-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
The XNA Indie Games Official Thread
- Thread starter Gowans
- Start date
- Status
toythatkills
Member
Will I miss out if I play Soul with the volume down?
I'll wait until I can turn it up loud if so!
I'll wait until I can turn it up loud if so!
toythatkills
Member
I'll wait for now, then!Noogy said:
(yeah, I did, I meant to reply and thank you but clearly forgot, like an idiot! So thanks!)
PressStartStudio
Neo Member
Hello there guys, this is Phil from Press Start Studio.
I see some of you have played Twin Blades, I hope you've enjoyed the game. Rest assured that we are working hard on the free DLC, we've finished the first boss and one of the new environments and it objectively kicks ass!
I'll keep you posted when we are ready to release more infos.
I see some of you have played Twin Blades, I hope you've enjoyed the game. Rest assured that we are working hard on the free DLC, we've finished the first boss and one of the new environments and it objectively kicks ass!
I'll keep you posted when we are ready to release more infos.
Psychotext
Member
The way I've seen it done so far is by the dev having a machine always logged in on a specific gamertag, which then collects scores from other players / sends out scores. Pretty damn far from ideal.Gowans007 said:
Dr Zhivago
Member
qupe1975 said:
I actually found it from the 'IGN Picks' section of the Indie Marketplace. IGN are good for something!
BlazeHedgehog
Member
PressStartStudio said:
Don't take it too hard or anything, but I was a little "ehhhhh" about your game. Maybe I'm missing something - I mean, for a while there, I thought all there was to the game was that first area because there were no indicators that I could keep going to the right to the next screen. Combat also seemed a little too simple for my tastes, but again, maybe I was missing something. Maybe something to push the player in the right direction?
I really dig the art style, though.
I downloaded Soul. not buying it.
It reminded me of those stupid viral videos where a car is driving around then a scary thing would flash on the screen and scream. Played it for about 2 minutes after that and got bored.
I did like the art. Shame they didn't do more with it.
It reminded me of those stupid viral videos where a car is driving around then a scary thing would flash on the screen and scream. Played it for about 2 minutes after that and got bored.
I did like the art. Shame they didn't do more with it.
PressStartStudio said:Hello there guys, this is Phil from Press Start Studio.
I see some of you have played Twin Blades, I hope you've enjoyed the game. Rest assured that we are working hard on the free DLC, we've finished the first boss and one of the new environments and it objectively kicks ass!
I'll keep you posted when we are ready to release more infos.
Wait, DLC? Was DLC on XNA figured out? I have the early planning stages of an episodic game but without DLC support I would have to go with password bonuses, as far as I know?
PressStartStudio
Neo Member
Indeed there is no DLC support for XNA. We'll bypass this by releasing an update of the game and people who have already bought Twin Blades will have to re-download the entire executable in order to enjoy the new content (it is free).
I suppose in your case if you want to make pay-for DLC you'd have to make separate games for every episode, but players couldn't keep their progress throughout the different eps.
I suppose in your case if you want to make pay-for DLC you'd have to make separate games for every episode, but players couldn't keep their progress throughout the different eps.
Diablohead
Member
From my playing of the game on both my ipod touch and xbl I find it works a lot better as a portable game, hard to explain but when I played the console version it just doesn't feel right. Maybe because it runs smoother on my 2nd gen touch and is a bit more zoomed in, with the screen scrolling up and down as you jump unlike the this version.Sega1991 said:
Tried Ninja Bros, fun experiment but I don't think it works well enough. Mashing on both the X and the B pad is a little eeeh.
I have about ten indie games so far, I love each one. This is starting to become one of my favorite things about the X-Box. Even if they're not up to quality, they have this weird charming quality to them.
I have about ten indie games so far, I love each one. This is starting to become one of my favorite things about the X-Box. Even if they're not up to quality, they have this weird charming quality to them.
Good to hear about the free dlc for Twin Blades! Just tried out and enjoyed Soul and Lethal Judgement. Soul is like those scary maze games that make people jump out their seats but with clever levels. Soul is awesome! Lethal Judgement reminds me a little of Amiga's Project X and Neo Geo's Last Resort. Both good games that I will add to my indy collection.
