E. Conclusions
E1. Results vs Expectations
For the original project idea, we wanted to have the stars shooting bullets at the space shuttle, however, after incorporating the TA's idea, we decide to implement dropping stars instead. This would make the game even more fun and playable.
We have also added a few features, for example the space shuttle disappearing on one side of the screen and reappearing on the other side, which we have not anticipated initially. We have also added different bonus points for shooting dropping stars at different difficulty levels, as well as bonus points for clearing a level. Extra life bonus is also added to make the game more interesting. We also did not expect ourselves to make unlimited difficulty levels previously, as we did not have sufficient expectations of how a game works. Then as we moved along, we gradually added more features.
Our original idea includes implementing stars flying around in the space, but due to limited memoray space and computation time, we do not manage to do it. We also originally plan to make the star move in the direction of the space shuttle, but we think if the space shuttle is to shoot up vertically, making the star dropping vertically down would be more challenging.
On what we might do differently next time, we could implement a multiple player game, and perhaps introduce different kinds of stars or objects, where some objects would earn a bonus, and some should be avoided. That would make the game more challenging, but it would not be as suitable as the present game for the early gamers.
In all, we think the current Shooting Star game is at a pretty good level, where we could actually get addicted to it. Quite a number of students in ECE 476 and other friends come to test the game, and they all say that they enjoy the game thoroughly.
E2. Conformance to Standard
We conform fully to NTSC standards for the video signal. For further illustration, please refer to section B5.
E3. Intellectual Property Considerations
The idea of creating Shooting Star partially comes from the game Galaga, a classic game that has been adapted by many people. Further explanations on that intellectual property aspect of Galaga game is explained in Section B6. Our game is our own creation, and we do not utilize other codes, except for the video generation codes that we have written for our ECE 476 Spring 2005 Lab 4: Lunar Lander and also some of the codes provided by Professor Bruce Land for that same lab. We have also looked for the standards of connecting the Sega Genesis Controller to our game, and we have adapted from Pinouts.ru and also the project Star Duel from Spring 2004. Complete reference is in Section F. We create our own name, Shooting Star, so there is no issue with any trademark, and there is no aspect of the game that has been patented.
E4. Ethical Considerations
Referring to the IEEE Code of Ethics, we believe that the decisions and actions that we have made during this project is consistent with this Code of Ethics. We as Electrical Engineers should strive to always maintain this IEEE Code of Ethics.
Among the most pertinent points in the code to our Project are as follow:-
1. In this aspect, we have always taken into consideration the safety, health and welfare of the public into consideration when designing and testing our Project, and if any potential danger exists in the future, we would definitely disclose it promptly.
3. We are very honest and realistic in stating all our claims and estimates based on our best understanding and also on best available data.
5. We strive to learn as much as possible through the undertaking of this project and this project has helped to improve our understanding of technology of microcontroller, art of making a video game, as well as its applications.
7. We are posting our Project Report on the ECE 476 website, so that we are able to get honest criticism of our work. Throughout the project, we have asked a number of friends to help tasting our game, and accept their feedback, which helps us to improve on the game. We will credit the contributions of all parties who help us in the creation of this project.
10. We strive to assist and learn together with fellow students in ECE 476 in their learning and professional development process. We will ensure and support everyone in following this IEEE code of ethics as well.
E5. Legal Consideration
For our project, we do not use any transmitter or any other device that requires specific FCC or other authorities legal restriction.