Week 2 - Game Reveiw - Canabalt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Interactivity

 

The core game mechanic of Cannabalt is the avoidance of falling between platforms (predominantly rooftops) and enemies / obstacles.

Genre

 

Cannabalt is known as a side-scrolling platform style of game and is true to the genre.

Concept

 

Cannabalt's theme is based around the idea that your character is escaping from what appears to be an attack on the city. The setting congruent to the theme is based in a sprawling industrial metropolis overshadowed by giant mechanical constructs which appear to be destroying the city in the background. As the player attempts their escape the must constantly be vigilant to avoid fallen between the rooftops or running into enemy, either of which results in the game ending with the player's distance run displayed.

Spatial Arena

 

As is to be expected in a side scrolling platform style of game the spatial arena in constrained to a two dimensional image which constantly scrolls from right to left as the player traverses the level. Some perception of depth is achieved with use of perspective and animated backgrounds.

Challenge

 

Cannabalt whilst being very simple in concept and execution offers a simple yet adequate challenge by speeding up the player's avatar increasingly as the level progresses. This is furthered by the use of randomized obstacles and structures so that the player can not utilize their knowledge of the terrain and must instead "read ahead" and try to anticipate upcoming obstacles. A strategic element exists as well as the player may hit minor obstacles in order to slightly decrease their acceleration in order to make further progression easier however there is always the risk that the player will slow down their avatar after the proceeding platform has already been generated and the player will no longer have the velocity require to clear the next obstacle.

Narrative

 

This game offers little in the way of story and relies on the fast pace of scrolling to draw the player in. Simple, addictive game mechanics with monochromatic yet surprisingly suiting graphics accompanied by basic yet apt background music and effects are the game's strong points.