Getting Started

To start playing The Phoenix Challenge, follow these initial first steps.

Download and Install the Flux Plugin from: http://www.alivex3d.org/flux/SetupFluxPlayer.exe
See Computing Requirements at the end of this document for further details.
Go to http://www.alivex3d.org/challenge and enter your USQConnect details to login.
On the startup screen (see Screen 1) enter your username (this is your name in the game, NOT your USQConnect username) and other details.
Select your character by clicking on one of the six pictured.

graphics1

Screen 1. The Phoenix Challenge Startup Screen.

To start the game, click on Lets Play!

How to Play

The Game Interface

The screen is divided into several information and gameplay areas as shown below.

graphics2

Gameplay

The aim of the game is to accumulate as many points as possible. The only way to gather points is to submit assignments and take exams. The points obtained for assignments and exams are determined by the level on your status bars. For example, if your character has low Smarts then they will receive a low amount of points.

The game consists of 5 weeks, each constituting a game level. Before moving to the next week you must sit for an exam and if you pass you will progress. If you don’t pass you will have to start the week again.

Each week has a time limit in which you must complete all assignments and sit the exam. The timer is located in the Inventory. When it counts down to zero the week will reset. You can add extra time to the timer by walking over some bonus items.

To play the game, follow these steps:

Use the W, A, S and D keys to move the character around in the world.
To pick up items walk your character over them. If they are an inventory item they will be added to your inventory. Other items will affect the level of your status bars. For more details on what each item does see Table 2.
The game map consists of 12 different areas/rooms. To get from one area to the next walk through an ENTER sign. When the new area loads you will be able to explore it for other items. Some of the other areas in the game are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Some of the other game world areas.


A Very Large Chess Board	The Basketball Court

Each week there are 3 assignments to complete. Pick up the assignments by walking over them in the game world. They will be added to your Inventory. To submit the assignments find a computer terminal and click on it. HOWEVER BE WARNED!! The points you obtain for each assignment submission will depend on your Status Bar levels. Ensure you have obtained the best balance of these you can before submitting.

After completing each of the assignments, you can sit for the exam. To do this, go to the Dojo Classroom and click on the Exam Paper in the corner. To pass the exam, you must have completed each assignment, have your student card and a good balance on your Status Bars. If you successfully complete the exam you will move to the next week.

Game Items

The items shown in Table 2 can be found in the game world. There are four items which you can pick up and carry around with you and others that influence the levels on the Status Bars.

Table 2. Items in the Game World

Essential Items	Description
	The essential item for any USQ student; your student card. When found this card is added to your inventory items. The card is necessary for sitting exams and moving to the next level.
	Where would you be without your timetable. Having this item suggests you are well organised and ready for university life. This inventory item will reduce the impact events have on your stress levels as well as double the time-bonuses of other items.
	It might be a little difficult to study your courses and complete your tutorials without textbooks. Having textbooks in your inventory will positively influence the picking up of study points and might just help you pass that exam.
	Assignments are an essential part of each level. To get points (grades) and progress to the next level, you must pickup and successfully submit each assignment. There could be up to 3 assignments in any level. Once picked up you must make your way to a computer terminal to hand the assignment in.
Pickups and Bonuses
	Walking over the Study Points item will increase your Smarts. If you have textbooks in your inventory they will increase the effect. Be sure to have a high level of Smarts before submitting assignments or the exam as they will determine the points you achieve.
	This happy little person is the all helpful USQ Tutor. She will influence your Smarts and Stress levels.
	Two unwind your Stress levels, visit the Club and have a few drinks. But be warned, too many will have a bad effect on your Smarts.
	Healthy body, health mind. A little physical activity will increase your Strength level and help you make it through the week. The higher your Strength, the less effect stressful items will have on your Stress level.
	Two brains are better than one! If you find a brain item in the game world, walk over it to increase your Smarts.
	Dancing is great for reducing stress and increasing your health. If you find a Disco Ball in the game world, use it to decrease your Stress level and increase your Strength.
	Get by with a little help from your friends. The Friends item is useful for reducing Stress levels and increasing your Smarts and Strength.
	All hail our royal mascot: USQ Phil the Phoenix. The effect of this special edition minted coin lasts for 30 seconds after picking it up. During this time, you will receive TRIPLE the bonus points for any time. This means that the good effects are tripled and any bad effects are cut to 1/3 of their original effect.
	Take a chance. Picking up a question mark in any week (with the exception of the first entrance level) has random effects. Sometimes they will be good and sometimes they will be bad.
	The Study Materials item will increase your Smarts and reduce your Stress.
	Take some time out to watch a little TV. This item will reduce your Smarts, Strength and Stress. Great for relaxation, not too good for the brain.

Computer System Requirements

The Phoenix Challenge is currently restricted to Windows platforms and works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. You will also need to install the Flux plugin which can be found at: http://www.alivex3d.org/flux/SetupFluxPlayer.exe.

Help

For further support please contact Sean Clancy: clancys@usq.edu.au

The Phoenix Challenge User Manual