Programming and Probability Game
Project Description
In this project we were asked to create a game using Starlogo Nova that involved some form of probability. What my partner and I wanted to create was something simple but still have a high difficulty level for the user. This project was intended for us to explore probability more and for us to figure out how to apply probability to something with a more challenging format.
Programming and Probability Process
Throughout the whole process we were given several benchmarks to keep us on track
and organized during the whole project.
and organized during the whole project.
Benchmark #1: Initial Game Concept
Benchmark #2-#3: Detailed Game Description and Proposed Probability Analysis
Benchmark #4: Probability Analysis
- Instruction: In the beginning we were to brainstorm a concept and write out an summary of the game. What went along with that was describing the objective of the game, what we were expecting when programming it on Starlogo Nova, and what challenges we might go through when creating the game.
- My partner and I, at the start, knew that we wanted to make a game where the user would have to control a character with the up, down, right, and left keys and make the character collect something to gain points. Along with that came the idea that we should create different levels and gradually make the more and more difficult by adding in different enemy characters. The enemy characters would collect what the user is collecting, which would cause the user to lose points.
Benchmark #2-#3: Detailed Game Description and Proposed Probability Analysis
- Instruction: For this benchmark, we were asked to write out and complete a detailed description of our entire game, what characters would be involved, what the objective of our game was, some game design, and how it would be played (score, game levels, etc.) Secondly, we were to describe the probability aspect of our game. Benchmark #2 is basically in itself was a more detailed version of Benchmark #1.
- In this benchmark, I went more in depth describing our game concept. My partner and I ultimately decided to make three different levels. In the 1st level the character the user controlled would be a shark which would have to collide with ("eat") the clownfish and angelfish characters to gain points. In the 2nd level, everything would be the same except to make it a little more challenging, we'd have a killer whale also eating away at the clownfish and angelfish, causing the shark to not only have as much food but also lose points. In the 3rd level, the hardest level, it would be a very difficulty difference. Instead of eating clownfish and angelfish, the shark would eat seahorse and clownfish characters. As the enemies, we would have the killer whale character and a manta ray character, doing their job of eating away at the shark's food, causing the user to lose points. For our probability aspect, we planned to have a random number between 1-50 anemone, that would cause the user to lose points. This would be The Adventures of Susie the Shark.
Benchmark #4: Probability Analysis
- Instruction: For this benchmark, we were assigned to write a short summary to analyze different probability outcomes in our game, what probability knowledge we gained from the entire Programming and Probability Project, and make a probability table and tree.
- What I learned from this project, in terms of probability, was how to apply probability to a untypical format using probability tables and trees. I had learned before this project what probability trees and tables were, but I never knew how to apply them to something like a game. For the benchmark my partner and I explained that for our game a random number from 1-50 of anemone would appear on the game. To show the analysis we drew a probability tree, which displayed different percentage chances of having a number of anemone over or under 25.
Benchmark #5-6: Starlogo Nova Program
- Instruction: Construct and program your game on Starlogo Nova. After completing a final draft of your game, demo your program for Dr. Drew.
- This part is pretty self-explanatory based on the instruction. My partner and I worked together programming the different levels of our game. I have to say the most enjoyable part of the process was designing the characters and how they interacted with each other in the game. It was somewhat difficult programming, because I wasn't familiar with Starlogo Nova, luckily I had a partner more experienced than I who was a good teacher. After we completed the levels we demoed our game for Dr. Drew and it was approved. (Check out pictures of the process below.)
Benchmark #7: DP Update
If you'd like to check out the game The Adventures of Susie the Shark the links for the levels are below:
Confused on how to play? Take a look at Benchmark #2-#3 for a clear description on the game.
- This final benchmark is what you can see right before your eyes. A digital portfolio update to document the work we have done and a review for us all to see the lessons that we have learned while doing this project.
If you'd like to check out the game The Adventures of Susie the Shark the links for the levels are below:
- For Level 1 and Level 2
- For Level 3
Confused on how to play? Take a look at Benchmark #2-#3 for a clear description on the game.
Reflection
In this project, I believe that I learned to be a better collaborator and I was able to take a part a problem and then put it back together. Working with someone always requires a bit of patience for both partners, but everything went pretty smoothly. We were able to stay organized and meet all the benchmarks on time. I'm happy to have had a collaboration experience like this. As for taking apart and putting back together, we had to look at a lot of different aspects of our game in order to make it all work together. If one part wasn't working the whole thing wouldn't be working. During this project, my partner's and my problem solving skills were put to the test often. I'm happy to say though in the end, it all worked together and we were left with a programming game to be proud of.