It’s hot in the clubhouse and hot in Ellen’s greenhouse this week, so your hosts are eager to crunch through some discussion. Ellen introduces the concept of the MDA framework, and the differences between Theming and Aesthetics, and Stephen comes to a major conclusion about parrying.

0:06:40Theming vs. AestheticsThe MDA FrameworkWikipediaEllen promised Dictionary.com definitions, so here you go:AestheticsDictionary.comThemeDictionary.comWe talked about theming and aesthetics for a GameJam Game from a previous episodeThe Bike BoomAlien Isolation Themes explored n : Demystifying the Terror of Alien IsolationAndy RobertsonWired0:28:56ParriesStephen's list of why parries are so popular:

1) A way to reward mastery or paying attention

2) Rewards participation

3) An appreciable way to consider mastering the game

The different variations of Parrying

1) Just Dodges

2) Traditional Parrying (miss = block)

3) Dynamic Parrying release parrying

4) Alternate button (paper mario parrying)

EVO Moment 37Wikipedia