02. OSS Experience

I downloaded an open source software at sourceforge.net called Bolzplatz 2006.


Bolzplatz is a 3D soccer game in a comic style appearance inspired by the 2006 Soccer World Cup held in Germany. "This game is written in two programming languages: Java and C++. Java is used for the game engine (gameflow, artificial intelligence, game data handling, ...), while the libraries for video, audio and input are coded in C++. The connection between the Java classes and the native binaries is achieved by the Java Native Interface (JNI). Most game data is coded in XML, so it's really easy to edit it." (http://www.bolzplatz2006.de/de/development.php)

Bolzplatz 2006 is one of the best free computer games I have ever played. It definitely fulfills the first Prime Directive (The system successfully accomplishes a useful task). For instance, the user can choose any soccer nation that was qualified for the 2006 Soccer World Cup. The user has also the choice of playing a friendship game or the whole World Cup tournament. In addition, the user is allowed to change the stadiums, referees, and many other common options.

The second Prime Directive (An external user can successfully install and use the system) is fulfilled by the easy process from download till installation and pleasure. The actual download took about ten minutes. Once downloaded there is only an executable to double click before the installation can begin. The installation process is pretty smooth. Basically all the user have to do is click the next button to set up all configurations and then enjoy the game.

Finally, the third Prime Directive (An external developer can successfully understand and enhance the system) is somewhat satisfied by the documentation found at Boltplatz2006.de under technical background.