Jones in The Fast Lane Assignment

1. In Jones in the Fast Lane, players can choose to play alone, with friends or with Jones (AI). At the beginning, the player must choose a character and set goals/objectives up to specific levels. These objectives include wealth, happiness, education and prestige. The bar for each goal ranges from 0 to 100, meaning that the highest level can be set to 400. The player who wins the game is the one who is the first to reach all of their objectives. Of course, if goals are set to maximum, more needs to be done to gain victory. However, if your total score is 360 and so was your objective, this does not mean that you have won. Every single objective has to be individually reached or surpassed to be victorious.

2. When playing the same, the 4 objectives look very weird. However, the key is to be able to see how these objectives can relate to one another, and to devise a plot, plan or method to complete each of these objectives in a way that it will amplify a chain reaction that improves the standards of every other objective. The way I put it together: money = education = better jobs = more money = more prestige and stronger reputation = happiness. Thus, in my strategy, one must first find any job. Part of the money gained will be spent on weekly food and clothes. However, the remaining majority will be spent on education. Using education and the degrees it provides, players can apply for better jobs. This money can be used as a catalyst – speeding up the process of educational success. Eventually, when the peak of educational success (objective completed) is reached, players must get into the highest paid job (wealth expectations reached/surpassed). With all the more money, the player can buy a better place, buy TVs and other appliances and become happy (another objective completed). Also, full time can be put into work, increasing prestige (another objective completed). Thus, altogether, the player has reached the goals set for all 4 objectives, making him/her the winner.

3. Tips: buying a refrigerator and weekly food from Black’s market, applying for loan, gold investment. Firstly, the fast food place costs too much. Thus, as soon as possible, players should invest money to purchase a refrigerator. This can be used to store the cheaper weekly food from Black’s (otherwise, it will rot), helping save a lot of money. Also, as the player is climbing up the economic ladder, he/she should apply for more loans; the higher the salary, the greater the loans. The loan money can then be used to invest in gold. When prices rise, gold can be sold for a much higher price, giving the player a lot of profits – which can be used to pay off any outstanding debts. Therefore, altogether, the player makes a hands full of more money, pulling themselves closer to victory.