Week 5

Today, we had completed two play tests of our board game. Again, these two play tests were crucial in narrowing in on specific game play flaws and adjustments that would need attention. Suggestions from classmates include:
-consider adding a trading mechanism
-drawing each turn should only be applicable if you have less than five cards
-2 actions must be done
-coins should be able to regenerate
-more coin spots
-catch up mechanism
-mechanism where if you make another player collect a coin, you do also
As group discussion will follow in the next few days, we plan to determine what aspects are in need of change. Derek also included that we should add a card space on the board where the card decks will be placed. Another kink that arose in the last play tests were that the spaces with fire and tree branches had the same effect (moving backwards two spaces). We decided we would change this so that the fire would have the same effect but the tree branch only moved a player back one space. In relation to the ability for coins to regenerate, we decided that a turn counter would be made for next week.  In addition, we will discuss how we can solve these problems. As for the final project, we will print the design of the board game in full color in 18x22 and adhere it to a chipboard. The chipboard will be cut into fours to allow for easy transportation. We will also create a box and polish the final cards for the final presentation. Although we had believed that all of the problems were figured out from last weeks play test, a second and third round of play testing with different play testing reveals that it is necessary to conduct further tests with a different group.

Edit: We decided that coins will not be removed after someone lands on a coin spot. This will take out the need for a turn counter and will add a catch-up mechanism as players behind will still be able to rack up coins. In addition, a trading mechanism will be introduced where a player can request to trade on their turn.