Ring Fit Adventure's Dragaux Stadiums -- Designing For Motivation

[@BearofLightness]

Hi, friends! I commissioned and wrote this episode! I'm used to playing games 10-20 years late, so it's pretty rare for me to hear about a game coming out that I want to act upon. Ring Fit Adventure ended up being one of those rare games - Nintendo did its usual thing hyping up the newest product, and the more I heard about it, the more I thought this game sounded bonkers. But, like, in a GOOD way, taking a lot of disparate ideas and doing its damnedest to make it all work. So I took the plunge and was gobsmacked by how naturally and effectively it accomplishes everything it sets out to do. It's a fitness game! But it's also a very smartly-designed RPG! It's that high I first got from Punch-Out Wii's motion controls, only invoked over the course of a months-long campaign. I'm certainly not the only person who's noticed how good Ring Fit Adventure is (8 million sales certainly tells you SOMEthing), but I definitely wanted a platform to crow out my feelings. Hence, here we are. In addition to what's covered in the video, I think the most important thing is that if you're thinking about going for Ring Fit Adventure, by all means, please do. It wants more than anything to help you, specifically, exercise and become healthy, and it completely understands that it takes a different amount of effort and a different amount of help for each person to get there. Whether getting there means changing exercise to fit a person's lifestyle needs (I was in "Silent" mode for the footage) or providing assistance for people with limited mobility or accessibility, and especially if it means waiting a while for the player to come back, Ring Fit understands. I took about a year off the game and only came back to help get footage - no salt or shame from the game, just a happy acknowledgement at my return. I think I might keep trying.

[@BearofLightness]

By the by - of all my scripts since the Color Dungeon, this is the one that I needed the most help from Gooms and pyrr getting over the line. Ring Fit's one of those games where so much of it is good that it's hard to focus on any one thing, and that I just want to hype up damn near everything about it. I REALLY wanted to get into the game's fascinating understanding of difficulty, where the game actually becomes easier at the highest setting save for the added physical exertion it requires. But that scattershot approach doesn't make for a great D4 episode (protip for anyone thinking of commissioning something), so I really benefited from having my buddies keep the focus of the script on track. So, thanks for that, guys. Three bits I couldn't justify for the script but I can justify in a comment: - "Aided by Dragaux's former personal trainer, Ring, the player's quest is to quash the quagmire of quarrelsome quandaries queued up by the quintessential quease-meister with overqualified quadriceps." [I have a weakness for alliteration, but even I thought was too much] - "Most fitness games use the language of video games to communicate fitness. Ring Fit uses the language of fitness to communicate video games." [I have a fondness for this specific turn of phrase, but the version we used works way better to articulate the player-oriented thesis] - "Dragaux is one of Nintendo's best villains. Full stop." [I originally flirted with this as the opener, but I think the script works better now, where it's about how Dragaux supplements Ring Fit instead of the inverse. But I stand by this!]

[@lozofspielereien]

@@terreausore2435 No, but did anyone need to? Here's a person that put a lot of time and effort into an episode, they are proud of their result and wanted to share their experiences. Most people wouldn't even have realised they were involved because who checks the credits? And there's you, a typical consumer that likes watching the video, think it's cool, enjoy this "Designing For" person - but ignoring that he is not alone. Not wanting others to share their opinions except for this cool guy in the video is disrespectful. Not wanting a freaking co-creator to share their opinions, just throwing out a low effort comment with only a couple of words, only to basically say "I don't care" instead of ignroing is outright disgusting. If you're ever going to create something, I hope for your sake that you can handle those people that act just like you did - and the memory that you were just as ignorant as them.

[@TheCrimsonCoon]

@@lozofspielereien What he said

[@spoonflaps12]

"Your sweat is so shiny and beautiful!" One of 2019's best games, for sure.

[@lordskull4382]

Well I’m getting this game immediately

[@matthewnoybn6656]

Want it, need it, *looks at my gut* gotta use it alot.

