Video Game Tropes: A TV Tropes Guide
Video game tropes are narrative devices and conventions that are frequently used in video games. They can be plot devices, character archetypes, gameplay mechanics, or visual elements. TV Tropes is a wiki website that catalogs and analyzes these tropes in various media, including video games. — Powerball Winners: Who Has Won The Jackpot?
Common Video Game Tropes
- The Chosen One: The protagonist is destined to save the world.
- Save the Princess: The hero must rescue a princess from a villain.
- Collect-a-thon: The game requires the player to collect a large number of items.
- Escort Mission: The player must protect a vulnerable NPC.
- Boss Battle: A challenging fight against a powerful enemy.
Why Use Tropes?
Tropes are not inherently bad. They can be used effectively to create familiar and engaging experiences. However, overuse or reliance on tired tropes can lead to predictable and uninspired games. Good game developers use tropes in moderation and often subvert or twist them to create something fresh and unique. — Miami-Dade Docket Search: Find Court Records Online
Subverting Expectations
One popular technique is to subvert tropes. This involves setting up a familiar trope and then defying the player's expectations. For example, a game might start with the "Save the Princess" trope but then reveal that the princess is actually the villain.
The Importance of Context
The effectiveness of a trope depends on the context. A trope that feels fresh and exciting in one game might feel stale and overused in another. Developers need to be aware of the tropes that are common in their genre and find ways to use them in a way that feels original and engaging. — Cognitive Science At UCLA: A Comprehensive Guide
Video game tropes are a fundamental part of game design. Understanding how they work and how to use them effectively is essential for creating successful and memorable games. By exploring the vast catalog of tropes on TV Tropes, developers and players alike can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of video game storytelling.
Explore TV Tropes for more examples and in-depth analysis.