Show Me Your Fun Zone! Doom the Dark Ages Discussion ft. Boghog! | Patreon Podcast

Hello Beautiful Patrons!

Boghog returns! Today he and I discuss "The Fun Zone" which is the design philosophy behind the new Doom games, especially Doom the Dark Ages. The intro section to this episode is fresh off the mic, but the majority of this recording is from a discussion that Bog and I had just right after I posted my review for the game. It's actually awesome timing because this discussion pretty much perfectly lines up with the Danger of Psychology-Based Design video I recently posted.

Dark Ages was an extremely challenging review because of just how chaotic its system design is and honestly its a shame it completely fell flat with its initial premise of being more like classic Doom with some Bullet-Hell elements. Instead it was captured by an obsession with player mechanics. And I think one reason for this Mechanical Darwinism effect is its commitment to the "Fun Zone" and perception based design. Which could have worked fine if the game had more counter balancing dynamics to its mechanics (other than more mechanics) that prevented it from being too static and procedural. I think the iframe shield bash particularly is a good warning against subverting spacing too much, even in a shooter.

This episode was recorded late at night and Bog and I had a lot of fun discussing "The Fun Zone" which is basically impossible not to joke about. Both of us appreciate the attempt Dark Ages is making to be a hardcore release, but the tone of this episode is two friends shooting from the hip after a midnight showing of a movie ha.

Thanks so much for the support everyone! The patreon is the backbone of what I do and I think these patreon podcast eps are a ton of fun :-D

Sincerely,

Mark