Inventories Task

In video games as we know them today and in the past there has always been one reoccurring feature, that of the inventory system. The inventory system is a feature that allows the user/player to search through the items they have acquired in game and select them as they choose.

Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic has a 'pop-up' inventory that appears in  a side window when you press the hot key 'i' (presumably for inventory). This inventory system suits the gameplay in Star Wars: ToR in the way that it does not pause or stop gameplay, it simply appears on the side of the screen, so not to hinder any combat your player may be dealing with at any given moment.

The inventory allows you to easily check your items and shows them clearly as well as being easy to use with a right-click to apply said item or to sell if you're talking to a local alien vendor. The theme of this inventory suits the Star Wars franchise perfectly giving a blue, futuristic look to the whole HUD. This game really breathes life back into the franchise it's self and makes you feel attuned to the universe when accompanied with lighting, familiar sound effects and all of the multi-cultural races of the worlds that you visit.

Pokemon Pearl Version

3 Years after the launch of Pokemon Ruby Version, after the release of the DS handheld touch-screen system came Pokemon Pearl Version a game that brought new features to the franchise by offering touch-screen feature now at the bottom screen, vastly improved graphics and fascinating new generation of Pocket Monsters. In this game the inventory remained the same as previous titles. In the Pokemon inventory you can store an unlimited amount of items, from Key Items, to Misc, to TMs/HMs and Medicine and Stat Boosters for your Pokemon. These different sets of items, however, are listed under different sections in your inventory backpack (as shown in the image below) the inventory also gives a brief explanation to what the item is/does. The inventory in this game is themed with a selection of pastel colours to appeal to the intended audience (children). This inventory system inspires me as it is incredibly easy and simple to use.

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

In the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion the inventory system is weight based, as in you can only carry a certain amount of items depending on how heavy they are. For Example: You can probably carry about 100 Cabbages but only 3 Sets of Armour or Long Swords. The Inventory is also great as it gives you a full view of your personal character that can use heavy armour, light armour, heavy weapons, light weapons, etc...

The theme of the inventory fits in with the fantastical/medieval theme with a t-bagged paper effect and golden trims. This inventory system would inspire me by giving the user a full view of their character, for me, this would be a great feature as I love getting a look at things that I have customised myself.

First Blog Post - BLOOD BOWL!

My name is Jonathan Ashton, I enjoy playing video games, drumming, athletics, walking my dog an being a Pokemon master. I am studying games design as I have always had a keen interest in how video games are made and how I would improve them (as a consumer). I also have a massive interest in IT and Computers even as a child. I hope to gain a vast knowledge of how to create a video game if I made it into the industry and all of the processes involved in crafting a successful video game.

Currently I am playing Blood Bowl: Chaos Edition, a game based off American Football. This game imports both the vast world of Warhammer Fantasy as well as the extremely gritty and violent ways of combat into the world renowned sport of American Football. Although complicated and a little confusing to me at present, I imagine there will be a lot of fun to be had from this game in the future!
With features such as the team builder and online play this game can be great fun with a friend and pretty hilarious too!