Level Up.pdf

The Pause that Refreshes 191
screen as a hub, with the choices the spokes that radiate from it. Sound
and music volume controls, controller settings, difficulty settings, and even
bonus and cheat codes can be placed under the options heading.
Calibration tool. If your game is particularly moody and dark in theme and
visuals, then I suggest having a screen calibration tool. A calibration tool
allows the player to adjust the screen ’ s contrast on a dark- colored image or
set of color bars. While it ’ s fine for this to live in the options screen, I prefer
to have the player adjust it before starting the game, to see the game in the
best light … er darkness possible.
Save/load game. One of the most important aspects of your game, keep it
simple and automate the process whenever possible. Always start a new
game with creating a new save file. Don ’ t make the player hunt around for
this and make sure they quickly pick up on where it is — even in the tutorial if
possible.
I highly recommend allowing for several (at least three) save files. Players
often restart new games after completion, want back- up files in case they
make catastrophic choices during gameplay, or even just to let someone
else concurrently play the game.
Customization goes a long way when creating a save file. Let the player
name their own files. Store playtime, titles of game levels or chapters, and
even inventory items like lives or gear to help the player remember their
progress. Show icons or images to help jog the player ’ s memory further.
Everything helps.