Guide to Games

Some of these games are played through a web browser or other Internet interface. The rest of the games are available on PC/Windows and Mac/iOS systems: you are expected to play these versions of the games. If the game is available on another platform (such as iPad, Nintendo DS, Xbox), it is your responsibility to ensure that you are playing a version of the game identical to the one available on PC or Mac. (Note the links to the games on the Information page page point to the versions of the games we will be studying.)

Anna’s Quest

Finish the game.
Bug: you try to play the organ and you are stuck: you cannot get out of the game. Press the <K> key on the keyboard (to activate telekinesis) and click on one of the keys on the organ. The game will then return to normal.

BioShock

Finish the game.

Minecraft

Play in single player, survival mode, difficulty set to easy or anything harder. Ideally, you should get to the End, but at least get to the Nether. For an extra challenge, find a woodland mansion and acquire a Totem of Undying.

Pac-Man

Play for a little while: eat, eat, eat.

Plants vs Zombies

Complete the adventure mode (including level 5-10), and watch the music video.

Portal

Complete the main game by completing all 19 test chambers (the Heartbreaker achievement on Steam).

Portal 2

Complete the main game by completing all 9 chapters (the Lunacy achievement on Steam).

Robot Unicorn Attack

Play until you are sick of it.

Spore

Evolve at least one cell to achieve the Space stage of the game.

Thomas Was Alone

Finish the game (the Thomas Was Not Alone achievement on Steam): level 9.10. You can do the extra levels if you would like.

World of Warcraft

Play in the Normal realm type (Player vs Environment). Create a new character of one of the following two races: Night Elf or Blood Elf. Choose any class of character. Play until that character is level 20 (though feel free to go higher, if you want). It is recommended that you create an additional character of the other race (Night Elf or Blood Elf) and play at least a few levels (perhaps 10) as the other character to get a sense of the diversity of the character abilities and game story. You are of course welcome to play with more characters of other races if you want, but the course will focus on these two races. Do pay attention to the story of the game as you play.