Physicus

Physicus: Save the World with Science! is a 1999 educational adventure video game developed by Ruske & Pühretmaier Edutainment and published by Heureka-Klett-Softwareverlag and Tivola Entertainment. It aims to teach players about physics concepts. It is part of a series that includes the chemistry-themed Chemicus and biology-themed sequel[1] Bioscopia.[2] It was the second learning adventure game by Ruske & Pühretmaier after the music-based Opera Fatal. The game's website had a minigame called "PHYSICO DriveIn" that players could download and complete in to get the highscore, which would win them a free copy of a game by the studio.[3] A sequel entitled Physicus: The Return was later released,[4] and was remade for the iOS.[5]

Physicus
Developer(s)Ruske & Pühretmaier
Publisher(s)Heureka-Klett, Tivola Publishing
Platform(s)Windows, Macintosh
Release1999
Genre(s)Adventure, Educational
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay

Gameplay is similar to Myst, in which players traverse through a series of computer generated static screens. Players can investigate physical locations, manipulate items, and complete puzzles to progress through the game.

The educational content covered four areas: Optics, Mechanics, Acoustics, and Electricity.[6]

Plot

When a meteorite collides with Earth, its planetary rotation ceases causing one hemisphere to be plunged into heat and the other into coldness. The player is tasked with using science to save the planet.

Reception

Tap Repeatedly thought the game was made in the same vein as Myst, and complimented its "charming... lighthearted" design philosophy that effectively taught players in an engaging manner.[7] Allgame noted that the game's use of the metric system and British accent of the narrator could act as barriers to North American players.[8][9] Adventure Spiele wrote that the game would be able to teach some physics concepts to even the uninitiated.[10] Quandaryland thought it would be a shame if the game's educational nature turned people off an experience as enjoyable as many non-educational titles.[11] Adventure Gamers noted the game's potential application within schools.[12]

Awards and nominations
  • 1999 Padi seal of approval (6 mice rating)[13]
  • 2000 Comenius seal[14]

References
  1. "Bioscopia. (Software: focus on science).(and Answer This: Whales and Dolphins! from Tivola Publishing)(Product Announcement)". T H e Journal (Technological Horizons in Education). 1 March 2002. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013.
  2. "Mystery Manor Physicus Review". 20 January 2013. Archived from the original on 20 January 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. "Physikus PC-Version Download". 6 June 2000. Archived from the original on 6 June 2000. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. "…und Physik wird zum Abenteuer" (in German). 16 January 2004. Archived from the original on 16 January 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  5. Gouscos, Dimitris. ECGBL2011-Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Games Based Learning: ECGBL2011. Academic Conferences and Publishing International. ISBN 9781908272195.
  6. "Physikus PC-Version Download". 6 June 2000. Archived from the original on 6 June 2000. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  7. "Four Fat Chicks -- Physicus Review". 20 November 2015. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. "Physicus - Review - allgame". 16 November 2014. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. "Physicus - Overview - allgame". 15 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  10. "avsn.de Heureka - Physikus 1 - Und Physik wird zum Abenteuer Review". 9 March 2016. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. "Physicus Review by Quandary". 9 January 2006. Archived from the original on 9 January 2006. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  12. "Adventure Gamers : Physicus". 3 January 2006. Archived from the original on 3 January 2006. Retrieved 23 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  13. "Beste Lernspiele für Kinder ab 12 Jahre (und andere Altersgruppen)". www.mediengewalt.de. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
  14. "Beste Lernspiele für Kinder ab 12 Jahre (und andere Altersgruppen)". www.mediengewalt.de. Retrieved 24 December 2017.
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