[Contextual Studies] Representation and Space Task

We were given the task (in groups) to one low pixel character and one HD character to compare in relation to technology, creativity and culture. We were also asked to find one silent or basic sound environment and one fully immersive 3D environment.

The two characters we decided on were the Pokemon series of games and also Altair from Assassin's Creed. I think this shows a broad change in a relatively short space of time to the technology used to create characters in games. Although the culture varies vastly between the two characters, there are a few common traits that can be noticed. The first is that both games contain a form a combat or violence. Even though they marketed at completely seperate age groups and set in different times, in different worlds, they share this underlying trait.

The two environments were also quite a difficult choice. We decided to go for a comparison between Lemmings and the citadel from Mass Effect (2). Yet again there is a stagering leap in technology, going from a 2D sprite based design to an advanced polygonal landscape, and this shows in the level of immersion that the game presents. Although entertaining, Lemmings doesn't absorb you into the world anywhere near as much as Mass Effect does. Arriving on the citadel in Mass Effect is a defining moment that will stick in your memory for years, if not indefinitely. Even though I played Lemmings substancially when i was younger, I still couldn't give you a clear picture of any of the environments other than they are brown rocky soil with grass on. On the other hand I could give you an entire monologue on all the attractions in the Mass Effect citadel. For that reason I think that environments have definitely got larger and more extensive in modern games, showing that perhaps as games modernise, the 'Space' aspect of them increases to give that feeling that the player can go anywhere, and do anything.