Contextual Studies Task, Mazes.

Think of ten video games which involve mazes (in any capacity: level design, mechanics, narrative etc.). Sort them into multicursal and unicursal.

The games below will show the Multicursal and Unicursal elements of the games that I have chosen.

5 Multicursal games

 1. Dragon age inquisition

A multicursal feature in the game Dragon age inquisition are the in game maps that you can see while going through the user interface, the war table in the game also has a map of the in game world  (Thedas), you can select the places you would like to visit here also you can complete operations here by sending off forces and advisors to unlock other locations, rewards etc...

 Games Maps, (2014), The Exalted Plains Map [ONLINE]. Available at: http://game-maps.com/DAI/img/The-Exalted-Plains.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

2. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 has a few multicursal elements, such as the world map that you can assess through the user interface which in turn can lead you to many places and hidden areas and side quests, the dialogue within the game it another. The further you progress within the game through it's main story quests the more actions you have through the dialogue of the game, leading to your final outcome based on your decisions. Each main choice you make can lead to a different ending each time. 

US Gamer, (2016), Lady of the lake Witcher [ONLINE]. Available at: http://cdn.gamer-network.net/2016/usgamer/Witcher-3-Sparing-Shaelmaar.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

3. Fallout 4

In Fallout 4 you have dialogue throughout the whole game from the main story to side quests. The game can lead you away from the main quest and you are free to complete many of the side quests available through the base game and add ons for the game if you decide to buy. Within the dialogue for the main story you have choices that will effect the main ending outcome.

VG247 Shabana Arif, (2016), Fallout 4 Vault Tec guy [ONLINE]. Available at: https://assets.vg247.com/current//2016/06/fallout-4-dialogue.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

4. Life is strange

Life is Strange doesn't have many routes that you can take physically the game only allows you to wander slightly but there is only one set path, but the choices in the game have very many multicursal elements. from decisions making to physical actions all leading to the final outcome.  

WFGS, (2015), Life is strange Photography [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.wsgf.org/f/u/imagecache/node-gallery-display/contrib/dr/28576/ingame_16x9.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

5. Monster Hunter

This is a game where you do follow at story line, but within the story line there are side quests that you can take. The maps within the game have hidden areas but can only access them through having the right skills. Multiplayer options is also available that does not relate to the main story.

 Monster Hunter, Capcom, (2015), monster hunter generations gameplay [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.monsterhunter.com/images/video_preview.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

 5 Unicursal games

1. Tekken Tag tournament 2 

In this game there is only one set path and that is to win. The story of most Tekken games you have stages that you need to complete that get gradually harder on each stage you win. When you get to the final stage and succeed you will be greeted with the characters story (video) and other rewards.

Nintendo Today, (2011), Tekken tag tournament 2 [ONLINE]. Available at: http://nintendotoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/tekken-tag-tournament-2-wii-u-screenshot-1.jpg?x74487 [Accessed 9 October 2016].

 2. Crash Bandicoot (PlayStation 1) 

This game has one path only when playing, you will need to get through some obstacles before you can reach the exit of each level. A good example of this is the Boulder dash level where you will need to get from one side of the level to the exit while a bolder is chasing you that has the chance to crush you so you will need to restart the level again.

WFT gamers Only, (2014), Crash Bandicoot boulders [ONLINE]. Available at: http://ckopo.net/uploads/posts/2011-03/1299676305_crash-bandicoot-1.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

3. Zoo Tycoon (Xbox one)

In this game the aim is to build the best zoo that you can and hire workers to maintain the zoo and the animals that you buy. The one path here is to be successful and to keep it up.  

Gamer rate games, (2014), Zoo Tycoon Xbox One [ONLINE]. Available at: https://gameratedgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ZOO-TYCOON-5.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

4. Rayman (PlayStation 1)

Rayman is a side stroller game in which you have to past and succeed through some challenges to past through to the exit. If you run out of lives you will need to start again from the very beginning. 

 Ubisoft, (2012), rayman ps1 [ONLINE]. Available at: http://i.imgur.com/rcn9i.png [Accessed 9 October 2016].

5. Mario bros 

This is a game with one set path, get to the exit to win and go through to the next levels that will get harder with more obstacles along the way. If you was to play with another player that player will play as the another character called 'Luigi', while you play as 'Mario'.

 Nintendo , (2015), super mario bros apk [ONLINE]. Available at: http://i2.cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/150913145444-01-1985-super-mario-bros-exlarge-169.jpg [Accessed 9 October 2016].

If you wanted to make a narrative or expressive game, how could you use kinds of maze to tell the story?

Sketch out an idea for a unique take on a maze-based game in a single paragraph

The smell of damp air, you feel pain throughout your body. What happened? you only see darkness, you are scared, cold, but you get up slowly thanking you have no broken bones. You look up and can see the starry sky, feeling some hope of escape. You must of fell. You need light and remember your phone in your pocket you hope it's not broken from the fall, luck is in, it is fine but no signal. You switch the torch on your phone and start to look for an exit.