Hello, friends of the gaming realm! I’m Didar, and today, we’re embarking on a journey into game deconstruction. You see, being a game designer isn’t just about building worlds; it’s about understanding the systems and mechanics that make them tick.
We are peeking behind the scenes of a magic show to understand the systems. By breaking down games, we uncover the secrets that engage players. Deconstruction isn’t mere disassembly; it’s an exploration. Think of it as peeking behind the curtain of Oz to understand the wizardry that enchants players. Whether you’re crafting narratives or refining gameplay mechanics, as a game designer comprehending the “why” and “how” is really important.
Why, you ask? Because game designers aren’t just architects; they’re experienced curators. they should write the besy GDDs, And by deconstructing games, we gain insights that really help us. We grasp the delicate balance between challenge and reward, the dance of user motivations, and the intricate threads that weave the fabric of fun. Deconstruction isn’t just a tool; it’s the compass guiding us through uncharted realms. It guides us as we design experiences that resonate. And today, we’re using Hill Climb Racing 2 as an example. I’ve chosen Hill Climb Racing 2, a game I enjoy playing casually.
There are some other handbooks of mine closely related to this subject which I encourage you to read: https://beastoon.com/category/game-development
Hill Climb Racing 2, developed by Fingersoft, is a great casual mobile racing game in my opinion. It thrives on simplicity and excitement. Players embark on gravity-defying journeys across diverse terrains, maneuvering through challenging obstacles in a quest for victory against other players. With a wide array of vehicles, upgrades, and customizable features, the game offers a captivating blend of skill, strategy, and adrenaline-pumping fun. I personally really like how they implemented the physics. However, there is much that can be improved in this game, but not related to the context of our focus here.
Hill Climb Racing 2 is centered around the theme of skillful driving. Something that I’m not very good at 😛 but I still like the challenge. This theme creates an adventurous atmosphere that fuels the excitement of overcoming obstacles. The dynamic physics and vibrant visuals contribute to an immersive experience that pushes players to push their limits.
Core loop
There are loops in a few different parts of the game but the main loop is the one in the cup menu:
1. Vehicle Selection
At the start, you’re presented with a range of vehicles. Each choice offers a unique feel and strategy, which adds a layer of depth to the decision-making process. Selecting the right vehicle for a particular track becomes a strategy, and this initial choice sets the tone for the races ahead.
2. Navigating Terrains
The heart of the experience is mastering the art of navigating challenging terrains and you aim to achieve the best time possible on a specific track and then compare your performance to other players ghost form. Meaning that you’re not directly competing against live opponents in real-time, instead, you’re racing against the recorded performances of other players. As you race, you’ll find yourself ascending steep hills, navigating slopes, and tackling a variety of obstacles that test your skill and precision. Your fuel soon will run out and you also need to think about that also.
3. Earning Rewards and Progression
Each successful race rewards you with in-game currency, and with it comes the opportunity to progress further. This progression is twofold: not only you unlock new vehicles and upgrade them but you also help your club with upgrading the weekly chest based on how long you run your cars.
4. Vehicle Upgrades and Enhancement
There is an ability to upgrade your vehicles. Investing in enhancements such as engine upgrades, better traction, and improved suspension significantly impacts performance. This adds a strategic layer, as your choices directly influence how your vehicle handles the challenges you’ll face.
5- Expanding Horizons:
As you continue racing and improving, the game introduces new levels. From snowy terrains to desert landscapes, each setting introduces its own set of challenges.
Challenges and Events:
The game goes beyond the core loop by introducing challenges, team races, and events. These provide additional objectives, diversifying the gameplay experience.
The combination of physics-based driving, vehicle upgrades, challenging terrain, and various objectives makes “Hill Climb Racing” a compelling and addictive game. The mechanics create a balance between skillful driving, strategic decision-making, and a sense of progression that keeps players engaged over time. Besides the main basic mechanics (acceleration and break which were so obvious that I did not include them), Here are some of the main and prominent mechanics in the game that players interact with on a regular basis:
Physics-Based Driving: One of the core mechanics of “Hill Climb Racing” is its physics-based driving system. The game simulates realistic vehicle movement and handling, making it essential for players to balance acceleration, braking, and tilting the vehicle to maintain control while navigating challenging terrain.
Parts System: Besides the in-game currency, players find parts in the chests. These parts directly affect the performance and capabilities of the vehicles. For example, my favorite one is “fuel boost” which we can get a good boost upon getting fuel in the race.
Upgrades and Customization: The game features an upgrade system where players can use in-game currency to improve their vehicle’s performance. Upgrades include engine power, grip, suspension, and more. This mechanic encourages players to make decisions on how to allocate resources for optimal progress.
Fuel Management: Vehicles in the game are fueled by a limited amount of fuel. Players need to carefully manage their fuel consumption to ensure they can complete each level without running out of fuel. This mechanic adds an element of resource management and decision-making.
Unlockable Vehicles and Levels: As players progress and earn coins, they can unlock new vehicles and levels. Each vehicle has unique attributes that affect gameplay, adding variety to the experience.
Stunt System: The game rewards players for performing stunts and flips during jumps, which contributes to their overall score.
I broke down HCR2 into 10 main systems(there are many more systems and features but these are enough for our purpose for now). Here in this graph, I listed the main systems and some of their relevant elements and their connections.
Here we analyze the main systems by providing 3 main concepts for each.
There is a range of approaches that encourage players to make in-game purchases, subscribe to services, or engage with ads.
Special limited-time sales offer discounts or bundled packages for in-game items, motivating players to make purchases during these promotional periods