Game juice, also known as game feel, refers to the small details and enhancements that make a game more enjoyable and satisfying to play. These elements can transform an average game into an engaging and more satisfying game. I’m considering basing my project around this concept, and as a result have looked at some different games and how they have used game juice:
- Visual Effects: Particle effects, such as explosions, sparks, and smoke, add a dynamic layer of feedback. For instance, in games like “Super Mario Galaxy,” the addition of star bits and glittering trails makes collecting items more rewarding.
- Sound Design: Crisp, well-timed sound effects enhance actions. In “Celeste,” the sound of dashing and landing provides immediate auditory feedback, making movement feel responsive and impactful.
- Animations: Smooth, exaggerated animations convey character actions vividly. “Hollow Knight” excels at this with its fluid character movements and enemy reactions, making combat feel more alive.
- Screen Shake: Brief, controlled screen shakes during impactful moments, like hitting an enemy in “Dead Cells,” increase the perceived power of actions and create a visceral connection.
- UI Feedback: Interactive UI elements, such as buttons that slightly enlarge or change color when hovered over, as seen in “Stardew Valley,” make the interface feel more interactive and responsive.
- Camera Effects: Dynamic camera movements, like zoom-ins and slow-motion effects during critical moments, as used in “God of War,” heighten the intensity and emotional weight of actions.
I watched a really clear example of this in action in this lecture by Martin Jonasson & Petri Purho, which outlines exactly how a game can change in feel with added Juice: