Description
A choke point is a narrow area with no alternate routes. Typically, it is an entrance to a room, but a choke point could exist in an otherwise open area. As the player or enemy NPCs move through the choke point, they are exposed to attack.
Affordances
- The width of the choke point opening
- The length of the choke point
Consequences
If the player is moving through the choke point, they are exposed to enemy fire, increasing tension in the level. If enemy NPCs are moving through the choke point, the player is able to attack with little risk, reducing tension and challenge.
Increasing the width lessens the effects as more characters are able to move through at a time. Increasing the length can also reduce effects as characters have a place to retreat to.
Relationships
A choke point may be used in conjunction with a sniper location, providing cover for the attacker.
Examples
| Description | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| The player encounters a choke point in the level “Corinth River” of Killzone 2. They must move through a long, narrow corridor with some cover, while being engaged by enemy NPCs from both sides. | No screenshot available |
| The level “Recovery” of Crysis contains a choke point. The player has to move up a narrow path with minimal cover. To proceed, they must pass through a choke point defended by enemy NPCs operating a turret. The player is forced to use cover carefully until they can get close enough to engage them. |  |
| (Same Choke Point from a different angle) |  |
| In the “Crow's Nest” level of Halo 3, an arena-type area also contains a choke point element to it. Enemies are positioned at the far end of the room, and in order to get to them, the player must expose his or herself to enemy fire in order to reach the enemies and engage them directly in battle. |  |
