分类存档：BCM300

Background：
What I designed was a Chinese-style Wuxia world, a mythical world. According to Chinese folk mythology, a long time ago, heaven and earth were not separated, and the universe was chaotic. There was a giant named Pangu, who slept in this chaotic universe for eighteen thousand years.
One day, Pangu suddenly woke up. When he saw that it was all dark around him, he swung his big axe and struck it violently into the darkness before him. Just heard a loud noise, a dark thing gradually dispersed. Things that rose slowly became days; slowly falling things became the ground.
After heaven and earth separated, Pangu was afraid that they would still meet together, so he lifted his head to the sky and peddled to the ground. The sky rose ten feet every day, and Pangu grew higher as the sky grew longer. In this way, heaven and earth gradually took shape over many years, and Pangu fell down tired.
After Pangu fell, his body changed greatly. His breath became the winds and clouds of the seasons; his voice turned into rumbling thunder; his eyes became the sun and the moon; his limbs became the four poles of the earth, east, west, south, and north; his skin became the vast earth; his blood became a running river; his sweat became the rain that moistened all things. This gave birth to the first Chinese dynasty, the Zhou Dynasty. After constant wars and massacres, the last king of this dynasty was born, named the King of Zhou Shang. Under his rule, the people had no food to eat and were homeless like ants. At this time, you are an emissary sent to the world by the celestial realm, and you need to fight against it and recruit troops by constantly upgrading your equipment and ability to fight against it, so as to gain the ability to contend with the King of Zhou Shang and overthrow his rule to realize the desire of the people to be masters of their own country. Since then, the world has been divided into three factions: people, gods, and demons. The Divine Realm is based on an ancient Chinese mythological story, with the main character being the Jade Emperor, “the one who holds all power in the divine realm.” Taishang Lao Jun is responsible for forging immortal pills; his pills can have a magical effect, and in different circumstances, can have different effects. Erlang God is the nephew of the Jade Emperor; he has the ability to look down on the world, being omnipotent and brave, and is the most feared of all demons and ghosts. Tota Li Heavenly King was once a mortal who sacrificed himself in the process of fighting against the King of Zhou Shang. Due to his outstanding efforts, he was named a heavenly God. Some characters, etc., are still in development. There are also several representative figures in the camp of the devil, such as Sun Wukong, the demon monkey who turned into a sacred stone. His talent is incomparable, and then he worshipped a master to learn a skill, and from the East China Sea Dragon Palace, he obtained an artifact, the Ruyi golden cudgel, as a weapon. His strength is equal to that of the gods, and later he won the title of the Great Saint of Heaven, fighting against the rule of the divine realm. The Bull Demon King was originally on the mountain of the old king, but later he was dissatisfied with the oppression of the divine world and became a demon, helping the bad guys unify the world, and so on, characters created to help tyrants unify the world. The human characters are divided into two camps: those who overthrow the ruling party and those who maintain the insurgency. The camp that retreats from the rule needs the help of the divine realm, and the camp that maintains the tyrant needs the help of the demon realm. Players need to choose their own camp at the beginning, get different identity cards in different camps to launch a war, and finally, the victorious camp unifies the world.（The introduction and preparation of the three act structure）

Game settings and gameplay：

At the beginning of the game, each player needs to choose a different side, and draw your own unique hero card in each side. This hero card is the character that represents your entire game. Each hero card has a corresponding skill mechanic and health, and you need to use your hero’s skills to help your side win. Below is a list of the basic cards in the game. There are three categories. The first category is a simple attack and defense card, which has attack cards, defense cards and recovery cards. Each card can only be used at certain times. (usually only used once per turn), the second category is weapon cards, many heroes have their own magic, but in the game you need to draw cards to get a weapon, even if the weapon does not belong to your hero you can use. The third category is special event cards, such as total solar Eclipse cards, which require each player to play a defensive card in order to exempt damage.

