Item 2 - DIGI T2 Mind Map

Item 2 - DIGI T2 Mind Map

1. Coding Constructs

   • FOR Loops
     • Allows you to repeat a block of code a specific number of times.
       • for I in range (5): print (i) Output: 0 1 2 3 4
   • IF statements
     • Allows you to specify one or more conditions, and depending on whether the conditions are met or not, different/only one set of code will be excecuted.
       • IF/ELSE STATEMENT: if condition: # code to be executed if condition is True else: # code to be executed if condition is False

2. Prescribed Criteria

   • PC 4 - You must use variables that match your storyline
     • Variables must be fantastical and captivating settings (e.g. Ice palace, mushroom cottage, etc.).
     • Variables must be adventure actions in which the player can choose to do, to progress with the storyline (e.g. fight, sprint, fly, freeze, etc.).
     • Variables must be fictional and fantasy themed characters/items (e.g. mythical creatures, talking animals, potions and weapons, etc.).
   • PC 3 - You must use a WHILE Loop
     • WHILE loops must be used to create multiple endings during the game, being dependent on the conditions the players pick in the story.
     • WHILE Loop is placed in the beginning of the game’s code, to start the game.
     • A WHILE loop must be used when declaring a decision during the story.
   • PC 2 - You must have at least two choices for each input. IE. Yes | No, Left | Right, Buy | Sell
     • Every choice is either two or more, in order for the player to interact with the game.
     • Choices must have an impact on the player’s pathway when playing the game.
     • Choices must be short, simple and straightforward (e.g. Help/Leave✓ walk to castle, cross river/walk to castle, eat food, then sleep ☓).
   • PC 1 - Your story must have at least 10 different variables in total
     • All variables will contribute to progressing the story/side quests present in gameplay.
     • Variables must be related to the fantasy theme of the game (e.g. mushroom cottage).
     • There must be 10 or more present variables in the game.

3. Algorithm Constructs

   • Sequence
     • Orders a set of instructions one after the other.
       • Pseudocode example: 1. DECLARE count 2. SET count TO 1 3. OUTPUT the value of count
   • Assignment
     • Stores the value of an expression into a variable.
       • Pseudocode example: DECLARE studentName SET studentName TO Bob
   • Selection and Condition
     • A selected statement follows its given condition.
       • Pseudocode example: CALCULATE totalCost IF (totalCost > $10) THEN OUTPUT 'no delivery charge' ELSE OUTPUT '$5 delivery charge' ENDIF OUTPUT 'thankyou'
   • Modulisation
     • Simplifying a program by breaking it into independent, simple units/modules.
       • Pseudocode example: FUNCTION delivery_charge CALCULATE totalCost IF (totalCost > $10) THEN OUTPUT ‘no delivery charge’ ELSE OUTPUT ‘$5 delivery charge’ ENDIF OUTPUT ‘thankyou’ END FUNCTION
   • Iteration
     • (FOR Loop) Repetition of a certain set of code.
       • Pseudocode example: DECLARE count SET count TO 0 FOR count = 1 to 10 OUTPUT count END FOR OUTPUT ‘finished’

4. Ideas for Story

   • Text-based Art
     • Storyline may include inserts of text-based art throughout the game, for the player to enjoy the aesthetic features before continuing/while progress the plot.
       • Imagery of castles/villages are displayed while player makes decisions on what to interact with.
   • Add a health bar
     • Health bar when fighting opponents/choosing options creates pressure and thrill for the player whilst they make decisions (to avoid having to restart) captivating them even more during gameplay.
       • If player chooses to swim across the river, -1 health point. If player chooses to eat healing apple, +1 health point.
   • reactive interface
     • Code directly responds/comments upon decisions made, immersing the player in the game.
       • If player chooses to abandon duckling, game may comment 'You've chosen to leave. That was very heartless of you to do.'

5. Self-Determined Criteria

   • Game must give player an enjoyable, engaged, and interactive game experience (avoiding frustration/indirect instructions).
     • Game must give a short sequence of instructions on how to start/play before game journey commences (e.g. what word must be entered).
     • Game must provide pointers to the player if required/player asks for it (e.g. hint appears after entered ‘help me’).
     • Game must have commentary throughout the decision-making processes of the game, making the player contemplate on choices that must be made/encourage players to choose certain decisions in the game.
   • Game must have an outlined fantasy theme.
     • Game must have fantasy themed characters with unique personalities.
     • Game must be in a fictional fantasy setting.
     • Game must have imaginative and creative outcomes after most decisions, relating to the fantastical theme.

6. Editing Text-Based Adventure Game

   • Forests of Lyrica
     • A text-based adventure and fantasy game that is interactive for players through inputting different directions (north, south, east and west) and keywords to use 'items' in order to progress in the game.
       • Game contains visual images for players to further feel immersed in the fictional game whilst playing it.
       • Game takes a long time to progress the plot, creating frustration and burnout for the player whilst experiencing it.
   • Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
     • A text-based sci-fi game having comedic narrator commentary, randomness and quirkiness of each circumstance. This game makes the player experience a multitude of different outcomes (depending on their selected answer, providing lots of endings and pathways to explore new locations and descriptions.
       • Game contains a multitude of outcomes, making it engaging for the player.
       • Game doesn't provide a direct tutorial on how to play, confusing and frustrating first-time players.