New 'Zen Bound' Screenshots, Expected for January Release
posted January 3rd, 2009 1:16 PM EST by Blake Patterson in Puzzle, Upcoming Games, iPhone games, iPod touch gamesBack in September we posted a preview of Secret Exit's upcoming surreal 3D puzzle game Zen Bound.
It is something to be enjoyed at a slow pace: a game where a high score is not the goal. Zen Bound is designed to challenge in a subtle way, it does not attack or force the player. There is also an element of self-reflection, for each of the sculptures is a representation of a state of mind or a human emotion.
We've been anxiously awaiting the release of this unique title and are happy to report that the developer has just sent us word that they are aiming for a late January App Store release. They indicate that no solid date has been set, as they are prioritizing polish over schedule on this release.
Secret Exit has also provided us a series of screenshots from the latest iPhone build of the Zen Bound.
We're most anxious to spend some time with this promising title. Readers can expect a full review when Zen Bound hits the App Store.
See the developer's demo video, provided back in September, for a better feel of the gameplay.
Zen Bound is an iPhone adaptation of the previously released PC game Zen Bondage. Secret Exit is the developer behind 3D rotational puzzle game SPiN for the iPhone.
This certainly looks like a polished game so far. I'm curious as to what the gameplay is though, is it just wrapping the rope around the model?
Thats a lovely graphical effect though, from a programming perspective.
Oh how I will buy this the day it comes out.
It's a matter of wrapping rope around an object that 'bleeds' a color into the model. The less rope you use to do this, the higher the score will be. Or at least that was the case with the original I think. I can't remember if there was a limited amount of rope to be honest. But I do remember how hypnotising and relaxing it was. It pulled me in.
I don't know why, but I'm really looking forward to this game. I have a feeling I'm going to ignore most other games and just play this for a long time.
I'm waiting for this a looooong time!
This will be a great experience.
And at the moment it seems very polished, a big improve….
I'll surely get it too! Very polished!
For folks that have a PC and want to get the general idea behind the game, try Zen Bondage, a freeware game from a few years ago. Secret Exit have called Zen Bound its "spiritual successor," and they are working with some of the folks behind the original. It's a fun little diversion, and it should give a better understanding of what this will be like. You can get a short review and download Zen Bondage at Fun-Motion's website; http://www.fun-motion.com/physics-games/zen-bondage/.
I was asking myself about this game just today. Spin is one of the best iPhone games ever, it should gain more attention.
If the game looks, like this, I'm definitely getting it. I mean, look at those shadows! This game is gorgeous
I Liked the original PC game a lot!
I'll buy it if there are level and if it has a finger control scheme (please no tilt for this one!!)
@ Alexandre yes, I agree
I was just assuming it would be a finger control scheme, didn't consider accel. control, maybe they have the option for both, but i would prefer the touch controls
if it is was tilt, it wouldn't be too relaxing, esp. whilst lying down
It's multi-touch with tilt, but tilting is not essential and is only a beneficial element to the gameplay. You'll see
that looks absolutely lovely!
Lovely renderer Frand, really does look the business.
Looks like the gameplay is based on either tieing up the object or freeing the object… either way this looks really good. kudos!
Really can't wait for this to be released. I'm appreciative that they are trying to get it as polished as possible, but I also sort of wish they'd just release it now.