Our independently developed iPhone game is almost out. Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVhURgVc7Vo Website with lots more info: http://void.beautifulpixel.com/ You can check out the old lite version here, we have made a ton of improvements though so expect an update very soon. http://void.beautifulpixel.com/app_store/lite Let me know what you guys think. We are stoked!
Well, it seems like the best way to implement the UI. The great thing about the iPhone is that you can invent your own controller layout. I would love to hear alternatives to virtual buttons in the context of this game
How about making the buttons somewhat transparent. They look terrible the way they are, too bright and big, they take up too much of the screen when they are that bright. If you make them transparent, then it doesn't seem like as much of the screen is taken up. Other than that, I can't view the video because I am at work, but the screenshot looks like it's cool!
A new lite version will be out alongside the full game bringing them equal in terms of features bug fixes. And it would have been out right now, however I've been bitten by Apple's inconsistent review process. More info info here for those who are interested in these things: http://beautifulpixel.com/2009/3/14/app-store-yes-you-could-but-now-you-cant
That's too bad. I've been playing the lite version for a while and waiting for the full version. Still looking forward to it, and hopefully it comes out soon.
One thing that I'd love to see is the option to toggle the opacity of the virtual buttons. The game controls great, don't get me wrong...but constantly onscreen buttons, IMHO, are just...well...they're not "elegant". A better implementation would be either to mimic something like Dropship (not the controls, but rather how they "disappear" when the gamer's thumbs is not touching the screen). That, or, even simpler, option to toggle the opacity. I mean...I don't need the controls to be that bright onscreen. Others may disagree. For those that fall into the latter group, they can leave the way the controls look as is, but for those gamers who agree with me we can have the option to "dim" the opacity of the buttons. Of course, it would be even more "elegant" if when decreasing the opacity the buttons don't "dim" but rather become more transparent. Otherwise, awesome game. I love the lite version, and look forward to getting my hands on the full game.
Ah, Apple approval troubles rear their ugly heads again. To be somewhat fair to Apple, they get an awful lot of apps for approval across the board, from all the different categories. So they're probably suffering from getting overwhelmed by the high volume, which leads to such inconsistencies. A good solution would be for them to outsource some of the approval process to an outside. Or limit the amount of submissions they'll accept for review per day/week/month. Or, in terms of the games, buy up a company with extensive experience in handling approvals. Like, say...Sega. Eh...I can dream(cast), can't I?
New Lite version 1.0.2 is now out! http://void.beautifulpixel.com/app_store/lite I think the full version is right around the corner too.
Yoink. Love the new screens. And the updated UI from the screenshots looks great. Funny how I didn't think the switching weapons originally implemented in the game was an issue...but just judging from the screens I can tell this will be a lot better. Can't wait until the full version is out.
I just watched the video, Wow! I hope the controls are easy to use, any tilt used for steering? What will the launch price be?
Well that is explained on the instructions screen from the main menu and the weapons help screen. We tried a lit of different things, but this one seemed to be the easiest and most consistent given the assignment of weapon groups form the hyperspace UI. The old version had a gun blaster icon on it, but there was only one button. Yep you got it. Horizontal tilt used for steering vertical tilt is unused. I find tilt sesitivity on both axes can be tough to control. The full version should be out sometime tonight, price will will be $2.99 for the weekend. Then it goes up a bit.
Just completed the game. Absolutely loved it. In fact, this may be the first iDevice game I actually finished. Can't say enough good things about it. Dev, are there any updates in the works to add more to the game? I'd hate for the fun to be over.
I agree. Believe it or not, I love buttons. I am not big in the tilt control type games for the most part. Mainly becuase I play at work and if people see me using my iphone as a steering wheel, they will think I am nuts But making the buttons more transparent would be nice