[@williamgeorge3111]

Get ready to not be able to feel your soul,

[@gaybowoser]

the fanart on this video ... 😳

[@Joseeduardogsoares]

I'd play "Zumba with Zubaz". Btw, Ring Fit Adventure was one of the reasons I got a switch in the first place. This might probably be the first fitness game that also seems fun (at least for me) and nowadays, where you can't leave home due to the pandemic a being able to get motivation to exercise would be a plus. But boy didn't know much there was to this game until I saw this video, now I'm REALLY motivated to get this and help get in shape since I can't train boxing anymore.

[@Joseeduardogsoares]

@Egg T ??

[@EduSolsa]

Gosh, I love this game. I have been playing Wii Fit for years, but Ring Fit is a completely different experience. I hope Nintendo keep supporting this game in the future, because I don't have plans to ever stop exercising with it.

[@otakudoctor8423]

"Now, I feel Motivated!!" -Vergil on the quest of power through Ring Fit

[@Shala_Boi]

I love your videos. I'm studying to be a graphic designers and an illustrator. These videos always light a fire in me and now I feel motivated to get a Ringfit and play this game. You're a top tier channel!

[@barofsoap8098]

Man, great video. Cool intro, too. I think you forgot to mention the hardest endurance battle in ring fit. Not getting wet dreams about dragaux's magnificent pecs

[@KarmaticFluff]

dragaux is literally just eye candy that everyone wants to suck on

[@silvereyes3243]

Did ring fit just accidentally find the possible future of vr gaming where stuff is not reliant on energy bars? Cause the idea of using exercise to power magical attacks sounds fun as hell! A game called "Buff Wizards" Wizard one: "I cast fire bolt! With my triceps!" Wizard two: "I defend with my glutes!" It may sound lame as hell, but actually feeling exsaused acting like your mana being low just sounds... Interesting and oddly satisfying, instead of spamming the spell button and waiting for your mana to generate is now based on how much stamina you have and how meany spells you cast is based on what you can physically do.

[@donovanmahan2901]

And skills can use exercises that fit the attack, like the Bow Pull to use Multishot.

[@silvereyes3243]

@@donovanmahan2901 This man has the right idea, hell having a VR game like Skyrim with these controls would be a new take on that game in general.

[@lexcentrique2554]

You could even imagine several archetypes of athletes and bench-pressers. They could even be classes by themselves: The bodybuilder for instance would be into charisma and defense, while the strongman would be a lot into strength. You'd even get weapons for the matter: A two handed wizard staff that is basically a barbell, a magic orb that would be a kettlebell...

[@joshwillcox7141]

Thanks, I have a crush on Dragaux now. I hope you're happy.

[@TarvouldsQuest]

I need to get back into this game. I found after a good chunk of chapters it got stale, but now I know I just need to view Draguax as the biggest grunting Chad in the gym that I can defeat by contorting my Dad bod into various shapes. Fun fact, I used to play this game a lot with my son but he hates/is terrified of Draguax so much that we stopped, probably another reason I fell off the wagon. Solid video as per usual!

[@georgetrevor2621]

Get your son to be a hero and help 'slay' Draguax, might help with his confidence.

[@TarvouldsQuest]

Thank you again for the huge opportunity to do the intro! Thought it was a great homage to many things D4 related. Of course, all of the characters in the intro being representative of the biggest D4 videos through the years. The color theme tying itself into Bowser's Big Blast which of course is another D4 video, but also one of our favorite past times, MARIO PARTY! With DK being on the receiving end of the blast due to Pyrr's love of the MONKE. The colors all matching the explosive detonators, with Yellow being the final screen tying solely to DK. I also wanted to incorporate the previous intro with the swirling lines forming the old Designing For logo, this time adding a couple new and removing the blue. The force of all of these lines/scene transitions finally powering the Blasting Bowser head through the detonators exploding into the new D4 Logo. A familiar flavor from the past being burst through a brand new filter. Was fun to make and could not thank you all enough for the opportunity to animate this! The music from PhiliptheJ was perfect for the storyboard and I love the sound.

