Practice mode games are still converted to play mode if the app is booted from memory. Really thought this would be fixed in this update.
Got the tutorial working! Had to delete an app and now have 1gb of free space which I guess is necessary for this game to run? Puzzled as I have not had issues with any other apps due storage on my device?
Oh noooooo... Sounds like they will still be fuzzy on the iPad Air 2 then. Well that will be a letdown. # I've been waiting to buy this when they get the GFX worked out... Can anyone verify the art is now sharp on the iPad?
Hi there all! Developer here. The thing about the iPhone 6 is that it has this "feature" where it "blurs the hell out of your pixel art for you". It's actually listed as a feature, not a bug, because there's this anti-pixel-art assumption that "seeing pixels = bad". We've been looking into ways to turn this feature off, but it *seems* either impossible or non-trivial, since Apple. We will keep looking into it, though. Anyway, other than that, I am eager to hear about what you guys think about the update. Don't forget to read the exhaustive patch notes, as well as supporting articles and even a freaking podcast explaining this version's changes. All linked from the patch notes: http://www.dinofarmgames.com/version-1-29-patch-notes/ Enjoy!
So Keith does that mean the iPad Air 2 will also do the blurring antialiasing effect? I wonder how every other developer seems to have sharp pixel art then? Outwitters has a similar pixel art kind of look but is super sharp. I would think with all the popularity of pixel art games these days we would have seen others with such a blur but I can't think of a single example. I'm confused. Of course I'm thinking of the newest iPad - could the iPhone 6 only have this "feature"? Well good luck in any case on this update. I'm sure it will be a hit and hopefully expand your audience. Always a good thing.
IPad mini 2: looks better now that the screen is reformatted (not full screen). I get why people would voice grievances prior to the update, but I'd consider it a non-issue now. As for the rebalancing: I considered Auro one of the best games I've played in years, and I imagine that it'll cement itself as an all time favorite (regardless of platform). And yet Dinofarm have really tightened the screws on Auro: it plays, by my estimation, truer to their vision. - having all of your spells (and one fewer total) from the get-go forces the player to parse out skill synergy even more so. - the new scoring system reinforces more aggressive play, making the game much more exciting (considering the right string of moves to bump a ton of monsters in 1-2 turns when swarmed...that's the heart of Auro, and it's beating more triumphantly now). I didn't understand 2x pip decrease at the 4-5 point tier when reviewing the patch notes, but I get it now: 5 pointers are seldomly scored, and usually when stationary, so it feels more rewarding than scoring 4's in 1.28. - stage 4 really ramps up the tension while shortening game length (a plus). New flavor text is delightful. - snowball was rightfully nerfed, since it had too much utility for a basic spell; the changes to it are fair though and seem more what they should be. Totally happy about that! - abomination was also a touch overpowered; its new duration makes it more aligned with other ultras power wise. Suplex has taken some adjusting to, but I think it's fun and flavorful. - the yeti isn't so damn annoying now, and I find the brute endearing (no damage makes him act like a slime variant). - new UI and changes to color motif are visually appealing. - kissy rats are adorable, though i only saw one when testing ipad resolution; won't be seeing them much at level 8! # you guys should make that kissy brute mentioned on the podcast. - the game feels more challenging/distilled, and yet it seems like I'm better now even though it's harder. Perhaps I'm just playing better? An unusual observation for sure. That's what I've got so far: only tried it out since last night, so I'll share anything new when it comes to mind! Thanks again Keith and Blake: your work is tremendous and I love it. Can't wait to see what's in store (more spells, perhaps?)
We have lots of stuff in the works. More than likely, you'll see improvements/replacements for existing spells before you see new spells. But if something genuinely adds value to the game without adding too much noise/extra rules, we'll likely at least give it a try. Thanks for your nice comments. We really hope more and more people start to feel the way you do. @Masonhurst, For the record, I'm pretty sure Outwitters is straight up vector art, which means it'll literally scale perfectly to any size. Pixel art is rarer and rarer these days, and it becomes harder and harder to make it work on these MASSIVE screens. Our games in the future will likely never have pixel art again for this reason. We are looking into this iphone 6 AA issue. Sorry for the delay.
