A7 Concept Doc V4

Medusa’s Head Games

EME 6614

April 23, 2017 Authored by: Alyssa Luis, Stephen Strnad, Phillip Davis, & Nelson Chandler Fearless Four Group A7 Concept Doc V4

Goal Statement Given a piece of text, 6th grade students will be able to develop and support inferences with text-based evidence correctly 70% of the time. (Classified as analysis goal in Bloom’s Taxonomy)

Instructional Context The target audience would be middle school aged children, between the ages of 11 and 14. They enjoy engaging in sci-fi and fantasy video games that require creating, and logic, but that also have a captivating story line. Using computers and tablets for academics and free time is common, which makes them very comfortable with using technology. They often use video games as a way to socialize and even get ideas for new games based on suggestions from their friends. These students are used to being challenged in the classroom with a rigorous curriculum and enjoy being challenged in their video games as well. Within school, these students especially enjoy opportunities to be creative and being involved in creative lessons. Combining the creativity with technology is an even better way to capture their attention, as it merges two of their passions.

Students who play this game will do so in a language arts setting; thus, this game should be available for schools to purchase. This setting could be in a traditional classroom or in an online/blended setting because the game would be adaptable to either setting. The students will need access to technology in order to engage in the computer/tablet based game.

Students will be able to read a piece of 6th grade text and develop inferences based on the descriptions of actions occurring in the plot and character’s behaviors. Students will then be able to examine the inferences and support these inferences with text-based evidence that is relevant to supporting their inference. Being able to complete this task is crucial for students to perform well on reading and essay standardized tests given by the state. Furthermore, this skill is a critical building block to be able to write research papers as they progress further into their academic classes.

High Concept

You are given an impossible quest to slay a monster with live snakes covering her head. Help Perseus on his quest to make the “impossible” “possible” while learning the legendary story of this demigod’s battle to slay the evil Medusa.

Genre Medusa’s Head Games can be categorized as an adventure game.

Features · Enter the thrilling anime-style worlds of the gods as Perseus, the demi-God who became a hero

· Customize your hero’s battle gear and look with many cool garbs to choose from · Use a sword, hat of darkness, winged sandals, and a shield provided by the gods to defeat the evil Medusa · Test your cleverness by choosing the best evidence to continue to engage in the dangerous journey

· Travel through 3 different worlds with vivid graphics that are full of fascinating and intriguing characters 4/23/2017

| · Collect badges as you complete quests throughout the mission

Pedagogical Foundations The instructional strategy of Learning by Doing (Schank, Berman & Macpherson, 1999) was chosen as the pedagogical foundation for this game design. Learning by Doing focuses on both developing process skills and learning factual information and assumes that content knowledge is best learned in a context similar to the one the student will use the information in (Schank, et. al, 1999. This fits nicely A7 ConceptA7 Doc V4 with the instructional goals of the game because it requires learners to both perform processes and define key terms. The game context

1 matches the actual performance context because they both feature the use of a text-based passage and answering multiple choice inference questions. Table 1.0 below outlines exactly how each component and subcomponent of the Learning by Doing instructional strategy coincides with a specific game manifestation. References to story are also made.

Table 1.0

Event Event Subcomponents Game Manifestation

1. Define Instructional goals are presented to the player in a brief game tutorial “Athena’s Goals Training Ground” at the beginning of the playable part of game. The goals are presented at the onset of the playable portion of the game so players can manage their expectations for learning.

1.1 Process 1.1 Process knowledge goals: knowledge goals

a. Be able develop and support inferences based on evidence within text

b. Be able to locate and classify text evidence as strong or weak

1.2 Content knowledge goals: 1.2 Content knowledge goals

a. Define what an inference is

b. Define inferential evidence

The instructional goals are not heavily explained upfront because it is better for the player to understand them via just-in-time learning as they progress through the game story and questions. This also allows the players to focus more on learning the operational controls of the game.

2. Set The mission is set at the end of “Athena’s Training Tutorial”. It is: Mission

Answer enough questions correctly to complete the quest to behead Medusa and return the severed head to Polydectes as a champion.

2.1 The mission is motivational because it aligns very closely with the game story and 4/23/2017

2.1 Must be motivational | the inciting incident that propels the hero into action (see plot section)

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2 2.2 Must be somewhat 2.2 The mission is realistic because the questions and time limits are within the realistic player’s ability. It is also realistic in terms of the story because the hero (Perseus) is a demi god who is capable of completing a superhuman mission.

3. Present The cover story is presented via prologue video at the beginning of the entire game Cover Story (before the playable portion of the game).

3.1 Must be motivating and 3.1 The cover story is motivating because it showcases the hero’s background story create the need for the and why the present mission is so important. (see plot section)- The player is mission motivated to begin the quest as Perseus based on his need to prove himself and defend his mother.

3.2 Must allow opportunities to practice the 3.2 After the cover story is presented, players are given time to practice the basic skills and seek the gameplay mechanics, tools, questions, and navigation in the “ Athena’s Training knowledge Tutorial” section.

4. Establish The player is given the role of the protagonist, Perseus. Roles

4.1 Must be one who uses 4.1 The player must use all the necessary skills and knowledge to complete the the necessary skills and mission as Perseus. knowledge

4.2 The role of Perseus is motivating because the story is centered around him being 4.2 Must be motivating a hero. The player can relate to Perseus’s quest to improve his confidence and abilities as the player improves his own confidence and ability to answer inference

questions.

5. Operate The game contains a series of operate scenarios in the form of inference text-based Scenarios questions.

5.1 Must be closely related 5.1. The operate scenario are directly related to the mission because the the to both the mission and the questions are featured in the mission (see mission)

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The operate scenarios directly assess the process and content instructional goals.

They ask the player to perform the same actions as described in the goals (e.g. locate

and classify text evidence as strong or weak, etc.)

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5.2 Must have decision 5.2 The decision points are the choices the player must make when answering points with consequences the multiple choice questions. There are several consequences that become evident that become evident (see game rules).

5.3 The consequences must 5.3 Consequences indicate progress towards the goal by gaining points that are indicate progress toward displayed on a progress bar, gaining tools, and advancing to the next level. completing the mission

5.4 A negative consequence 5.4 Constructive Failure: Losing a level is not detrimental to student morale must be understood as an because they receive explanations for their incorrect responses that help them better expectation failure answer the next question. In addition, when players restart the level, they only lose one tool, instead of all of them and do not need to wait for a long loading screen.

Lastly. losing a level results in an interesting and humorous cutscene that keeps the 5.5 Plenty of operations for player engaged and entertained. the student to do

\ 5.5 The student is given a wide variety of inference questions. Therefore, repeating 5.6 Should not require more the same question is unlikely. than what the goal calls for

5.6 Game questions only assess the process and content knowledge goals listed.

6. Provide 6.1 Provide the information 6.1 Players are briefly introduced to the basic definitions of inference, inferential Resources the students need to succeed evidence, and argument in the “Athena’s Training Ground” tutorial. Further in their mission explanation and examples of these definitions is given during the game via just-in- time learning.

6.2 Information must be well organized and readily 6.2 Players can access key information anytime by selecting the main menu option. accessible This information includes: definitions of inferences terms with examples, gameplay instructions, and character stats.

6.3 Information is often best provided in the form of 6.3 Information is presented in the tutorial and throughout the game play via just-in- stories time learning. The examples of inferences and arguments are presented in short

stories.

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7. Provide 7.1 Must be situated, so it is 7.1 Detailed feedback is provided after each question. The feedback explains the Feedback indexed properly as an correct answer and why the chosen answer is incorrect. This allows the player to expectation failure improve without being discouraged.

