Emily's gaming Blog!
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Indie Game Company: Black Tabby Games
Sunday, July 7, 2024
AAA Gaming Company: Nintendo
AAA Gaming Company: Nintendo
Introduction: Talking so much about Nintendo’s games by this point is becoming routine for me. However, I have yet to dive into Nintendo as a company and not just the fun games it provides us. So today I will get into Nintendo, which by definition is a AAA gaming company.
- Mario: Introduced in Donkey Kong and later starring in Super Mario Bros, Mario has become one of the most recognizable characters in gaming history.
- The Legend of Zelda: Known for its rich storytelling and innovative gameplay, this franchise has set a high standard for adventure games.
- Pokémon: Developed in collaboration with Game Freak and Creatures, Pokémon has become a global phenomenon, spanning games, trading cards, TV shows, and movies.
- Metroid: Celebrated for its atmospheric exploration and nonlinear gameplay, Metroid has influenced many other games in the genre.
- Animal Crossing: This life simulation game series has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its charming and relaxing gameplay.
- Nintendo Entertainment System: Launched in 1985, it played a crucial role in reviving the video game industry.
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): Released in 1990, it enhanced gaming with improved graphics and sound.
- Nintendo 64: Introduced in 1996, it brought 3D gaming to the masses with titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
- GameCube: Launched in 2001, it featured innovative games and the first use of optical discs for Nintendo consoles.
- Wii: Released in 2006, the Wii's motion controls attracted a broad audience, making gaming more accessible.
- Nintendo Switch: Launched in 2017, the hybrid console allows for both handheld and docked play, showcasing Nintendo's commitment to versatile gaming experiences.
- Motion Controls: The Wii's motion-sensing technology revolutionized interactive gaming.
- Touchscreen Gaming: The Nintendo DS introduced dual screens and touchscreen gameplay, influencing mobile gaming.
- Virtual Reality: The Nintendo Labo VR Kit for the Switch provided an accessible entry into VR gaming.
- Game Freak and Creatures: Partners in developing the Pokémon series, contributing to its global success.
- PlatinumGames: Collaborated on titles like Bayonetta 2 and Astral Chain.
- Retro Studios: Worked on the Metroid Prime series and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
- Square Enix: Collaborated on various projects, including the Kingdom Hearts series.
Career Path: Game Artist
Career Path: Game Artist
Let's discuss another topic related to games. Something I always notice is the art styles in video games, and I would like to explore that through a career path in this post. Entering a Game Artist role in video games is not a simple topic, so let’s start with how one would enter such an occupation.
First, you must have an interest and talent in art, along with a background in understanding the different styles and tools required for such a role. For instance, you need to be prepared to work with various styles and mediums of art, including concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and environment art. It is essential to understand software and how it integrates into a game setting, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, or Krita. You should have proficiency in both 2D and 3D art, as well as texturing and animation.
Additionally, studying game design is crucial. Analyze other games, experiment, and determine what works best for you and for the game you are working on. Building a portfolio showcasing your skills and work is essential; it makes it easier to present to employers and during interviews. Education also plays a significant role; degrees in design, fine arts, or related fields can be highly beneficial. Don’t hesitate to utilize tutorials, they can be invaluable for skill enhancement.
Over time, you should aim to establish connections and become recognized if your skills are noteworthy. Through dedication and hard work, you will attract more job opportunities. Regardless of your main job, continue with side projects that bring you joy and help develop your skills. Continuous practice is key to achieving improvement and success.
Now, let's delve into the tasks and duties that a game artist typically undertakes. Creating concept art is essential; it serves as the initial draft that the team reviews and discusses. Concept art is crucial because it provides a starting point, ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned with the game's visual direction. Without this foundational step, blindly creating art for the game could lead to disagreements among team members, causing confusion and setbacks. Effective communication is key here; describing ideas and collaborating with the team to find the best solutions for everyone involved is paramount.
Moving on to modeling, while you may start with 2D, 3D modeling is likely necessary at some stage. Character modeling is particularly critical as it defines the appearance of the characters, which is pivotal to any game. Similarly, creating environments that match the game’s tone and ambiance is crucial for immersing players. From large elements like trees and cars to smaller items such as chairs and lamps, creating models and props is a fundamental aspect of game artistry across various game genres. Visuals are integral to gameplay, as they are often the first impression players have and can significantly impact their experience.
Texturing is another important skill to master. Adding textures to characters, environments, and models enhances the game’s overall look and feel. For example, adding a fluffy texture to blankets on a soft bed can evoke a sense of comfort, enhancing the player's connection to the game environment.
Animating and rigging models are also frequent tasks. Ensuring smooth animations and effective rigging contributes to a well-organized and visually appealing game. Collaborating with teammates on level design and scene composition is essential for conveying the desired emotions and gameplay experiences. Even minor details like button colors and placement can significantly affect gameplay and visual appeal. Considering the player's perspective and needs is crucial; brainstorming with the team to make informed decisions ensures a cohesive and enjoyable player experience.
Optimizing the game for different platforms is another critical responsibility. Ensuring that game assets are efficiently designed prevents performance issues such as lag, ensuring a smooth gaming experience across various devices. Documenting your work is also important; tracking the time and effort spent on tasks helps manage project timelines and ensures fair compensation.
Overall, effective communication is vital in this career path. Constant collaboration with team members on designs and decisions ensures that everyone is aligned with the game’s artistic vision and objectives. Good communication fosters teamwork and facilitates creative problem-solving, essential for success in game artistry.
