Control Summary
The player will use a number of different controls to maneuver Atomic Sam and to navi-
gate him through the game-world. These controls are discussed in detail below. First,
however, is a summary of the different commands, which will give the reader an over-
view of Sam’s capabilities. The controls are designed with modern console controllers
in mind, and can be easily adapted for whichever systemAtomic Samis developed.
- Up, Down, Left, Right (Analog Controller):The player will use this control to
maneuver Sam along the horizontal plane in the game-world. Utilizing its analog
nature, if the player presses the control a little bit Sam will move slowly, while if he
presses it all the way in a given direction Sam will move quickly in that direction. - Fly Up, Fly Down (Left and Right Back Triggers):The player will use these
controls to propel Sam vertically in the game-world. - Throw (Right-Pad Down Button):This throws one of Sam’s currently readied
projectiles. - Next Projectile (Right-Pad Right Button):The player uses this button to scroll
through Sam’s inventory of projectiles. - Action (Right-Pad Up Button): The player uses this control to perform
miscellaneous actions in the game-world, such as flipping a switch, talking to a
character, or picking up a large object. - Look (Right-Pad Left Button):The player uses this button to activate the
camera-look functionality.
General Movement
While Sam is on the ground or in the air, the player can move Sam forward, backward,
left, and right in the game-world. The player will control Sam’s movement in these
directions using the analog controller on the game-pad. Control is always relative to the
camera’s view of the world. Therefore, pressing forward or up on the controller will
move Sam away from the camera while pressing backward will move Sam toward it.
Similarly, pressing left or right will cause Sam to move in the corresponding direction in
the game-world relative to the camera.
Moving in a Direction
When Sam starts moving in a direction, he will at first maintain his current facing before
turning to move in the new direction. For instance, if Sam is facing away from the cam-
era and the player presses to the left, Sam will start side-stepping or side-flying in that
direction. Only after the player holds that direction for a short period of time (approxi-
mately one second) will Sam then turn his whole body to face the new direction of
movement. The same applies for moving backward from the current facing: at first Sam
moves backward, and then after a second he will spin around 180 degrees and keep
moving in this direction. This will allow Sam to reposition in small amounts in any
direction without actually changing his facing.
Appendix A: Sample Design Document:Atomic Sam 543