Description
An example of a hidden area is a small room containing a cache of items, often special weapons or power-ups. Hidden areas are usually off the main route followed by the player. The intent is to provide rewards to the player. The difficulty of finding or accessing a hidden area may be proportional to value of the reward.
Affordances
- How easy or difficult it is for the player to find the hidden area
- What rewards are available in the hidden area
- If the hidden area is defended by enemy NPCs or not
Consequences
If the player is reward given a powerful reward, the overall challenge of the level will decrease as they’ve gained a significant advantage. Too powerful of a reward may completely upset the level’s balance. The pacing of the level will increase and tension decrease if the player the player is now able to move quickly without worrying about threats from enemy NPCs.
Relationships
None.
Examples
| Description | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| The Half-Life 2: Episode 1 level “Lowlife” contains a hidden area. Just off the main path, it contains an enemy NPC and a small reward. This rewards the player for doing additional exploration. |  |
| In the level “Sierra 117” from Halo 3, the player is rewarded with extra weapons and ammo for exploring off the intended path. |  |
