This reminded me of RoboTank. I can see its viability and appeal to some people, but it is not for me. Objects as a language is an interesting concept, but for me it lacks the flavor and nuances of a programming language. This sentiment is partially because it would be built on top of a high level programming language - I feel that it would lack the vocabulary of a "normal" language. I have very little to say here.

I personally agree that I like "nuances" in a programming language, but the point of an introductory course isn't necessarily to teach a programming language. If a new type of language can make teaching the concepts being stressed (design, polymorphism, inheritance....) easier, aren't we as educators obliged to use it? Make no mistake, I am not yet convinced, but I do think it might warrant more investigation, especially if the goal of the course is something other than teaching a programming language.