ZenDots Little White Bear Studios, LLC ZenDots is a delightfully playful mashup of old school pinball, and classic brick breakers! Take a few minutes to drop … Free Buy Now Watch Media DetailsZenDots is a delightfully playful mashup of old school pinball, and classic brick breakers! Take a few minutes to drop some dots! Use the flippers to whack the white dot into the color dots. Let the color dots fall off the screen, without losing your white dot. When all the color dots are gone, the level is cleared! Information Seller:Little White Bear Studios, LLC Genre:Arcade, Family Release:Apr 16, 2015 Updated:May 21, 2015 Version:1.3 Size:16.8 MB TouchArcade Rating:Unrated User Rating: (4) Your Rating:unrated Compatibility:HD Universal Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #2 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 15, 2015 Here's the trailer, so you can see ZenDots in action: Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel As this is a free game, here is how the monetization works, in case you're wondering: You get 3 dots (balls) to complete a level. When you run out, you have the option of restarting the level, or acquiring extra dots to finish where you left off. If you watch a short video ad, you get one extra dot, which can be repeated however many times you feel like, given there are enough ads available for you to view. You can also purchase dot packs via IAP, if you find yourself needing a lot of extra dots all the time. The entire monetization is hidden from the main gameplay. The only way to access it is to tap the "extra dot?" text that appears when you've run out of dots on your level. You will never see an ad, unless you specifically choose to see an ad. Nor will you be badgered to buy anything ever. Also, if you'd like to change any of the sound options in the game, reset a level, or shoot us an email, all that is available in the game menu, which can be accessed by pressing the game title at the top of the screen. Lastly, Little White Bear Studios is not a large company. It's just me, and my wife. Thank you in advance for any support you choose to give ZenDots. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Enjoy! pluto6 Well-Known Member Jun 21, 2009 5,837 3 38 Military #3 pluto6, Apr 16, 2015 Last edited: Apr 16, 2015 One of my favorite developers. TanZen stays on all my devices and have played it many times. Anyway to just purchase the game so i dont have to worry about dots as a consumable? Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #4 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 16, 2015 Thanks! Nope, extra dots are the only things to buy in the game. If it were a paid game, the rules would be exactly the same anyway. Three dots (balls) to finish a level, similar to how normal pinball works. The consumable dots only come into play if you want to use more than three dots to finish a level. For me, with moderate pinball skills, I rarely use more than the three dots given. We're certainly not opposed to paid games. Heck, at least half our catalog is paid games. Unfortunately, we are finding it absolutely impossible to sell them anymore. So that is why ZenDots is free. One easy way to support the game is to buy a dot pack at the value you feel the game is worth, and then never use them. The game never automatically uses the spare dots. But I fully understand if buying something that never gets used is not something you'd like to do. No worries. Just enjoy the game. Adsinjapan Well-Known Member Aug 7, 2013 181 0 0 #5 Adsinjapan, Apr 16, 2015 While the game itself is relaxing, the plunky music is anything but. It really doesn't fit with the whole idea of "zen". Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #6 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 16, 2015 I'm sorry the music isn't to your liking. We have had a number of people mention they enjoyed the music in the trailer, which is the same as in the game. But if it's not your cup of tea, I understand, and it is possible to turn off the music in the game menu. To access the menu, tap the ZenDots text at the top of the screen. Additionally, you can always play your own music, rather than the game's music, by starting a song(s) on your device before opening the game. Valentia Well-Known Member Patreon Gold Jan 20, 2009 618 1 18 Female Retired! California #7 Valentia, Apr 16, 2015 Yes! Downloading now. vectorarchitekt Well-Known Member Dec 29, 2013 2,489 177 63 #8 vectorarchitekt, Apr 16, 2015 Either I really suck or it is impossible to play this without extending your dots. If you buy extra dots, do they get added to your total forever or just one time? Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #9 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 16, 2015 Last edited: Apr 16, 2015 If you're a pinball rookie, the game does take a bit of practice to be able to finish levels with three dots. I played a lot of pinball growing up, and a fair amount of iOS pinball, so I tend to rarely use the extra dots. When I first started playing it, I definitely needed some, but much less so over time. Some general ZenDots tips that will help: 1. Don't hit both flippers at the same time. It's usually better to control both sides independently. That's how you can control the white dot. 2. Controlling the white dot is key. Just hitting it randomly could cause a lot of chaos. 