10 Perfect Examples Of Level Design In Video Games
1. The Village (Resident Evil 4)
Resident Evil 4 – the
fourth instalment in the popular franchise, and a huge departure for the series
– featured a huge change in scenery, relocating the game from North America to
Western Europe. In the game, players assume the role of Leon S. Kennedy – a
special operative tasked with rescuing the president’s daughter from a sinister
Spanish cult. Alone, vastly outnumbered and completely oblivious to the
situation, Leon is left him with precious time to make his escape.
The latter stages of the game are divided between a gothic castle and a nightmarish prison – which are each perfectly adequate, maybe even warranting honorary mentions – but the village is the real standout. Visually, it’s nothing special – maybe even a little uninteresting – but, the layout is downright claustrophobic, structured around winding roads, abandoned farmyards, graveyards and derelict buildings, the various objectives urging the player onward, despite the overwhelming sense of disadvantage accentuated by the various locations which comprise the village.
The opening sequence – the village raid – is also perfectly designed, the various buildings providing only a small amount of protection from the onslaught of the villagers, knocking down doors and smashing windows, thirsty for blood.
It’s tense because nowhere in particular provides amply protection, only partial – meaning the player if forced to weave in and out of houses, scaling buildings, gathering ammo, and biding their time. It’s brutal, but not frustrating, the design of the surrounding area so nuanced and illusive that the player is able to effectively evade enemies.
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What are the best-designed levels in gaming history? Let us know in the comments!