F401: Simulation and Gaming

Topic #3: Simulations

Simulations are typically more akin to real experiences. Some typical simulations include SimCity, SimCity 2000, and even Tie Fighter for an example of a Flight Simulator!

First look at the MAXIS home page (the makers of SIMCITY) at http://www.maxis.com

Check out the X-Files Simulator at: http://www.lymax.com/uol/sims/xfs_sim.htm.

Or visit the Star Wars Simulator at: http://www.lymax.com/uol/sims/sws_sim.htm

The SIMNET trip this year will take place on Tuesday, March 4.

E-mail me with your favorite simulation site!

The game review for this topic should emphasize the following:

• List publishers, main authors Background of company who produced the game (this can be brief)
• Date game came out, technology of the time Screen Shots/pictures of the game
• A photocopy of the quick reference guide in lieu of reproducing all of the commands if the interface is complex (ie. SimCity 2000, After life)
• Reflection of the historical roots of the simulation.
• And of course, a good description of the simulation itself. In the case of complex games, highlight the key points that define the game, rather than go into a lot of detail in any one part of the game.

You have three choices for to meet the requirements of the 3rd game design. They can be any of the following:

1. You can do a second review, with the only difference from the criteria above being that I would like you to concentrate on: the method that the designers of the game use to famiarize the player with the game and interface. Some examples include:

1. simple to complex training missions
2. tutorials
3. simple interfaces at low difficulty, and more complex interfaces at higher difficulty levels.

2. You can create a design of a simulation. The critiera for this design will be similar to the multiplayer game design critieria, although the emphasis on multiplayer facets will be replaced by an emphasis on how you will allow the player to become familiar with the interface (see #1 above)

3. You can create a city in Sim City 2000 and keep a journal of what you did each time you played. This will include writing city goal statements, and reflecting on how well you accomplished them. See the instructor for details with this option.