From this mind-map i was able to see my ideas on paper so that i could get ideas for a Nautical game that i could end up creating. The games in the mind-map are different types of games that i have either played or know pretty well. The games tend to split into two categories so i added that to the map as well, because it would help keep me on track for the type of game i should be looking to create for the Nautical theme.
My research would not be complete without research on the creatures that live in the ocean, fictional or non-fictional. For non-fictional creatures i added popular animals and animals that seem out of this world, or at least very different to the average animal you see. Whereas, for fictional creatures i added the three biggest and most well known beasts of the seas. This is because in-games creatures tend to be made extreme for their purpose. So for an enemy, a huge Hydra would be a brilliant enemy to overcome. So, this research can help towards possible enemies for the Nautical game.
Hand Painted
A very popular game on the newly released Nintendo Switch is the game ‘Hollow Knight’. This game is exceptionally beautiful and you can see that a lot of time and effort went into it, and for a hand painted game to come out the way this incredible game has a lot of time has definitely been spent. However, even so this game looks like a quality AAA game but was made with only three people on it.
In the game you play as the cute little ‘Hollow Knight’ who makes his way through the insect kingdom of Hallownest, unfortunately it is rife with adventure, danger, and mystery. As you can see from above and below the hand-painted style is calming on the eyes (i know that sounds weird but that is the only way i can describe it) but also shows the harsh and treacherous path ‘Hollow Knight’ follows.
Realistic
Back on the theme of Nautical Assassins Creed Black Flag is a great example of a studio trying to create a realistic styling for players to feel fully immersed in the actions as the perform heart pumping stunts and dangerous attacks on the fortresses of the sea. The Game was created by Ubisoft and personal i really enjoyed the idea of being an assassin/pirate, Stopping the Templar on any island and battling them on the open seas as well. Moreover, the ability to hunt whales and sharks or sails into coves and caves where great experiences and really helped to bring a better feeling of the life out at sea.
The photos above show the two sides of Black Flag but also how the sea is always part of game in some way. You are either surrounded or emerged by it or beside it, the true pirate life.
Pixel Art
This next game is personal favourite because when i first played i could not understand what i loved so much about this game, but now i realise was the art. Kingdom: New Lands is a simple 2D scroll game in which you play as a queen who has travel to ‘New Lands’ to rebuild a kingdom. You begin to rebuild and on the way you gain loyal subjects who help you build and defend the kingdom. However, greedy creatures try to take your coins and your crown every night so you and your loyal subjects must defend the kingdom from complete overthrow.
LvL 3 Games Dev 