The art design of each game profoundly shapes my gaming experience, making it memorable. The meticulous use of color, style, and design plays a crucial role in crafting the overall ambiance of the game. More often than not, it is the game's art style that draws me in and establishes a connection. If a game's style doesn't resonate with me, regardless of its gameplay quality and entertainment value, I may find myself less engaged. It is through art and its expressive qualities that my passion for games is ignited and sustained.
Game Designing: Guide to Game Art and Becoming a Video Game Art Designer
https://www.gamedesigning.org/career/game-artist/
Teal HQ: What is a Game Artist? Learn about the role of Game Artists, what they do on a daily basis, and what it's like to be one.
https://www.tealhq.com/career-paths/game-artist
CGSpectrum: What skills do you need to become a game artist?
https://www.cgspectrum.com/blog/what-skills-do-you-need-to-be-a-game-artist
Sunday, June 30, 2024
A New Foe has Appeared: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
A New Foe has Appeared: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Introduction: Let's get into another legendary Nintendo game: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! When the Switch first launched, I played this game with my friends all the time. While I drifted away from it for a while, I recently picked it up again and have some thoughts to share!
Game Title: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 2018 ESRB Rating: E10+
Platform: Nintendo Switch Genre: Competitive Fighting and Platform Game
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The Evolution Continued
Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The Evolution Continued
Sunday, June 16, 2024
The Revolutionary Evolution of Super Mario
The Revolutionary Evolution of Super Mario 64
Introduction: For the past few days, I have replayed the game Super Mario 64 on my Nintendo Switch. At the time when this game came out in 1996, it was revolutionary for Mario games because of its new 3D format. Given that the game is turning 28 this year in 2024, I decided it is a good time to dissect this game through my own observations. This will be done through my personal opinions under certain categories that feel relevant. I personally have been a long fan of Nintendo Mario games, and looking back on a game I fondly remember playing as a kid, I believe will be quite refreshing.
Game Title: Super Mario 64 Publisher: Nintendo
Year: 1996 ESRB Rating: E for everyone
Platforms: The Nintendo 64 (Original 1996) Genre: 3D Platformer
The iQue Player (Chinese port 1996 1997 2003)
Wii and Wii U (Virtual Console 2015)
Nintendo DS (Remake 2004)
Nintendo Switch (Included with Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2020)
Audio: Audio is a complicated topic. Before writing this, I researched how others feel about it. Since some areas in the game, like outside the castle, have no music, it can seem unsettling to some. I usually focus on gameplay, so I didn't notice this until someone else mentioned it. The community is split between finding the audio nostalgic or eerie. I rather like the sound design; it's iconic of its time, and I can identify every noise in the game. There's a variety of sound effects, and the music perfectly sets each level. Many sounds were creatively sourced, like the baby penguin's steps sounding like a car horn. From Bowser's sinister music to the iconic Bob-omb level tune, I find it unforgettable. However, the sound design can be annoyingly repetitive at times, such as when the baby penguin won't stop yelling as you return it to its mother.
Controls: The controls adapted well to the new 3D format, and the creators did a great job with what they had. However, no game has made me want to bash my head through a wall more. Characters sometimes fall off platforms as if everything is made of ice, and certain controls can be janky and unreliable. While it was challenging to create effective controls for this format, the frustration is a lot to handle, especially at harder levels. The camera controls are the most aggravating, often seeming like the game doesn't want you to see what you're doing. Despite this, the variety of moves is impressive, and discovering new jumps is exciting. Figuring out the controls can be fun, but their reliability is a significant downside.
Story: The story is a standard Mario game story. Princess Peach is taken by Bowser and we play as Mario to defeat him. The new aspect of this story is collecting stars to unlock levels and doors. Which does make the game feel different and exciting. Trying to collect every star is difficult but addictive. Other than being repetitive like every other Mario game, I would say the story is very simple to understand for engagement, and the addictive nature of each level makes you always want to play more.
Level Design: The level design in this 3D realm is amazing, showcasing the creators' creativity. The levels are well-made and unique, but the wonky controls can make some platforms challenging. Each level's mechanics are varied, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting. Finding secret spaces and courses, whether intentionally or by accident, is rewarding and fun. Puzzle levels make you feel clever, and difficult platforming levels make you feel skilled. The randomness of the levels is both exciting and disorienting, making you question if they belong to the same game. The creators address this with a creative, Alice in Wonderland-inspired painting mechanic. Levels feature puzzles, platforms, bosses, enemies, or randomness, with a learning curve that gets steeper. For instance, you enter each course by jumping into a painting in the castle. In the Wet-Dry World course, you can only get to certain areas by raising the water level. However, no matter what I did I couldn't raise the water to the highest level. Apparently, the only way to achieve the highest water level is by jumping really high into the painting. This mechanic is not used at any other time in the game. It took me way too long to figure that out. The level design is very creative but can also be quite convoluted.
Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this game to others. It was practically my most favorite game from my childhood. The nostalgia is palpable. Although today people might be put off by the graphics, this game is a true classic and that should shine through anyone's initial negative thoughts. If you want to curl up with a simple yet addictive game after a long day, then this game is perfect for you. I know, because that's exactly what it is to me. So matter what happens in life, I'll always have Mario to save the day.
Indie Game Company: Black Tabby Games
Indie Game Company: Black Tabby Games Introduction: It is time to discuss an Indie Game Company that has recently caught my eye. Black Tabb...
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The Revolutionary Evolution of Super Mario 64 Introduction: For the past few days, I have replayed the game Super Mario 64 on my Nintendo S...
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Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The Evolution Continued Introduction: Continuing from my discussion of Super Mario 64, I decided to stick with th...
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A New Foe has Appeared: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Introduction: Let's get into another legendary Nintendo game: Super Smash Bros. U...