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4 7.2 Must be just-in-time, so 7.2 Feedback is given immediately after the player selects an answer. the student will use it

7.3 Can be given in three 7.3 Feedback is delivered as an immediate consequence of answering questions. It is ways (a) consequences of also provided by the character Athena as a virtual NPC coach who offers the player actions, (b) coaches, (c) advice when they are first learning how to play the game. No domain expert stores are used. domain experts’ stories about similar experiences

Characters Character Triangle: The game story features a character triangle made up of the protagonist, Perseus, the antagonist, Medusa, and a shapeshifter/antagonist, King Polydectes. Perseus must journey to fight and kill Medusa, but all the while Polydectes is moving in to steal his mother away from him. Polydectes lied to Perseus in the beginning sent him on his quest and thus he is influencing Perseus' decisions and looming as a secondary threat with a separate agenda.

Character Arcs: The characters Perseus, Medusa, and Polydectes each undergo a major character transformation throughout the duration of the game and story. See character descriptions below.

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5 Name: Perseus Archetype: Hero Figure 1.1

Gender: Male Ethnic Background: Greek Man Age: 16- 21 Social Class: Servants son, subsequently Hero/Royalty.

Physical Appearance: Perseus is an average height, brown tanned handsome young man. He is known to be well built and rather strong beyond the common on the island. While on his quest he wears, winged sandals given to him by Athena.

Vocal Characteristics: Perseus is not overly loud or arrogant but rather self-confident. In the beginning, he seemed to doubt himself. As the story continues he finds an inner strength and his tone changes to a more powerful tone of a hero. Personality: Perseus is the son of the Greek God Zeus and a servant to an island king making him a demigod. Perseus shows great bravery and exudes confidence in his abilities. An example is shown, in his boast to King Polydectes to fetch anything he wanted as a wedding gift. He shows intelligence during his quest, tricking the three sisters Phorcides, and taking the one eye they share stretching out his hand in the place of theirs during the cycle of sharing. This also showed a playful side of Perseus as he showed enjoyment tricking the sisters Phorcides. Background: Perseus was born in seclusion and only had an upbringing from his mother. Once he became a young man he was known to be a bit deceptive. A very confident young man and this was displayed when he boasted that he would bring the head of the Gorgan Medusa to King Polydectes. He showed great vigor on his quest thanks to The Goddess Athena’s gifts of sword, shield, and winged sandals. Perseus was able to slay Medusa and escape her layer before her sisters could catch him.

Relevance to story: Perseus is the hero/ protagonist. He is given a task by King Polydectes to slay and bring the head of the Gorgan Medusa. His actions are what propel the story forward and give the audience a character to empathize with. To complete his quest, he receives help from The Goddess Athena in the form of a vision with directions to be victorious in his quest. Perseus has the strongest character arc amongst cast of characters and his transformation is evident from start to finish.

Character Transformation: Perseus has the strongest character arc amongst cast of characters and his transformation is evident from start to finish. Perseus transforms from a lower-class servant who lacks self-confidence, into a warrior, and then a king who exudes confidence and a belief in himself. Each conflict he overcomes and each tool he acquires contributes to his further development in the story. This development parallels the player's own development as they improve in skills and confidence.

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6 Name: Medusa Archetype: Primary enemy Figure 1.2

Gender: Female Ethnic background: Greek woman (turned into serpentine/dragon/human monster) Age: 25-30 years old Social Class: Banished outsider

Physical Appearance: Medusa has the face of a mortifyingly ugly woman, hair comprised of evil snakes, and the body of a dragon. Her skin is a greenish hue with reptilian scales. Her eyes are sunken in and framed by sharp, evil brows. Her lips are dark violet and her teeth are piercingly sharp like a venomous serpent. She wears a tarnished, gold-plated top on her torso and an ancient gold headband bedazzled with ancient jewels. Gold ringlets run the length of her forearms which lead to her sharp claw-like hands. She carries an ancient bow and quiver of deadly arrows.

Vocal Characteristics: Medusa speaks in a deep, angry tone of voice with an emphasis on the letter “s” like a serpent’s hiss. Her choice of words are meant to frighten and intimidate.

Personality: Medusa’s time spent being banished leads her to feel profound loneliness that transforms into unbridled rage. Likewise, her personality is as acerbic and hostile as her venomous bite. She is constantly agitated, quick to anger, and fueled by hate. She is also conniving and clever which enables her to trap and kill her enemies without any remorse.

Background: Medusa was once a beautiful mortal young woman with streaming blonde hair and fair skin. She was punished by Athena with a hideous appearance and loathsome snakes for hair for having fallen in love and being intimate with the god Poseidon. Medusa lives with her two Gorgon (monster) sisters, Stheno and Euryale, in a cave surrounded by statues. Her and her sister’s gazes turn humans into stone.

Relevance to Story: Medusa serves as the primary enemy of Perseus. She is what he must destroy to prove himself before King Polydectes and complete his quest. She serves as the primary obstacle Perseus must overcome. Slaying her triggers the biggest positive change in Perseus’s personal development as a character from insecurity and low self-esteem to confidence that he can succeed in the face of any challenge.

Character Transformation: As a result of the primary story conflict, Medusa undergoes a transformation from seemingly invincible, evil monster, to frustrated and then defeated creature who no longer threatens humankind.

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7 Name: Danae “Perseus Mother” Archetype: Ally/ Mother of Hero Figure 1.3

Gender: Female

Ethnic background: Greek woman

Age: 20 - 40 throughout story

Social Class: Royalty subsequently poor servant

Physical Appearance: Danae was from Argos and the saying, “Argos has long been the best city for women with beautiful hair” was made by Zeus. Danae was a beautiful, golden-haired princess of Argos. Banished from her homeland she became a poor servant to King Polydectes.

Vocal Characteristics: Danae seems to be a quiet and reserved woman. She speaks with a soft nurturing tone especially when around her only son Perseus providing mother love.

Personality: Danae has a loving mother personality to her son Perseus. She is unfortunate in the beginning of the story. However, she is sometimes silent, strong- willed, and most of all a survivor being at sea for so long without food.

Background: Daughter to King Acrisios of Argos. It was foretold that Danae would bear a child that would grow up to kill her father. With that in his mind he banished her with fear and rage. Zeus had pity for her and poured himself down into her lap in the form of a shower of gold producing a child.

Relevance to Story: Danae is the mother of the primary character Perseus. She plays a major role because she is the reason Perseus is given this quest. King Polydectes wants to marry Danae and sends Perseus on an impossible quest hoping he dies so he may marry Danae.

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8 Name: Nymphs “Gate Keepers” Archetype: Divine Spirits/ Shape-shifter Figure 1.4

Gender: Female

Ethnic background: Greek woman

Age: 18 - 25

Social Class: Divine Spirit

Physical Appearance: The Nymphs are young, beautiful, gentle, nubile maidens.

Vocal Characteristics: The nymphs are generally happy in tone. They love to sing and rejoice especially when around people they like such as heroes or gods.

Personality: Nymphs love to dance and sing. Generally regarded as divine spirits. Nymphs prefer to be secluded and away from humans. Nymphs are unpredictable

Background: A nymph, is considered a minor female nature entity, typically associated with a location or landform. They are not immortal; however, they can die with the death of a particular nature object which they are attached spiritually with. Nymphs are generally away from humans and either found in springs or gardens, always surrounded by nature. The nymphs are very attractive and enjoy a good time with dancing and singing.

Relevance to Story: The nymphs are who welcome and provide Perseus with his hat of darkness, the golden winged sandals which were similar to those worn by Hermes. They receive Perseus with rejoicing because they have a liking towards heroes, and they are friends of gods whom are wise. Athena, plays a major role in the reception Perseus receives when meeting the nymphs.

