Video Game Analysis Assignment #1 - CS 80K

Analysis of a game with respect to Juul's Classic Game Definition

The goal of this assignment is to deeply examine a single video game for how well it fits Juul's Classic Game Definition (described in Chapter 2 of Half-Real), as well as for what elements make it a good (or bad) game. This is an individual project (not a team project).

For your assignment, you need to pick a video game, either current or classic, played on either a console, PC, handheld, or cell phone (or any other device). Note that the computers in the ITS labs have NES and Sega Genesis emulators available.

The total length of your assignment needs to be 3 pages or less, typed, 10pt minimum (either single or double space is fine). We won't read anything beyond 3 pages. In your writeup, you need to:

• Briefly describe the game at a fairly high level, describing major game elements, game genre, who makes the game, the platform it is played on, and the year it was released. Imagine you are writing a Wikipedia article on the game, and are writing the game summary part of the article. (1-3 paragraphs)
• Go through all six elements of Juul's classic game definition (described here, and in these lecture notes), and describe whether and how the game fits the definition. (1-2 paragraphs per element).
• In the remainder of your writeup, describe what makes this a good game (or a bad game). You can use as a starting point the questions we've been raising in class about the video games we've examined. You need to be descriptive and precise -- simply stating that "the game rocks" doesn't cut it.
• Of course, correct spelling and grammar are expected. Assignments not written at a college level of expression will be returned without grade for revision.
• Essays must be original, and in your own words. You must properly cite all quotations.

Last updated: 1/13/2006