Evaluation

Here is a summary of my observations and findings so far: -

• The small polystyrene ball works best in terms of speed and amount of effort expended by the player to make it move.
• The raised wall buffers adequately and effectively prevent the ball from falling off the track.
• Sonic Wings appears to be accessible and appealing to different player types. It is easy to pick up and play immediately (instant entertainment) regardless of age or skill set.
• A mix of obstacles make gameplay more challenging, varied and interesting without becoming frustrating or impossible to pass.

"Most people would agree that one thing that engages them in a game is challenge. What do they really mean by challenge, though? They don’t simply mean that they want to be faced with a task that is hard to accomplish. If that were true, the challenge of games would hold little difference from the challenges of everyday life. When players talk of challenge in games, they’re speaking of tasks that are satisfying to complete, that require just the right amount of work to create a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment." (Fullerton, 2008. p86)

• Players seem to prefer (and enjoy) the physical interactivity of manipulating the ball with a straw, as it gives them better control in terms of speed and direction.
• Spectators like to gather round and watch other people play...

"In addition to thinking about categories of play and types of players, the level of engagement can also vary; not all players need to participate at the same level to find the same enjoyment. For example, spectators might find watching sports, games, or other events more satisfying than playing them. We don’t tend to think of designing games for spectators, but the truth is, many people enjoy games in this way. How many times have you sat and watched a friend make their way through the level of a console game, waiting for your turn at the controls? Is there a way as a designer to take this spectator mode into account when designing the play?" (Fullerton, 2008. p93)

• The game requires concentration - players appear to automatically 'get in the zone' and stay focused, eyes fixed on the ball.
• Sonic Wings does work as a Single Player game. However, the experience is totally different without an audience - it lacks the feeling of pleasure and achievement derived from showing off in front of your friends and the banter it generates.