I'm just wrapping up a port of (previously iPad-only) Distant Star to the iPhone, and I'm looking for beta testers to help me make sure it's solid before the release. Distant Star is a throwback to classic 4x space games like Master of Orion and Spaceward Ho!, mixed in with some of the better ideas from Sword of the Stars and Civ V. The beta I ran here on TouchArcade for the original iPad version was really great (you guys are awesome!), so I thought I'd give it another go before the iPhone release. If this sounds like your cup of tea and you'd like a chance to help steer the game in a particular direction, reply below and I'll try to get you in on the beta. I'm posting regular updates and such over on the game's development log as well.
I LOVE 4X games! Especially Sins of a Solar Empire on PC. A few questions: Is this primarily a singleplayer game? If not, will it have a singleplayer mode? (I don't play those 'freemium' games) Can you give me a brief description of the gameplay and mechanics? (I haven't played Master of Orion) Will this be turn-based or real-time?
A few answers: At the moment it's singleplayer-only, and I can't imagine ever making it (ick) freemium. I didn't write Distant Star to make tons of money; I wrote it because there aren't nearly enough 4X games out there for iOS. It may become multiplayer (either same-device or over wifi) someday, but not in this update. Or the next one I've planned. I'd really enjoy building a multiplayer version, though... Mechanics-wise it's most similar to Sword of the Stars sans the whole tactical ship combat bit; I've heard it described as a turn-based, slower-paced Galcon.
Thanks for the reply. Please count me in for beta testing. I also agree with you, there aren't nearly enough 4x games on iOS. Other 'space strategy' games are just typical RTS or TBS games with a sci-fi setting.
@Doches: Looks very interesting- hope that the beta goes smoothly and we see it on the store soon! I'd volunteer for testing, but am useless at 4x games, so will be content to sit back and watch this thread! Best of luck!
Looks cool Wish I had time to be a beta-tester, but it'll probably be an insta-buy for me. Good luck!
Hurrah! Ok, folks, here's the idea: You send an email to [email protected] with your UDID and iPhone model (3G, 3GS, 4). I'll send you a beta build of the game. You play it. You let me know what's good, what's bad, what's broken, and what could be made better. I'll work like mad to fix bugs / add features. When the update is released, I'll put your name in the credits and, if you'd like, name a star system after you. I'll also send you a promo code for the game. Sound fair? If so, shoot me an email with your device ID and model, and we'll get going. The easiest way I've found to do that is to install something like http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ad-hoc-helper/id285691333?mt=8 and send the email that it generates.
I'd love to help beta Distant Star. Stars! was the first 4x game I played and was sad to see distant star for iPad only. If you are interested, dm me and I can send you my details.
It's amazing that there are not more 4x games for the iPhone! I have been a huge fan of these games for years and having one in my pocket makes this an insta buy for me. Sending my email now!
I really liked MoO2 back in the day, so I'm glad to see an iOS game from the same genre. Good luck to you.
Betas away! Ok, folks -- the second round of betas are away. I've written a post describing what's changed as a result of the first round (thanks, folks!). You guys totally rock, by the way; the feedback I'm getting from TouchArcaders is just consistently fantastic. Another few days for the second round testers to confirm that I haven't broken anything in these last updates, and we should be good to go. Good times!
wait, so are you still accepting beta testers? because if you are, I'm in! (even though I've never played this type of game: there's always a first! haha)