The game opens with soothing electronic music, as a mysterious figure appears to guide us through the process of growing a cell. The cell starts with centrosome, then moves to cytoskeleton. We learn that the cell is surrounded and protected by a plasma membrane. We discover atp and get glucose and a mitochondrion It is revealed at this point that the game protagonists are platypi scientists working to save their people as a meteor hurtles towards their planet. The species must be preserved! The humorous aspect of this game is helpful in maintaining the player's interest and focus. We then move on to a nucleus and organelles, amino acids and nucleic acids, ribosomes, slicer enzymes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. You get the idea. W505 Games as Learning Tools Stage 2 - 1: Analysis of Simulation Games Title: General information 1. Background information CellCraft is a game developed by Armor Games. The game invites its players to learn about how a cell functions while helping it develop and survive in hostile environments. The student will gain an understanding of important molecules such as glucose and ATP, as well as a variety of cellular organelles, while going through an entertaining story guided by Platypus scientists in need of help. The game encourages students to balance resources and grow a robust cell in order to fight off cold, starvation, and viruses. 2. Play features The game opens with soothing electronic music, as a mysterious figure appears to guide us through the process of growing a cell. The cell starts with centrosome, then moves to cytoskeleton. We learn that the cell is surrounded and protected by a plasma membrane. We discover atp and get glucose and a mitochondrion It is revealed at this point that the game protagonists are platypi scientists working to save their people as a meteor hurtles towards their planet. The species must be preserved! The humorous aspect of this game is helpful in maintaining the player's interest and focus. We then move on to a nucleus and organelles, amino acids and nucleic acids, ribosomes, slicer enzymes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes. You get the idea. 3. Representation The player is walked through the game by one of the scientist characters, who first appears as a "mysterious figure" and later shows his identity. The display shows the player's supply of energy and the next move to be made in order to advance. Clicking and dragging and "buying" certain cellular components advance the player further on in the game. The cell is visually represented in a highly realistic fashion. Analysis 1. Learner’s styles & Teaching / Learning objectives I think this game would be excellent for middle school-aged students (or younger students with an interest in biology) as they begin their studies in the life sciences. While it certainly can't supplement real-life lab work, it would probably also be great for home schooled students. 2. Game components While this game filled many of the components from my matrix, the teamwork component was noticeably absent, as this is a one-player game. I also think the decision-making component was somewhat weak, as the player cannot make a decision which immediately has a negative consequence. Rather, the decisions add up gradually, so that it is not fully possible to determine which decision was the wrong one. 3. Application If I were a biology teacher, CellCraft is not a game I would assign for in-class work unless it were expanded to allow for a multi-player option. Rather, I would assign it for homework, and have the students present their results to the class. The game is very engaging and would, I believe, stimulate a student's interest in biology, as well as helping with the memorization of important terminology and with the visual aspect of cell structure. It would be a great introduction to biology before moving on to microscopes and lab work.