Puzzle games need story elements like characters and props to engage players in solving puzzles. Puzzles must be fair, using information available to reach a single solution that advances the story. Common puzzle patterns include selective encoding, where clues are hidden in the environment; selective comparison, combining clues; and selective combination, using objects together. Puzzle games teach skills like logic, maths, and problem-solving through gameplay. They are evaluated based on mechanics, how well puzzles tie to a narrative, and variety in scenery. Common genres discussed are math/logic games, point-and-click adventures often using item puzzles, and 2D platformers incorporating movement and object interaction puzzles. More advanced mechanics manipulate time, gravity, and player control

1. Puzzle Games

2. Puzzle games need a story

3. Characters and props must be part of the storyA single solution brings the player to a specific situation once the puzzle is solved If the puzzle is too easy or too difficult then the player will lose interest and miss out on the storyPuzzles must be fair to the player – all information needed must be available tot he player

4. Puzzle PatternsSelective EncodingMyst – Library of books in game actually help the player to learn about machines and puzzles – if ignored then its just looks like a library of books

5. Selective ComparisonPlayer finds a key shaped like a giant cotton swab, previously they find a cave entrance shaped like an ape with giant ears which the key can be used on to open the cave entrance

6. Selective CombinationCombining objects to create items e.g. To fix a machine in Indiana Jones (mainly point and click adventure games)

7. Knowledge Needed by player for puzzle gamesSocio Cultural ActivitiesMathsPhysicsLogicOtherwise info needs to be provided in game

8. Puzzle Game EvaluationCreated list of various puzzle games and looked at game play and mechanicsMaths, Logic based gamesPoint and click adventure games use same mechanics (selective encoding, selective comparison mainly)Similarities across all platformer puzzle games, some with more advanced mechanics

9. Maths and LogicBrain trainingUse of maths and logic

10. 9 types of puzzlesProfessor LaytonLoosely tied to a plot

11. Maths, logic, slider puzzles, brain teasers

12. GUI and Non GUI based puzzlesPoint and click adventureIndiana Jones seriesMonkey Island SeriesBroken SwordMurder Mystery GamesMachinariumVery much story driven

13. Non repetitive scenery/levels