Completed Projects

Review Program: (Due 1/11/10)

Write a Visual Basic program that allows data entry and tracks both instance and frequency of the data. Instance will compile a list of each unique entry. Frequency will count repeats. This program will be tested with 3-letter airport names. Create a data-entry area and display both the instance and frequency in real-time (update after every entry). Alphabetize the output list.

Example Program

Research Assignment: (Due 1/13/10)

Using the Internet, find 2 websites on the topic of Game Design. At least one of the websites must address specific steps that should be followed. For each website, complete the Website Evaluation form (link here). At the end of Wednesday, print both forms, staple them all together and leave them in the basket next to the projector.

Pong Introduction: (Due 1/14/10)

According to directions on the handout, load Pong ("Tiny Tennis") on your computer. Run the program and play it. Answer the following questions in complete sentences (typed):

What are the game "rules"?
How should the rules be structured?
How do you create the right balance of obstacles/aids, penalties/rewards?
When are games too hard, too easy? Why?
What sorts of play mechanics work best for what sorts of people?
What basic math and science concepts are needed?

Modified Tiny Tennis: (Due 2/1/10)

Add a start up option that allows the player to choose between 1 and 2 players.
Add a start up option that allows the player to choose 1 or 2 balls.
The game play will need to change a little. For example do you still want to pause the game when a point is scored or should you just score the point and make a new ball appear?
Choose 1 more code modification (just color will not cut it) and implement it.

Whack-a-mole: (Due 2/11/10)

Create a Whack-A-Mole (or other school-appropriate character) game. Game play should be planned using the following guidelines:

  • In WhaM, an image jumps randomly around the screen. At no point should any of the image not be visible.
  • The player will try to hit the image with the mouse as fast as they can. Each time they are successful they earn points.
  • When your program starts up it must display the image that will move around, a Start button, a Stop button.
  • When the user presses Start, a new game starts and the selected image is displayed at a random place.
  • Use a Timer object to keep track of the move interval.
  • The image must move to a new random place once per interval. (Make sure to hide the Start button and keep the image from popping up behind the Stop button or the score!)
  • If the user presses the Stop button, the image must stop moving, and a subsequent Start must start everything over from the beginning.
  • Each time the user successfully hits the image, the program must move the image to a new random place immediately (i.e., not wait for the current interval to end).
  • There must be a goal, i.e. when the user has hit the image 3 times, the program must display a confirm dialog box that reports the elapsed time or, create a competition to hit the image 10 times as fast as you can, or any other appropriate goal. This goal must be stated to the player.

Modified Space Blitz - Choose 2 of the following modifications: (Due 2/26/10)

  • Make some of the aliens detach themselves from the formation and fly down as in the arcade game Galaxian and others
  • Add a second base ship controlled by a second player for a cooperative experience
  • Add a high score table and save the high scores so that they are remembered next time you play
  • Other modification – clear this with your teacher before beginning

*Remember that in Pair Programming, you must switch responsibilities halfway through the class.

Game Design Competition using GameMaker - Open the file HERE for instructions. (Due March 12)

*Remember that in Pair Programming, you must switch responsibilities halfway through the class.

Sprites, Tiles and RPGs (Due 4/13/10)

Modify an existing RPG (Crusader) by: (Choose 2 of the following)

  1. Design a new tile theme (Space Crusader for example)
  2. Design a new map using the existing tile theme
  3. Add something to the game, here are some examples
  • a twist (princess kills the wizard)
  • added difficulty (additional key/door)
  • add a cheat (super potion, secret room)