3. Practice trapping the white dot on your flipper. If you can stop the dot, and then choose your shots, you will start learning how to control the flow of the game. 4. Let the color dots go down the drain, rather than keeping them in play. As they interact with the white dot, they may cause you to lose the dot when you don't expect it. 5. Keep your focus on the white dot at all times. 6. Try not to aim for the center all the time. There is more chance of the white dot falling down the drain if you do that. 7. Practice different angles with the flippers. There are a ton of angles you can do in the game. It depends greatly on where the dot is on the flipper, and when you decide to hit it. Every time you get an extra dot, it is added to your extra dot total. For instance, if you watch a video ad, you now have one extra dot in reserve. If you watch a couple more, you now have three. If you buy a pack of 100, you now have 103 in reserve. Each level starts you with three dots. When the three are used up, you then have the option of continuing the level by using one of your reserve dots. Your total reserve count will be listed, so you will know how many you have left. Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #10 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 16, 2015 Thank you! Roleki Well-Known Member Aug 11, 2012 432 0 0 #11 Roleki, Apr 16, 2015 I had the same feelings. Shame as this is a cool idea with great aesthetics, but it seems to be designed to sell dots which are consumable. The main problem with IAPs is the way games end up being designed to sell them instead of providing the best player experience. Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #12 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 16, 2015 We'd certainly be happy to sell a paid version of the game, but every paid game in our library doesn't sell much of anything anymore, new or existing. Our last paid game, which came out in January, has made a whopping $200. That's pretty much zero income for any game that takes more than a day to make. So, we have to find new ways for our games to make money. We try to do that in ways that are not a required part of the gameplay. With moderate pinball skills, and a bit of practice, it is entirely possibly to finish any of the levels in one or two attempts. The chosen monetization for this game is to offer extra dots to those who have not built up that skill set yet, or simply do not want to retry a level, when they only have a couple color dots left to get. The IAP is just one of the possible ways to get extra dots. A player is free to get an unlimited number of free dots, simply by watching video ads. But yes, you are correct, the game is designed to make money by offering extra help in the game. It is absolutely NOT designed to be impossible to finish levels with only three white dots. It just takes practice, and building up a skill set, just like any other game. I play the game quite a bit. Sometimes I finish a level using one or two dots, sometimes it takes three. And sometimes I lose, and choose to replay the level until I win it. As I don't want extra help, I don't use extra dots. I assure you, it is very much possible, with practice. Instead of consumable dots, we could've plastered it with banner ads and pop up ads to keep it free. But that would certainly ruin the experience, don't you think? And as I said, a paid version, based on all our past experience, would sell next to nothing. Besides, in the paid version, you'd still only get three white dots per level, because that's standard pinball dynamics. You mentioned that we're not providing you with the best player experience. Given that a paid version would play exactly the same way, and we specifically chose to monetize in a very optional and hidden way, I'm not sure how we could make the game have a better player experience for you. Remove the option for extra help entirely? vectorarchitekt Well-Known Member Dec 29, 2013 2,489 177 63 #13 vectorarchitekt, Apr 17, 2015 It's a frustrating conundrum, because as a very avid mobile gamer I want you to make killer money making games, in this horrible age of Spotify and people wanting everything for free. It's probably that I suck, really. I'll throw you a few extra ball purchases happily now and then if it helps you make more than $200. I just noticed that the white dot heads straight for the middle a lot, but such is the randomness of pinball. This is a really good idea to mix these two genres up! Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #14 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 17, 2015 Hey, thanks for the support! If you're finding that the white dot goes down the center a lot, there are a couple ways to avoid that. First, avoid shooting up at the direct center of the rows of dots. Angles are your best friend. This takes a little experimenting with noticing where the ball goes based on where it sits on the flipper, in addition to the speed it is moving at the time. Second, when you have both flippers raised, the dot will barely fit through the gap. If you see the dot coming directly down the center, hitting both flippers at the same time could certainly save your dot, even if it's just slightly off direct center. Obviously, a direct center drop will not be saved, but as you said, that's pinball. Unlike most pinball games, the space between the flippers is reduced, so that many center-ish shots do not get drained so easily. vectorarchitekt Well-Known Member Dec 29, 2013 2,489 177 63 #15 vectorarchitekt, Apr 17, 2015 Thanks for the tips, I did try holding the flippers up....two questions: Would you be willing to consider randomizing the colors of the dots like in the photos each new game, so that a sucky player like me can see them more often, if ever? Also, what about occasional power ups like more than one white dot for a time or super expolosive dot or something like that? Also, does the game end or can you just keep breaking dots as long as you can? Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #16 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 17, 2015 I can't guarantee anything, but I'm putting your suggestions on our list of possible update items. Version 1.0, by sheer lack of time and a zero level budget, is just the most basic version of the game concept. We wanted to see if there was an audience for such a game, and a revenue stream to go along with it, before investing more time into it. Jury is still out on whether ZenDots is profitable. If it is, updates will be happening to make the game even more interesting. The game has an infinite number of levels, since it's designed to be a stress relief game, first and foremost. We'd prefer people chilled out with it for a very long time. vectorarchitekt Well-Known Member Dec 29, 2013 2,489 177 63 #17 vectorarchitekt, Apr 17, 2015 Last edited: Apr 17, 2015 Cool, thanks! Now that I think about it maybe the ability to select a dot color theme rather than randomize. Level two is just so purty I hope the word spreads...unfortunately this is Hearthstone iPhone week, though I think that game is a bit overrated. Plus this new Halo thing, but TA is such a great community for games to get noticed, as sure you know. yours is a genre mix up that you'd think had been done enough before but this is the first I've seen it. A more ambient track would be cool. Good luck and I'm looking forward to the updates, as this is just the type of casual game I'll keep around for a good long while. Valentia Well-Known Member Patreon Gold Jan 20, 2009 618 1 18 Female Retired! California #18 Valentia, Apr 17, 2015 Thanks for the tips, Little White Bear Studios! I'm enjoying it. It IS relaxing and just pleasant to play. It's also very attractive with clean, crisp graphics. I always mention how important that is to me. I want my graphics sharp, lol! Very nice. I'm glad I got it and it's a nice addition to my LWBS game collection. You guys have been around for a long time, haven't you? I think I remember Zentomino being one of the first IOS games I ever bought, right at the birth of the App Store. Anyway, I know you've been around for quite a while. So, thanks for the many hours of gaming enjoyment! Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #19 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 17, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions, and I'm writing them down. And yes, I was surprised it hadn't been done before as well. I did check around, once I had the concept in mind, and couldn't find anything similar. Apple did feature ZenDots today, so I am cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to afford an update. Still too early to tell. Downloads are one thing. Convincing a subset of free downloaders to buy/watch anything is another matter entirely. Little White Bear Studios Well-Known Member Patreon Silver Aug 27, 2008 2,572 0 0 #20 Little White Bear Studios, Apr 17, 2015 Great to hear you like it! It definitely walks a line between zen and mild chaos. Will be interesting to see what the general player ecosystem thinks of it. I am very fond of the graphics as well. You're welcome, and thanks for being a great customer! We've been on the App Store since the first month it was open in summer 2008. Apple featured our first game, TanZen, and here we are nearly seven years later. Zentomino was around January/February 2009, if I recall. (You must log in or sign up to post here.) Show Ignored Content Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Next > Share This Page Tweet Your name or email address: Do you already have an account? No, create an account now. Yes, my password is: Forgot your password? Stay logged in
Here's the trailer, so you can see ZenDots in action: Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel As this is a free game, here is how the monetization works, in case you're wondering: You get 3 dots (balls) to complete a level. When you run out, you have the option of restarting the level, or acquiring extra dots to finish where you left off. If you watch a short video ad, you get one extra dot, which can be repeated however many times you feel like, given there are enough ads available for you to view. You can also purchase dot packs via IAP, if you find yourself needing a lot of extra dots all the time. The entire monetization is hidden from the main gameplay. The only way to access it is to tap the "extra dot?" text that appears when you've run out of dots on your level. You will never see an ad, unless you specifically choose to see an ad. Nor will you be badgered to buy anything ever. Also, if you'd like to change any of the sound options in the game, reset a level, or shoot us an email, all that is available in the game menu, which can be accessed by pressing the game title at the top of the screen. Lastly, Little White Bear Studios is not a large company. It's just me, and my wife. Thank you in advance for any support you choose to give ZenDots. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Enjoy!
One of my favorite developers. TanZen stays on all my devices and have played it many times. Anyway to just purchase the game so i dont have to worry about dots as a consumable?