Alex Waterston
Neo Member
Hey, I'm Alex from Haiku Interactive. We made Crate Expectations. Nice to know that a few folks enjoyed it! 
Here's a link to the trailer just in case you missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFTkSZ6DHc8
We've had a really interesting time with CE on Xbox Indies. It seems that a lot of people dismiss our game because of a) it's cheesy name and b) because it looks and sounds like a sokoban style puzzle game. It appears that a lot of people also find it quite hard to work out what to do as well! We've tried to make it easier to learn the game in an update which is currently trundling its way through review. Getting a game out on Indies has definitely been a learning experience!
Ta,
Alex
Here's a link to the trailer just in case you missed it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFTkSZ6DHc8
We've had a really interesting time with CE on Xbox Indies. It seems that a lot of people dismiss our game because of a) it's cheesy name and b) because it looks and sounds like a sokoban style puzzle game. It appears that a lot of people also find it quite hard to work out what to do as well! We've tried to make it easier to learn the game in an update which is currently trundling its way through review. Getting a game out on Indies has definitely been a learning experience!
Ta,
Alex
Soul is good, just don't play it on the wimp mode it is too easy. I kinda got annoyed with the screaming bit after a while but I think it's a decent little game. It can be damn frustrating too.
Lethal Judgment I am still unsure about. The backgrounds look really nice on the level I played and there was plenty going on I just need to give it another go not sure it's worth 400 points if it's only 5 levels to.
Lethal Judgment I am still unsure about. The backgrounds look really nice on the level I played and there was plenty going on I just need to give it another go not sure it's worth 400 points if it's only 5 levels to.
PhlivoSong
Member
Decimation X surprised the hell out of me. The guys who made this game really owe it to themselves to make some better box art. The box art makes it look like some crappy space invaders port. Not that it can be captured in box art, but the animation/style really make the game look great in motion.
Looks aside, the game is brilliant. My biggest gripe with these types of games is how long it usually takes for the "fun" to start. It's instantly fun, and the ramp up in difficulty is perfect. The early phases of the game are about stocking up on power-ups, bullets, and shields. The later phases are about surviving as long as you can with the power-ups you've accumulated. In that sense, it never feels boring. I think my average game lasts about 10 minutes or so, which is perfect.
I was prepared/expecting to spend $5 on this game, and when I saw that it was only $1 it was the easiest $1 I've ever spent.
So good.
Looks aside, the game is brilliant. My biggest gripe with these types of games is how long it usually takes for the "fun" to start. It's instantly fun, and the ramp up in difficulty is perfect. The early phases of the game are about stocking up on power-ups, bullets, and shields. The later phases are about surviving as long as you can with the power-ups you've accumulated. In that sense, it never feels boring. I think my average game lasts about 10 minutes or so, which is perfect.
I was prepared/expecting to spend $5 on this game, and when I saw that it was only $1 it was the easiest $1 I've ever spent.
So good.
nextgeneration
Member
Decimation X leaderboards should be up soon - any day now. BTW - the developer high score is 5.8 million points.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy9bcEU_a3Q&feature=email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy9bcEU_a3Q&feature=email
CrunchinJelly
formerly cjelly
Soul is utter crap, I have no idea how people can say that game is any good.
Vanillalite
Ask me about the GAF Notebook
Am I a bad person in that I just can't get over the mental block in my head of paying the large 400 point amount for certain games compared to the 240 or 80?
Diablohead
Member
If the game is worth it I have no problem but otherwise I don't buy the biggies. Like if Dust is still coming to indie games and is 800 points I would buy itBrettison said:
but who knows (apart from the dev)PressStartStudio
Neo Member
Well guys its great to see that you've enjoyed the graphics of our game!
If you'd like to give a hand to an indie dev. you can vote for our game in the 'best app ever' contest, Twin Blades has been nominated in the 'best graphics' category (only 1 click necessary, no registration needed):
http://bestappever.com/v/grgm/339490898
Cheers!
