Bastion
LQ: 9.15
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Planning, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
Writer Rumble is a word game where players must survive an onslaught of ghoulish enemies by connecting letters on a grid in an effort to form as many words as possible. Longer words deal more damage to the ghouls, but if players cannot keep pace and find words fast enough, they’ll be overpowered and lose. Players can choose which famous writer to play as, each of which has a unique fighting style and set of powers (like health restore, double damage, etc.) There are also two types of play: Survival and an online “Fight With Words” mode. While the rumbles feature some cartoon violence, it is mild and unrealistic. As a word game, Writing Rumble requires some reading and spelling skills to play, so it is recommended for children ages 8 and older.
Teachers: check out the classroom guide!
Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.
Enemies get harder as with each new level. Three letter words can eliminate enemies in the first couple of levels. Therefore, it's important that players plan ahead, using easier words to get rid of weaker enemies, saving the higher scoring letters and longer words for stronger enemies, as words cannot be repeated. Players should remember where the stronger words are on located once found, saving them for later levels. It's important that players also save their special powers, too, as they are unnecessary early in the game -- especially ones like re scrambling the board. Players have to try their best, wracking their brains to utilize the board for all the word combinations it can possibly offer. Simply put, it's critical that players are always aware of the inevitable increase in difficultly, and save their "last resort" words and special powers until absolutely necessary -- ensuring they aren't left vulnerable while special powers replenish.
Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations.
Starting with level four, players encounter more of a variety of enemies, some stronger than others. Now players cannot simply focus their attention on making words, they must look at the game screen to see the type of invader that is coming, and adjust the size and score of their word accordingly. Quick adjustments like these will result in extended play and higher scores. Players should also adapt their style of play to the nature of their character's strength, powers, and items they have chosen. Writer Rumble is a game of fast adjustments, quick strategy, and strong vocabulary. Combining these three skills while demonstrating flexible thinking is the key to earning a high score.
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