Gaming over the holidays: An exercise in teamwork

In addition to spending my gaming time playing minigames with coloring book graphics, I spent some time saving the universe. Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron for the Sony PSP is a 3^rd person action game with a limited single player mode and a solid 16 player online mode. The story campaign provided a side story that occurred during after “A New Hope” and up to the conclusion of “Return of the Jedi.” Most Star Wars would enjoy the, short and easy campaign. There is also a strategy mode where the player tries to control planets for either the Rebellion or Empire. While this mode was fun, it too was over quickly (a little over an hour on normal, and about 2 hours on hard).

The 16 player online matches were fun and provide a large amount of replay value for those looking for a portable online action experience. Players can battle on foot or in space. Both require some strategy and teamwork in order to be successful. In addition, the list below provides specific information literacy outcomes and examples from within my gaming experience.

ACRL Info Lit Outcome - Star Wars Battlefront Gameplay

1.1. The information literate student defines and articulates the need for information

Where are the bases located? How defended are they? What routes can a player take? What weapon combination works best on this map?

1.3. The information literate student considers the costs and benefits of acquiring the needed information.

What is the cost of time and/or life to explore the map? Will rushing into the fight get a character killed?

1.4. The information literate student reevaluates the nature and extent of the information need

Okay, after not being successful and having to respawn, what went wrong? What strategies can be adjusted?

2.1. The information literate student selects the most appropriate investigative methods or information retrieval systems for accessing the needed information.

Does the player use specialized equipment (jet pack) to investigate the opposition?

2.5. The information literate student extracts, records, and manages the information and its sources.

Objectives are recorded in-game for a player to refer to during the course of gameplay.

3.3. The information literate student synthesizes main ideas to construct new concepts.

Based on what was learned, what is the best strategy to be successful on a given map / situation.

4.1. The information literate student applies new and prior information to the planning and creation of a particular product or performance.

After knowing where the opposition is, what goals are included, and the layout of a map, the player takes action in the hopes of being successful.

4.2 Reflects on past success, failures, and alternative strategies

After any given match, a player reflects and revises what strategies, weapons, teamwork was successful and what to try next time.

images from 1up.com