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9 Name: Bubo “Owl” Archetype: The Trickster Figure 1.5

Gender: Male

Ethnic background: Greek

Age: Immortal (Extension of Athena)

Social Class: Divine Servant

Physical Appearance: Small in size, enough to fit on the shoulder of the goddess Athena. Wings and body covered with metal armor instead of feathers.

Vocal Characteristics: Bubo the owl sounds robotic with his human speech. With him being so smart and full of wisdom he sometimes can mistakenly be taken as having a slick mouth providing comic relief.

Personality: The owl, developed his personality with experiences throughout his life serving the goddess Athena. With wisdom and knowledge this bird displays the same characteristics of the goddess Athena. It is considered an extension of her.

Background: Traditionally this owl bird represents Athena. It is often referred to as the “owl of Athena”. The bird symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. It is said that owls were widely associated with Athena’s blessing, and Greek soldiers viewed the sight of owls before a battle as a symbol that the goddess was on their side.

Relevance to Story: This owl was sent by Athena as an ally to Perseus and to assist him on his journey to Medusa. The bird displays wisdom and knowledge which helps Perseus when he may be lost, in trouble, or in doubt.

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10 Name: Athena Archetype: The Ancient Mystagogue Figure 1.6

Gender: Female Ethnic background: Greek God

Age: Immortal Social Status: Goddess/Divine

Physical Appearance: A tall, slim woman with bluish-green eyes trickling light, wearing a suit of armor and a golden helmet. Vocal Characteristics: Strong in tone, especially with her war like attitude. However, at times can be nurturing providing wise words of wisdom.

Personality: As the favorite child of her Father Zeus, Athena grew up more masculine than feminine. She was very wise and courageous. She displayed loyalty to her people, protecting them especially in their time of need or if they went out to war. She was a strategist, remarkably during warfare.

Background: Daughter to the Gods Zeus and Metis. According to the legend Zeus swallowed his children when they were born in an attempt to protect his kingdom. He had a strong pain in his head and had the God Hephaestus open his head and the goddess Athena sprang out. She was already an adult and wearing her widely known armor and shield uttering warlike cries. She never received a mother’s care so she was more masculine than feminine. She is the goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.

Relevance to Story: Athena comes to Perseus through a vision and inspires Perseus lifting his spirits. In addition, Athena provides Perseus with wisdom and strategy to be successful on his quest to slay Medusa. To help him on his journey, Athena provides Perseus with an assistant Bubo (Owl). It is Athena that tells Perseus exactly what to do and use to get the head of Medusa.

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11 Name: King Acrisios (Grandfather) Archetype: Gatekeepers Figure 1.7

Gender: Female Ethnic background: Greek

Age: Elderly (Immortal) Social Status: Poor outsiders

Physical Appearance:

The Grey Ladies are old, decrepit, and repulsive women who share only one eye and tooth among them. Their eye is detached and hangs by a cord. The tooth is rotten and jagged. Their skin is wrinkled and sallow and their bones protrude because of how skinny they are. Their grey hair is brittle and thin. They are of short stature. They wear long black robes with hoods.

Vocal Characteristics: The Grey ladies’ voices are shrill and piercing. They sound like witches who cackle and scream. They speak with an aggressive, frightening tone.

Personality: The Grey Ladies have rotten dispositions and are always bickering with each other, or laughing at the expense of others. They are reluctant to help Perseus at first and even lie to him to try and get their eye back. They are selfish characters only concerned with themselves and what they stand to gain.

Background: The Grey ladies were daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto, and sisters to the Gorgons. The Grey ladies were born in the form of old women and personify the white foam of the sea

Relevance to story: The Grey Ladies serve as the gatekeepers in the story of Medusa. They represent the first conflict that the hero, Perseus, encounters and must overcome. During Perseus’s interaction with the Grey Ladies he steals their eye until they tell him where he can find the three magical objects needed to kill Medusa. Through interacting with the Grey Ladies, the hero becomes stronger via new knowledge and one step closer to defeating his enemy.

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12 Name: King Polydectes Archetype: Shapeshifter/enemy/herald Figure 1.8

Gender: Male Ethnic background: Greek

Age: 45 years old Social class: Royalty

Physical Appearance: King Polydectes is a middle aged greek man with dark black hair and goatee. His brows are sharply angled giving him the appearance of a devious man. He has a healthy, lean appearance but he is not as musclebound as a warrior. He wears a formal, white toga, sandals, and a gold headband and sash.

Vocal Characteristics: King Polydectes’ voice is shrewd and cold. He speaks of other people, especially those of lower class, with contempt.

Personality: King Polydectes rules like a tyrant and is used to getting what he wants. He is selfish and motivated by a desire for power, money, and women. He is ruthless and doesn’t think twice about sending Perseus on a fatal quest. He lacks integrity and lies to those around him.

Background: King Polydectes falls in love with Perseus’s mother, Danae who does not love him back. He wants to be with Danae but cannot because Perseus is protective of his mother. Therefore, Polydectes pretends to be marrying another woman and requires everyone in the kingdom, including Perseus, to offer a gift for the wedding. Because Perseus is the son of a servant and has nothing to offer, he is sent by Polydectes to kill Medusa as a tribute to him. Polydectes wants and expects Perseus to die on his quest.

Relevance to story: King Polydectes serves as the shapeshifter, herald and eventual enemy in the story. In his scheme to possess Danae’s hand in marriage, he sends Perseus to kill Medusa and initiates the hero’s journey (herald). Throughout the story it is unclear to Perseus what King Polydectes’ true motives are for sending him on his quest and there is a general uneasy tension and distrust between them (shapeshifter). Polydectes’ secret efforts to kill Perseus are not revealed until near the end of the story. It is then that Polydectes transforms from shapeshifter to clearly an enemy.

Character Transformation: At the beginning of the story, Polydectes is frustrated and thwarted because he cannot have the love

of Danae. After he sends Perseus on his quest, he grows in confidence because he is no longer threatened and becomes much more

powerful. However, after Perseus returns, Polydectes is reduced back to even below his original status, and is then killed.

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13 Name: The Grey Ladies Archetype: Gatekeepers Figure 1.9

Gender: Female Ethnic background: Greek

Age: Elderly (Immortal) Social Status: Poor outsiders

Physical Appearance:

Vocal Characteristics: The Grey ladies’ voices are shrill and piercing. They sound like witches who cackle and scream. They speak with an aggressive, frightening tone.

Background: The Grey ladies were daughters of the sea-deities Phorcys and Ceto, and sisters to the Gorgons. The Grey ladies were born in the form of old women and personify the white foam of the sea

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14 Setting Overview: The game is set in the mythological world of ancient Greece. This means that the world is not limited to the creatures or physical limitations for characters that a game set in the real world would have to respect. However, to give a sense of realism, the game should otherwise respect the physics and typical rules unless there is a reason that is supported in the story.

The prologue is the first setting encountered by the player. It takes place in Argos (see figure 1) and is a cutscene that happens at the beginning of the game before the character is allowed to take any interactive actions. The prologue settings are scenes that are integral to the psychological state of Perseus, which will mirror the state of the player. The prologue provides the exposition of how Perseus ends up being subservient to the king and why he feels he needs to prove himself.

After the prologue is finished, the player will enter into the dream realm for training by Athena. The character starts out as unaccomplished and unproven lower class person and as he progresses through the areas he transforms into an accomplished and worthy person with confidence in his abilities. This mirrors the transformation of the player into a more confident and skillful person.

The gameplay will begin on the Island of Seriphos, which contains the playable levels including Cave of Graeae, Land of the Nymphs of the North, and the Lair of Medusa. All three represent a level in the game that needs to be overcome. After accomplishing all the tasks he comes back to the kingdom to celebrate his victory in the epilogue cutscene.

