Evaluation Videogames - Evaluation Videogames

Simcity 4000

Screenshot of the videogame:

Name of producer:

Maxis

Name of Distributor:

MAxis

Technical Requirements:

4000 runs with Windows and needs about 512 Mb ram and a 2004 graphical card

Cost of product:

about 40 €

Type of videogame:

Simulation

Genre of videogame:

This videogame sets its own genre. Though there are similar games, both in game type and in graphical aspect, none of the above common options seems to match this particular game.

Type of game visual:

Isometric

DESCRIPTION OF VIDEOGAME
Player:

Single player

Help:

Presence of initial training
Presence of textual tutoring during the game

Interaction:
Dialogue with other characters:

Poor0123456Excellent

Driving Vehicles:

Poor0123456Excellent

Explorability of environment:

Poor0123456Excellent

Memory of events:

Poor0123456Excellent

Complexity of logic succession of events:

Poor0123456Excellent

Number of alternative game paths for solution of events:

Poor0123456Excellent

If Other :

The most attractive part of the game is that there is no goal (other than avoid bankrupcy), no final boss, player sets up his own goals.

Game interface:

Possibilities of different views (1st person, 3rd person etc.)
Presence of floating elements: Archiving of objects
Presence of floating elements: Archiving of texts
Presence of maps
This type of game is unique and in this area of analysis (Game interface) is excellent. Managing a city requires complete information of what is going on. The multiple maps, graphs, charts, coloring areas, etc. all give clear information of a complex data. Of course, the player will miss or wish more views or graphics, but the effort made is worth

Technology foreseen:

Text
3D
Immersive
Simulator:

External hardware:

Keyboard and mouse mainly are the only interfaces required to play. There is a minigame (driving vehicles, trains or planes) where one could use joystick. But this minigame is quite bad implemented and joystick would be equally useless

THE EDITOR

Is an internal Editor available for the videogame?

No

Is an external Editor available for the videogame:

No

Level of editing:
Minimum Level
(It is possible to change elements which are already present in the game) 
Graphics:

Poor0123456Excellent

Type of interface:

3D

Availability and location of documentation:

Tutorial

Location:

There is a tutorial in the game

2D / 3D License:

Commercial

>Cost of software(�):

about 40 €

Where to find it:

Games shop.

Which software are useful for editing the videogame:

Still to know

EVALUATION
Usability potential of this game in an educational context:

Poor0123456Excellent

Explain how the videogame can be used in an educational context:

The game shows several aspects of the managment of a city, from several points of view. Player gets worried of modern cities problems: traffic, pollution, natural resources (watering, electricity), and also budgets and tax. For young players who play seriously, this game also makes them to read and understand Charts, spreadsheet-like formatted data.
THis game has an important drawback: It requires lots of time. It's game that players have to play at home, never in school.

Evaluator:

Name of Evaluator:

Ignacio Pachés (I.E.S. Simarro Lacabra - Xátiva)

Role of Evaluator:

Vocational education computer teacher

Country:

Spain

Date of Evaluation:

07/03/2012

Blackboard:

IES Doctor Lluis Simarro Lacabra IES Doctor Lluis Simarro Lacabra

I really think that this games should be regarded as one of the major examples of how a game can have educational benefits. The player must not forget the fincial part of city managment. Plans must be carefull done prior to city development so the city has not to undergo further demolitions and replannings, there are many things to have balanced in the game (great industry vs pollution), this game makes player sensible to all these decision taking issues that happen in real life (M.A.Sanchis Xativa Workshop 3)

FETE - UGV - PV FETE - UGV - PV

Very good game. Totally agree with the review. I found other review of this game in the portal, But this is the best review. Thanks! Pilar Pérez FETE UGT Workshop 1