ASSIGNMENT…

RYAN GARCIA ››

ASSIGNMENT ONE | SEPT 3, 2006 ››

Do enough background research on the following games
to answer the following questions:

  1. What is the game genre?
  2. What is the game's "high concept"?
Games:
  • Age of Empires
  • SimCity
  • The Castle of Dr. Brain
  • Oregon Trail

AGE OF EMPIRES ››

Game genre: Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Game's "high concept": "an epic real-time strategy game spanning 10,000 years, in which players are the guiding spirit in the evolution of small stone age tribes. Starting with minimal resources, players are challenged to build their tribes into great civilizations."

source: http://www.microsoft.com/games/empires/


SIM CITY ››

Game genre: God Game, Simulation or "Software Toy"
Game's "high concept": "In SimCity you are the mayor of an up and coming town. You must manage up your city's infrastructure, zoning, transportation and population. Fight crime and pollution and make sure the people don't kick you out of office for running a poorly managed town."

sources: http://www.mobygames.com/game/simcity/
http://www.sc3000.com/knowledge/history_classic.cfm


THE CASTLE OF DR. BRAIN ››

Game genre: Educational Puzzle Game
Game's "high concept": "An adventure game to strain your brain! Think your way through math, science, language, and logic problems. The brilliant (but bizarre) doctor needs an assistant, but you can't get the job until you can find him. You'll have to puzzle your way through all manner of brain-benders, choosing from three difficulty settings (changeable during play)."

source: http://www.vintage-sierra.com/puzzle/castlebrain.html


OREGON TRAIL ››

Game genre: Educational
Game's "high concept": "As a covered wagon pary of pioneers, you head out west from Independence, MI to the Willamette River and valley in Oregon. You first must stock up on provisions, and then, while traveling, make decisions such as when to rest, how much food to eat, etc."

source: http://www.mobygames.com/game/oregon-trail