Prologue Setting 1 – Argos

Figure 2.1 Castle of Larissa in Argos (Ermioni.info,2009)

The prologue of the story is set in Argos, the realm of King Acrisios. In the beginning of the prologue, the world is a happy and bountiful place with ornate Greek architecture and vast expanses for Danae to explore. After Acrisios finds out his daughter’s offspring will kill him eventually, Danae lives a very bleak existence in a lavishly adorned prison. This setting is beautiful, but also should denote the isolation that Danae would feel. The visual representation of this will be the bright single light that comes into the chamber as an unforgiving light compared to the dark surroundings.

Prologue Setting 2 - The sea between Argos and Seriphos

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15 Figure 2.2 Sea between Argos and Seriphos (Backwallpapers.com, 2016)

The next setting in the prologue takes place on the sea between Argos and the island Seriphos, where King Polydectes ruled. Here another piece of the backstory unfolds where the prologue settings are short cut scene sections of the game that provide some backstory and introduce some of the characters. These are not playable scenes; therefore, they will have limited exposure and will not be able to be explored.

Origin Setting - The Island of Seriphos

Figure 2.3 Game Map of Playable Area (The island of Seriphos)

Physical: The origin of the story begins at Seriphos where King Polydectes commands over the island. At this point in the story, Perseus is a lower-class individual, which should help build empathy for the character. To emphasize this the settings at the beginning are sparse and bare with worn materials and built with basic wood and mud floors.

Psychological: It is important to note the psychological place which Perseus finds himself (origin). Being from the lower class, he has very little self-worth and doubts himself during the origin of the story. At this point in the story, Perseus is a lower-class individual, which should help build empathy for the character.

Destination Setting - The Island of Seriphos

Physical: The physical space will present itself with more detail and better materials when the hero returns. The castle for the king version of Perseus will be ornately decorated with fine granite and gilded in gold. This will help to differentiate his original state to his current more prestigious role. Psychological: The island also serves as the psychological destination of the story, but with some very important differences. First, at the end of the video game Perseus would be king himself. Secondly, Perseus is proven his worth and is self-confident about his place. This mirrors the user's journey through learning how to support inferences, which they may have felt unsure of at the beginning, but now take great pride in being able to accomplish. Player Action Begins Here after the Prologue

(Training Area, Cave of the Graeae, the Land of the Nymphs, and the Lair of Medusa)

There are three settings of the story, which will take place in the cave of the Graeae, the land of the Nymphs of the North, and the lair of Medusa. The modern anime stylization of Ancient Greece mythology and locations makes this game unique and appealing to the audience. With the story happening in the realm of mythology, the locations can take on larger-than-life characteristics, such as grander

scales and mythological creatures roaming the areas. Traveling in between the three main settings of the game will be neutral 4/23/2017 | territories.

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16 Training Area (Dream Realm of Athena)

Figure 2.4 Dream Realm (More-sky.com, 2017)

In this area, Perseus is visited by Athena in a dream realm where he is transported to a heavenly looking place in a white temple on white clouds. Here he is introduced to the owl, Bubo, his guide through his adventures. This area will allow users to learn how to navigate the challenges ahead. There are little other distractions in this area so that user can focus on how to move through the game. Occasionally, Bubo will make some owl sounds and the wind will be heard swirling. Perseus, Athena, and Bubo are the only characters here.

Cave of the Graeae

Figure 2.5 Subway Cave (iNeTours, 2016)

The atmosphere of the cave will transition from light to dark the deeper you proceed in the level. However, it is important not to make it too foreboding to discourage young users. This area is a hostile area to Perseus and he will face the Grey Ladies who will act like a gatekeeper and level boss here. Keeping with the theme of the Grey Ladies the level will be very grey and colorless. There are bugs and small creatures crawling around with ominous sounds moaning in the background. Any sounds made echo through the cave and you can hear your boots against the gravel of the floor of the cave. Occasionally, you can hear the indecipherable mumblings of the Grey Ladies as you traverse through the cave. There are no other people here as they have been scared off by the Grey Ladies.

Land of the Nymphs of the North

Figure 2.6 Waterfall Nymph (Robinson, 2014)

This level is more of a lush green image that is associated with abundance, in contrast to the previous darker level. This is a place where you would want to linger and it takes resolve to leave this place for the evil lair that awaits. In the story, this is where the protagonist attains many of the tools needed. This is a safe haven where weapons can be gathered. There is lots of people and mythical creatures

4/23/2017 moving around. Also, birds can be heard chirping and pan flutes playing in the background. The overall feeling of the level is to convey | safety and bounty because this is a safe haven.

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The Lair of Medusa

Figure 2.7 Greek Beach (MyGreekTravelBlog.com, 2015)

This is the climax of the game; therefore, it should have high contrast of light and shadows. As the game comes to an end, the triumph plays out among the glorious Greek islands along the coast. This is a hostile territory where most of the conflict will take place. This area is eerily empty of life and movement. It is full of statues, which are in fact the bodies of the past people who have been turned to stone by Medusa. This scene will happen at sunset to highlight the emotional climax of the story. Since all life around Medusa is turned to stone, there will be no people or animals as part of the background. The only sounds, other than the sounds of the actions taking place on screen, will be the sounds of the waves washing up on rocks.

Plot Hero’s Journey/Quest (Theme): The story begins in the world of ancient Greece. This world is much like that of other beginning civilizations; however, there are some supernatural elements within this world. While mortals make up the majority of this world, there are gods and goddesses living on Mt. Olympus within ancient Greece. These gods and goddesses influence the environment and the people themselves by impacting weather, feelings, curses, and more.

Hook (shown as an animated scene like a video clip): The story begins with the hook, the critical moment that Danae, pregnant with Perseus, our story’s hero, is thrown into a box in the ocean. Danae’s father, King Acrisios, has been told by an oracle that Perseus will grow up to kill him, which is why Acrisios tries to kill him while he is still in the womb. The gods take pity on Danae and ensure that the box magically ends up on an island safely. This story component is designed to capture the initial attention of the player in order to motivate them to continue to play the game because the life of a mother and child are in danger, with suspense deepening due to the innate hope of their well-being.

Ordinary World: The completion of the hook is the last time that Perseus will be in his ordinary world on the island within ancient Greece. This world is where Perseus lives the life of a servant’s son on an island, where day to day life involves being in the castle. The completion of the hook and then the start of the inciting incident pushes Perseus out of this ordinary world and into a world surrounded by monsters and Greek gods because of the quest that he is sent on, which is described below.

Inciting incident (shown as an animated scene like a video clip): Perseus, now grown up, is the son of a servant on the island where King Polydectes reigns. Polydectes, an evil man, wants to wed Danae and only Perseus stands in his way. Polydectes comes up with an evil plan, the inciting incident in the story, to rid himself of Perseus by sending him on an impossible mission; Perseus must kill Medusa. This drives the plot as Perseus must determine how to ready himself for this mission and how to end up succesful at the end of it.

Rising Action: The first conflict is addressed within the rising action as Perseus feels weary and unsure about how to complete this quest, but the goddess Athena appears and begins to help him on his journey. She tells him that he must gain access to a special sword

made of the toughest metal, hat of darkness, winged sandals, knapsack, and a shield in order to defeat Medusa. The sword must be 4/23/2017 | made of the hardest metal, otherwise it will not be hard enough to plunge through the skin of the gorgons. The hat of darkness will allow Perseus to remain unseen by the sister gorgons. The knapsack will provide a safe space to keep the head of Medusa. The winged sandals will provide Perseus with the speed and agility that he needs. The shield will protect Perseus and allow him to view Medusa without having to look at her directly. These tools will enable Perseus to end up victorious. These instructions help Perseus to now know what to do, but conflict intensity continues to rise because there is still the obstacle of being able to actually complete these

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18 Athena also provides Perseus with a helper, an owl named Bubo. Bubo will join Perseus throughout his quest. Perseus, following her guidance, begins to collect the materials, first from the Grey ladies, and then from the nymphs.

