3GS-Specific 'Sketch Hop,' A First from Mad Monkey, Hits the App Store
posted August 26th, 2009 9:11 PM EDT by Blake Patterson in Free, Platform, Reviews, iPhone 3G SEarlier this month we profiled Mad Monkey Studios, a mobile developer that indicated they were beginning the development of iPhone games, but only those that would take specific advantage of the advanced capabilities of Apple's new iPhone 3GS hardware.
A few weeks later, the studio posted a video that showed a 3D shader-driven visual technique. The technique is somewhat reminiscent of the cartoon stylings in the '80s a-ha video 'Take On Me.'
Early this morning, a simple game based on the demo, Sktech Hop [link], was released in the App Store and, as promised, is only compatible with the iPhone 3GS.
Sketch Hop is a simple and free "2.5D" side-scrolling jump-the-obstacles platform game that challenges the player to take a bouncing ball as far down a scrolling row of logs as possible, without falling into the gaps. It's a tap to the screen to jump (the longer you hold, the higher / farther you'll jump), and that's pretty much as complicated as it gets. As a game, it really just stands out more as an example of 3GS-specific game making from a studio that, when it comes to the iPhone platform, is dedicated solely to Apple's flagship device.
See a reader's video (which lacks audio) of the game in play.
It's a simple free download for 3GS users, but non-3GS users aren't really missing out on much… yet.
App Store Link: Sketch Hop, Free
So, this was possible only on the 3G S…Mhh, ok…
Actually it really is only possible on the 3G S, the other iPhones can't do pixel shading/
Ok, I´m not at all up to date when it comes to techniques used to produce graphics, but this isn´t impressive at all. Sure, first demo of what is possible and there is more to come, but this doesn´t make me wanting a 3G S.
Yeah, I downloaded it. The game is fun, but nothing to get excited over.
3GS version! Now with more sketch lines!
I'm sorry but I really want that game. :p
I tried it. Kinda boring, though the graphics are kinda cool. Fun for like five minutes, no more.
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtCJAN9JCfs
I don't understand. I could make a game look like that on any iphone if I drew the sprites correctly…
No you couldn't. The effect is actually pretty impressive when you see it live (the video does not do it justice). It's like a colored-pencil drawing had come to life. As a game, though, it's very, very slight.
Its using 2.0 shader technology from OpenGL ES 2.0
No thanks.
Actually, it is now available via jailbreak to non 3GS owners and it runs flawlessly. Seriously, my nephew is fiddling with it as we speak. Every bit as smooth on my 8gb as on my 3GS.
It is a pretty cool, but still basic shader. Unfortunately, most users won't have a technical expertise to really appreciate it for what it's worth.
Really looking forward to more 3GS offerings.
hey i kinda like it! i've played it a couple times and haven't been able to get onto the top scores… i got 911 once
looks good. 3gs only? bummer.