Game Mechanics and Gameplay are Still King

( vers?o em português deste artigo disponível aqui )

Greetings, fellow game developers and enthusiasts!

On June 18th we had the Nintendo Direct event, where Big N announced a slew of new games for the Switch and brought updates on highly anticipated titles like the long-awaited Metroid Prime 4.

Among the novelties, what caught my attention the most was The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. In a masterstroke, Nintendo reused the engine and even some assets from the 2019 remake of Link's Awakening, creating a brand new game that has already won my heart and many other fans'. And it's not easy to shine in such an acclaimed series!

Just imagine: in the wrong hands, this project could easily have become a "cash grab" game, the kind that's released just to squeeze a few more bucks from players, quickly fading into oblivion. But Nintendo, once again, showed that it knows what it's doing.

What's the secret? In my opinion, it's in the new cloning mechanic introduced in the game, which promises to revolutionize Zelda's gameplay.

For those who haven't seen it, here's a summary: controlling Zelda, the player can create "echoes" of objects to solve the series' traditional puzzles, and even of enemies, who will fight alongside them.

This brilliant idea inspired me to write this article, reinforcing my belief that while graphics, storyline, and sound are crucial for a game's success, it is the game mechanics and gameplay that truly ensure an engaging and lasting experience.

Here's a quick explanation of these concepts, which are often confused: game mechanics refer to the rules and systems that govern the player's interaction with the game, while gameplay is the practical experience of playing. These elements are essential as they determine how players engage, interact, and have fun in the virtual world. Games with well-developed mechanics and gameplay tend to create memorable experiences and encourage replay, becoming true classics.

To give another example within the Nintendo universe: the already legendary Breath of the Wild introduced several new game mechanics, such as the ability to climb mountains and trees. Combined with realistic physics and environmental interaction, this provided a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. I myself lost count of how many hours I spent in Hyrule, challenging myself to climb higher and higher.

Although we've talked a lot about Nintendo, the other giants also have many merits. Sony, for example, has in Naughty Dog a studio masterful at combining engaging narratives with refined mechanics. The Last of Us Part II is a brilliant example, where the combat and stealth mechanics provide an intense and emotionally engaging gameplay experience, marking the memory of those who experience it.

God of War is another excellent example, where Sony managed to perfectly blend narrative and gameplay. The combat mechanics with the Leviathan axe and the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus offer a rich and emotional experience. The seamless transition between cutscenes and gameplay keeps players immersed in the story without breaking the continuity of the experience.

And Microsoft is not far behind - Halo Infinite, with its semi-open world approach, allows players to tackle missions in various ways, offering freedom and strategy. The combat mechanics have been refined over the years, and the use of the grappling hook brought a fun novelty, keeping the gameplay experience fresh and engaging. And whoever lived the Xbox 360 era remembers how satisfactory was to exterminate Locusts using the chainsaw gun mechanic in Gears of War.

In conclusion, my point of reflection is that when designing your game, always remember that refining and dedicating effort to the mechanics and gameplay are what truly define the longevity of a title. These are the elements that distinguish great games from the forgettable ones!

And you, what did you think of the new Zelda? What other examples of innovative mechanics that provided unforgettable gameplay would you like to share? Leave them in the comments, I'd love to hear about them!

A big hug, and see you next week!