In relation to my World Design artefact, it makes sense to analyze a particular game with similar themes and architectural aesthetic to gain insight into the design elements used in the game which will be beneficial into my own design process. So for this, I went with Creative Assembly's Total War: Shogun 2 for this topic.
At first, its noticeable that Shogun 2's world aesthetic is not entirely realistic or at least the gaming standard of what is realism at the time. Rather it is somewhat stylized resembling almost brightly colored and tranquil with its lush foggy landscapes. This is probably an attempt to capture the stylized mystical look depicted in a lot of old Japanese art. It might also ties together into the concept of Buddhist zen as art is used as means of meditative calmness. Which explains peacefulness evoked within the simplicity of zen inspired art.
The architectural depictions of Japanese buildings stays true to the era with a range straw roofed wooden house to the ones with stones and tiled roofs that we commonly associate to this theme. The former style of houses known as "minka" is somewhat reflective to its real life counterparts which oddly enough similar types can still be seen today in historic towns like Shirakawa-go. However it appears that the game's depiction only shows fewer houses by comparison. Unsure whether or not this is simply a compromise taken to keep the battlefield maps wide open in tradition to previous total games. Its also worth noting on the attention to detail given to these villages with the addition of mundane things like stacks of chopped wood, rice bags and baskets filled with fish. Even with the lack of civilian npcs, this closely depict the everyday lives of people back in the day.
There are many of castles during the 1500 which are built on top of mountains while there are others built on hill tops or coastal areas that are at close proximity to nearby towns. But it seems that majority of castle in the game were located in areas with open plains or hills. Only a few rare instances where battle maps showed castles in mountainous regions or the coast.
The depictions of these castles exterior actually stay true to their historical appearance however much of its detail have been simplified as another compromise for its gameplay. For example, the white plastered walls that sits on top of the stone foundations appear differently from based on my findings as the games version is shown lowered down at chest height with the tiled rooftops being supported by wooden pillars. Interestingly there is even arrow slit visible below as a hole texture that serves with no purpose. The castle grounds of its actual counterparts weren't entirely empty. In fact there were other buildings present including the daimyo's residence. In the game, its usually almost empty with the exception for 1 or 2 buildings and shrines. Gates are more simplified choke points lacking the masugatas that were designed as another part of its defense.
Despite of its compromises, Shogun 2 Total war is still a great artistic representation of the Japanese warring states period. Its still authentic in its depiction in some way but for a game finding the right balance between realism and gameplay is necessary.
Reference:
Shirakawa-go: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/734
At first, its noticeable that Shogun 2's world aesthetic is not entirely realistic or at least the gaming standard of what is realism at the time. Rather it is somewhat stylized resembling almost brightly colored and tranquil with its lush foggy landscapes. This is probably an attempt to capture the stylized mystical look depicted in a lot of old Japanese art. It might also ties together into the concept of Buddhist zen as art is used as means of meditative calmness. Which explains peacefulness evoked within the simplicity of zen inspired art.
The architectural depictions of Japanese buildings stays true to the era with a range straw roofed wooden house to the ones with stones and tiled roofs that we commonly associate to this theme. The former style of houses known as "minka" is somewhat reflective to its real life counterparts which oddly enough similar types can still be seen today in historic towns like Shirakawa-go. However it appears that the game's depiction only shows fewer houses by comparison. Unsure whether or not this is simply a compromise taken to keep the battlefield maps wide open in tradition to previous total games. Its also worth noting on the attention to detail given to these villages with the addition of mundane things like stacks of chopped wood, rice bags and baskets filled with fish. Even with the lack of civilian npcs, this closely depict the everyday lives of people back in the day.
There are many of castles during the 1500 which are built on top of mountains while there are others built on hill tops or coastal areas that are at close proximity to nearby towns. But it seems that majority of castle in the game were located in areas with open plains or hills. Only a few rare instances where battle maps showed castles in mountainous regions or the coast.
The depictions of these castles exterior actually stay true to their historical appearance however much of its detail have been simplified as another compromise for its gameplay. For example, the white plastered walls that sits on top of the stone foundations appear differently from based on my findings as the games version is shown lowered down at chest height with the tiled rooftops being supported by wooden pillars. Interestingly there is even arrow slit visible below as a hole texture that serves with no purpose. The castle grounds of its actual counterparts weren't entirely empty. In fact there were other buildings present including the daimyo's residence. In the game, its usually almost empty with the exception for 1 or 2 buildings and shrines. Gates are more simplified choke points lacking the masugatas that were designed as another part of its defense.
Despite of its compromises, Shogun 2 Total war is still a great artistic representation of the Japanese warring states period. Its still authentic in its depiction in some way but for a game finding the right balance between realism and gameplay is necessary.
Reference:
Shirakawa-go: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/734