From Zero To Hero: A Numbers Game

As this game is based off of educational psychology, here are how certain theories and gamification principles are used to improve the educational aspect of the game:

Goal-Setting theory: Specific and difficult goals are more conducive to motivation, hence why certain levels are set at a level higher than third graders might see at the start of their math classes.

Principle of Individual Goals and Immediate Feedback: Every level has multiple different objectives, the primary being solving the math puzzle, with auxiliary objectives such as finding all the collectibles or all possible solutions. This allows players to decide the level of completion they would like to achieve. Additionally, collectibles and dialogues are used to provide immediate feedback on player actions.

Principle of Multiple Choices: Levels 2 to 7, excluding level 4, present many different possible solutions to allow a greater degree of autonomy, and thus help fulfill self determination theory's need for autonomy.

Self determination theory, need for connection and relatedness: Every character has accessories and a fixed persona/personality to help increase the sense of attachment with the characters and their goals.