Casual Game Design

170

CHAPTER NINE

●

CHAINING

Sometimes , though, a game can’t be brought to life by simply adding more

clicks and stars. The game may require a different vector that actually directs player

behavior and gives the experience more shape and tension. This vector needs to be

at slight odds with the main gameplay. It should present a different choice or ask

you, the player, to do something different from what the main game mechanic asks.

Sometimes, this second vector stands in actual opposition to the main mechanic,

asking you to do something which puts your success with the main mechanic at

risk. This forces you to continually make the decision: do I take the easy route and

do okay or take the more complex route and risk failure, but reap serious ...