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Education Feature: 'Story Mechanics as Game Mechanics in Shadow of the Colossus'

In today's education feature, USC student Ben Sherman examines the gameplay mechanics of Sony Computer Entertainment's Shadow of the Colossus, focusing on how the...

Frank Cifaldi, Contributor

March 28, 2006

1 Min Read
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In today's education feature, USC student Ben Sherman examines the gameplay mechanics of Sony Computer Entertainment's Shadow of the Colossus, focusing on how the actual gameplay mechanics, rather than the written story, evoke emotion in the player, as glossed on in this extract from the essay's introduction: "Under normal game design principles in the current business atmosphere, what tends to occur is a plastering of story upon previously constructed mechanics. What makes Shadow of the Colossus's mechanics interesting is not so much that they were not previously put in place as most games are, but rather that they were specifically designed to maximize certain emotional responses from the player. Much as a screenwriter or film editor will use the medium to build tension or create character, so are gameplay mechanics used in Shadow. The mechanics are not used only to tell a story. The mechanics are used to elicit emotions from the audience." You can read the full Gamasutra feature on the subject, but for those who haven't beaten the game, beware of possible spoilers in the article (no registration required, please feel free to link to this feature from external websites).

About the Author

Frank Cifaldi

Contributor

Frank Cifaldi is a freelance writer and contributing news editor at Gamasutra. His past credentials include being senior editor at 1UP.com, editorial director and community manager for Turner Broadcasting's GameTap games-on-demand service, and a contributing author to publications that include Edge, Wired, Nintendo Official Magazine UK and GamesIndustry.biz, among others. He can be reached at [email protected].

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