To enter into this second conflict, Perseus had to travel a long way and be clever, for the Grey ladies, in the Cave of Graeae, are not easy to outwit. However, upon outwitting them, he is able to go to the Land of the Nymphs, which is where the tools will be obtained and the third conflict takes place. Answering instructional questions will give players the ability to have Perseus secure these items. The gathering of the tools within these new settings will each be formatted into different levels throughout the game, with each building upon the next in rigor and intensity. The gathering of these tools should give the player some relief as they now have achieved a major hurdle necessary for the ultimate defeat of Medusa.

Climax: Once Perseus has gained access to all of the materials, the critical moment of the story occurs as he finally arrives at the island where Medusa and her monstrous sisters reside. The conflict of Perseus doing well in his quest to kill Medusa is at its most intense moments within this part of the plot due to finally arriving at her lair, which is his opportunity to defeat her. Perseus must determine how to kill her while not looking into her eyes because he will then turn into stone. He must first use the hat of darkness to make himself invisible. He must use the gleaming shield to see Medusa without looking directly at her. He must use the strong sword to take off her head.

Resolution: Upon Medusa’s death, there is a great cry as the sister gorgons realize immediately what has been done and the feeling of intensity is subdued, but only momentarily, as now he must face Medusa’s sisters. Fueled by their revenge, the sisters of Medusa begin to chase after him. They chase what they cannot see, due to the invisibility that the hat of darkness provides, and rely solely on sound and scent. Their teeth gnash together through the frustration, anger, and struggle of being unable to capture him. He escapes from their clasp due to the swiftness of the sandals.

After Perseus escapes from the sister gorgons, he travels a great distance before ending back at the island where King Polydectes still reigns. Polydectes mocks Perseus out of his own sadness in defeat. Perseus then rears the head of Medusa, which turns Polydectes to stone. The player should now feel the ultimate relief as their conflict has finally been fully resolved.

Epilogue (shown as an animated scene like a video clip): Perseus, now a hero throughout Greece, competes in the Olympic games. While competing in the discus throwing, the discus gets caught in the wind and hits none other than King Acrisios. King Acrisios, now old and worried about seeing Perseus, dies from the shock. Perseus becomes king and happily reigns over the kingdom for many years.

Instructional questions, focused on the goal of citing evidence to support inferences, will pop up throughout the rising action, climax, and resolution. The excerpts and questions will directly pertain to the events and characters found within these sections. Players will not be able to progress within the story until these questions are answered, as the story will pause to allow the player to focus on instruction during that time.

Gameplay Overview Gameplay consists of reading passages that will familiarize the reader with the story of Medusa’s Head. Players will answer multiple choice questions by clicking the appropriate supportive evidence at the end of each text. Every right answer will unlock useful items and skills to help on their task to slay the monster, Medusa. Wrong answers cause Perseus to become closer to turning to stone. Once Perseus has turned into stone, the player must start from the beginning of the level again. There will be 10 total questions in each level

4/23/2017 with a total of 3 stages/settings (Cave of the Graeae, Land of the Nymphs, and Lair of Medusa). | In between reading passages and answering questions, the gameplay will be first-person point of view allowing players a parkour style of movement through the game's different environments. Players will have the opportunity to fly using the special shoes given by Hermes, and fight adversaries using shield and sword by the Goddess Athena. Players will go through tutorial style situations to learn how to fly and practice the art of wielding a sword. Overall, players will experience an innovative mix of first person POV platforming, action-

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19 Primary Play Primitive The primary/core game mechanic is mental system- assessment/deductive reasoning.

The game stimulus is the presence of the story and the multiple-choice questions. Throughout the game, players will answer questions from the story “Medusa’s Head”. Below you will see examples of this sequence in the Primary Play Primitive Table. The questions require inferences to be made and evidence to be determined to support the inferences.

All questions are directly connected to the learning objective of the game. Players will have to select the correct answer by using the mouse and slashing the answer with their sword that is displayed on the screen in lieu of a “normal” mouse arrow.

With each incorrect response, the student is closer to having Perseus turn into stone. After 3 incorrect responses, Perseus will turn into stone completely, which will result in a humorous cut-screen animation of Perseus and Bubo becoming stone.

Primary Play Primitive Table 2.0

What does the story infer when it says, Why didn’t King Acrisios care for his “Here and there a man who had looked on Stimulus (Question) Daughter? the terrible Medusa stood forever with horror on his face”?

Response A) It is inferred that King Acrisios didn’t A) The man kept his eyes on Medusa because he care for his daughter because she was ugly. was afraid what she may do. (Multiple Choice Items) *B) From the passage it is interpreted that B) You can conclude that Medusa was a bad host King Acrisios wanted a son instead of a by not letting the man sit. daughter.

C) From the passage, you can assume that *C) The story infers that the man was turned she wasn’t his real daughter. into stone after looking at Medusa.

D) King Acrisios didn’t care for his D) The man inferred in the passage is Perseus. daughter because she was trying to kill him.

Consequences As players answer questions, depending on the answer that they make, players will have (Right/Wrong with consequences, such as gaining 50 points for correct responses or losing 50 points for incorrect corrective feedback) responses.

Incorrect Responses/ Consequences

After 3 incorrect responses, the words “Oh no, you made Perseus and Bubo turn to stone!” will

appear on the screen with a short audio instrumental clip indicating defeat. This will result in the

player having to begin the level again from the beginning.

If players choose an incorrect answer, they will see an image of Medusa cackling on the screen (which 4/23/2017

should entice the player to continue playing the game and defeat Medusa (entertainment system)).

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20 The answer was wrong because the passage infers many men have gazed upon Medusa thus turning them into stone. (A new question will be prompted with a similar concept, directly connected to the learning objective of the game).

Correct Responses/ Consequences

Additional consequences of answering the questions correctly are power-ups. As the questions are answered correctly, Perseus’ power increases. The higher Perseus’ power is, the more likely he will be to be able to defeat Medusa.

Corrective Feedback

The player will see a “well done” or another form of encouragement to persuade them to continue getting correct answers.

Adaptations of Play Primitive Throughout the game, stimulus questions will become increasingly difficult. In the beginning of the game the rigor level of stimulus questions is rather simple. However, as the game progresses stimulus questions harden and require the player to choose from more challenging inference choices. Consequences for all responses described in the fundamental play primitive section, will remain constant throughout the game despite the level of question difficulty.

The content within the stimulus will continuously change. The stimulus contains excerpts from the story “Medusa’s Head” and as the player progresses through the levels (characters, lands, etc.) the stimulus excerpts will adjust to drive the plot of the game, advancing the story.

Secondary Mechanic I Secondary mechanic I is entertainment systems (Collection).

The secondary mechanic I present throughout the game is the use of rewards and titles. This mechanic does not directly contribute to the outcome of the game. However, the rewards and titles help forward both the plot and character development of the protagonist, Perseus. In the Secondary Mechanic I Table, you will see examples of the rewards and titles. The rewards and titles are additional consequences of the primary play mechanic listed above (stimulus- story and questions).

Virtual badges are depicted in the game as Olympic medals from Mount Olympus. In addition, when medals are given to the player at the end of each level with a cut screen of Perseus having the medal placed over his head and then cheering with Mount Olympus in the distant background. Trumpets sound and people cheer.

Titles are bestowed upon the player at the end of each level. This is done in the same cut-scene as the badges. The titles are visible underneath the player’s name during gameplay and on the main start screen. The titles support the character development of Perseus as he grows mentally, emotionally, and socially into a more confident individual of higher social status.