（The core part of the three act structure, the development and battles of the game, requires players to think about how they can achieve victory and continuously move forward through existing mechanisms.）

The climax and ending of the game：

Depending on how the game progresses, players from each camp need to find ways to win. There is no absolute difference between good and evil. The winner is the king and the loser is the aggressor. Only the victorious side can truly dominate the three realms! Gods and demons have no right to intervene in human affairs, and every decision made by people will affect the direction of events, I hope that every player can make the right decision.There are also two different outcomes for each side’s victory. If the rebel camp wins, then the people will elect a new king of kindness and justice to rule the world, and the people will live and work in peace and contentment, paving the way for the second game. On the contrary, if the tyrant camp wins, then the demon realm will rule the earth and declare war against the immortal realm, and the world will be in no peace.

Supplementary explanation of the game process：

Video link：https://youtu.be/9LUdf81lbOM?si=5yKV3I92R9794Dvp

In the final semester of my university journey, I embarked on a unique academic adventure by enrolling in BCM300, a course that delved into the realm of board role-playing games. As a Chinese international student with no prior exposure to such classes, I found myself intrigued by the prospect of exploring different board games and experiencing a diverse range of emotions within the classroom setting. Over the course of several sessions, I underwent a transformation in my perception and understanding of games, thanks to the immersive gameplay and the insights shared by my peers and instructors.

Understanding Games

Before delving into the specifics of the board role-playing games we encountered in BCM300, it is essential to establish a fundamental understanding of what constitutes a game. From my perspective, a game can be defined as a social activity driven by the fulfillment of both material and spiritual needs, governed by predetermined rules within a defined time and space. In a thought-provoking lecture titled “What is a Game?”, we explored the intricate interplay between the rule system and narrative elements that define the essence of a game.

In essence, a game creates a microcosm—a world complete with characters, structures, and systems—where players navigate through a series of rules to achieve predefined objectives. These rules serve as the framework for the game’s narrative, imbuing it with meaning and coherence, while the narrative elements enrich the gameplay experience, providing context and immersion.(Moore,2021).

Diverse Types of Board Role-Playing Games

The realm of board role-playing games encompasses a myriad of genres and formats, each offering a unique gameplay experience. From text-based negotiation games to physically demanding challenges, the spectrum of possibilities is vast and varied.

Text negotiation table games rely on linguistic prowess and persuasive communication, often incorporating elements of deception and intrigue to captivate players. Despite their reliance on verbal interaction, these games remain anchored to the traditional tabletop format, albeit augmented by the inclusion of simple game pieces or cards.

Graphic creative table games, on the other hand, prioritize visual expression and creativity, fostering a deeper understanding of spatial relationships and narrative construction. Through the manipulation of graphical elements and textual prompts, players engage in a collaborative storytelling experience, where imagination knows no bounds.

Physical operation table games elevate gameplay to a kinetic level, requiring players to perform physical actions to advance the game. Whether simulating real-world scenarios or pushing the limits of dexterity and coordination, these games offer a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.

Map strategy games constitute a broad category encompassing various strategic elements, including resource management, territorial control, and psychological warfare. Utilizing maps and an assortment of props, players engage in strategic decision-making, employing logic and foresight to outmaneuver their opponents.

Simulated war games transport players to the heart of epic conflicts, spanning vast territories and intricate battlefields. With detailed rules governing unit actions and capabilities, these games offer a comprehensive simulation of military strategy, blending historical accuracy with tactical depth.

Among these diverse genres, tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) stand out for their emphasis on storytelling and character development. Anchored by a central narrative framework, these games empower players to inhabit and evolve their characters, shaping the course of the narrative through their actions and decisions.(Simon,2024).

Exploring Themes and Settings: A Case Study of “King of Tokyo”

To illustrate the diversity of board role-playing games, let us delve into the thematic and mechanical intricacies of a recent game played in the BCM300 class: “King of Tokyo.”

