The document summarizes reviews of the games Divinity 2 and Hades. For Divinity 2, it discusses the combat system using action points, character depth but some jarring comedic elements, impressive elemental graphics that can become obscured, a choice-based story, rich world design, and mixed voice acting and music. For Hades, it praises the fast-paced responsive combat, well-written mythological characters though some are underdeveloped, beautiful graphics, serviceable main story, immersive feel through graphics/music/combat, and flawless voice acting and audio design. Both games are noted to have room for improved stories but strong combat mechanics and feel. The research will inspire an original combat system and learn

1. Research
Your Name

2. Existing Product
First 29 Minutes of
gameplay - IGN
Combat:
The combat system in Divinity 2 is fun and incredibly
interesting. Every character has a certain amount of AP
(action points) which regenerate at the end of every turn,
this allows combat to be balanced by limiting the amount of
damage or movement the player can do, so instead of going
in and using all their skills at once they have to think and
strategize to determine the best course of action. Although
at times the game can feel slow or unbalanced in some
fights with no warning that the fight might be too difficult at
the characters current level.
Characters:
The characters in Divinity have intriguing stories and unique
personalities one example is Lohse, a character who the
player can befriend and travel with for the duration of the
game, who is a host for spirits allowing them to occupy their
body temporarily. By fleshing out the characters the
developers add a lot of depth to the game and make the
world feel alive. Some of the characters are more comical,
although in some places this works there are some where it
feels jarring and can pull the player out of the game.

3. Existing Product
First 29 Minutes of
gameplay - IGN
Graphics:
The graphics for Divinity 2 are great in general but
where I think it really shines are the elemental
effects, The design for the elemental effects allows
you to not only see where you are safe to step but
also makes every fight seem busy and intense, which
can be good or bad depending on the fight as when
there is too much of some effects, such as smoke or
fire, the game can become difficult to see.
Story:
The story of Divinity 2 is long and varied where your
choices matter, although the story follows the often
overused ”chosen one” trope it does it in a way that
isn’t forced allowing the player to refute their
supposed destiny and carve their own path to the
point that they can become the antagonist of the
story if they wish.

4. Existing Product
First 29 Minutes of
gameplay - IGN
Feel:
The feel of a game is crucial to look at when making
a successful game and I feel Divinity 2 does this
incredibly well, the world is designed in a way that
feels rich and deep, for example you can talk to
almost every NPC in the game, animals included, to
find out useful information about your current
predicament or learn about the world’s history
through story or song. However as previously stated
the comedic characters can negatively affect the feel
of the game.
Audio:
The audio of Divinity 2 is well crafted and inspired,
the music is great and adds well to the feel of the
game, during character creation the player can pick
from one of 4 instruments; Bansuri, Oud, Tambura
or Cello, which plays when the character completes
a significant action such as getting a kill, this makes
the players actions and choices feel more impactful.
Although the voice acting is inconsistent at best.

5. Existing Product
Combat:
The combat in Hades is incredible, it’s fast paced,
responsive and exceptionally fun with six unique
weapons that, with the unlockable upgrades, can fit
any playstyle. the developer did an amazing job of
making the character feel powerful and god-like
while still having the game be a challenge.
Characters:
The characters in Hades are very well written, taking
what was written in Greek mythology and running
with it to make unique and interesting characters
that still stay true to their mythological
counterparts. The developer also allowed room for
many myths to be represented within the game as
you meet and talk with characters who normally
don’t get the spotlight such as Orpheus and
Euridice, however some characters such as two of
the three furies are left out and could have used
some more development.
The first 15 Minutes of Hades - IGN

6. Existing Product
Graphics:
The graphics of Hades are beautiful, clean and
sharp, from the dark greens and grey of Tartarus to
the resplendent colours of Elysium the game looks
incredible all the way through.
Story:
The main story isn’t the strongest point with Hades,
it follows the story of Zagreus really well however
the story didn’t give them much to go on, this isn’t
particularly a problem with the game as having a
more stripped back story works with the cyclic
nature of the game but a bit more work could have
been done to improve upon the story rather than
the rare flashback sequence or two.
The first 15 Minutes of Hades - IGN

7. Existing Product
Feel:
The feel of Hades is not somewhere the game is let
down the combination of the brilliant graphics,
quick combat and incredible music work to make
one of the best gaming experiences of 2020, even
though some of the characters are glossed over, as
previously mentioned, the ones that are given the
spotlight are well written and interesting which
makes the realm of the dead seem unexpectedly
alive.
Audio:
As mentioned in the “Feel” section the music in
Hades is incredible and that isn’t where the great
sound design stops, the voice acting for example is
flawless throughout, the audio cues are clear and
recognizable and overall, the game sounds amazing.
The first 15 Minutes of Hades - IGN

8. Research Analysis
• What common features do the researched products
have?
– both have Interesting and intricate combat mechanics
– Both have aspects of story that let the game down a little
• What aspects of the research will you include within
your on work?
– I will take inspiration from the combat systems combining
them in a way to make something new and interesting
– I will learn from the more negative aspects of the stories
making the story a unique and interesting experience

9. My Target Audience

10. Audience Profile
Category Demographic Content to appeal to this audience
Age Range
People aged 16-30 • Combat which is both fast and tactical
• A story that is interesting and unique
• Reasonably flashy pixel based artwork
Gender
Predominantly
male
• Combat which is both fast and tactical
• Interesting story in which choices you make
effects the game in some way
Psychographic
Belongers • Low barrier of entry (system requirements)
Social Status
Middle class • An affordable price point