Comments on: What makes a good theme?

By: SonnyBone

SonnyBone — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:40:35 +0000

I would much prefer a theme that defines how a game will work rather than how a game will LOOK or where the game takes place. Settings, characters, and other similar themes don’t really do much for me.

The ISLANDS and CAVE themes come to mind.

You can make anything from a platformer to a rhythm based trivia game with those themes. I’m all for individuality and uniqueness, but those kinds of themes make it feel like the theme isn’t even important.

IMO, that is.

By: mes

mes — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:06:21 +0000

you want everyone’s game to have similar game mechanics so they can be compared more easily? that sounds terrible!

By: Darkhogg

Darkhogg — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:05:18 +0000

Conclusion: Evolution must win. IT MUST. Eventually…
And just a prophecy: If it ever wins, I won’t be able to participate.

Also, the description of “the same game” with Self-replication you just gave is THE ONLY idea that DIDN’T come to my mind when I read that theme. Just saying.

By: hamster_mk_4

hamster_mk_4 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:52:55 +0000

I was actually thinking about a game that involves seeing how many times the player can moon old women before the cops catch and beat them. But I think Saints Row already beat me to it.

By: Pythonus

Pythonus — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:26:26 +0000

would you make a moon walk game? LOL

every theme got it’s potential that’s the challenge.

By: Jiggawatt

Jiggawatt — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:05:28 +0000

Now now, let’s not forget Ron Paul.

By: fydo

fydo — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:03:40 +0000

Hey, I gave you thumbs up! What more could you ask for?

Also, Ants and Walrus are both really good themes too.

By: Jiggawatt

Jiggawatt — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:59:07 +0000

FYYYDOOOO

By: hamster_mk_4

hamster_mk_4 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:54:54 +0000

There are other contests that have more refined rule systems like Speedhack: http://www.speedhack.allegro.cc/

My Ludum Dare voting criteria is as follows:
Can I make a game closely linked to this theme?
Can I think of a totally different game that would still be closely linked to this theme?
Would I want to make a game based on this theme?

By: RedWater\wzl

RedWater\wzl — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:48:29 +0000

I agree, except beards!

By: fydo

fydo — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:48:10 +0000

This is exactly what I’ve been trying to tell people! Themes like Kittens and Crocodile are absolutely the best kinds of themes you can vote for.

Big thumbs up to you, Jiggawatt!