The research I will conduct is gaining information on successful game mechanics and puzzles. To procure this information, I will be playing through successful video games and analyze their use of game mechanics and puzzles in relation to the narrative of the games. Additionally, I plan to watch documentaries exploring the use of game mechanics and puzzles and how they are incorporated into video games. Finally, I plan to read through research papers on effective game development strategies as well as engaging forms of game design/mechanics.

The final product of my senior project will be a playable video game and a successful game mechanic and puzzles that help enhance the narrative and increase player immersion. For the game mechanics, I plan to create a side-scroller RPG combat system. There will be one playable character with different equipment and skills to enhance player strength. Additionally, there will be multiple enemy sprites with different skills. For puzzles, I plan to incorporate search puzzles that allow players to explore and interact within the stories.

Some additional game mechanics that I plan to incorporate (if time permits) are a replay system, that allow players to replay parts of the game and interactive character models, which allow players to interact and form bonds with characters.