July 2009 Archives

I was recently listening to a podcast from a game developers conference, and there was a great deal of conversation around open world games like GTA(series). That discussion made me think about the difference between a storyline (be it from a book, movie or game) and the world in which it's set. When a story is set somewhere other than the familiar every day world, the perceived richness of that world can make a big difference to satisfaction in the story. Think of The Lord of the Rings, where there is a strong impression that there is history to Middle-earth (read The Silmarillion to see that is exactly the case) and many interesting things are occurring just out of reach of the plot.

The first two Matrix(series) movies are another example. The first Matrix movie was quite linear (as many prophecy movies tend to be). Neo was led from scene to scene to fulfil his destiny. The world around Neo was the same as our own except for two organised opposing groups who knew the secret of the matrix. There wasn't much room for manoeuvre. Despite what people thought of the second Matrix's plot, its world was far richer. Neo has some choice in his actions, there are portals or otherwise strange locations and rogue or independent programs roaming the matrix. It is no longer black versus white, there are many other actors on the stage.

When I used to run D&D games some advice I was given was to make the world seem as open as possible, even if you were trying to subtly guide the players in one direction. The story can be thought of as a train, starting at the caboose and ending at the engine. A linear story/game would have the protagonists/players just travel through each carriage in turn. In a more open environment they may travel by climbing over the carriage roof or skipping carriages by walking past them at a station or travel backwards for a bit. In a completely open environment they could decide not to go to the engine at all, leave the train and do something else. A world in which that last option appears possible and realistic is much more interesting, even if the actual story is linear.

I just got back from a fortnight travelling the Scottish north. Despite comments from workmates, the weather held out for all but the last two days of the trip. Once again I have put the best of my photos on Flickr, skewing heavily towards archaeological sites as I find those very interesting.

While holidaying in the Orkneys we ate dinner one night at The Creel, regarded as one of the best restaurants in Scotland (according to our guidebook). It also has a long list of awards (AA rosettes, Good Food Guide and a Scottish Restaurant Chef of The Year), most of which it displays on its walls. The menu is quite simple and short - a choice of around four starters, with a similar number of mains - all skewed heavily towards local seafood.

We had the scallops and a langoustine salad for starters. The scallops were good (for what they were - I'm not a huge fan of that shellfish), but the langoustines with orange and a pesto dressing on the salad were excellent. For mains one of us had hake with squid and aubergine and the other halibut with mashed cauliflower and peas. The halibut was just about 30 seconds cooked beyond its best, but the hake was perfect. For both the accompaniment were particular highlights. However, the one issue was salt - there was way too much. This is something The Creel has in common with nearly every restaurant we visited in Scotland, so perhaps that is just the Scottish style. Still, to my palate it stopped a very good dish becoming a great dish.

We had no dessert, and the whole meal came to £67 with a couple of drinks. Very reasonable by London standards and not that much more than some of the other places we visited while away. The service and décor were fine. One thing to note though is that it is a small restaurant and all the tables were taken when we were there on a Tuesday night - booking is essential. Well worth a visit and I would try it again if in the area.

As an aside, I would also like to say the lunch I had at the Skara Brae Tourist Centre was excellent. It may just look like a standard canteen, but the quality of the food is very high with friendly and helpful staff. I almost drove back there a second time just for lunch. A hidden gem, and if you are in Orkney it behoves you to see Skara Brae and then eat lunch on site (or take away).

I'm just back from a fortnight's holiday to Scotland. While there I played at Scotland's most north westerly golf course, as Durness Golf Course is advertised. It is in Balnakeil just next to Durness. We visited on a sunny day and had to visit the nearby Balnakeil beach after our game.

The course is 9 holes, but each hole has four different tees for a bit of variety. On the men's white tees it is a 2762 yard par 35 course. The course has a few hills and on most holes you are hitting up, down or around them. The flag is obscured from many tees and you have to drive towards the marker posts and use the layout diagrams on the scorecard. Luckily, considering my play, the rough is not very rough. Also, there are few trees, thus players have a good view of the Scottish coast (which is very beautiful). Apart from its location, the course is probably best known for its 9th hole - a short 100 or so yards, enlivened by a good 80 of those yards being over an inlet to the Atlantic! I (unintentionally) donated my ball to the ocean. The photo below is from the tee.

It cost £15 for nine holes and £5 to hire a half set of clubs - they let me choose the clubs. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The club house is not much more than a lounge and changing rooms, although there are self service chocolates and drinks. The course was nearly empty with great views. If you are travelling through the area, I recommend going for a round.