Rambles about game design in general or in specific, as a dev and a gamer.

puzzles

• playtest, so I include "obvious" solutions
• range only - through ravine, chain-link fence
• direct keywords only - through wall
• lots of interrupts
• high dexterity/dodge
• high and increasing defense - Metapod
• only accessible via teleport
• slide puzzle - Monkey Madness
• Tetris - Danger on Deception Island's books

things I don't like in games

• when game ignores the lore - permadeath for the young and vigorous in a world with plenty of resurrection
• losing control of your own character for an extended period - knockdown room
• forcing player to act stupidly - story won't progress until you trigger an obvious trap, sign a bad contract, etc
• when you "must choose a path" when everyone obviously is most incentivized to cheese and take both
• can't use noncombat skills in noncombat areas - let me use my running skill in town