Game Reviews

Ames’ Game Last Resort

1. What made the experience fun or not?
   1. The experience was fun because the game was calm but still required a lot of thinking. It kind of put me in a trance while playing, since I had to focus but didn’t feel stressed.
2. What is the motivating factor to get or keep players playing?
   1. The main motivating factor is trying to get the civilians on your side. It makes you want to keep playing so you can improve your strategy and win them over.
3. Is the game persuasive, and what is it trying to get you to do outside of the game?
   1. I’m not really sure if the game is persuasive. It doesn’t clearly try to get you to do anything outside of the game.
4. What is the game’s metaphor and which of the game’s mechanics standout?
   1. The game’s metaphor seems to be about strategy and opposing sides competing for influence. The mechanic that stood out the most was that each side had specific moves, which made gameplay more interesting and strategic.
5. How does the gameplay make you feel? Who does the game make you feel empathy for?
   1. The gameplay makes me feel calm, but also competitive at the same time. I feel the most empathy for the civilians because they are affected by the choices made by both sides.
6. Is the game an activist game? If so what does the game play advocate for?
   1. I don’t think the game is an activist game. It might encourage players to think differently or more strategically.
7. Describe the game in 3 sentences or in the form of a haiku.
   1. Critical Thinking
   2. Competition slowly builds
   3. Thought shapes how you play

Crossing the Bridge

8. What made the experience fun or not?
   1. The experience was fun but challenging. It made you think a lot, which kept it engaging.
9. What is the motivating factor to get or keep players playing?
   1. The motivating factor is trying to cross the bridge while understanding the rules and limitations placed on you.
10. Is the game persuasive, and what is it trying to get you to do outside of the game?
    1. Yes, because it makes you think about how people face obstacles in real life. Outside of the game, it encourages players to be more aware of challenges others may experience.
11. What is the game’s metaphor and which of the game’s mechanics stand out?
    1. The bridge acts as a metaphor for obstacles people face. The mechanic that stands out most is how movement is restricted, which forces players to think carefully about their choices.
12. How does the gameplay make you feel? Who does the game make you feel empathy for?
    1. The gameplay makes me feel frustrated. It makes me feel empathy for people who have limited options.
13. Is the game an activist game? If so, what does the gameplay advocate for?
    1. I think it can be considered an activist game because it raises awareness about inequality and obstacles. It advocates for understanding and empathy toward others’ experiences.
14. Describe the game in three sentences or in the form of a haiku.
    1. Steps feel slow and hard
       Limits shape every movement
       Understanding grows

Observance: The Board Game

15. What made the experience fun or not?
    1. The experience was interesting but not very fun. It was more serious and made you think carefully about your choices.
16. What is the motivating factor to get or keep players playing?
    1. The motivating factor is wanting to understand the system better and see how your decisions affect the outcome. Players keep going to see if they can improve or change the results.
17. Is the game persuasive, and what is it trying to get you to do outside of the game?
    1. Yes, the game is persuasive because it makes players think about how rules and authority affect people. Outside of the game, it encourages players to question systems and be more aware of power and control.
18. What is the game’s metaphor and which of the game’s mechanics stand out?
    1. The game is a metaphor for being constantly watched. The mechanic that stands out most is the limited freedom and strict rules, which shape how the game is played.
19. How does the gameplay make you feel? Who does the game make you feel empathy for?
    1. The gameplay made me feel tense and uncomfortable at times. It made me feel empathy for people who live under strict control or constant observation.
20. Is the game an activist game? If so, what does the gameplay advocate for?
    1. Yes, because it raises awareness about surveillance. The game advocates for thinking critically about authority and personal freedom.
21. Describe the game in three sentences or in the form of a haiku.
    1. Eyes are always there
       Rules decide what you can do
       Freedom feels distant