The Logic Behind Metroidvania Backtracking
In lock-and-key puzzles, it is generally better to show the lock before the key. But what happens when that key is an ability? Unlike a key item, which can be consumed
Foreshadowing
Unpleasant surprises can make gameplay feel arbitrary and unfair. Warning players in advance about events that may negatively impact them reduces frustration and restores player agency.
The Case for One Move Per Turn
Restricting players to one move per turn has many advantages in turn-based board games. It simplifies turns, prevents leaders from running away from the game, and makes future actions more predictable. The
Atomic Turns and Passive Threats
How much should a player do in one turn? Short turns may feel empty, while long turns create downtime for others. Ideally, turns should be atomic and meaningful. The key is to create
Show the Lock Before the Key
The lock-and-key puzzle is a popular pattern in video games. The player wants to bypass an obstacle but must first acquire something that allows them to do so, whether a literal
Foreshadowing Makes Event Cards Feel Fair
Event cards can cause frustration if they feel too unpredictable. To avoid players feeling arbitrarily rewarded or punished, an event needs enough foreshadowing to give them an idea of what to expect. There