Wednesday, September 24, 2008

What do Ninja Squirrels look like?

Just for fun, but check out these images to see how cool ninja squirrels are:
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff87/nachosforever/Animals/squirrel-ninja.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlnn04R3unkWGOlaSpyGinK49WZzARcpFf2aJs_fggrG1RO_tK0108koWBXK3VYkxfghhIf6W3ar5VQWFXHCbjBDjfCNERhvMbTvQu0JGgGs_7yIFlIn4OkO643Eph9MjSVXrCLiICr8/s1600-h/Ninja-Squirrel-1.jpg
http://www.threadless.com/submission/43160/Fear_the_Ninja_Squirrel

Nicki The Ninja Squirrel

I want to work on a game for kids K-5 preferably with the subject of nutrition, fitness, health, or science.

Nicki The Squirrel wants to be a ninja, but no one believes in him because he's small and a squirrel. As Nicki progresses through the game, he learns about good nutrition and fitness, which serve as power-ups. Fast food and sugars serve as short-term energy boasts, but long-term bad decisions, which affects his behavior, decision-making, weight, and overall energy.

Eating a candy bar may give Nicki some instant energy, but later create a lag-time, add some weight, etc. In the long-term part of the game, good nutrition and fitness will help Nicki to "beef up," grow, and perform better.

Themes of self-confidence, making good decisions, and long-term wellness will be explored.

I'd like to explore the use of a Wiimote as an input option, so that kids could practice the exercises, which would affect the behavior on screen.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Identifying Species

I'd like to create a game that helps younger kids learn to identify plant and animal species. Throughout the game, they would interact with lots of different plants and animals and have to differentiate between certain physical attributes to identify them.

I envision an animal character visiting an unfamiliar place and meeting many strangers that she's never seen before. Kids will learn about diversity and acceptance, while also learning the difference between various animals. The character will also have the opportunity to learn about different plant species, which will be important as the character's new animal friends will have certain plants that they can or cannot eat.