Game Evaluation III

Game Title: Pacman

Genre: Arcade

Goal Rating: 3/5

The goal in this game is pretty simple. The character (Pacman) must eat all of the small dots while avoiding the ghosts that roam the mazes. The goal is the same throughout the game.

Balance Rating: 2/5

Along with the small dots in the mazes, there are larger dots that Pacman can consume to gain the power to eat the ghosts. This gives a short period of invincibility and freedom. The downside to this is that the larger dots will become fewer in number as you pass each stage.

Flow Rating: 4/5

This game is very addictive, even though it is pretty basic. Each maze presents a challenge to the player, and thats what keeps the game interesting.

Immersion Rating: 4/5

This game is surprisingly engaging and keeps players coming back to get that elusive high score.

Game Evaluation II

Game Title: 1945

Genre: Shooter

Goal Rating: 1/5

The goal in this game is similar to the goal of Asteroids. The goal is to shoot as many enemy planes as possible. There is no set goal, just shooting planes for an unlimited amount of time.

Balance Rating: 4/5

As you progress, you gain the ability to shoot two bullets at a time, and then three at a time. This is helpful as the number of enemy aircraft increases as you advance in the game.

Flow Rating: 3/5

This game can become a little repetitive, but the reward of stronger bullets keeps the game at least a little interesting.

Immersion Rating: 2/5

This game is not as addictive as asteroids, but offers some slight entertainment, especially further into the game.

Game Evaluation

Game Title: Asteroids
Genre: Shooter
Goal Rating: 2/5
The goal in this game involves shooting as many asteroids or UFOs with your spaceship as you possibly can. As each level is completed, the enemies become harder and more frequent.

Balance Rating: 3/5

In this game, your spaceship does not recieve any new weapons or armour, but you are given the chance to gain lives. Although doesn't technically count as a new weapon, your bullets will be fired faster as you complete each level. This keeps the balance at an adequate level.

Flow Rating: 3/5

The game maintains a steady flow throughout the playtime, however long that may be. It can get a little repetitive after a few levels, but it isn't supposed to be a state of the art game anyway.

Immersion Rating: 2/5

This is a simple game, and only keeps the player entertained for a short period of time. It is not a hugely immersive game, but may become addictive if the player wants to achieve the high score.

Pros and Cons of Gaming in Education

PROS: -Gaming increases hand eye co-ordination and reflexes.
-Certain games may educate a person on a particular subject.
-Gaming is a modern and fun educational technique
-Games can imerse a player into new fantasy worlds that encourage and educate.

CONS: -Too much gaming can lower social skills.
-High levels of exposure to gaming may cause a person to develop aggressive behaviour.
-Too much gaming can cause several physical problems (eg. muscle strain, wrist aches,
eye strain and headaches).
-Gaming in education can interfere with other more important schoolwork.

Mitchell, A and Savill-Smith, C. 2004. “The Use of Computer And Video Games For Learning: a Review Of The Literature”. Learning and Skills Development Unit. Ultralab.