Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design, 2nd Edition

Bonus Level 7

Mechanics and Hazards

• Balance beam
• Blasting flame/wind/cannon timing puzzle
• Breakable object/smashable glass/force shields
• Buildable structures/objects using level objects or inventory puzzle pieces
• Carryable/throwable object
• Catapult that launches player or object
• Cause and effect: operate/move/interact with one item; another one acts in the opposite manner
• Climbable wall surface
• Collapsing floor/platform/staircase
• Collectable items organized as a set
• Conveyer belt
• Crank/pump
• Crank-operated door that drops if motion is not maintained
• Deadly surface/sticky floor/poison gas that slows player movement
• Deadly surface/spikes/thorns/lava/electrified water used to cause damage
• Elevator
• Escort: defend target from incoming attacks/damage
• Exploding object
• Hazard that smashes down or up
• Health/ammo dispenser
• Hidden image/clue in environment/inventory item
• Floor switch/pressure plate
• Forced scroll/moving environment that keeps player moving
• Ladder
• Lighting fixture to control light/darkness effect
• Limited number of moves
• Locked door/treasure chest requiring key
• Lock-picking/hacking mechanic requiring dexterity or puzzle solving
• Money or economy mechanics such as purchasing/bidding/selling/investing
• Multiple choice
• Multiple operations at once: player’s concentration/resources are split between multiple mechanics and objectives
• Music/sound pattern recognition/repeat
• Movement accelerator
• Moving platforms: horizontal, vertical, diagonal
• Object that grabs the player, requiring ...