Recently, I heard that “Roll a dice and move is dead. Don’t do it.”
This comment started me thinking on whether this is true. Is this board game mechanic indeed a thing of the past?
First and foremost, I agree that very simple games implementing this mechanic as the only mechanic are not very exciting. These games still have a place though in that they are suited to younger players who still relish the excitement of “Snakes and ladders” or “Ludo” or the “Game of the Goose”.
Also, there are plenty of enjoyable games which need a bit more engagement in addition to the dice roll. “Backgammon” comes to mind as a good example for adults or “Enchanted Forest” for the whole family. Or how about “Trivial Pursuit”, which reduces the element of luck by combining it with questions that you either can or cannot answer?
Of course, there are also many games using the “roll and move” mechanic but in a slightly different way. For example in the game “Camel Up” where all the dice rolls are revealed at the same time instead of taking turns.
Now how does this apply to video games?
All of the above holds true for some of the more commonly used video game mechanics such as simple platformers using jumping as the only mechanic. Now imagine a jump coupled with a somersault whilst shooting a boomerang at a target to save your second avatar’s life. Would you be more interested? Yes, me too.
In short, it is not the mechanic that is the issue but the lack of novelty or excitement created by it.
Having gone over this topic for a few days now, I feel like trying to create a “roll a dice and move” style game or a traditional yet interesting side scrolling platformer. It sure will be a challenge to come up with something new and interesting.
