Super Meat Boy - Analysis

Welcome back, GA blog.

I played Super Meat Boy for my analysis, as stated above!

HERE is a video of me playing the entire tutorial world:

Analysis:

• How does the level layout contribute to the tutorial?

Super Meat Boy has a very simple layout to their levels, making sure to not clutter the screen too hard with objects. It would really make it difficult for the very perfect platforming you have to do later on.

• How is the pacing and flow managed to keep the player challenged but not bored?

The pacing of each level is short and sweet, with the longer levels always ending up being a 'test' to the player to see if they've really mastered the basic skills that are taught to you.

• How much is left to the player to figure out on his own vs. how much is handed to him?

I would say 90% of SMB is something you have to figure out on your own, but I do believe there are hints if a player needs them and they're 100% stuck on something. The super fast re-spawn system after you die really makes learning not too painful, especially when it comes to patterns.

• What kind of obstacles are presented to the player?

Pitfalls, saw blades, fire, acid, the ceiling..

• How do they ramp up the difficulty as the tutorial advances?

They introduce much more difficult platforming very quickly, as well as throwing in things like disintegrating blocks when you touch them, fire, etc.

• What kind of positive and negative feedback is given to the player?

Positive: You get a great grade, you beat your last time, a smooth replay of your level, bonuses.

Negative: You died, you can see your mistakes in the replay, your grade may go down, there's blood marking your mistakes.

• How is the story integrated (if any)?

Each time you get to Meat Girl Dr. Fetus pops up, likely punches her in the face, and flies off. Plus at the start you will get a cut-scene, and before you engage an end world boss you will get a longer cut-scene, and one after you beat the end world boss.

Level Layout, as done by me!: