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What’s better: dynamic music, or hex grids?Vote now as we continue deciding the single best thing in games
Vote now as we continue deciding the single best thing in games
Image credit:2K
Image credit:2K
Dynamic music
Not to return to this game so quickly afterits last victory, but I will point out thatMetal Gear Rising: Revengeancehas dynamic soundtracks with extra layers of shredding and ‘tude coming in as you perform violence more intensely. And honestly, I think the many groans and howls and roars and rumbles of weapons and enemies inDevil Daggerscome together to form the most wonderful dynamic ambient music. Ah sure go on, let’s also throw in games like Rez andMetal: Hellsinger, which are all about slipping into the beat, weapons building into the music.
I’m sure you can think of many more examples and techniques of dynamic music in games, reader dear, cherished times that a game sang to the tune you were laying down. Do share!
Ron Gilbert Talks Return To Monkey Island - RPS@PAX West 2022Our chat with the co-designer ofthe excellent Return To Monkey Island, whichindeed had dynamic musicWatch on YouTube
Ron Gilbert Talks Return To Monkey Island - RPS@PAX West 2022
Hex grids
What a relief when I start a grid-based game and find myself looking at a field of hexagons. I understand how this will work. I know which hexes are adjacent. I know how far away every hex is from every other hex. I can calculate my weapon ranges or adjacency bonuses or movement or logistics or captures or whatever with ease. Everything will just work. Perfect.
A hexy grid inthe great Gloomhaven
“But Alice,” you might say, thinking you’re laying an inescapable trap for me, “the most revered strategy game of human history, chess, is on a square grid.” And I would remind you that chess was created prior to the year 1600, when humanity had not invented the number six—therefore nor hexagons—because it wasn’t needed yet.
Also, a hex grid looks like it’s from the future, not a maths exercise book.
But which is better?
My practical side knows hex grids are the answer. My excitable side knows dynamic music is the answer. I can’t choose. This one is all on you, reader dear.
