Mark of the Ninja
A 2D stealth game that shows guards' sight and sound on screen.
Where Mark of the Ninja comes up1 episode or test
- Player observes the world patiently
- Light and sound are not quantified
- Rewards patience and immersion
- UI shows light, shadow, sound range
- UI shows what guards see and think
- Players build plans, lure, set traps
Exposed information makes players feel powerful and capable
From Mark Brown on Mark of the Ninja vs Thief
What was said about Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja shows hidden state so stealth becomes planning. It builds on Thief's stealth and adds UI for light and shadow, how far a sound travels, what guards can see and think, and what an item will do. Thief rewards patient observation and immersion, while the extra information makes Mark of the Ninja about building plans, luring guards and setting traps.
The game was designed by Nels Anderson, and Mark Brown compares it with Thief: The Dark Project. Quote: "By showing the player exactly how the world works, the player feels powerful and capable."
The 100 Games That Taught Me Game Design
It takes Thief's patient observation and adds UI for light, sound range and guard vision. That turns stealth into planning, luring and trapping.
Mark of the Ninja shows hidden state so stealth becomes planning. It builds on Thief's stealth and adds UI for light and shadow, how far a sound travels, what guards can see and think, and what an item will do. Thief rewards patient observation and immersion, while the extra information makes Mark of the Ninja about building plans, luring guards and setting traps.
The game was designed by Nels Anderson, and Mark Brown compares it with Thief: The Dark Project. Quote: "By showing the player exactly how the world works, the player feels powerful and capable."
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