Final Journal Entry (Post-Experience)

Over the course of 3 weeks,I have gone to school for 20 days STRAIGHT,all in the name of education and research,and finished Uncharted 2.Basically,play PS3 for 6 hours a week,FOR FREE!!That game is awesome!Hands down,one of the best all-round games I have ever played with the great story and gameplay.When I started out I wasn't sure that I wanted to wake up and go to school every weekend,but after the first session,I was hooked.I've learned many things about telling a story,be it the structure or character elements etc. also,that there is always another way around obstacles.

I really think my narrative writing skills have improved after playing this game,as it opened up so many new ways to write.For example,the element of flashbacks,surprise,and the double climaxex.I think that yes,using video games as a classroom enhancement activity can help me improve writing skills,as long as it is an appropriate game.We wouldn't make much progress with Street Fighter IV now,would we?HAHAH.I'd recommend my friends to improve their narrative writing skills by playing video games because firstly they get to have fun,and they will absorb way more than if they just read a reference book or something like that,because they will be INTERESTED and enjoying themselves for a change.

Finally,thank you Joseph for all the sweet freebies (in every sense of the word) and the kind and patient support he gave us!!

Journal Entry 5

I have finally finished Uncharted 2 and it was EPIC!Hopefully Joseph will find a way to let us play the third game next time ahahah.As for the final boss battle and ending,it did not disappoint.I liked the banter between Nathan and Elena at the end there.The Cintamani "stone" was a little potong steam for me,I mean come on,tree sap..?Other than that it was awesome.I've learnt that one should never give up and stick by his friends at all times today.I really feel that this type of story should be utilised more often by people in games!

Journal Entry 4

One more chapter to go tomorrow!Nathan has found Shambhala.It is beautiful,but there are enemies..!This game has made me look at things a different way,and that there is always another way around problems.I hope the final battle won't disappoint after such a long and epic journey...

Journal Entry 3

Yesterday,I finished another 6 chapters and am now at Chapter 23:The Monastery.The setting has changed to a very Tibetan atmosphere,and the plot is starting to heat up too,and I feel excited for the next session.There were some fascinating enemies too,in the form of monkey-yeti-gorilla thingies that are hard to kill.I can use this for future essays by throwing in something totally unexpected at some point haha!

In the next session,I hope to see more characters such as Flynn,as I think he is quite a funny,if bad,person.I also had some problems with some of the puzzles as I sometimes think too much to solve them.Finally,I realised the graphics are simply superb in this game.

Journal Entry 2

Played until chapter 17 today..!At the rate I'm going,I'll probably finish the game next week.I felt that today's session,especially the later stages,was WAY more intense and challenging than the first day.Lots of gun fights and chase sequences!I also kept dying a lot as the joystick aiming really let me down most of the time.I also noticed that the narrative has shifted,as the first parts of the story were told with flashbacks,then it went back to a more normal structure leading up to where Nathan was at the first level.This is interesting as I have never used this technique to write before.I really feel that this game is influenced by the fourth Indiana Jones movie because there are many similar settings and feel with the two.Lots of abandoned temples,jumping,skeletons,botak enemies,and female problems,anyone?

In the next session I hope to see more of Chloe as I think she is quite an enigmatic character.Plus,she's hot!I really want to play more as I heard from Hafiz that there will be something I will not expect later in the game.Also,thank you Joseph for the food and drinks.

Journal Entry 1

Today,I started playing Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves and managed to finish 6 chapters.I found that it was like a mix of Tomb Raider,Prince of Persia,and Indiana Jones,especially during the references to lost treasure.I was surprised at how good the pacing of the plot was.It always managed to keep me guessing what's going to happen next with a lot of twists.One of the things I learnt today was that characters in the game like to use the word "crap" a lot.I have also learnt a new term of abuse,which is "cocky bastard" :P

I don't feel that I can really relate to any of the characters,seeing as I have never been in situations such as theirs before.In my future essays,I hope to be able to use the element of suspense and especially with flashbacks,and I think my writing skills will improve because of that.In the next session,I hope to see more variety in the gameplay other than just climbing and shooting.I also had some problems with aiming as i'm not used to controlling using joysticks.Overall,this is a really fun game and I can't wait to play more!

Pre-Experience Journal Entry

Hello,so this is the blog I'll be updating whenever I play PS3 in school until the end of the month.

During the 3 week period,I think I'll hopefully finish the game Uncharted 2 : Among Thieves.I've heard quite a bit about its prequel in gaming magazines and the reviews were good,so hopefully it'll be an enjoyable experience for me.I think I will feel very happy that I get to play games for free in school for a 3 week period.

Through playing the game,I hope that I'll learn some new things,such as language and better platforming skills,as I'm quite bad at puzzle solving.I think my narrative writing skills will improve after playing the game,as it will open up new perspectives for me.Finally,I believe that using video games as a classroom enhancement activity can help me improve my writing skills because,well,I'd be paying a lot more attention to the subject if my homework was to go home,play video games,and write about it.