Problem Summary

The game is complex enough that directions are required.

Use When

The game has a large target audience or introduces completely new concepts for the target audience. You also use this pattern when you want an alternative to a Tutorial level.

Solution

Have a NPC charactor that can help the player to use a control when the time is needed to use that control. A good example would be if the player just got a cross bow in Zelda, then the NPC will explain how to use the cross bow. This does not replace the manual and in the best case should be able to be ignored.

Recommendations

Most tutorial agents can be considered annoying to players so allow the players to ignore them or skip the area. Players do like to replay games and having to deal with a NPC character that wont go away can be hurt replay-ability.

Rationale

A tutorial agent can greatly improve the ability for any person to be able to start the game and play. It increases audience size and gives even hardcore gamers a better understanding of the game.

Examples

Never Winter Nights
Legend of Zelda: Twilight princess
Banjo Kazooie

Tutorial agent for zelda.
	Tutorial Agent for Banjo Kazooie found at about 5 mins into the video.