Pocket Gamer recently sat down with Apex Design’s James Daniels, the man behind Payback [App Store], the Grand Theft Auto clone that started life on the Amiga in 2001 and saw recent release for the iPhone and iPod touch. The interview covers Daniels’ beginnings as a developer as well as his thoughts on bringing the game to the iPhone platform.
Payback’s been around for quite some time now. Can you tell us how it began, and give us a bit of info about the game on other systems?
It began way back in 1998. I’d written a few games for the Amiga in my spare time and decided I wanted to have a go at a commercial project. I experimented with a few ideas (everything from a first-person RTS to a Zarch/Virus-style game) before stumbling across a certain little-known game called GTA. I really liked the concept and there were a lot of additions I wanted to make to it – not to mention that it wasn’t available for my platform of choice at the time.
I initially developed the game in my spare time, but it soon became a full-time job. Payback was released for the Amiga in 2001 and won several “game of the year" polls. Support for 3D graphics cards and PowerPC processors quickly followed.
Amazingly, the game is still popular among Amiga enthusiasts today.
We reviewed Payback when it debuted in late January. See the full interview with Daniels at Pocket Gamer’s website.
Wow, you're good! I've just downloaded it and for me it's very difficult.
Hey Frog,
it's also a bit depending on your character.
And the Ninja is really alot easier to control as you can see.
So no worries, you will get a feeling for that game very soon :)
Good point robot.
I'm surprised Sway isn't a chart topper yet! More levels will me a welcome addition, I'm anxious to see what Anders was referring to in the forums as "new game elements", as well. Awesome game already and my favorite way to pass time on my phone.
Btw, nice iTunes review "Toucharcade.com"! That is one of the rare Appstore reviews I've seen from you guys so I'm guessing you really like it and potential for epicness.
@rich - yeah, we just started adding abbreviated forms of our reviews on itunes. we'll do it more often. upvote them if you like them :)
Cool, should add some validity to good games when people are browsing.
If somone were to ask me which iPhone game best showcases it as a mobile gaming device, I would give a one word answer... "SWAY!"
I think the controls are perfect, graphics are top notch, and overall gameplay is great. The main complaint from me is the same as everyone else, just not enough lvl's... This news of more lvl's and gamplay elements really has me excited!
Hmmm... The little "ding!" noise that plays when you get a star sounds familiar...
@Fazzy: It is a scissor being banged against a glass!
I've been playing the some of new levels all morning, and they are looking good! I especially like the new "game elements"!
Anders, from Illusion Labs
Hey, thanks for staying up with us Anders. Sounds like RFA are working quicker than I have been anticipating :)
Anders - I LOVE YOUR GAME!
nice to hear new levels are coming, i finished them quite quickly, although it is extremely challenging to go back and get golds on them all, which i havnt done yet.
this has to be one of the funniest games, i just love flinging the little bugger around the screen, i find it 'too-funny', its the only game that i own that brings tears to mine and my friends eyes when we try to play this :)
and for that, and that alone.... it was worth purchasing.
this app went straight to my front page for quicker access :)
the thing that annoys me, is that sound when you fall/die,
Hi. It's a nice enjoyable game. I've finished it and I'm just trying out the new guys I saved. I like the ninja too--very versatile.
Glad to hear you guys like it! I'll pass it along to the others as well.
The update is coming along quite nicely. In the mean time, have a look at the Ninja Man stuffed toy!!
http://forums.toucharcade.c...