Hey Dale,
I am from De Montfort University in Leicester doing BSc(Hons) Computer Games Programming.
I agree with both of your replies. I have been a network programmer several commercial games unitising unity's multiplayer services before so I was hoping to show off that experience while keeping the game simple due to the time frame, network code will take up half my time and I am trying to fit this round my course work which all due in March as well!
I would say the current mechanics are lacking in most areas, the current set up has objects to small / seems zoomed out for a playable game. The flocking mechanics are a little bit useless with the default speed of objects, in the pre-made scene repelling the red box pushes it so fast that near by blocks don't get a chance to move, but I assume this was to make sure we change as much as possible otherwise they would just get their code back!
I am playing with many ideas but none that fully utilise the original code, primarily I like the idea of reversing the magnetic code so that the player can control it. Mixing that with the fast pace arena style would make for a fun game, but completely remove the object grouping and require massive changes to the magnetic code. The other option is to a game similar to asteroids and using the attraction mechanics mixed with softbody physics to allows blocks to join together like jelly!
I think I may be here a while coming up with an idea haha. I'll post on here as soon as I get started.
Good luck!
Calum.