-Phil
If you'd like to give a hand to an indie dev. you can vote for our game in the 'best app ever' contest, Twin Blades has been nominated in the 'best graphics' category (only 1 click necessary, no registration needed):
http://bestappever.com/v/grgm/339490898
Cheers!
-Phil
brain_stew
Member
Brettison said:
Yes, indeed you are, its a stupid mindset. There's plenty games on the service that aren't nearly worth 80 points and yet there's some gems that are a much better experience than some $60 retail games. $5/£3/whatever is a pittance to pay for a quality game.
Each game should be judged on its individual merits against all games, not just other XB indie games.
OldmanAndroid
Member
Check out some of this beta gameplay footage of two upcoming games from Cosmic Logic Inc. (Kelowna, British Columbia).
Doc Logic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1JMWGmZHxM
Cosmic Lacrosse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu3kwD6FGGY
Both will be available after a few more months of polish...
Doc Logic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1JMWGmZHxM
Cosmic Lacrosse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu3kwD6FGGY
Both will be available after a few more months of polish...
HadesGigas
Member
nextgeneration
Member
So I bought Lethal Judgment. Not a bad game. It's really tough, as there are no continues, so you have to beat the game on just one ship. Don't know if you can unlock any continues the longer you play, but so far, I'm unable to continue.
toythatkills
Member
Well, tbh, I love Sokoban style puzzle games!Alex Waterston said:
Tried Football League Simulator which is weird. On the one hand, I guess it does what it says it does and simulates a football league, but on the other hand, it doesn't do it very well. I simmed through a season and Chelsea won the Premier League with 66 points, and there was only 24 points between the top team and the bottom. There are already 36 points between Man U and Portsmouth! It's just a bit too random. It feels like there's a 33% chance you'll win, lose or draw, rather than it being weighted towards the better teams. Nice presentation though.
I really like Soul. It just looks awesome. Yeah, the screaming is kind of unnecessary but I like the gameplay. I think it'd be better if the screaming was there to distract you as you were playing, rather than a sign you've died on occasion. It might feel less pointless then. Like, the first time it happens was really cool, but then it just happens when you screw up. Still, 80points means buy.
Lethal Judgement didn't fit on my TV and I didn't see an option to make it do so, so I deleted it.
Monty Mole
Member
Because it looks nice and is called "Soul", probably.cjelly said:
Alex Waterston
Neo Member
I think the problem is that people that don't like Sokoban don't download it because it looks like Sokoban and people that do like Sokoban do download it but then get really confused because it's not sokoban.toythatkills said:
Crate Expectations is really a tactical strategy game with plenty of opportunity for screwing your buddies over. It's all about blocking your opponents to stop them from winning while you try to find ways to sneak around their blocks.
I kind of wish we'd dressed the game completely differently now
PressStartStudio said:Hello there guys, this is Phil from Press Start Studio.
I see some of you have played Twin Blades, I hope you've enjoyed the game. Rest assured that we are working hard on the free DLC, we've finished the first boss and one of the new environments and it objectively kicks ass!
I'll keep you posted when we are ready to release more infos.
Subjectively.
(sorry) ^_~
BlazeHedgehog
Member
Soul is another "Wow, this would be cool if it wasn't so EXCRUCIATINGLY DIFFICULT."
It's like Irritating Stick but
Also: Fuck screamers.
It's like Irritating Stick but
Also: Fuck screamers.
toythatkills
Member
A few more things I tried.
Along Came a Spider is pretty cool. A platform game on bits of silk, and you're a spider so you has spider skillz. You can climb up walls and shoot silk to hang off of platforms, ninja rope style. It's not the easiest thing to control, truth be told, but it gets easier as it goes on. Worth a trial, though I couldn't bring myself to pay the 400 for it.
Pixel Whirled is a neat take on Space Invaders. There's two games going on at once, and you press RB to flip between the two. If you lose at either of them, you lose a life. It's a nice idea wrapped in Mario Bros style visuals, worth trialling for sure.
