Title: Vitrus VR
Overall Rating:
B-
Source: Vitrus Corporation
Playing Time: 1.5 hours
Date: 1993-1994
Cost: $ Version to Old. For newer
Versions: Welcome to Vitrus' Home Page
Number of Players: One
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: Ability
to use basic computer functions. i.e. keyboard, mouse, etc.
Subject Area: Design & Architexture
Objectives: Give the user the ability
to create an unique 3-D world through the use of "drag-and-drop" images,
having nothing done from scratch, yet from 3-D shapes given to you though
the program and combining them.
Brief Description: Virtus VR is a virtual
disign program which gives users the ability to create houses, farms, wars,
bathrooms, and much more. It offers a three demensional view as well
as a two dimensional working space.
Entry Capabilities Required: Knowledge
of the "x" and "y" axis, coordinate location, and common shapes.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4. The
program offers numerous shapes and disigns and offers anyone the ability
to create a unique world of their own.
Provides practice of relevant skills:
2. The is little skill needed or worked on through the use of this
program but creativity. The user doen't learn anything through the
program, but a better picture of their ideas.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 2.5.
The program may become tedious and boring if progress is slowed down.
The creation of rooms, etc., is time consuming if you are a beginner.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4.
The user shoudn't have a problem understanding the use of the program,
or its functions after proceeding through the tutorial
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
4. The program is orgainized and put together well. Icons are
easily read and understandible.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): This program isn't about winning
or losing, yet to design your own images, and rooms to your own liking.
The amount of time put into the project will show with the detail which
exist in every room.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 4. The game
offers a excellent realistic view of simulation. The possibilities
to change texture of a wall, to the size of a cow. The graphics are
done well, and will keep the user interested as he developes more.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
2 No field test results were found regarding this program
Clear directions for play: 5. Through
the use of the tutorial, the user will learn the functions which are necessary
to create your own project. Creativity and time plays the rest of
the role
Effectiveness of debriefing:
1. The program has no debriefing. It relies on creativity and objective
of each individual user.
Strong Points:
VR has many options as far as trees, or people or objects with you can
use within your own project. The pictures are colorful and easy to
use through the "drag-and-drop" feature. It alows anyone the change
or create some sort of world of their own.
Weak Points:
The program offers no sound to the users. The usefullness of this
program is questionable. At times the user may become tedious forming
the corect shapes of placing objects exactly where they want them.
Patients definately plays a role.
Reviewer: Jonathan M. Cervoni
Position: Undergraduate at Potsdam State
University
Date: 9/17/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.