The Introverted Detective

Video games that have overpowered weapons, puzzles that are too hard, no challenge level, or cause a specific race or player type to die or win too often are unbalanced. This makes gameplay frustrating. Today I'm taking a look at how this can be avoided by game designers.  Courtesy of Game Skinny Video game design starts with a core mechanic and then gets balanced out. An unbalanced game is not an enjoyable experience. Two-player games are balanced when no one has an unfair advantage. Single-player games deal with whether the challenge is correct for the audience. The best games have challenge and balance. The best game designers know who they are aiming at, whether they are aiming at the competitive gamers or the average population.  Single Player When games get harder as you play that is because they know your skills rise as you play the game. They need the pacing to match your challenge level. When the challenge level matches the age range you are aiming for they call that ...

 What did sailors and pirates truly see when they told tales of sea monsters and mermaids? Were they manatees or dolphins? Are there sea dinosaurs that survived the flood? Let's dive into that.  Courtesy of storytrender.com  This is a fake mermaid. Today we discuss what the sailors actually witnessed when they claimed to see mermaids, as well as what sea monsters could be or truly are. I'm going to go into the mythology first (in both categories) and then research what they could be. Ready to set sail? I know I am.  Mythology and Mermaids Myths tell tales of sirens and giant sea monsters. Both are bad news. You have the possibility of either shipwrecking, drowning, or being eaten. Sirens are shown holding human skulls. They didn't pull those out of the sea at random. I'll let you put the pieces together on that one. While that was not every mermaid you found, you'd better keep wax to put in your ears anyway- just in case! Many gods and goddesses also had a tailed fo...

Ever wonder what would happen if you hurled yourself off a high hiking trail, then logic kicked in and said "please don't"? You aren't alone. You've felt the call of the void, or in french "L'appel du vide". Courtesy of Factretriever The call of the void is the urge to do something with high risk. It is a High Place Phenomenon (HPP) and is often felt by many at high places. Urges include swerving into traffic, cutting yourself with a nearby knife or one you are holding, jumping into deep water from a boat or bridge, putting metal into electrical sockets, sticking your hand into a food or garbage disposal, or standing in front of a train. Two seconds later you tell yourself "what is wrong with me? I shouldn't do that!". It is unnerving nonetheless. It is shockingly common to experience this. Half the people who experience this don't have suicidal thoughts, three-quarters of the people have suicidal thoughts, and people who have anxie...

 Are there common courtesies that should apply to everyone who reads? Absolutely. Class is in session.  Courtesy of Pinterest Have you ever been constantly interrupted by someone attempting conversation - while your book is obviously open in your hand and your eyes are on the pages? Me too. That is why today's blog topic is immediately relevant to every reader. I will be going through all the reading etiquette that everyone on planet earth should know and understand. Book Open - Mouth Shut The cardinal rule of reading is that when the book is open no one should be trying to converse with you. Unless tea or dinner is ready, it is time to clock in, or the house is on fire all humans near you should respect your reading time. Do you know how hard it is to read in the work break room, or near a coworker who has decided your book doesn't have your attention? If so, you understand why this is at the top of our list. As much as I enjoy social time with others, we should all be aware ...