Contents 1 Problem Summary 2 Use When 3 Solution 4 Recommendations 5 Rationale 6 Examples

Problem Summary

The story, set up, controls or the rule s are either too complex and detailed, or restrict the player's play and fun.

Use When

In simulation games such as flight simulators, fighting or action games. Simulation games offer a high level of realism including numerous detailed controls and many decisions must be made before starting the game. Action games have a story line and rules which restrict the game play and limits the action the player can get.

Solution

In addition to the normal game play, arcade mode offers simpler controls, default choices, different rules and a different story to focus on the essence of the game. Simulation games offer simpler controls in the arcade mode to make it easier to play without getting confused with the complexity of the game and the controls. Along with the simulation games, action games offer shorter missions where you get waves of enemies to kill, unlimited ammo and access to an arsenal of weapons. Colin McRae 2 has an arcade mode where you can skip the details before the race and start immediately with the default settings. Fighting games let you play freely and try new characters and moves. They also support multiplayer game. For example, Soul Calibur has a team arcade mode along with the single player story mode. Some games has different goals in the arcade mode instead of progressing through the levels or the story. The players get their scores and compete in the highscore lists.

Recommendations

• Consider designing the games for arcade machines
• To increase the interest, make highscore lists and let the players compete with each other

Rationale

This pattern adds versatility and efficiency to the game. Adapting to different kind of players increases player’s satisfaction and subsequently extends the longevity of the game. Simpler controls increase the player’s learnability of the default controls. The game could be played again and again focusing on the action by skipping the details and the story. Highscores increases addiction.

Examples

Call of Duty 4 Arcade Mode. A short mission focuses on the action with different rules.	Ace Combat 5 Arcade Mode - F-5 Guns Only.

Other examples:

• Mortal Kombat 3
• Street Fighter 4
• Soul Calibur
• Resident Evil
• Colin McRae 2