Introduction:

In this PBL Project, I will make a jump n' run game in Scratch using the materials I've learned in class. The user will navigate through a set of 8 intense levels with many obstacles which gets progressively harder. The point of the game is to avoid the spikes and make it to the end of the level to proceed. It is an engaging game that kids could play. 

 Driving Question:

Can you make a jump n' run game in Scratch using materials you learned and researched?

Background Research:

Before creating a Scratch platform game, it is important to conduct background research. This will help to determine the game's design, mechanics, and target audience. To start, brainstorming is crucial as it allows for the exploration of creative ideas and helps to establish the direction of the game. From there, research on similar platform games can be conducted to identify successful elements that can be incorporated. Next, it's important to consider the game's story, characters, levels, obstacles, and power-ups, and determine how they all fit together. After the initial research and brainstorming, it's important to create a rough prototype to test the game mechanics and make any necessary adjustments before moving on to the final development stage. 

Procedure :

1. Plan out how you want your platform to play. (How you want the character to look, the background, and the story behind it.)

2. Act out. Using a coding platform (scratch or anyone you feel comfortable with) start making a character and a simple background the character can interact with.

3. Refine your code, make sure your character is moving and interacting with the background correctly then move on to make as many stages as you desire.

4. Play through the stages and makes sure they play out how you want them to and none of the stages have any problems.

5. Add spikes or any other danger you feel the game needs.

6. Refine the code, and make sure that everything is final and ready to be published.

Safety:

Not much needs to be said about safety, but make sure if you use add-ons that they are from a reliable resource, and don't communicate with strangers online unless they are trustworthy from your guardian's point of view.

Essential Understanding: 

A platform game is a type of video game where the player controls a character who moves between suspended platforms and obstacles. The objective is usually to reach the end of the level or to collect items while avoiding enemies. Scratch is a visual programming language that allows users to create animations, games, and interactive stories. To make a platform game in Scratch, users must first plan out the levels, characters, and obstacles they want to include. Then, they can use Scratch's drag-and-drop blocks to program the movement and behavior of their characters and objects. Scratch also includes sprite manipulation tools, such as a paint editor, to create or import graphics for characters and objects. Once the program is complete, it can be shared with others or saved for future use. Understanding the basic elements of platform games and how to use Scratch to create them can be a fun and educational experience for both children and adults.

Scientific Principle:

Observation/Question: Can you make a platform game in Scratch using Materials you learned and researched?

Research Topic Idea: How to make a platform game in Scratch.

Hypothesis: You can make a platform game if you use what you learn and research more about the topic. 

Test with Experiments: Make multiple copies of your code, specifically right before you move on to adding a major part to your code just in case anything goes wrong.

Analyze Data: Having multiple copies of the code allowed me to expand and experiment with different parts of the code without messing up or having to reset anything.

Report Conclusion: You can make a platform game in Scratch.

Real-life connections:

Platforms games have been a big part of people's life since 1981. Since then, they evolved into well-known games that people have learned to love and appreciate throughout the years. Platform games, like the one I made, have a real-life connection as they can positively impact human development. These games can improve hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, playing platform games can be a form of stress relief and can also enhance cognitive abilities, as players must navigate through various levels and overcome obstacles. Furthermore, platform games can also foster social connections as they can be played with friends and family, promoting teamwork and communication. In conclusion, platform games have various benefits for humans, from enhancing physical and mental abilities to promoting social connections.

Investigation Questions:

What is the overall design and layout of the game, including its levels and challenges?

The overall design of the game is a jump n' run platformer with six levels. The main challenge in the game is avoiding the spikes, which are present as obstacles at each level. Players must use the arrow keys on their keyboard to navigate through the levels and reach the end safely.

What is the theme or setting of the game, and how does it influence the gameplay?

The theme or setting of the game is similar to games like Cuphead and Hollow Knight, which means that it may feature hand-drawn or visually stylized environments and characters. This theme or setting may influence the gameplay by adding a unique aesthetic and possibly adding to the atmosphere or tone of the game.

What features or mechanics does the game use to make it enjoyable and engaging for the player?

The game uses the mechanics of avoiding obstacles and reaching the end of each level as the main source of enjoyment and engagement for the player. The use of the keyboard arrow keys to control the movement of the character is also an important aspect of the gameplay.