Playing our alt energy-themed game
"The Walker," won't save the world, but it's a fun distraction from your workday drudgery
By Kevin Hand
Posted 06.18.2008 at 10:45 am
The Walker: PopSci's first videogame:
Kevin Hand
As part of PopSci's "Future of the Environment" special, we commissioned a modern, eco-themed take on the classic videogame "Frogger." In our version, called "The Walker," players have to catch various forms of alternatively fueled vehicles to help them cross a busy highway and make it to school on time. Play the game here—but be warned: once you start, it's pretty darn hard to stop.
Inspired to learn more about the future of energy-saving transportation methods? Take an animated tour of our "
"Green City of the Future," here.
And check out PopSci's complete coverage of the future of the environment at popsci.com/futurecity.
Comments
Is a video game really the best way to promote eco-awareness? I mean, PCs consume a fair amount of energy, and putting out a game that's "damn hard to stop" playing just promotes unnecessary energy consumption. And yes, I know this comment required energy, too, but not the same as 30 minutes playing a Flash game.
5 out of 9 people found this comment helpfulYes, I believe that a video game is the best way to promote eco-awareness. Maybe it will make someone who is sitting in front of a computer think about the environment. Lighten up, Francis.
1 out of 3 people found this comment helpfulfrom RICHMOND, VA
This game is lame. There is a random sequence of cars that creates barely any opportunity. It's pretty impossible. And to make it worse, the music isn't looped right, so it sounds like you're listening to a record with a skip in it (or a bad ringtone). But, have some fun getting "booed" over and over for naught!
3 out of 3 people found this comment helpfulmeh. that game was full of fail.
2 out of 2 people found this comment helpfulAside from the truly boring/ almost plageuristic gameplay/ it does not work particularily well.
Do you truly think convincing people that it will be this difficult to get around without gasoline cars promotes enviromentalism?
1 out of 1 people found this comment helpfulFrogger.. Anyhow, the arrow keys on my laptop make the browser scroll up so I cant see the little man after trying to make the first hop.
0 out of 0 people found this comment helpfulfrom sacramento, california
I think that all ways of raising eco awareness are helpful even if it is a crappy video game. If it succeeded in people arguing over its eco value then it must have had an impact however slight. It is also true that every comment left on this page receives hits from many more people than participate in the conversation and a secondary communication can be formed from these people.
1 out of 1 people found this comment helpfulfrom Houston, TX
I'm a pedestrian. About four years ago my cataracts got so bad that I sold my car out of fear that I'd cause an accident. Now, the eyes are in good shape, but I'm still carless.
Forget the "Walker" game and try spending a couple of weeks walking or taking public transportation everywhere. Fortunately, there's a supermarket about a quarter mile away, but I have to cross a busy 4 lane street coming and going... I feel like the original "Frogger" game!
1 out of 1 people found this comment helpful