Old woman as playable character: How to make gameplay interesting

[bandkanon]

I'll suggest an owl, because owls tend to be symbolic for wisdom I guess.

Or you can go with a squirrel, since owls aren't so common in parks while squirrels are.

Geese and swans are also a frequent presence in parks, and there's actually a documentary about a man that befriended a goose at the park in the Los Angeles Echo Park. Here. Maybe it'll inspire you a bit.

 

[amerk]

Something else, if not already suggested, would be to have the young player handle the grunt work (anything requiring agility, physique, strength, etc) and the old woman to handle anything that requires thinking, strategy, research. The idea being young people tend to act rashly whereas older folk tend to have a bit more wisdom behind them.

 

[Milennin]

Give her a magical anime girl transformation that lets her use DBZ powers.

 

[captainproton]

@Milennin: magical old lady. An elderly sailor scout with jewels in her perm and an enchanted walking stick.

"Rainboooowwwww......Heeeeaaaarrrt....MEDICATION!!!"

 

[IRHP]

I'd make the old woman highly intelligent, and that would translate to gameplay as hints as she talks herself through puzzles. She can be experienced instead, having flashbacks to similar experiences, granting a short glimpse at the answer visually to some extent.

Maybe she can have a tool? That's my only ideas.