provide a set of features to be evaluated in the assignment, and also make the assignment into cloning (approx) an exisiting game (e.g. R-Type, Chuckie Egg, Pacman) that incorporates those features.

[shearer12345]

[Jekks]

A framework would be beneficial for this assignment, but it could be potentially detrimental for those skilled in one area of games programming. For example, asking students to create a co-op split-screen game would not allow a student specialised in AI to 'show off' their programming skills - with the vice-versa of a Pacman game being detrimental to the multiplayer/networking-strong student.

Having it as optional, or as a guideline, would be optimal.