Challenges

Origin X

Some of these designs were developed after the final iteration of the board game prototype and are planned for implementation in a more refined version in the near future.

Bottlenecks Challenge A recurring issue during playtests involved chokepoints forming unintentionally during stage setup. While not inherently negative, these tight areas often extended match length unnecessarily. Action To alleviate the pr

Bottlenecks

Challenge

A recurring issue during playtests involved chokepoints forming unintentionally during stage setup. While not inherently negative, these tight areas often extended match length unnecessarily.

Action

To alleviate the problem, a temporary rule was introduced requiring all level tiles to be spaced at least one grid unit apart. This adjustment aimed to reduce chokepoints and open up the play area.

Result

Although this rule may eventually be replaced by simply limiting the number of tiles placed, it served as an immediate fix for the chokepoint problem. While the change led to simpler overall layouts that may be perceived as boring, it also introduced additional movement options and alternative routes. As a result, playtesters reported a more fluid experience with fewer interruptions to gameplay flow.

Dynamics Challenge The current selection of level tile pieces lacks variation, which has led to feedback describing the gameplay as too repetitive. This limitation affects the intensity and pacing expected from a first-person shooter experience

Dynamics

Challenge

The current selection of level tile pieces lacks variation, which has led to feedback describing the gameplay as too repetitive. This limitation affects the intensity and pacing expected from a first-person shooter experience, which the game is designed to emulate.

Action

Although only hills and walls exist at the moment, improvements can be made by modifying current assets rather than introducing entirely new ones. For example, the tile shown in the reference image features a larger hill surface, allowing multiple players to stand on it at once. This contrasts with the original hill tile, which only supports a single occupant and limits tactical use.

Result

The redesigned hill introduces a new layer of strategic depth. It encourages team-based control by offering a damage multiplier when occupied by several players, but also increases vulnerability due to its visibility and lack of nearby cover. This trade-off supports more diverse gameplay decisions and better aligns with the high-intensity style of play being aimed for.

Modular Challenge Some feedback that was provided after the first prototype was completed was related to wanting more interested environment setups that they could assemble. Action Here is an example of one that has not been featured in the

Modular

Challenge

Some feedback that was provided after the first prototype was completed was related to wanting more interested environment setups that they could assemble.

Action

Here is an example of one that has not been featured in the game, but will be added in the future. There are two level tiles showcased. One is blue and represents a hill and the other is a red wall. Normally a wall would be seen more as an obstacle in this game, but when combined with the hill, it ends up becoming a larger elevated surface area.

Result

Not until it is tested, can one be for sure, but this appears to present more depth to where players can traverse to. No longer are they subjected to a simple small elevated space, but they can combine these tiles into new creative patterns that could help leverage team strategies depending on what they are trying to achieve. The downside is that this will need more balance testing to ensure that they cannot assemble specific patterns that ensure victory every time. A way to prevent this is by only allowing them to use a specific amount.

Replay Value Challenge The initial prototype featured a pre-designed map that, while functional, lacked the adaptability needed to support a wide range of play styles. Although balance improvements were possible, concerns arose about long-term

Replay Value

Challenge

The initial prototype featured a pre-designed map that, while functional, lacked the adaptability needed to support a wide range of play styles. Although balance improvements were possible, concerns arose about long-term engagement. Repeated exposure to the same layout risked reducing interest over time, prompting exploration into whether map configurations could evolve each session.

Action

To introduce variety, a hill and multiple wall tile variants were created, allowing teams to build their side of the board using different combinations. A rule was implemented to ensure that tile placement alternated between teams, giving each side the opportunity to respond strategically to the opponent's previous move.

Result

The change led to deeper strategic conversations and more diverse layout formations. As shown in the reference image, even a small board section can include multiple traversal options. While repetition is still possible if the same configurations are reused, this approach increased variability significantly. To further expand replay value, an optional randomly generated map system could be explored in future iterations.

Tile Amount Challenge The current game rules require each team to place all available level tiles on the map before a match begins. This often results in overcrowded layouts with limited mobility. While tight spaces can create opportunities for

Tile Amount

Challenge

The current game rules require each team to place all available level tiles on the map before a match begins. This often results in overcrowded layouts with limited mobility. While tight spaces can create opportunities for close-quarters encounters, covering the entire board with narrow corridors reduced the effectiveness of the open-area design typical of first-person shooters.

Action

To reduce congestion, a revised setup was proposed in which teams select a limited number of tiles for placement. This adjustment not only creates a cleaner, more readable board but also improves visibility of important locations, such as hills shown in the reference image, which serve as control points during gameplay.

Result

The anticipated outcome is a shift toward more strategic pre-match planning, encouraging teams to discuss tile selection and placement. This approach introduces an additional layer of teamwork and decision-making while restoring space for movement and ranged combat.

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