Far from a simple collection of mini-games, the GameTron 1000 will feature a bunch of genres and sub-genres that can be mixed-&-matched to offer bundles of variation.

For example: the 'falling' genre has our hero plummeting in-front of a constantly scrolling background. Sub-genres will then be used to indicate the finer details of the game. Will you be fighting-off a troop of falling enemies in a twin-stick shooter (combat)? Or perhaps using the accelerometer to steer your falling hero through a maze of debris (avoidance)?

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Now take into consideration the other areas that can be randomised. The enemies you fight; your playable character; the environment you're falling through; how much time you have to survive for; your control method; the objects you need to collect (or avoid), and you can start to see how unique each game has the potential to be.

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GrayFoxPL said:

That video made me wish they'd do an oldschool point and click adventure instead.

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Takao said:

Very nice video, but I'd like to have seen the devs explain how they're going to tackle such an ambitious project.

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castlegar said:

Was the redhead a guy or a girl?

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piratepwnsninja said:

Seems neat. I'll watch it to see what they get to. It actually isn't too difficult a thing to do, as they are just taking basic mechanics and allowing them to mix together. Of course, as was mentioned, the games could end up horrible because of this, but in reality it at least seems like it may end up being a lot of palette swaps. Very Mad Libs, if you will.

"You'll be airboarding in the (insert location) while collecting (insert collectible)"

Still, as I said, neat concept.

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MojoBones said:

Hey guys, Mojo Bones here.

We're big-time NeoGAF lurkers - don't post too much though. We toyed with the idea of posting a thread regarding GameTron, but it's always dangerous ground when you start a thread promoting your own stuff. So thanks to nickcv for picking up on the game and sharing the news.

And thanks for your comments regarding the pitch vid. Making a point & click is definitely on our developer bucket list. We talk about it at least once per week.

So yeah, 90k is a BIG target, and it's going to be super-tough to hit: we don't have delusions of grandeur... honest With three formats and all the content creation it really is the amount we need to get this project made (and - more importantly - made to a high standard). We've been discussing the GameTron for a while now and Kickstarter gave us an opportunity to put it to the ultimate test. So here we are.

A few people have raised the issue of game styles and the potential simplicity of the concept. As piratepwnsninja mentions, the logistics of creating something like this aren't too complex if you do your homework, but the key is making sure that every game mechanic 'feels' great to play. If you take a game like Canabalt... it's not the most complex design/concept in the world (like a lot of successful indie games) but it's executed extremely well (like a lot of successful indie game). Responsive controls; just the right amount of inertia on the character's jump; character placed at the perfect position on screen, good difficulty ramping etc. these things aren't very glamorous, and don't get the headlines, but they're the reason we keep coming back for more.

The problem with a lot of multi-game packs, is that the quality level isn't normally there across all game types and genres. ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ type thing.

So I guess the point is: the GameTron isn't claiming to reinvent the gaming wheel, but if we can offer players the chance to conjure-up all these different game types and mechanics (with a few surprises in there too), and each one feels like a well-crafted game in its own right, then happy days.

And finally, as nickcv mentions: humour is a huge part of the concept too. We love that quirky, 'Pizza vs Skeletons' style madness, and this is one area where the GameTron will stand on its own.

Oh, and the redhead is our designer Stu. He's putting on lipstick as we speak

Thanks guys,

Mojo Bones.

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