Sploder Games

Sploder is a cool web-based gaming platform that has five types of games.  As I learn more about each type of game, I will continue adding updating this page.

Platformer Creator
I like the level of creativity that this game provides.  So many options, I'm not sure if I would be able to narrow down my choices quickly.  I like the exploration aspect of the game while having a cartoon-like feel.  The ability to create a story in this type of game is intriguing, however without a good plan, the story line may become random.
Pros: lots of choices to build creativity
Cons: lots of decisions to make while creating

Physics Puzzle Maker
After playing two examples of physics puzzles, I found there were things I really enjoyed about this type of game and others that were frustrating.  The game I enjoyed most used physics similar to Angry Birds to shoot a box to get a coin.  I enjoyed this game because I could adjust my game play by evaluating my previous failures making changes to become successful.  The second game was more difficult for me to analyze why I was successful, therefore harder for me to correct my mistakes to succeed.  This may be great for students to create a trial and error analysis to see what works best.

Mission Creator
Entering the game, I expected that I wouldn't like playing this type of game.  I was wrong!  The mission was great.  Thinking about this game it included a lot of elements of the other games.
There was a mission and shooting, but the part that held my attention was the puzzle solving.
Pros: Puzzles, Shooting, Simple Storyline
Cons: Lack of explanation of controls

Classic Shooter
I played two types of shooter games, one as a ship and the other as a robot.  I enjoyed playing the ship game over the robot game.  After completing the first level, I was left wishing a second level had been created.  The game required fast paced shooting while maneuvering to protect yourself from enemy fire.  As the robot, I found frustration in the amount of time it took to destroy an enemy.  The lack of any fast paced action quickly lost my attention.
Pros: Fast paced
Cons: Too long for robot enemies to die

Retro Arcade
I'm not sure if I liked this game so much because of the game itself or the fact that I was familiar with how the game was played.  A familiarity in how the game works made a difference for me and how many times I wanted to replay the game- again, wishing for more levels.  I think that was a surprise for me since often in life you become bored with the same old thing, but in this case, it's more of a comfy blanket. I found the instructions very valuable.
Pros: Collecting coins, alternative path choice, variable terrain, simple controls
Cons: Needs more levels

So...What do I like in a game?  
The controls need to be clearly labeled or introduced.  I don't want to spend valuable gaming time, just to figure out which keys control my character.  I think I wanted to believe that problem solving here would keep me interested enough to figure it out, but no- it's just frustrating.  I found the tutorial walk through in the retro arcade game to be my preference, but a little legend at the bottom of the screen works too.
Specific Goal-the game itself can be simple or complex, but the goal of the game needs to be clear.
Personally, I like the challenge of a good puzzle.  Also, give me the opportunity to gain experience as I play the game that supports my efforts in the game.  I like the cartoon look of games, but I don't mind realistic games if they have a purpose.

Jane McGonigal: Gaming can make a better world

Can play and learning be combined?
Absolutely!  I think this is possible in two different aspects.  First, learning to work/play with others.  The collaborative effort required to be successful in today's online games expects that you can and will get along and work cooperatively with others.  This expectation in gaming is far more likely to be met with social confidence that players may not possess in the real world. The judgement made in the real world upon first sight or by interactions are less a problem online which makes online collaboration much more appealing than in person.  Second, learning online is often expected to happen through trial and error.  The ease of the "do over" in a game makes persistence much easier and failure feel trivial.  In class, sticking with a tough math problem only lasts so long for the average learner.  However, online that same learner may spend hours trying to defeat the enemy or solve the puzzle to get the reward.  I believe it is possible, with a lot of preparation and outside the box thinking, to gain similar results in the classroom.  That's the game I hope to win!

Temple of Portunus

My visit to the Temple of Portunus gave me an up close view of history.  To understand what this world had to offer, I had to brush up on my history.  This brief video from Kahn Acadamy, shed some light on my visit.  Most interesting to me was the history of the Domas Romana.  The notecard I was given taught me of the purposes of the building including how the design provided built in security.

This was an amazing adventure.  I could only imagine how amazing it would be to teach about a subject, then have my students interact with artifacts in Second Life.  The places really come to life.

Just as suggested in Gamifying Education I was intrigued by what I was briefly exposed to so much that I had to learn more after my quest.  Excellent way to get the information out to students without hitting them over the head with it.

The Falbo Gallery, beautiful paintings hung in this
gallery which was overlooking the water.

Link to Marisa Falbo Art

The Domas Romana a building for people of wealth.
With glass windows unavailable, houses were linked
with passages and beautiful gardens.

Social Area

A beautiful serene area

A beautiful view

Inside the Store- where clothing is art

The Grand Masters of the '900
Let yourself embrace the Art.
The art that makes life beautiful
even if you do not have a good life.

Gamers Get Girls

Gotta Love Statistics...

by bobbybernethy.

Role Playing Quest

Tonight I had an opportunity to complete another group quest in Second Life.  Joined by Cyric51, Oswin1106 and Park1616 we explored several role playing environments.  At each stop we encountered a new environment with new people and new rules.   I had a great time as you can see by a few of my snapshots.  Unfortunately, I had a little trouble developing a few of the pictures (PonyTown), but you'll get a good idea of the wonderful journey and the new things I encountered.

Each destination brought a new set of rules.

Cyric and Oswin pose for a quick pic in front of a castle in Avalon.

Hales' Moon was mountainous and hard to travel.
Finding a hovercraft was a blessing!

Ninja Turtles and shopping?  Plus video games everywhere! Fun!

After a tour of the rules, I settled on a beautiful blue gown and had a grand time at Caladon.