Digital storefronts like the App Store have paved the way for solo developers to get their passion projects in front of the world, and I’m always blown away by the types of quality experiences that are the result of just a single person. One of the most impressive examples of this is Nimian Legends: Brightridge from developer Robert Kabwe aka Protopop Games. Originally launching in 2014, Brightridge offered a gorgeous open world to explore and get lost in, but lacked most of the traditional story elements and structure we’ve come to expect from open-world RPGs. It was more just about enjoying the scenery. In 2016 a remastered version of the game called Nimian Legeds: Brightridge HD ($3.99) was released, and over the past few years that game has been updated with all sorts of different missions and story elements, finally bringing it more in line with a traditional entry in the genre. Little did we know that Protopop had a whole plan mapped out in his head for the Nimian Legends series, and in January we posted about the follow-up title Nimian Legends: Vandgels. Here’s the most recent, and stunning, trailer.
Back in January Protopop was looking for beta testers to take Vandgels for a spin, and the game has pretty much been in open beta ever since for anybody looking to try it out. However, this past weekend Protopop announced that Vandgels is finally all finished up, and he’d like to once again get some more people play testing the final product to smooth out any rough edges ahead of the official launch. If playing a gorgeous, open-world game for free sounds like your cup of tea, then mash away at this public Testflight link on your iOS device and check out the beta build of Vandgels for yourself. You can offer up any feedback directly through Testflight or drop your thoughts in the thread in our forums. We will be eagerly awaiting a final release date for Nimian Legends: Vandgels, and with a third and fourth entry already brewing in Protopop’s brain I’m really looking forward to where the entire series heads in the future.
Thank you for this Jared!
What amazes me always is how much skill it takes to write an article like this. You summed up all of my history and work in a way that shows me not only do you do your research, but in a way thats fun to read - i kind of feel like im reading my bio:)
I immensely appreciate this kind of support. Not only because it helps me reach more people, but because it encourages me. I tend to see all the rough spots in my games, and although i hope to make enough sales to work on games full time, the real reason, the real motivation for why i do it is because i like to make worlds, i like to create them and share them, and i have ever since i was a dungeon master in Dungeons & Dragons when i was a kid. Mobile gaming has been a great opportunity to actually be able to create something at home and share it with people, and in large part to the exposure TouchArcade has helped me with, ive been lucky enough to reach a lot more people and i have met some great fans, and even so good friends though the game.
Anyways thanks for keeping the spirit of community and showing me what it can do. I admit i tend to be a bit if a loner, sometimes insular person, and its hard for me to break out and be open about things, especially my games. So its a good position to be in where i learn maybe to accept some support and have some faith and know that there are people out there who are as passionate about open worlds and mobile games as i am, and are willing to encourage and support solo indie devs and more:)
If you want testing, I suggest you use Zigantic. They are a cheap and fast.
Thanks for the tip - i love learning about new resources like this.