Theme: In “King of Tokyo,” players assume the roles of monstrous creatures, towering robots, or enigmatic aliens vying for dominance over the titular city. As they unleash destruction upon Tokyo and engage in fierce combat with rival monsters, they vie to claim the coveted title of “King of Tokyo.”

Setting: The game unfolds against the backdrop of a vibrant and chaotic metropolis, where towering skyscrapers provide the battleground for epic clashes between colossal beings. With its thematic elements drawing inspiration from Japanese pop culture and kaiju films, “King of Tokyo” immerses players in a world of larger-than-life monsters and epic showdowns.

Gameplay Mechanics: At its core, “King of Tokyo” is a dice-based game where players roll dice to determine their actions and outcomes. Each turn unfolds in a series of strategic choices, as players decide whether to attack their rivals, heal their wounds, or unleash devastating special abilities. The dynamic interplay of dice rolls and card effects ensures that no two games play out exactly alike, keeping players engaged and on their toes.

Strategic Depth: While “King of Tokyo” may appear deceptively simple at first glance, beneath its surface lies a wealth of strategic depth and tactical nuance. Players must weigh the risks and rewards of each decision, balancing offensive maneuvers with defensive tactics to outmaneuver their opponents. Whether seizing control of Tokyo or strategically timing their attacks, victory hinges on shrewd decision-making and calculated risk-taking.(“King of Tokyo Board Game Rules”).
Personal Reflections on Gameplay Experience

Having immersed myself in the world of “King of Tokyo,” I emerged with a newfound appreciation for the complexities of board role-playing games. The game’s fusion of thematic immersion and strategic depth captivated my imagination, transporting me to a realm where monsters roamed free and chaos reigned supreme.

One aspect of the game that particularly resonated with me was its incorporation of Japanese cultural elements, from the iconic monster designs to the frenetic pace of gameplay. As I navigated the streets of Tokyo, battling rival monsters and vying for control of the city, I felt a sense of exhilaration unlike any other.

Furthermore, the game’s emphasis on player choice and agency allowed me to craft my own narrative within the confines of the game world. Whether unleashing devastating attacks or forging alliances with fellow players, I felt empowered to shape the course of the game through my actions and decisions.

Despite my initial disappointment at the lack of distinct abilities among the different monster characters, I soon realized that the true essence of the game lay not in individual abilities, but in the strategic interactions between players. Each roll of the dice brought with it a sense of anticipation and excitement, as I eagerly awaited the outcome of my actions.

In hindsight, it was not the final outcome of the game that mattered most, but rather the journey itself—the moments of triumph and defeat, the laughter and camaraderie shared with fellow players. “King of Tokyo” had transcended its status as a mere board game, evolving into a shared experience that brought us together in a celebration of creativity, strategy, and sheer fun.
Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey through the BCM300 board role-playing games class has been a revelatory experience, challenging my preconceptions and expanding my horizons in unexpected ways. From exploring the diverse genres of tabletop gaming to immersing myself in the thematic richness of games like “King of Tokyo,” I have gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and complexity of game design.

As I embark on the next chapter of my academic and personal journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and memories forged during my time in BCM300. Board role-playing games may be mere diversions for some, but for me, they represent a gateway to boundless creativity, imagination, and social interaction. In a world fraught with uncertainty and complexity, games offer a refuge—a space

Reference list:
Moore, C & Hall R, 2021. ‘What is a Game’, viewed 25 March 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me2mA68z7EA

Dicebreaker. (n.d.). Board game types explained. [Online] Available at: https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/board-game/how-to/board-game-types-explained.

“King of Tokyo Board Game Rules.” (2017). [PDF]. Available at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53ec790ae4b0396cbd14d8a1/t/589bf65a6a4963015504a803/1486616251190/king-of-tokyo-board-game-rules.pdf.

Video link：https://youtu.be/HUBoUHczIN0?si=1_WPLeVxaZzHrNo1