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.