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21 Secondary Mechanic I Table 3.0

Presence of Scoring System/Badges/Titles

Stimulus Badges: Bronze (lvl 1), Silver (lvl 2), Gold (lvl 3), Zeus's Thunderbolt (perfect score) Titles: Servant's Son (lvl 1), Adventurer (lvl 2), Warrior (lvl 3), and Champion King (perfect score)

Response Earning points to achieve badges and titles Consequences Player receives badges or titles

Secondary Mechanic II Secondary mechanic II is physical systems.

Secondary mechanics part 2 of 3 involves navigation of the world (movement), jumping/flying, attacking, and a cloaking feature. The table Secondary Mechanic 2 describes the elements included. This mechanic should be quite fun to the students because it will be similar to other popular games, such as “God of War” or “Assassin’s Creed”. However, in this game, to become a better character, they will be leveling up through answering the questions properly in the primary mechanics of the game. This mechanic will encourage the player to progress through the questions and forward the story, so they can be more powerful in the 3D world.

Secondary Mechanic 2 Table 4.0

3D Directional Prompting Enemy Confrontation Stimulus Getting Over Obstacles Movement (Attacking Enemies)

Response Lightly pushing directional analog In the beginning of the game the (How Does It stick allows a slow walk (stealth player can only fight with their fists Respond) walk). due to not having any weapons. Players can jump over obstacles that may block their path. Once sword is acquired, combat Medium pressure on analog stick becomes significantly easier than allows a normal speed walk. combat bare handed. Each hit will remove from the enemy's life bar

Once the shield is acquired, the amount of damage the enemy can Getting over obstacles will Pressed fully in a direction allows inflict on the player will decrease. become significantly easier with the character to run at full speed. the flying benefit. By answering questions correctly, the player will acquire the clock of

invisibility.

Consequences/ Hight of jump/ flying duration Attacking the enemy can result in

Result dependent on level of character the enemy being killed in combat 4/23/2017

Attacking the enemy can result in | Running fast will attract a lot of the player being killed in combat attention from enemies. Depending on level of character you won't be able to clear (When clock of invisibility is worn) obstacles. Enemy will target the last place the enemy saw the player.

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22 Secondary Mechanic III Secondary Mechanic III is entertainment systems (self-expression/creativity).

Player customization is one of the three features that are secondary mechanics of this game. Below you will see the Secondary Mechanic Table 5.0, that expresses all the options presented to the gamer with regards to customizing their player aesthetic. Gamers will be able to customize many aspects such as facial features, hair, clothing, accessories, and weapons. This self-expression will allow gamers a sense of ownership to be creative in the decorating and customization of their character. In addition, because of this feature the game can be very intriguing and fun to the gamer.

Secondary Mechanic Table 5.0

Players are presented with options to customize their player aesthetic, which is Stimulus (Customize Player) the stimulus. Response Facial Features (head shape, ears, jaw Hair styles (bald, mullet, afro, Caesar, The players can then select line, cheek dimples, lip placement, brush-cut, dreadlocks, etc.) their desired customizations etc. by clicking the options field Color Scheme (Color box with every Facial hair styles (goatee, full beard, and select customize player, color) for hair, clothes, skin tone, etc. moustache, stubble, etc.) which is the response. Clothing (3 options of chest plate Shield 3 options (gold mirrored shield, armors, battle apron with gold shield with a bird in attack pose customizable option of color, shin welded into the middle, gold shield guards, shoulder armor) with winged horse similar to Pegasus) Sword of Athena (Handle and Blade) Consequences/ Result Gamers then, using their Perseus avatar will look like the customization the gamer chooses, which is the consequence. The gamer will be able to customize all aspects listed in the response section. This self-expression will allow gamers a sense of ownership to be creative in the decorating and customization of their character.

Game Goal Answer enough questions correctly to complete the quest to behead Medusa and return the severed head to Polydectes as a champion.

Game Goal and Story The game goal directly relates to the story and the theme. Perseus, the character that the player is personifying, must go on a heroic quest that he has been put on by a tyrannical king. The quest involves Perseus killing the evil Medusa and bringing her head back to King

Polydectes. Thus, the quest is over once the head is returned to Polydectes. Therefore, the game goal requires the player to kill Medusa, by answering the inference and evidence-based questions as referenced in the instructional goal, and bring Medusa’s severed head to Polydectes. The game, consequently, is over as soon as the player completes the story’s aforementioned quest and returns a

hero by slaying the monster and returning the head back to the tyrant.

4/23/2017 | The game goal helps promote the general theme of Hero’s Journey in both the player and the protagonist as they become more advanced together throughout the game. Our game goal helps to promote the player’s skill development and confidence alongside the hero’s. The emotional gratification of overcoming each challenge towards the final goal and the exciting turn of events is felt simultaneously by both the player and the hero.

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23 Game Tools The following table 6.0 depicts the tools used throughout the game. All tools are described in terms of how they relate to gameplay, game rules and story. First, the “Name of item & image” column includes the name of the item and an image to help visualize it. Second, the “Function” column refers to how the player uses the tool and how it furthers the story. Third, the “How it is acquired” column describes what the player must do in order to obtain the item - in terms of game rules and story. Next, the “How it is maintained/lost” refers to how the tool is kept or lost - in terms of game rules and story. Last, the “How it relates to the story” column describes how the tools specifically help to advance the overall story, support individual character transformations, and mark key story events (e.g., rising challenges, climax, resolution, etc.)

Note: All acquired items are kept in a toolbox that can be accessed by the player at any time except for the following items: map, compass, health bar, and Bubo (owl companion) - these four items are present on the player interface at the beginning of the game and remain present throughout the entire game. Therefore, these items are neither acquired nor lost.

Table 6.0

Name of Item Function How It Is Acquired How It Is How It Fits Into the Maintained or Lost Story & Image

Eye of Grey ladies Obtaining the eye is To acquire the eye of the Once the eye is Obtaining the Eye of Grey necessary in order for the grey ladies, the player obtained, it cannot be Ladies is the first rising

player to get the directions, must first answer 4 lost. Perseus returns challenge that the hero which is required for level questions correctly. Once the eye to the Grey must face in a hostile 1 game completion. The this is achieved, the player ladies as soon as he territory. The Grey Ladies eye is used to trick the can move Perseus to stand obtains the directions are classified as ladies and have the player next to the Grey ladies to to the Land of the gatekeepers/enemies of gain access to the directions trick them into placing the Nymphs. the story, as they withhold to another tool, The Land eye in his hand, as they information and a tool that Figure 6.1 of the Nymphs. pass the eye back and forth is needed in order for between their hands. Perseus to continue his journey. In the story, The Eye of the Grey Ladies must be acquired in order for Perseus to be able to use it as Leverage against the Grey Ladies. The Grey

Ladies want their eye back

and the only way Perseus will grant them their request, is if they first give

him directions to the Land 4/23/2017 | of the Nymphs. The Land of the Nymphs is critical because Perseus must go

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24 the tools he needs to defeat Medusa.

Directions to These directions impact To acquire the directions Every time Perseus Without the scroll, Nymphs gameplay because without to the Land of the dies, or loses a life Perseus would never be them, Perseus would not be Nymphs, the player must within the game, due able to get to the Land of

able to get to the next first travel to the Cave of to the player answering the Nymphs (safe haven) level, the Land of the Graea (level 1). There, the 3 questions which is important Nymphs, or finish the first player must steal the Eye incorrectly, a piece of because he must go there level in the Cave of Graea. of the Grey Ladies from the directions will go in order to where he The directions are used to the Grey Ladies by missing. New receives the tools guide the player to the Land answering four reading questions will pop up necessary to defeat of the Nymphs. inference questions to obtain the missing Medusa. Figure 6.2 correctly. Once the eye is piece of the stolen, the grey ladies will directions. hand over the directions to Perseus.

