Better Latin through Gaming

[M. Porcius Cato]

University of Connecticut professor uses role-playing games to teach Latin and ancient society. His blog is HERE.

 

Seems like a really cool idea. Learning languages requires having something to connect the words to, and a language with words like pila, lustrum, and Robigalia desperately needs an artificial world for that to happen. Plus, it looks like fun.

[Nephele]

University of Connecticut professor uses role-playing games to teach Latin and ancient society. His blog is HERE.

 

Seems like a really cool idea. Learning languages requires having something to connect the words to, and a language with words like pila, lustrum, and Robigalia desperately needs an artificial world for that to happen. Plus, it looks like fun.

 

Yes, that does look like fun! But... Where does one begin? He's got so many links all over his blog, that I'm confused over which to click on first.

 

-- Nephele

[docoflove1974]

Really cool idea! Hmmm...makes me wonder about a couple of ideas...

[Marcellus Mastrannus]

This looks great but I have always had this little idea in my mind that is slightly relevant.

 

So, Im hoping you know what an FPS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-person_shooter) some of these are free some of the free ones quite good (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CrossFire_(online_PC_game).

 

My idea would be to get hold of the format or programming etc for a game like that and change it to a roman themed melee game. Like roma victor but fighting only.

 

Thoughts?

[Centurion-Macro]

It looks like a good idea, but how do you play?

[Marcellus Mastrannus]

Your question leaves me with an endless scope for possiblity in unanswering.

 

How does one play? Controls,plot, game modes, maps instead of asking for clarification I shall answer all, i well help you to understand the concept.

 

Controls:

 

Keyboard controls same as an fps; wsad make you move, mouse makes youn turn, left and right click for attack however this time it will take the melee model with different 'attacks' being applied to each click, space however is not jump; it is block with shield, instead of parry with sword which would require far too much skill, timing etc.

 

Plot and Game modes:

 

The difficulty here is that the Romans always fought in formation well clearly this is too boring and complex for a free to play multiplayer also it would require immense maps. Therefore I would suggest that the game was set in a time of turmoil in rome, civil wars etc where the was street fighting, this requires smaller maps and gives more freedom. Now this brings us to another problem historical accuracy of course I think this is not gonna be possible. But what I would suggest is that maps are authentic and accurate and that the only un historical thing is the mixing of weapons and the plot lines.

 

Game modes; I wold go along with the established model of team deathmatch, search and destroy, some form of monster vs man. The only one that needs addressing here is s & d as the romans had no bombs. Instead I would suggest firebrands to thatch.

 

 

Maps:

Urban areas from accross the empire. North african mud huts, to celtic mudhuts, to Gallic mudhuts and beyond!

 

 

Hope this answers your questions

 

 

Regards

 

Mastrannus

Edited March 9, 2010 by Marcellus Mastrannus