Underground Rail: Connection in Media

Something I have come to notice in recent years with environmental design in video games, is that the use of Underground rail has become increasingly popular. I think this is due to the way in which video games are involving to be come more realistic and coherent worlds. Underground, Metro and Subway stations are a part of our lives, in some way or another. Whether for travel, commuting or leisure, these environments are popular in urban life and it can be rarely avoided in city life. I think within using these environments, the designer is setting an atmosphere naturally recognizable for the player. Making them immediately relate and attach them self to the scene, as they recognize the environment from personal experiences. Also in particular areas of the world, Metros and Subways are somewhat an icon of that country, especially in places such as France and England. Depending on the nature of the video game, including these particular areas within a scene instantly direct the player into a place they are familiar with, or at least recognize from other areas of the world.

A good example is from 'Modern Warfare 3' as it's environments are set in many locations of the world during a WW3 outbreak. In a few episodes of the Campaign, the player is taking to places like London where you get to explore and infiltrate the chasms of the Tube, including riding on the trains, walking on platforms and walkways.  Because of this method of environmental and architectural design, we recognize the location we're in as the player, due to the iconic system being represented. We relate to it because we know as it's an icon associated within London.

Realism is a huge focal point within many aspects of Video Game design today. The evolution of technology and gaming power is increasing, as is with the thirst to create realistic experiences for players. Whether it's understanding lighting techniques or producing recognizable locations, realism is an important aspect to represent.

Here are some screenshots of games that include a form of Metro, Subway or Underground Tube environment:

Mirrors Edge, DICE, Frostbite.

The Darkness, Raven

Left 4 Dead, Valve.

Metro 2033, 4A, Xray Engine.

Modern Warfare 3, Activision, Infinity Ward.

 


Bibliography:

Personal Screenshot of Modern Warfare 3, Activision, Infinity Ward, Microsofts Xbox 360

http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1182/1172786484.jpg

http://www.gamereactor.eu/media/82/metro2033_198233b.jpg

http://savepoints.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/l4d_dem_hospital02_subway0012.jpg

http://media.giantbomb.com/uploads/0/1246/584745-mirrors_edge_4_super.jpg