Passage Analysis: Formal

Passage: The game
Player: 1 person/self
Goals: Timed points collection
Rules: 5 minute time limit
          gather points
          spouse generates a double point collection
          8-bit linear game- while map allows for multi-directional  movement,moving in a "backwards" direction             does not allow for movement back in time.
         resolution is death of self (and spouse if achieved- spouse dies first)
Information availability:  Public game.  Game information is hidden (time limit is known only after play).
Sequence:  "Real time" play.  Time (though sped up) moves as does in real life.
Theme: Life journey.  Map system exploration (map is hidden).

Passage is a simple game in conception.  Player uses a male avatar and travel through the game.  The object of the game is found in the first few seconds, as the player start moving and receives points.  Soon after, the player comes into contact with female avatar and a hidden choice is available.  Either the player "collects" the woman as a spouse and receives double points for less manuverability, or the player passes up the X2 points and retains greater movement.
As the player moves thought the map he is confronted with obstacles and treasure chests.  As said above, as a single avatar movement is less restricted than if you pick up a spouse, which allows for greater treasure collecting.  However, the score is not just calculated by the treasure chests, but for distance traveled as well. Throughout the game, the player (and spouse) grow older, and after about 4 minutes, the spouse dies.  This leaves the original avatar to "finish" the game alone and die.
This game is repeatable and the only thing that can change is how many points are accumulated (with spouse bonus or not), because the outcome is always the same.