Week 4 - Assignment #1

For this assignment I went on-line to both www.shockwave.com  and www.youdagames.com.  After several hours of playing various games-Mahjong Daily, Text Twist etc.  I finally decided to choose a game called Youda Marina for this assignment.  The gaming elements used to provide users the learning content were text and visual-graphic elements.  The text was in the form of conversation bubbles.  These bubbles were coming from a character that looked like a “pimped out” Bob Haskins.  The visual graphics that accompanied the game were very visible and not at all confusing.  During the tutorial, large bright  green blinking arrows would point to the part of the screen where you needed to focus and the conversation bubble would direct you as to what you had to do.  You could not advance through the tutorial until you had successfully mastered the tasks you were given.  The tasks were all relevant to and based on what you would have to do during the actual game.  You were also given time during the tutorial to stop and play to familiarize yourself with all the features of the game.

The goals of the game are time management and simulation.  The rules appear to be very simple.  You are given a budget of $11,000.00 to start the game.  You start by creating an exotic marina within the constraints of a spending plan.  You earn more money by completing tasks as they come up and by creating businesses in the areas surrounding you marina.  As boats dock at your marina they pay a fee.  This allows you to spend more money to attract more boats.  However, as you attract more boats and more people, you need to expand as well as maintain the docks and businesses that you have to keep the consumer happy.  If you don’t then you lose money.   You also need to provide municipal services, accommodations, restaurants, and on land activities for your clientele.  Although the rules appear to be straight forward the task is not as easy as it would seem.  As opportunities to earn money come up, you are given a set amount of time before the opportunity is lost.  So, while I was trying to maintain my docks and fill all the slips to earn money, I was constantly being interrupted by unsatisfied guests or costly maintenance and repairs.  Ultimately, what was initially a relatively easy game progressively became more complicated as you advanced through the levels. 

The game has a scenario design that is embedded in curriculum-related content.   This particular game could be touted as cross curricular.  Youda Marina seems to be very similar to the SIMCITY game that is referenced in the article.  This game provides a very real experience.  It includes, but is not limited to finance, budgeting, mathematics, managerial skills, higher level thinking and satisfying customers. 

I would definitely recommend this game for school use.  It was clear, concise, had nice graphics and the language was very appropriate for a school setting.  The only thing I found a tad annoying was the continuous and repetitious reggae music playing in the background.  That’s why they in vented volume switches!!!