Perlmania has the worst menu I've ever seen. I'd watched a trailer beforehand so I understood what was going on and could just about get into the game, but give it to someone who's not aware of how to play before they start and they won't even be able to start the bloody game. There also seems to be a conscious decision by the dev not to have any text in the game at all, the menus are bereft of text too and impossible to work out. There's nothing approaching a tutorial. Trial and error eventually got me into a level but Christ, they didn't make it easy. Terrible, terrible design. Oh, and it's ridiculously easy to accidentally quit the game which is when I stopped.
All of the above is a shame because it's a good game. Think a cross between iBlast Moki on iPhone and curling.
Adventures of Sid Xmas Special is a platformer with a Christmas theme. This was released back then but I missed it. It's pretty good. Definitely rough around the edges, jumping is strange and the small platforms are waaaay too slippy and you fall right off, but the levels are really big and there's loads of stuff to find and secrets, so for a cheap, short platformer, it does the job. A 'full' game, Adventures of Sid, is due shortly which apparently addresses feedback from the Xmas game and if it does so, will be a must-buy for sure.
Along Came a Spider is pretty cool. A platform game on bits of silk, and you're a spider so you has spider skillz. You can climb up walls and shoot silk to hang off of platforms, ninja rope style. It's not the easiest thing to control, truth be told, but it gets easier as it goes on. Worth a trial, though I couldn't bring myself to pay the 400 for it.
Pixel Whirled is a neat take on Space Invaders. There's two games going on at once, and you press RB to flip between the two. If you lose at either of them, you lose a life. It's a nice idea wrapped in Mario Bros style visuals, worth trialling for sure.
Perlmania has the worst menu I've ever seen. I'd watched a trailer beforehand so I understood what was going on and could just about get into the game, but give it to someone who's not aware of how to play before they start and they won't even be able to start the bloody game. There also seems to be a conscious decision by the dev not to have any text in the game at all, the menus are bereft of text too and impossible to work out. There's nothing approaching a tutorial. Trial and error eventually got me into a level but Christ, they didn't make it easy. Terrible, terrible design. Oh, and it's ridiculously easy to accidentally quit the game which is when I stopped.
All of the above is a shame because it's a good game. Think a cross between iBlast Moki on iPhone and curling.
Adventures of Sid Xmas Special is a platformer with a Christmas theme. This was released back then but I missed it. It's pretty good. Definitely rough around the edges, jumping is strange and the small platforms are waaaay too slippy and you fall right off, but the levels are really big and there's loads of stuff to find and secrets, so for a cheap, short platformer, it does the job. A 'full' game, Adventures of Sid, is due shortly which apparently addresses feedback from the Xmas game and if it does so, will be a must-buy for sure.
Matthew Doucette
Neo Member
PhlivoSong said:
Thanks for the great review. In our update (free; for the online scoreboards) we can update the box art. What do you suggest? Something like out of one of the screenshots?
Here's the marketplace link (to download and to see our screenshots):
Decimation X
http://marketplace.xbox.com/games/media/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d8025855040a
Matthew Doucette
Neo Member
We are also ranked #21 in the top rated Indie Games in the US (#5 in Canada and #1 in Japan) and it makes me wonder if we would have broken into that top 20 spot, which is so important as it grants dashboard placement, if we had online scoreboards right off the bat. And, now, I doubt anyone is going to adjust their rating of our game after the fact, even if it did matter.
(Sorry for talking about this from a dev's perspective, I hope this is ok with you all.)
(Sorry for talking about this from a dev's perspective, I hope this is ok with you all.)
I like the Decimation X box art, I don't really see what you could do to it, its clean & fits with the style of the game.
Gave it a quick play today still my fave Indie Game to play at the mo, I'm dying for the online scoreboards, MS should just front up a big table for the Indie game scoreboard stuff for the cut they get.
Gave it a quick play today still my fave Indie Game to play at the mo, I'm dying for the online scoreboards, MS should just front up a big table for the Indie game scoreboard stuff for the cut they get.
- Status