Porter's World

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It seems that flash games are always evolving. If it’s not better graphics, it’s unique game-play mechanics. The newest form of evolution in flash games is the addition of achievements. In addition to achievements hitting flash games, many flash sites have taken achievements to the next level by integrating them into the sites themselves.

It’s no mystery that replay value is a huge factor in game design. Game designers are constantly trying to make their games fun enough to have players stick around for another play or two. It appears that a new formula has risen to aide developers in this process, one that RPG’s have been using since the dawn of their creation, the addiction of having more power. Let’s face it, despite how great some classic RPG’s are, and even some modern games such as WoW or Final Fantasy, we all find ourselves mashing a button for hours simply to raise a few numbers, unlock a move every so often, and repeat until we get bored and move on to the next game. I’ve titled this “The Curse of the Numbers”. Gaining achievements in games may seem like something new, but it all boils down to that same desire within our brains that keeps us mashing a button to reach the next level.

Regardless of the simplicity behind this formula, it still packs tremendous power, so much in fact, that major flash sites such as Kongregate are built off of them. If you’ve ever heard of Kongregate you’re well aware they have many games that offer special achievements only found on their site. It may sound like a simple addition, but it’s quickly risen Kongregate to be among the top flash portals on the net and that’s no small accomplishment. It’s so effective in fact, that older flash portals such as Newgrounds are making additions to incorporate such features, and they’ve been successful since before Kongregate was even thought of.

All in all it’s a very simple concept, however it’s undeniably, increadibly effective. If you’ve got a great game that needs something to top it off, adding in achievements is surely no wrong way to go. Many games using achievemnt systems have seen a great boost in scores despite their simplicity in comparison to some larger titles, some good examples of these games are Amorphous+ and Cell Warfare. Weather ot not this is the next big move in flash game evolution can’t be said for sure, but if the big guys such as Newgrounds and Kongregate are in on it, so am I.