SO MUCH WORK!!

I got a LOT of work to do right now, so I gotta make this quick! They're having us take our little game mechanic and turn it into a mock senior thesis! Here are some of the specs they've been having me fill out:

Plot:

You are trying to destroy the source code to time travel that is stored on your former company's main frame to prevent a second arms race that starts World War 3.

I just finished watching Steins;Gate.

Mcguffin:

Does the object exist in fictional world and/or does it resemble a current day or historical analog?

Technically, it’s the source code for time travel. What you remember: For security reasons, the only remaining copy was was fragmented into INTERCAL and stored on the lab’s ancient IBM 360: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System/360
Problem is, it’s still connected to the building’s current server so you must go and retrieve each piece of the file manually from each server port in the building.

However, because each terminal runs differently (hell, some of the stuff wasn’t meant to work with it at all), the language it is coded in, and the medium it is stored on vary by mainframe. List of BS programming languages: http://listverse.com/2011/02/17/top-10-truly-bizarre-programming-languages/

It is up to you to A) Find said pieces of source code and B) Decode them. Puzzles for the puzzle, if you will.

You use Hello World templates as hints for solving each piece of the puzzle: http://esolangs.org/wiki/Hello_world_program_in_esoteric_languages#Brainfuck
However, ya gotta find these. Obviously the puzzles will be designed with the goal of common folk being able to solve them rather than trying to be true to the actual code methods.

Example of steps: You find a piece of the source code. When run, it outputs a short midi jingle. You must find a Grand Piano to figure out what the actual notes are then compare those notes to the Hello World template. It’s similar to Zelda quests.

When was it made?
IBM 360: 1965 to 1978

What is the nationality or cultural background of the entity that made the object?
Unknown Mega-corp conglomerate.

How was the object made?
Drunk scientists.

Is or has the object been valued for its aesthetic or functionality?
It’s just old and, therefore, rare. The lab uses it for good luck.

What does it cost to make or purchase?
Well, I guess the cost of an IBM 360 on launch?

In the context of the setting, does the spectator view the object as a necessity, nicety or luxury?
Necessity

In the ecology, what function does the object serve consumer, producer, decomposer?
Is the object being used for it’s intended purpose or has it been repurposed?
Storing/processing code? Intended purpose.

What function does it serve in the set design? Denotation, Punctuation or Embellishment?
Does the object perform a function?  How does the form support the functionality?
Yes, it’s an old mainframe server.

Does it use energy in its function?  What is it’s energy source? How is it powered?
Plug in the back.

What is the object called in this world? is it’s name a scientific name or a brand name.
Time Travel Source Code. Commonly stored on an IBM 360.

What are the objects surface definition(s)?
Very much metal.

What is the condition of the object?
Old, but still works.

What is the size of the object?
Half a human high.

How much does it weigh?
Lots.

What is the durability of the object?
Pretty good.

What does it feel like?
Metal.

What does it smell like?
Old PC.

What does it sound like?
Lots of humming.

What does it taste like?
Ew.. metal?

What does the viewer’s intuition feel about the object?
“Oh, that’s important!”

What are the object’s greatest strength and flaw?
How does the object support the visual sophistication of the world it is placed in?
Looks like old lab equipment.

What is the stylistic look of the object?
Late 70’s PC.

How does the object support the mood, genre, theme and decor?
Looks like old lab equipment.

CHARACTER BIO:

EXTERNAL PROFILE::
1. Name: Unknown

2. Species: Human

3. Basic Shape: Tall, lanky

4. Scale: W____H____L____ Ryland size.

5. Weight: Ryland weight

6. Surface: ...Skin?

7. Eyes: Blue-Green

8. Nose: Straight and narrow

9. Ears: Normal

10.Hands: Normal

11. Feet: Normal

12. Gender: Male

13. Age: Late 20’s

14. Closet friend: His biggest enemy.

15. Biggest Enemy: His closest friend.

16. Any other physical decriptions:
(includes physical handcaps, tails,
other appendages, mechanics, etc)
INTERNAL PROFILE:
1. Lives by the following morals or ethical imperiative:
Utilitarianism (The greatest good for the greatest number of people)
2. Dominated by Logic or Emotion?
Both.
Greatest Strength:

His mind.

Character Flaw:

Ambition at humanity’s expense.

Sees themselves as:

A hero?

7. Is seen by others as:

Biggest secret?

From the future

Greatest ambition or passion?

Science. Now it’s saving the future.

10.What does the character want?

To save the future.

11.How far will the character go to reach his/her goal?

All the way to the top (of the building)

12. What does the character need to learn?

How to decode a crap-ton of bs programming languages.

Not a full load of well, actual game, but I'll see if I can get some proper footage of what I've been working on when my workload dies down.

See ya soon!