Medusa’s head Obtaining Medusa’s head Medusa’s head is acquired Upon obtaining Medusa’s head marks a impacts game play because by the player answering 4 Medusa’s head and pivotal point in the story.

it is the main task that must questions correctly. The having it placed within Obtaining the head and be completed within the player must also have the knapsack, Medusa’s escaping Medusa’s lair third level of the game. It is Perseus don the hat and two gorgon sisters will (hostile territory) marks also the task that the player sandals before using the begin to chase Perseus. the climax of the story, has been working towards shield and sword to kill Perseus must swiftly overcoming the primary the entire game. The head Medusa. The player will run through the lands, conflict, and initiates the will be used to turn the then have Perseus slash at while slashing at the resolution of the story. Figure 6.3 enemy to stone and to Medusa with the sword. gorgons to keep them Obtaining the head marks fulfill the mission. The head will be away. If they reach the final change of automatically placed in the him, Perseus will lose Perseus’ character knapsack through a short the head and play will development from servant video cutscene of begin over again in that to warrior and hero of Medusa’s defeat. level. Greece.

Hat of Darkness The Hat of Darkness The Hat of Darkness is the Every time the player The hat of darkness is an

enables the player to first item acquired in level (Perseus) loses all three integral part of the story

become invisible to 2. It is acquired by the of his lives within level because it is what enables enemies within the game; player as a gift from the 2, (due to answering Perseus to sneak into the

this means that enemies are nymphs only after the three questions realm of the antagonist 4/23/2017

| unable to see the player and player correctly answers incorrectly), he will (hostile territory) and

makes it possible to sneak the first reading passage lose the last item he initiate the climax of the past them. The item inference question. acquired in the level. story. In addition, it serves impacts gameplay because So, the Hat of as symbol of the hero’s Figure 6.4 the hat is required to sneak Darkness is the first personal character

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25 past certain enemies within potentially lost by the transformation from a Level 3. player. After the item servant to a warrior. is lost, the player must restart the level and reacquire the item by answering a new reading inference question.

Knapsack The knapsack is used to The knapsack is the second Every time the player The knapsack contributes transport the head of item acquired in level 2. It (Perseus) loses all three to the story by enabling

Medusa. It must be is acquired by the player as of his lives within level the protagonist to acquired before the head is a gift from the nymphs 2, (due to answering transport the head back to can be obtained. only after the player three questions the physical origin point of correctly answers a second incorrectly), he will the story and complete the reading inference question lose the last item he resolution. acquired in the level. So, the Knapsack is the Figure 6.5 first item acquired and potentially lost by the player. After the item is lost, the player must restart the level and reacquire the item by answering a new reading inference question.

Stone/health bar The stone/health bar has The stone/health bar is The stone/health bar The points section of the several functions. (1) It present from the inception cannot be lost. It is progress bar reflects

indicates how many lives of the game play and is always present. Perseus’s personal the player has remaining. present on the main game character transformation (2) It indicates how close play interface of the as he grows in confidence, the player is to turning into player. Therefore, it is not skill, and value. In stone. (3) It shows how acquired through player addition, the stone

many points the player as action. measurement furthers the Figure 6.6 accrued (determined by story by paralleling the answer accuracy and time evil magical power of the

spent on task) antagonist, Medusa. It 4/23/2017 | makes the player more engaged by presenting the looming threat of being turned into stone. The lives measurement

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26 threat that faces the protagonist in the story and emphasizes the level of risk involved in completing the rising challenges and final conflict.

Shield of Athena The shield of Athena is a Once Perseus has met The shield of Athena is The shield of Athena is vital part towards the quest with the nymphs in level 2 a special item given by one of three critical parts of Perseus. It’s main and received their gifts, the gods and cannot be to the gamers experience function with regards to Athena then meets Perseus lost once acquired. completing the game. It is gameplay is using the in the Land of the Nymphs a tool that advances the mirror on the shield to and provides him with the story by helping overcome actually see Medusa in her shield. The player will be primary conflict with the lair. Without this mirror on able to acquire the shield antagonist. The shield also Figure 6.7 the shield, a look at Medusa after correctly answering serves as a symbol as will turn Perseus into the last question in level 2 Perseus’s personal stone. character transformation from humble servant to skilled warrior.

Sword The Sword of Athena main In level 2, after the The sword of Athena is The sword is also one of function is to strike Medusa nymphs provide Perseus a special item given by the three vital pieces cutting off her head. It is other gifts. The player will the gods and cannot be needed to complete the made of the finest rock need to answer the last lost once acquired. quest. Without the sword, “Adamant” in Mount question in level 2. Once Perseus would not be able Olympus. It is the only answered correctly, to cut through the skin of Figure 6.8 sword that can cut through Athena and Hermes Medusa because her blood Medusa’s skin. provide the sword that can is so venomous no mortal slay Medusa. sword can kill her. It is a tool that advances the story by helping lead to the resolution of the primary conflict with the antagonist. The sword also serves as a symbol as

4/23/2017 Perseus’s character | transformation from humble servant to skilled warrior.

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27 Winged sandals The winged sandals are The winged sandals is the Every time the player The winged sandals help extremely important, third item acquired in (Perseus) dies, within transition the story especially when it is time to level 2. It is acquired by level 2, due to allowing Perseus to go escape the lair of Medusa. the player as a gift from answering 3 questions from location to location The winged sandals allow the nymphs only after the incorrectly, the player without interrupting the Perseus to run faster and fly player correctly answers a will lose the last item progression of the story.

in short bursts. third question they acquired in the The winged sandals are Figure 6.9 level. So, the winged required to escape the lair sandals are the third of Medusa. Without it item acquired and Medusa’s sisters would potentially lost by the catch Perseus before he player. can escape with Medusa’s head, thereby preventing Questions will then the resolution of the story. pop up that must be answered correctly in order to regain the lost item.

Bubo Bubo is a metal bird who He is gained in the training He can never be lost If a player is stuck or gives the player advice and ground before the actual because he is there to doesn’t know how to tips on how to proceed. gameplay has help, as a gift from achieve a task, Bubo is The player can always ask started. Athena gives him Athena. He appears on there to help guide the Bubo how to use tools or to you and you are the shoulder of the player along the way. He proceed in the game. He instructed on how to use player and can be is given to Perseus to serve serves as a tutorial along the it. This will be the first clicked on to access as a guide so that it makes

way as a reference guide for tool given to the player. Bubo. it easier for new players to Figure 6.10 question content navigate the elements of (inferences) and gameplay. the game. This allows the story to continue so the narrative can flow without the interruption of technical questions.

Map The map and compass show The map is gained in the It never can be lost, The map guides the player where the player is training ground at the but if the level is to the next goal in the 3D / currently and where to go beginning of the started over, the world. Bubo shows Compass next. Parts of the map are game. Athena gives it to player’s progression on Perseus how to navigate

dark until the player is you and you are instructed the map will reset. It the map in the training 4/23/2017 | allowed into those areas. on how to use it. This will appears on the upper area. This allows the story be the second tool shown right side of the screen to continue so the to the player preceding the in the 3D world. narrative can flow so the

Figure 6.11 actual gameplay. player does not get lost. A7 ConceptA7 Doc V4

28 Ability Chart The ability chart shows the It is gained in the training The chart can never be Shows the player what abilities that a player ground at the beginning of lost, but if the player skills they have and how currently possesses and tells the game. Bubo instructs loses an ability it will far away the next skill is; the player how to get more you on how to use disappear as an allowed this parallels the sense of abilities. it. This is the third and skill. If you pause the progression of the story Figure 6.12 final tool that is given and game this will appear line. Also, if you click on explained in the training as an option on the a skill it will tell you what area before the actual screen. you have to do to get it gameplay begins. which compels the player to continue along the storyline to the next event. It will also show the class of the player (servant, champion, and warrior), which reinforces the psychological and social status changes of the character as he changes and transforms throughout the story.

