Journal Entry 6: VC 370's Sure Influence...

This semester, I had the opportunity to take VC 370, Flash Game Design, with Professor Chris Johnson. During this class, I have thought a lot about how typography plays into projects such as Flash games (no pun intended) and how sometimes it is forgotten all together. I definitely wasn't ready for as much work as a Flash game was, but my skills in other areas definitely helped out with this class. Thinking critically about typography in these Flash games, thanks to the following entry, has also gotten me to thinking about how I would like my projects in VC 370 to look.

All of these screenshots were taken from newgrounds.com, the nerd's home for Flash.


The first game, entitled "Tremerz" was featured on the front page as it was special for newgrounds' promotional "Kevin Bacon Day". I would also like to specify that this game was started and completed in only 24 hours...which might explain why the type isn't that great. Anyway, I can see where they were wanting to come from with the typeface. The original Tremors movie featured a typeface similar to this, so the same look/feel would want to be emulated in a game loosely based on it. However, this typeface is shoddily put together and doesn't have a clean feel. While most Flash games do not have a clean feel, but a cliche "Flash" appearance, this isn't surprising at all. Still, the opening menu is the gateway to the rest of the game. First impressions are important, and this is no exception. The next part of the text, "Play" and "More Games" are done in a pixel font. This is also a huge cliche! Let's get away from cliches! I can understand because of the time constraints, but otherwise pixel font is a not a good choice unless the design specifically calls for it (80s revivals, Mario spin offs, etc.)


The second game I chose is called "Mushroom Madness 2". I chose this game because the graphics were so bright and well animated, but I'm not sure I can say the same for the type. The way the type is put together is a little hard to read. The typeface itself has harsh angles and a certain degree of asymmetry that might communicate well to the tone of the game, but not to its users. This breed of typeface just disrupts eyeflow with anything. It's not always the best thing to use. However, I really like the concept of having the mushroom spots. The colors are matched very well with the first impression feel of the game as well. This definitely had some potential, it just wasn't met.


Out of all the Flash games I have seen, this one has had pretty much the best typography. "Night of the Cursed" was another front-pager on Newgrounds, as it feeds the public need for zombie smashing and bashing. While the typeface is seen quite often, I strongly feel that it truly communicates with the tone/feel of the game. It really fits. I love the faded look of the type face. The all-caps really helps communicate the desperation of the zombie-themed game. Also, I really like the way the menu is set up...all the type is left aligned, and when the user hovers over an option in the menu, words pop up in the center/right of the screen to describe that option. I like the use of this space both before and while the user is hovering over an option. This uses negative/positive space very well. I think this is a really good example of when typography is used well in a Flash game!