Articles
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System Requirements
Creating system requirements for a game is a key step in development, detailing software, hardware, and OS needs. While these are clear for things like RAM, operating systems, and network requirements, theres no strict formula, leaving some room for developer discretion. For instance, while testing, CPU and GPU specifications matter most, but the complexity of GPUs, with different brands and features, makes recommendations tricky. The process is less about rigid rules and more about balancing accessibility with performance. Ultimately, thorough testing across devices and systems ensures a smoother player experience, with feedback from users guiding necessary adjustments.
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The Secret Menace of Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolation is a first-person horror game set between the films Alien and Aliens. Player controls Amanda Ripley aboard Sevastopol station, which is now overrun by a deadly xenomorph. The games innovative dual-A.I. systems controls the xenomorph's behavior, making it both a constant threat learning and reacting to players strategies. Praised for its atmospheric design, sound, and A.I., it received multiple Game of the Year awards. Despite some pacing issues, Alien: Isolation is a detailed, immersive homage to the Alien franchise.
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Forky's Pallet Panic Game Design Document
Forky's Pallet Panic is a block puzzle game where players control a cartoonish forklift (Forky), shuffling cargo around a warehouse. With multiple game modes including time trials, score runs, and pure puzzles, players face various challenges involving stacking crates, managing loading zones, and navigating conveyors. Set in a warehouse environment, this PC game combines strategic thinking and quick reflexes, making it perfect for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts.
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Choo-Choo Charles
Choo-Choo Charles is a third-person horror game. Players evading the terrifying spider train, Choo-Choo Charles. The game features a mix of walking simulator mechanics and train travel, creating tension as players must stay close to their train to avoid Charles. Despite mixed reviews, the game's standout element is Charles himself, whose presence adds genuine suspense.With a simple learning curve and minimal variety, the five-hour gameplay experience lacks depth for multiple playthroughs. The environments are well-crafted, though human models can feel lacking. The story revolves around "The Archivist," tasked with defeating Charles and his cult. Overall, while flawed, Choo-Choo Charles provides a unique experience worth exploring.
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The Measure of a Android
The Measure of a Man is one of the more lauded episodes of Star Trek the Next Generation but for me it has always been the silliest episode. So much of the episode requires a certain level of legal ignorance to take seriously and the whole thing is wrapped up in a massive Catch-22. Even looking past the nebulous nature of the Star Trek universes legal system the episode comes off as a bizarre kangaroo court.
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Gaming's Goodwill Depletion
The entertainment industry, particularly gaming, has suffered due to the depletion of goodwill, a key factor for success. Goodwill, or social capital, encompasses trust, reputation, and relationships, and is crucial for game publishers to build positive consumer views. However, practices like releasing incomplete games, monetization schemes, and neglecting customer satisfaction have eroded this goodwill. As a result, gamers are becoming increasingly disillusioned, and the industry faces growing backlash.
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Timberborn (Early Access)
Timberborn is a charming city-builder developed by Mechanistry, featuring evolved beavers building colonies after humanity's extinction. The game, in early access since 2021, offers a unique water-based mechanic, where players control the flow of water to power manufacturing, irrigate crops, and endure droughts. The voxel-based world reacts dynamically to water levels, creating a visually immersive experience. The game is praised for charming atmosphere and bright visuals. Players can explore two factions, with potential for more as development is on-going.
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Alan Wake
Alan Wake (2010) is a psychological thriller from Remedy Entertainment that follows Alan Wake, a mystery writer, as he searches for his abducted wife, in the eerie town of Bright Falls. The game blends elements of horror, mystery, and action, with light playing a key role in combat. Daytime sequences advance the narrative while nighttime sees battles intensifying against the enemy 'Taken'.
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Earth Defense Corp Game Design Document
Earth Defense Corp is a modern take on the classic arcade game Missile Command. Players defend Earth from asteroid attacks using rail-guns and missiles, upgrading defenses between waves. With two modes story and arcade the game combines strategic upgrades with intense, manual defense gameplay. Aimed at casual gamers and retro arcade game enthusiasts, Featuring pixel art graphics and engaging sound effects, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience in planetary defense.
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Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Splinter Cell: Double Agent, the fourth main entry in the franchise. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Milan, and Shanghai and released in 2007. Focusing on the PC edition, the game introduced several new mechanics and was well-received, earning Game of the Year awards. Players control Sam Fisher, an NSA operative undercover with John Brown's Army (JBA), balancing trust between the JBA and NSA. The game features a Trust system, swimming mechanics, and weapon upgrades. The investigation goes into the staple of the franchise the augmented reality vision granted by player character's multi-purpose goggle.
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Ikhan Games back from the dead
IkhanGames.com is back after resolving platform issues, featuring a revamped site blending familiarity with modern enhancements. New updates to articles, projects, and categories all centered around a better user experience when exploring site content. The site aims for more consistency with frequent article releases and progress in game development.
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Game Development: Build 0
In the vast landscape of game development, the journey is often characterized by ebbs and flows, setbacks and triumphs. From grappling with procrastination and learning from mistakes to facing turbulence with a renowned engine and contemplating a switch, the narrative of this developer's odyssey is one of growth, adaptability, and unyielding passion. As they once again embrace the grindstone, it becomes evident that the true essence of game development lies not just in the games created but in the continual evolution and resilience of the developer themselves.
