Latest update

Just a quick post, I attended my last meeting and we discussed some ways in which to improve my research and final game. My supervisor also suggested some new reading material that could be used in my research and my final game.

Game update: New menu layout and options have just been added. The Instructions menu is more easier to use and now players can relax with a fun game away from the main game itself.

Next week, my aim is to get a final prototype ready for test by my supervisor.

Prototype 2

Selection of pictures from prototype 2. Images will be changed for a more polished look, similar to that of commercial mobile games.

Prototype 2 Feedback, Friday 28th March 2008

Second prototype game released.

Description: This contained 5 levels of Z catching, with mini-mission before the start of level 1, and end-of-level ‘Seal the Z’s’ section.

Note: Some mini-games/missions were dropped due to problems during completion. Alternative methods and gameplay will be created and added to final game.

Flash Lite version 1.1

Testing platform: Nokia N73 phone

Tester age(s): 7 - 16 yrs

Here is the feedback received from my testers.

1. Make Level 1 gameplay speed slower to allow players to get used to the game.
2. Add ‘Golden Z’s’ that randomly fall in within the game, to boost your score by 5 points.
3. Add random ‘Poison Z’s’ to fall. These could deduct points or lives.

Here are my ideas for the game:

1. Add more levels along with the five already in the game, where players can catch the falling Z’s and make the game last even longer.
2. If ‘Poison Z’s’ are to be included, maybe include a time limit within the levels, instead of reaching a set score and going to the next level? The timer could give you a set amount of time to collect as many points and lives as possible before moving to the next level, providing you still have sufficient lives to continue.
3. Change the title screen so that it has these three options: 'Start', ‘Instructions’ and 'About'
4. Instructions to be shown at the start of all new missions and gameplay tasks.

Other ideas:

1. Add more than 3 positions of movement for the character. This was already decided after prototype 1 and has been successfully tested. Now it may be included in the final game, depending on whether the game needs it.