[@nobgs4505]

A year late but I absolutely adore the color coordination with Mario, Eggmam, and Crash in a red kart for red, Kirby, Mac in his jumpsuit, and Dan for Pink, Kabbu, Doomguy, and K. Rool for green, and Pokey, Baz, and Kaiba for grey

[@jameslawrenson1208]

I think the new intro went over well.

[@dustydudle880]

It's so nice to hear someone talking about this game for once. Great Video. Although that one level with the overabundance of squat springs can go to hell, my legs were wobbly for days after that

[@WolfMoon351]

Well if you complete the final Dragaux boss, Dragaux becomes your personal trainer. XD

[@Natatsune11]

Getting it now...yup Next meat head right here Lol

[@ripleyandweeds1288]

*glances* you deadass?

[@LucasTigy2]

and that's not even mentioning the other characters who have their own relatable motivations that mirror many people working their way through the game. i guarantee, you will find a character in this game who is working out for similar reasons to you, and it can help you come to terms with why exercise is important

[@Dr.Barber]

I randomly stumbled into this channel through the Dan video and I'm so happy I did. The production quality and content here is fantastic

[@timezerohour8864]

"No MP bar and you are the MP Bar" that is good design.

[@krame1149]

Well... After such a great video I think I have no choice but to come back for the game ^^

[@sirreginaldfishingtonxvii6149]

This is a surprisingly well designed one. I think there's a lot of previously untapped design potential that RFA both unearthed, and left open to future games. ...As weird as that is to say about a tounge-in-cheek exercise joke-ridden fitness game.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

So basically Ring Fit Adventure is a Shounen Manga in video game form?

[@Mockingdragon]

Hi Hello I've just discovered a new channel and I'm late to everything. The single thing that made me fall 100% in love with this game was finding the accessibility features. I had a back injury that meant squats weren't safe for me, so I was able to just turn off Legs in the menu and be able to go through the overworld just doing arm motions (and walking, but if I were, say, in a wheelchair, I didn't have to). I've literally never seen a fitness game before that allowed for people with disabilities to participate, because the specific exercise isn't as important as getting up and moving.

[@NoHandle44]

9:31 Yo! That are is freaking lit!

[@ripleyandweeds1288]

Nothing gets out of shape gamers more excited to exercise than a male anthropromorphic dragon in a wrestling singlet with tits the size of small cars. 12:06 i love that DF wasn't scared to put muscle kink art in his video, but at the same time im wondering where and how he found said muscle kink art.

[@LopousLIVE]

Playing this game myself and I can fully agree with you. It is a good game and exercise too.

[@matthakuri1686]

This has to be the greatest and most motivational video I’ve seen

[@Stop.Arguing]

Commenting that this is an excellent video before watching completely.

[@knack3381]

was hoping today would finally be the day we get the episode titled "designing for fitness" disappointed but still excited to the the video up ahead

[@brickbuilt8312]

My wife and I really enjoy this game! I’m glad o finally found a video talking about it like this. Thank you!

[@the_godbodor7026]

Ring Fitt is a game I was so shocked with how fun and interesting it was. When the game came out I was taking gym classes over the summer and I had to get a certain number of hours in each week and this game made that extremely easy and fun. Had to explain it to my coach though.

[@dsnever3041]

Good to see some for classic videos

[@BigBossMan538]

I’ve been binging your videos like crazy

[@Tigerof2000]

I just heard about this though this video and now i kinda wanna see speedruns with cams for this

[@JAY-1-2-3-4]

Am I the only one that wishes for a drageaux plush?

