CS490 Supervised Undergraduate Reserach

Computer Game Design - Spring 2003

Assignment #4 
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Develop an original game idea. Your game idea should attempt 
to break away from typical or cliche 2D games by avoiding 
common genre and themes. Keep in mind that many original 
game ideas not inspired by other games, but from some aspect of 
life or fiction. I do not want you to present yet another reinterpretation 
of Spacewar or Asteroids.. Donkey Kong, for example, was developed from 
the mythological character King Kong. Your game should be based on some 
original starting point. Be reasonable as to what the computer is capable 
of in terms of artificial intelligence. Your game idea should be for 
either a 2D side-scrolling game or a 2D top-view game. For this assigment 
avoid pseduo-3D, or 3D-generated-but-2D-rendered games unless you really 
believe that your original game idea will benefit from one of these 
techniques (you must be able to explain your decision). It is not necessary 
to have technical sophistication to achieve an original 
game idea:  consider Pac-Man for example. This assignment should result 
in a written paragraph or page which describes the concept and theme of 
your game and optionally one page of sketches which show the kinds of 
sprites or graphics you intend to have. You do not need to have highly 
refined drawings, so be liberal with your sketching.

Finally, contact your group either by e-mail or by arranging a meeting.
Exchange your own game ideas and consider some potential ideas for your 
group project. Your individual ideas should inform and suggest ideas
for your group project. Be prepared to discuss and explore your group 
game ideas for next weeks class.