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29 Game Rules The following table 7.0 depicts the rules that are present throughout the game from beginning, middle, to end. “How to Start” rules denote how players initially begin the game and the rules they must follow to get up and running. The “How to Play” section denotes the operational rules of the game that dictate gameplay in the 3D world, as well as the 2D story-world that features text-based passages. Next, the “How to Win” rules state what the player must do in order to win or lose the entire game, as well as each of the three levels. Finally, a “Tool Rules” section is added that includes the same rules stated in the “Tool Table” (Table 6.0) this section would fit into the “How to Play” sections, but has been abbreviated at the end for the sake of conciseness.

Table 7.0

How to Start

A. To begin the game, players must first select the “existing player” or “new player” option on the main menu. For new players, they must first input their desired character name in the “Hero Name” textbox. For existing players, they must select their prior made character from the character list.

B. Players then choose among the aesthetic customization options (face, hair color, armor color, etc.) that they prefer (these can be changed at any point throughout the game)

C. Next, players will be forwarded to the “Prologue” video of the game that offers backstory to the hero’s current ordinary world. This video can be skipped by the player by pressing the “skip” button in the lower right corner of the screen.

D. After the prologue, the player will be given the option to participate in a game tutorial. The player can choose to go through the tutorial or not. If the player chooses not to go through the tutorial then the player can return to it in the pause menu.

How to Proceed

Note: After completing or skipping the tutorial, players will begin level one. The following rules apply to gameplay throughout levels one, two, and three. “Navigational Rules” are listed first, followed by “Rules for Answering Questions.”

Navigational Rules

A. Players can navigate the 3D world by running in any direction they choose. However, players may only enter

areas of the world map that have been previously unlocked.

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B. Players can use their ability to fly, and slash as much as they desire. However, players can only use these abilities after they have acquired the corresponding tools (winged sandals, sword, shield, etc.)

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30 C. Text-based passages and corresponding questions will pop up only when students have reached the necessary locations on the map (The Cave of Graea, etc.). Once discovered, these text-based passages, questions and locations can be re-accessed at any time.

D. Each text-based passage will feature questions the player must answer. The player can only view and answer one question at a time. Players must answer the question by clicking on their selected answer on the screen (A, B, C, or D)

E. If a player answers a question incorrectly, they will lose one of their three lives. Once a player loses all three of their lives, they will turn into stone and lose the the level. The level must then be replayed. Players cannot immediately repeat an incorrectly answered question. Instead, players must answer a new question of similar difficulty.

F. If a player answers four questions correctly without losing their three lives, they will proceed to the next level.

G. When a player answers a question incorrectly, they lose 50 points. When a player answers a question correctly they gain 50 points. Players can have negative points. Points will not affect gameplay or the ability to move to the next level, but are used as a way to measure progress and skill.

How to Win/Lose

To Win the Game: Kill Medusa and bring her head to the King (This coincides with successfully completing all three levels of the game).

I.In order to kill Medusa, players must first obtain the following items: the eye, directions to the nymphs, sword, shield, winged sandals, hat of darkness, and a knapsack. (See Tool Rules sections).

II.In order to bring Medusa’s head to the King, players must have Perseus use the tools to get past her evil gorgon sisters.

To Win a Level: Players must answer a total of four inference questions correctly without missing three questions. Each time a player misses a question, they lose one life and are closer to being turned into stone. Players have a total of three lives per level.

To Lose the Game: The player is unable to answer the required amount of questions to proceed through all three levels (loss state). In other words, they are unable to complete Perseus’ quest to slay Medusa and bring her head back to the king. Losing the game is not demoralizing for the player because of the constructive failure elements of

4/23/2017 the game. ( See “Constructive Failure” below )

To Lose a Level: Players will lose a level when they have missed a total of three questions Each time a player misses a question, they lose one life (out of three total) and are closer to being turned into stone. When the player loses all of his or her lives, they “die” by being turned into stone. Players will then restart the level from the

beginning. A7 ConceptA7 Doc V4

31 Constructive Failure: Losing a level is not detrimental to student morale because they receive explanations for their incorrect responses that help them better answer the next question. In addition, when players restart the level, they only lose one tool, instead of all of them and do not need to wait for a long loading screen. Lastly. losing a level results in an interesting and humorous cutscene that keeps the player engaged and entertained.

Tool Rules (See Table 2.0 above)

Acquiring tools: (See Table 2.0 above)

Maintaining tools: (See Table 2.0 above)

Losing tools: (See Table 2.0 above)

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32 References

Athena. [image] (2014). Retrieved from http://www.greekmythology.com/pictures/Olympians/Athena/15030/athena

Bubo. [image] (2010). Retrieved from http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4262204552_7111d4f88c_o.jpg

Cave [image] (2016). Retrieved from http://www.inetours.com/Photographs/Subway-Cave-LNF.html.

Danae [image] (2015). Retrieved from http://orig08.deviantart.net/6f31/f/2014/115/6/1/elainedanu_by_elaineperna-d7fys63.jpg

Directions. [image] (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.jamesngart.com/Images/Animated%20Samples/

Eye of the Grey Ladies. [image] (2017). Retrieved from http://s125.photobucket.com/user/alongway99/library/Halloween%20Animations/Scary%20Eye%20Animations?sort=4&page=1

Hat of Darkness. [image] (2015). Retrieved from http://greekmythology.wikia.com/wiki/Helm_of_Darkness

King Polydectes [image] (2009). Retrieved from http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/MythicWarrios-Guardians-of-the- Legend/King-Polydectes

King Acrisios [image] (2017). Retrieved from http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Acrisius/acrisius.html

Knapsack. [image] (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bagsandbowsonline.com/retail-packaging/pd/burlap-cloth-bags-5-x-6/_/A- 924-21

Medusa [image] (2017). Retrieved from http://smite.gamepedia.com/Medusa_voicelines

Medusa’s Head. [image] (2013). http://www.philosophicallychallenged.com/blog/%CE%BC%CE%AD%CE%B4%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B1/

More-sky.com [image] (2017). Retrieved from http://more-sky.com/group/heavenly-wallpaper/

MyGreekTravelBlog.com [image] (2015). Swimming Area below the Temple of Apollo on Naxos. Retrieved from http://mygreecetravelblog.com/2015/04/19/no-sandy-beach-no-worries-at-these-seaside-swimming-spots-onfour-greek-islands/

Perseus [image] (2010). Retrieved from http://1865035978.rsc.cdn77.org/dynamic/features_legacy/content/20140130092113617255005.jpg

Shield of Athena.[image] (2013). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69665125462665958/

Stone/Health Bar. [image] (2013). Retrieved from https://theblogofbharathram.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/health-bar.png

Sword.[image] (2012). Retrieved from https://www.knifecenter.com/item/MAR585/marto-hercules-sword-of-veracity-

The Grey Ladies [image] (2017). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/408631366168247581/

The Nymphs [image] (2015). Retrieved from https://s-media-

cacheak0.pinimg.com/originals/63/cd/a2/63cda21c5aeb6942f52cd0ebf7c3d319.jpg

4/23/2017 | Waterfall Nymph [image] (2013). Retrieved from http://thegorgonist.tumblr.com/post/71706328164/nymphsand-sprites-inspired- by-mythology-and-the

Winged Sandals.[image] (2014). Retrieved from http://wiki.chronicles-of-blood.com/index.php/File:Boots-

Hermes_winged_sandals.jpg A7 ConceptA7 Doc V4