Essay Questions

Who is Zack Lightman’s biological father? What happened to him? What kind of relationship is there between Zack and his father?

Zack Lightman’s real father is Xavier Lightman. Xavier was involved in a factory accident, but the government faked his death. The government wanted to recruit him to work in Earth Defense Alliance (EDA). Following the recruitment, Xavier has been based on Moon Base Alpha (MBA) as a general. There is no relationship between Zack and his father from age one to eighteen years. However, when the two meet at MBA, they become close. Xavier's absence in Zack’s life as a child makes Ray adopt him. Therefore, Zack also considers Ray as his father.

Explain how the theme of family and relationships is exhibited in Armada.

The main character Zack Lightman is raised by his mother single-handedly. Since the alleged killing of Xavier Lightman, his wife has decided never to get remarried. Actually, the love for her child and her husband could have contributed to the decision of not getting remarried. Although Zack has spent his entire childhood and adolescence without a father, the affection is felt when the two meet on Moon base. Xavier’s love for his child is impartial. The two have a strong relationship, and Zack helps his father when he gets injured.

Describe the Earth Defense Alliance’s objective of creating Armada. Was it worth creating a video game for its intended purpose? Why or Why not?

Earth Defense Alliance creates Armada to train skilled soldiers and prepare them for an impending alien attack. It is believed that some aliens intend to invade earth. This makes EDA to train soldiers to prevent the attack. As a result, they create Armada to prepare for an imminent attack. It was not worth creating Armada because so many people lost their lives, and there was no impending attack. Millions of civilians lost their lives because some self-centered people wanted to prepare humanity for a virtual alien attack. The situation was morally wrong.