The Wisp Scramble

Assignment: The Kodu Wisp Scramble

Objective

This assignment will challenge you to master the use of Kodu's Path Tool and visual programming to create a dynamic and visually interesting animation. You will first design a complex, looping path in a 3D world and then program eight distinct elements to follow that path in a staggered sequence, creating a "scramble" of colored wisps.

Required Software

• Microsoft Kodu Game Lab (Free)

Part 1: Create the World and the Scramble Path

1. World Setup: Create a new, empty world in Kodu. Use the terrain and world-shaping tools to create an interesting landscape for your path. Consider adding hills, valleys, water, or different ground materials to make it visually appealing.

2. Draw the Path:

   • Select the Path Tool from the main toolbar.

   • Click on the terrain to place nodes and create a single, continuous, and complex path.

   • Make your path loop, cross over itself, and go up and down the terrain you created.

   • Right-click on the path nodes to change their color or height to refine the route. This path will serve as the guide for your wisps.

Part 2: Create the Wisps

1. Add a Wisp: Select the Object Tool and add a character to your world near the start of the path. A good object to use is a Light or a Puck, but you can be creative. This will be your first "wisp."

2. Customize the Wisp: Right-click on the wisp and select Change Settings to adjust its size or other properties. Select Program to change its color.

3. Duplicate and Color:

   • Right-click on your wisp and select Copy, then right-click on the ground to Paste.

   • Create a total of eight wisps.

   • Program each wisp to be a different, vibrant color (e.g., red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange, cyan, magenta).

Part 3: Program the Wisps

1. Program the Leader: Right-click on your first wisp and select Program. Create the following line of code:

   • WHEN always DO move on path

   • This will make the first wisp start moving along the path as soon as the game starts.

2. Program the Followers with a Timer: To make the other wisps follow in a staggered line, we will use a timer and broadcast messages.

   • Go into the World's programming by pressing ESC and selecting Program World.

   • Create a series of timers that each broadcast a unique message.

     • WHEN timer 2 seconds DO broadcast new... > wisp2_go

     • WHEN timer 4 seconds DO broadcast new... > wisp3_go

     • WHEN timer 6 seconds DO broadcast new... > wisp4_go

     • (Continue this pattern for all seven remaining wisps, increasing the time for each)

3. Make the Wisps Listen: Now, program each of the "follower" wisps to listen for their specific message.

   • For the second wisp: WHEN hear wisp2_go DO move on path

   • For the third wisp: WHEN hear wisp3_go DO move on path

   • (Continue this pattern until all eight wisps have their own unique logic to start moving)

4. Final Touches: Hide the path so it's not visible during the game. Right-click on any path node and select Change Settings, then set Visible to False.

Submission Requirements

• Kodu File: Submit your final Kodu world file (it will have a .Kodu2 extension).

Grading Criteria

• World & Path Design (30%): The path is complex, makes good use of the 3D terrain, and the world is well-designed.

• Wisp Customization (20%): The eight wisps are created and colored distinctly.

• Programming Logic (50%): The Kodu programming is correct and efficient. The wisps successfully follow the path with a clear, staggered offset, creating the desired "scramble" effect.