[@gabbyfowler669]

Ok, completely out of the left-field, but has anyone watch Code Lyoko? You know when the characters would run through the sectors, sometimes use vehicles, fight against monsters, and at the very end reach the tower to deactivate it in order to stop Xana's plan for that episode? Stick with me here, but I believe Ring Fit Adventure is the game that finally made me feel like a Lyoko warrior. Even more so than the actual Lyoko games. I know that the two have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with each other, but nostalgia just thought it would disguise itself only to reveal itself after I've had time to enjoy the disguise.

[@alexcat6685]

This banger is so underrated.

[@MorphBaller388]

Ok I’m buying this game you convinced me

[@Anton-de5vu]

I might actually pick this game up!

[@Duskool]

More like - Designing for Thirst, am i right?

[@xavis7617]

I mean, if you don't feel like you need a pelvis, I won't stop you.

[@CoralCopperHead]

@@xavis7617 Worthwhile trade.

[@bobosmith101]

I think the main thing is that the game only has so much variety. There's a ton of variety in what you do and can do, but you'll quickly hit the majority in a week or two. At least, that was the impression I got.

[@oghcuteanimationhq5121]

Totally unrelated But do you remember the time that Yoshi communicated through Wistling

[@michaellennerman7844]

I would 100% buy zumba with Zubaz

[@boredhuman6512]

I really regret buying a switch lite now. Althrough I think the amount of puns would do more harm to my health than the exercises would do good lol.

[@commanderblackheart5856]

Super macho man’s flexing buddy

[@SuperTeamXP]

BRO! Punch Out!! In VR would be AMAZING!!!

[@FluffiBois]

...is it bad that I immediately recognized the art at 12:08?

[@EduSolsa]

Nope. That guy art is great!

[@cavader1381]

Let's go

[@regimania2502]

I HOPE MY BODY CAN TAKE IT

[@Jafus1]

Ring Fit Adventures is the only game I own for the Switch, and I still don't even own a Switch yet. I just didn't want it to be hard to find or out of stock for when I do get the console. Still patiently waiting for a price drop, god I'm poor.

[@novacorponline]

No idea if I'll get an answer to this but when you mention the number of reps increasing damage; does that mean setting the exercise difficulty higher increases the damage you deal?

[@DesigningFor]

Basically, every rep you do adds to the total damage of the move. Imagine it like Pokemon's Doubleslap or Fury Attack - you're doing individual hits that add up to a final damage number before the opponent gets their turn. The higher the difficulty, the more reps are required to finish the move, so your damage scaling literally scales with you - as you, physically, grow stronger, you're capable of dealing more damage.

[@novacorponline]

@@DesigningFor Thanks. I wasn't clear on if it I had a large damage value that was divided by the number of reps, or a smaller damage value that adds up with each rep, so I wasn't sure if going up in difficulty would help or hurt my ability to progress.

[@marleythekid8320]

What is the song at 8:32?

[@DesigningFor]

Fist Bump from Sonic Forces

[@marleythekid8320]

@@DesigningFor Thank you, I first heard this song a few years ago and I couldn't find the name!

[@Deadchannelformerlyb]

Let the dragon go stop

[@blazesona12]

btw dragaux is an itteration for those who body build too much....

[@GoGoIkuzo]

Dragaux for SMASH!

[@shinysteelix5091]

im in post game

[@Kiki-w4p3u]

nah he was designed to one be hot to furries and second to be hot to not furries at times

[@ciphergacha9100]

45th comment

[@SpaceRider15]

Haha funny circle game makes you less fat

[@אלירויטנברג]

FIRST

[@אלירויטנברג]

lol

[@BearofLightness]

@@אלירויטנברג Almost! You would've had it on any other video

[@perrilewis180]

Whatever furry forum the artist of Dragaux has to be part of is worshipping them.

[@AlphaSquadZero]

Too much talk about the basic contents of the game, not enough explaining how it was designed to motivate the player.

[@CoralCopperHead]

I don't get where you're coming from with this one. This is bog-standard boss design.

[@j.jimenez7545]

The dragon still has as ugly face, no amount of fitness will fix that