Data mining
Data mining is a paradigm that focuses on additional infotrons. It usually involves clever application of explosives and creation of infotron-yielding chain-explosions.
This paradigm can be applied only to some levels, as most levels are carefully designed to require all infotrons that possibly can be obtained. This is why the data mining paradigm usually involves going against what the level designer intended and expected.
Some levels do not require to collect all infotrons available intentionally, especially early levels. Collecting those optional infotrons technically counts as data mining, but such solutions are seen as trivial. Non-trivial data mining usually involves:
- use of resources that were intended as decoration
- use of resources from the Beyond
- advanced tricks like disintegration to open new paths
- building sequences of explosives to create infotron-spawning chain-explosions
- trapping hostile entities to use as explosives in chain explosions
Level designers might see data mining on their levels as indication of poor design, but it is only so if the data mined solution is easier than the intended solution. Data mined solutions are usually a lot more complex than what the level designer intended. This accidental optional complexity is good, and does not call for level revision. Level designers might also create hidden data mining opportunities on purpose, to intentionally add that second optional layer.
