you to keep track/on schedule in a fun and non-invasive way.
FEATURES
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Notification
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Reminders
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Activity Cards
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Recent Activity Log
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Premium Features
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In-app purchases
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Sound Effects
MY REVIEW
I liked the pixel style of this application. It helped me to set reminders and schedule myself clearly in a way that didn't seem forced! Love the extra features such as the sound effects, push notifications and journalling option - good way to reflect. Overall a well thought out app.
Self-care techniques which players can follow and 'check-in' once complete.
GAME 4: "Nature Treks VR"
GAME
"Nature Treks" - Virtual Reality game on Oculus Quest and Quest 2.
ABOUT
Explore different environments, take control and immerse yourself into the nature VR experience. "A world of relaxation".
GENRE
360 Experience
Relaxation/Meditation, Simulation
AGE RATING
PEGI 3.
OBJECTIVES
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Explore 9 colour themed environments
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Control the weather
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Shape your own world
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Activate audio visualisations
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Discover over 20 different animal species
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Use meditation techniques to control breathing
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Listen to calming music
FEATURES
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Music/Soundtrack
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Sound effects
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Explore virtual environments
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Interact with surroundings
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Customisation
MECHANICS
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Physically walk around and observe.
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Listen to music.
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Grab and place objects/customisation features.
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Choose between environments.
PUBLIC REVIEW
4.8/5 stars.
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Animal animations could be improved
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Better with co-op mode
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Love the different effects
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Relaxing and made with love
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Would love to do something more like read a book
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Love the option to add features like butterflies and fireflies
MY REVIEW
I love the concept of this game and enjoyed being able to explore, observe and take time-out. Every environment had a different feature and I really loved the freedom I had to roam. Sound effects were great although graphics could've been better. Overall enjoyed this game and was impressed by the amount it had to offer.
I enjoyed having different options depending which environment I was in. Although I did find changing the weather/time of day under water really eerie. This clip shows me messing around with my options of sea creatures and simply observing my environment. I did feel a little out of breath at times because of the sensation of being underwater - this was definitely my least favourite environment of the 9.
GAME 5: "Luna" - VR
GAME
"Luna"- Virtual Reality game on Oculus Rift.
ABOUT
Single User - Solve puzzles to unlock tree, plant and animal spirits. Place, customise and interact with them in 'musical terrariums'.
GENRE
Casual, Exploration, Music, Narrative, Puzzle
AGE RATING
PEGI 3
MECHANICS
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Drag
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Drop
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Place
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Pick up
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Clench
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Physically interact with the environment to complete puzzles
OBJECTIVES
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Unscramble celestial puzzles
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Place, customise and interact with puzzles
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Bring world to life
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Discover hidden creatures
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"Learn by the light of unexpected mistakes".
PUBLIC REVIEW
4.7/5 stars.
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Simply challenging
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Immersive and calming
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Unique storytelling experience
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Puzzles can be repetitive
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Work of art
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Exploration and experimentation
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Dream getaway
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Lose time
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Enjoy the moment
FEATURES
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Puzzles
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Music/sound
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Scores
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Beautifully-crafted
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Simple narrative
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Ability to interact with environment
MY REVIEW
I wasn't able to play this game myself but after watching videos on youtube I can understand the basis! The art style is uniquely crafted and I like it's attention to detail and simple yet intricate puzzles. It's a great game to get lost into and to wind-down.