Us vs It Tanks vs Robot Cooperative Boss
Us vs. It
Tanks vs. Robot ● ● ● Cooperative “Boss Fight” Tank players must destroy the Robot before it reaches the city limits. Robot is controlled by “AI” rules.
The Robot • • Has 10 Hit Points Actions: – – • Compute: Place target disc on board Move: 1 space towards target Laser Eye: Shoots straight forward Crush: Attack 5 adjacent spaces Self Destruct: Inflicts blast damage when destroyed.
The Tanks ● ● Have 4 hit points Each Turn: ● ● ● Shoot, Move, Shoot Move: up to 1 space (not diagonal) Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage.
Demo Game
Battle! ● ● ● Set up the game board. Tanks go first: When tank finishes, robot moves: ● ● ● Execute steps in order Robot stops after step 10 Alternate Robot and Tanks until one side wins.
Tank Rules Reminder ● Each Turn: ● ● Move: up to 1 space (not diagonal) ● ● Shoot, Move, Shoot Can pass through other tanks, but not stop there. Shoot: Horizontally or vertically for 1 damage. ● Can shoot over other tanks. Play until 3: 50
Comments?
Your Mission: ● ● Program the robot to maximize drama. What does that mean?
Your Mission: ● ● Program the robot to maximize drama. What does that mean? ● ● ● Inevitability Uncertainty Dramatic Arc
Programming the Robot You can specify: • Laser Damage • Fist Damage • Target priorities • Sequence of Actions • Move Push/Block/Push Damage
Iterate Towards Drama • • Fail faster! Try to get in many iterations Play complete games Archive your iterations Work until 5: 00
5 Minute Break ● ● Stretch your legs Back here at 5: 05
Add a new feature ● ● ● Attack Weapon Rule Don’t ruin the drama. Don’t change the tanks! Fail Fast! Have an alpha version by 4: 30
Beta Test at 5: 25 ● ● Write your beta version down on the submission sheet. Make sure your robot has a name!
Drama in Us vs. It ● Uncertainty § ● Behavioral Complexity Inevitability: ● ● March towards Goal Decreasing Hitpoints
Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty?
Discussion What other mechanics can create uncertainty? ● Randomness ● Hidden Information ● Skill challenges ● Negative Feedback ● Escalation ● Etc…
Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability?
Discussion What other mechanics can create inevitability? ● Time Limit ● Pace monster ● Non-renewable resource ● Non-reversible process
Discussion When does the climax occur?
Discussion What is the role of the Self Destruct mechanic?
The Message ● ● “Dramatic” does not mean “Scripted” Drama emerges from game dynamics ● ● Inevitability Uncertainty Building to a climax Embedded vs. Emergent Narrative
Robot battle! ● Let’s watch some robots fight each other!
- Slides: 24