As Blake mentioned, Outwitters is indeed not pixel art. Armilla - yeah, the cool thing is you probably *are* playing the game better because the game is demanding that you do. Before the game was like "you can play really well if you want, or you can kinda derp around". Not really, of course, but definitely more so than 1.28. And yeah, we'll be focused on making existing things better before we go and add any new things. Expect some improvement/change to some of the existing spells and monsters - changes that are similar to our recent change to Snowball and to Yetis. Changes that make the game less flat and more interesting.
Blake and Keith, Thanks for the replies! I welcome and encourage any questions you have, so feel free to ask if need be. # Also, when I say new spells, I definitely mean what you guys are saying: reworking/replacing what's available instead of having too many. Sure, the old snowball was way more powerful, but the new one is way more interesting; I prefer the latter!
Have you tried optimizing for the ip6+. The description does not indicate that you have. You probably know this but you have to have a launch screen xib file for it to not do the "scale it up from the iPhone 5 size" thing. Love the game. I rather suck, but it's really fun and i feel that I am getting better all the time.
So, I wasn't really sure what to expect of Auro. I actually thought I'd give it a crack because the sites I browse for interesting ios apps have been raving about it. Keith, I read a bit of your blog, as well. I thought your commentary as it relates to game design interesting. These days I find board games much more interesting than their digital counterparts, in general. Auro is ridiculously awesome. I am terrible at it. I am definitely seeing what you and the team are trying to accomplish. I truly hope games like this do well, as this is a testament to how awesome mobile games can be. Outwitters is often mentioned in the same thread is this... Do you feel it shares a similar design philosophy? I realize it's a multiplayer game with different goals, but it's certainly excellent as well.
Sorry to be that guy again but a clear answer would be much appreciated: Is the game now fixed for the resolution of e.g. The iPad Air 2? Yes/no? Sorry for the repeted questions but I think all I've read was 'kinda'. Appreciate it! Cheers!
I come bearing good news: the iPhone 6 issue should be fixed in the next patch! Huzzah! I am a huge fan of Outwitters, it's probably my favorite iOS game (besides Auro, of course) and I've played hundreds of matches of it. I think both of us were inspired somewhat by designer boardgames, if I recall correctly. Their game is very elegant for a digital game, which it's clear they value. So, yeah, I think there is quite a bit of overlap between our design philosophies.
Ever consider compiling a list of your favorite board/video games? I remember seeing some from pockettactics for iOS, but I'd like to know what else inspires you.
In general I'm much more inspired by German designer boardgames than anything else. Big fan of Reiner Knizia and Uwe Rosenberg. I have a huge and very extensive background in videogames, but I generally consider them 10-20 years behind boardgames when it comes to pure ruleset design, unfortunately. Favorite board games: - Bohnanza - Through the Desert - Puerto Rico - Puzzle Strike Favorite video games: - Super Smash Bros. 64 - Outwitters - League of Legends? (with many huge caveats) - Auro (it really is one of my favorite video games, sorry!)
I agree with the boardgame sentiment, which is why I've drifted from video game genres I used to love for lack of time (eg - RPGs) and am drawn to games like Auro, Outwitters, 868-HACK, etc. Been wanting to check out all of those boardgames. I see some preference for San Juan over PR: thoughts? Ah, 2 of your favorite games are 2 of mine as well! Hint: not LOL or Smash (which explains why you mention it so often on your 3 minute game design vids). Thanks for sharing!
Goodness, fellows/ladies, I must chime in here. I LOVE Reiner Knizia. Amongst other designers. However, the pinnacle of his design is Tigris & Euphrates! I really genuinely enjoy, Through the Desert, but his VERY best? Debatable. I am so very sorry for derailing the Auro thread for that. I don't mean to take away from what you folks have accomplished at all. keithburgun - we need a seoerate "great game designs" thread so we don't distract too much. I'm a gamer first, great games are great games. As to Mr. Rosenberg - I get flack for NOT saying Agricola, Caverna, Le Havre, Ora Et Labora. But his very best is indeed Bohnanza. Puerto Rico is digestible. I think Race for the Galaxy accomplishes roughly the same thing and it's better because it has ROBOTS.
Judging from the timing of their " iPhone 6 is fixed" message... they may be sending you a check for your invaluable tech support. Looks like you did it #
