No Take-Backsies

The map generates random paths for all players (from start to finish). The map, however, is a grid and the paths move between the same (ordered, simple) nodes.

This is a One Button Game. Play with multiple people behind the same screen—hence the shared map and crisscrossing paths—and each player gets exactly one button.

Why?

You automatically move forward over your path.
Whenever you reach a new node/treasure, you get X seconds to decide if you want the thing that’s inside.
- If you do, press/hold your ONE BUTTON.
Because nodes are shared, you can know—in advance—what other nodes will contain.
- Because other players have visited the node before at some other moment in their path.
(The algorithm ensures that, overall, the path of all players averages to the same “value”.)

In the default mode, once you’ve grabbed something, you’re done for that round. You still move through the other options (more quickly than otherwise), but can’t grab anything.

Possible Twist: we can modify the game by having branching paths.

“You go forward if you do nothing; you go to the side if you press your button”

Possible Twist:

As stated, having something makes you move faster. (Showing more to the other players + reducing your decision time.)
You can grab something else later—staying in the game—but it’s just harder now.

Perhaps the BEST WAY to give more depth is to have SPECIAL ELEMENTS.

If they modify your current path, you’re obviously allowed to pick something else later.
If they modify your next/later rounds, you can’t grab anything again that round.

Once grabbed, they change your behavior for the rest of your path (and/or the next game.)

For example: “Adds an extra node to your path”
For example: “You get +2 seconds to decide”
For example: “You may override a previous choice once / choose twice”
For example: “The general type of your nodes is already visible.” (As in, any nodes on your path show that they’re PINK or GREEN, but not what specific thing you get.)

Players are on a monorail! (Side-view 2D, simple, just a line really with a cart hanging below it.)

Multiple players can be in the same monorail car if needed.

You simply follow along in the same direction, but you can press your button to change.

Collect stuff along the way, pause at the right time to stay safe, etc.

Inspired by the THIRD GAME shown in this NITROME CLASSICS video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJxaW1eT-U

The map generates _random paths_ for all players (from start to finish). The map, however, is a grid and the paths move between the same (ordered, simple) nodes. This is a _One Button Game_. Play with multiple people behind the same screen---hence the shared map and crisscrossing paths---and each player gets exactly one button. Why? * You **automatically move forward** over **your path**. * Whenever you reach a new node/treasure, you get X seconds to **decide if you want the thing that's inside**. * If you do, press/hold your ONE BUTTON. * Because nodes are shared, you can know---in advance---what other nodes will contain. * Because other players have visited the node before at some other moment in _their_ path. * (The algorithm ensures that, overall, the path of all players averages to the same "value".) In the default mode, once you've grabbed something, you're done for that round. You still move through the other options (more quickly than otherwise), but can't grab anything. Possible Twist: we can modify the game by having _branching_ paths. > "You go forward if you do nothing; you go to the side if you press your button" Possible Twist: * As stated, having something makes you move _faster_. (Showing more to the other players + reducing your decision time.) * You _can_ grab something else later---staying in the game---but it's just harder now. Perhaps the BEST WAY to give more depth is to have SPECIAL ELEMENTS. * If they modify your current path, you're obviously allowed to pick something else later. * If they modify your next/later rounds, you can't grab anything again that round. Once grabbed, they change your behavior for the _rest of your path_ (and/or _the next game_.) * For example: "Adds an extra node to your path" * For example: "You get +2 seconds to decide" * For example: "You may override a previous choice once / choose twice" * For example: "The general _type_ of your nodes is already visible." (As in, any nodes on your path show that they're PINK or GREEN, but not what specific thing you get.) ## Related Idea, Possibly Better: Monorail Players are on a **monorail**! (Side-view 2D, simple, just a line really with a cart hanging below it.) Multiple players can be in the same monorail car if needed. You simply follow along in the same direction, but you can **press your button to change**. Collect stuff along the way, pause at the right time to stay safe, etc. _Inspired by the THIRD GAME shown in this NITROME CLASSICS video: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTJxaW1eT-U>_