One of my most successful projects would be a board game called 'Columns'. At the end of 7th grade, we were assigned a social studies project to sum up everything we learnt throughout the semester. The main goal of the project was to create a board game that was simple, fun, and tested the criteria well. My friends, Eric Duanmu, Lucas Maloney and I created this board game from scratch. Not only was this one of my most successful projects, but it is also the most elaborate. The game is made up of several parts. The transcript, the pieces, the columns and the questions.
The Pieces
The game has multiple pieces, and are meant to be set up as the game is played. The three main characters, Alexander Mcqueen, John Pourtsmouth and Audie Murphy, were designed by me using a ball point pen. Other pieces were printed, and pasted onto cardboard pieces. Using the layout given by the game master, the pieces can be set out accordingly.
Each hazard is based upon the schools social studies criteria. For example, gas chamber and soldier is based on World War II.
The Columns
The columns is what makes up the game field. Each column is made 3x3x2 inches, except for the boss room which is about twice the size in length. The game master is free to use these rooms to make up his/her game layout. Each column has at least one door which leads to a new room. However, doors can be blocked.
All the columns were built by me, using cardboard and a gluegun.
Paper Board Game: 'Columns'
7th grade- June 2013
The Transcript
The transcript is a four page instruction manual, given to the person who is hosting the game, otherwise called the Game Master. The transcript is made up of dozens of lines that the Game Master reads during possible outcomes of the game. For example, if the player were to encounter a room of statues, the Game Master would read: Both statues come to life. They open their mouths revealing a pit of fire.
The Transcript was written by me and Eric Duanmu, then later edited by Lucas Maloney.
Transcript: http://imgur.com/X0b7p4z
Questions
The questions are the main variable in the game. Asking a question and having players answer them correctly decide whether they win battles, open doors, or unlock chests. Question difficulties can vary on what situation the player is dealing. Also, questions are divided into the three topics we studied that year among which players can choose. World War II, Latin America, and the Middle East
The questions were created and organized by Lucas Maloney.