Thanks! Nope, extra dots are the only things to buy in the game. If it were a paid game, the rules would be exactly the same anyway. Three dots (balls) to finish a level, similar to how normal pinball works. The consumable dots only come into play if you want to use more than three dots to finish a level. For me, with moderate pinball skills, I rarely use more than the three dots given. We're certainly not opposed to paid games. Heck, at least half our catalog is paid games. Unfortunately, we are finding it absolutely impossible to sell them anymore. So that is why ZenDots is free. One easy way to support the game is to buy a dot pack at the value you feel the game is worth, and then never use them. The game never automatically uses the spare dots. But I fully understand if buying something that never gets used is not something you'd like to do. No worries. Just enjoy the game.
While the game itself is relaxing, the plunky music is anything but. It really doesn't fit with the whole idea of "zen".
I'm sorry the music isn't to your liking. We have had a number of people mention they enjoyed the music in the trailer, which is the same as in the game. But if it's not your cup of tea, I understand, and it is possible to turn off the music in the game menu. To access the menu, tap the ZenDots text at the top of the screen. Additionally, you can always play your own music, rather than the game's music, by starting a song(s) on your device before opening the game.
Either I really suck or it is impossible to play this without extending your dots. If you buy extra dots, do they get added to your total forever or just one time?
If you're a pinball rookie, the game does take a bit of practice to be able to finish levels with three dots. I played a lot of pinball growing up, and a fair amount of iOS pinball, so I tend to rarely use the extra dots. When I first started playing it, I definitely needed some, but much less so over time. Some general ZenDots tips that will help: 1. Don't hit both flippers at the same time. It's usually better to control both sides independently. That's how you can control the white dot. 2. Controlling the white dot is key. Just hitting it randomly could cause a lot of chaos. 3. Practice trapping the white dot on your flipper. If you can stop the dot, and then choose your shots, you will start learning how to control the flow of the game. 4. Let the color dots go down the drain, rather than keeping them in play. As they interact with the white dot, they may cause you to lose the dot when you don't expect it. 5. Keep your focus on the white dot at all times. 6. Try not to aim for the center all the time. There is more chance of the white dot falling down the drain if you do that. 7. Practice different angles with the flippers. There are a ton of angles you can do in the game. It depends greatly on where the dot is on the flipper, and when you decide to hit it. Every time you get an extra dot, it is added to your extra dot total. For instance, if you watch a video ad, you now have one extra dot in reserve. If you watch a couple more, you now have three. If you buy a pack of 100, you now have 103 in reserve. Each level starts you with three dots. When the three are used up, you then have the option of continuing the level by using one of your reserve dots. Your total reserve count will be listed, so you will know how many you have left.
I had the same feelings. Shame as this is a cool idea with great aesthetics, but it seems to be designed to sell dots which are consumable. The main problem with IAPs is the way games end up being designed to sell them instead of providing the best player experience.
We'd certainly be happy to sell a paid version of the game, but every paid game in our library doesn't sell much of anything anymore, new or existing. Our last paid game, which came out in January, has made a whopping $200. That's pretty much zero income for any game that takes more than a day to make. So, we have to find new ways for our games to make money. We try to do that in ways that are not a required part of the gameplay. With moderate pinball skills, and a bit of practice, it is entirely possibly to finish any of the levels in one or two attempts. The chosen monetization for this game is to offer extra dots to those who have not built up that skill set yet, or simply do not want to retry a level, when they only have a couple color dots left to get. The IAP is just one of the possible ways to get extra dots. A player is free to get an unlimited number of free dots, simply by watching video ads. But yes, you are correct, the game is designed to make money by offering extra help in the game. It is absolutely NOT designed to be impossible to finish levels with only three white dots. It just takes practice, and building up a skill set, just like any other game. I play the game quite a bit. Sometimes I finish a level using one or two dots, sometimes it takes three. And sometimes I lose, and choose to replay the level until I win it. As I don't want extra help, I don't use extra dots. I assure you, it is very much possible, with practice. Instead of consumable dots, we could've plastered it with banner ads and pop up ads to keep it free. But that would certainly ruin the experience, don't you think? And as I said, a paid version, based on all our past experience, would sell next to nothing. Besides, in the paid version, you'd still only get three white dots per level, because that's standard pinball dynamics. You mentioned that we're not providing you with the best player experience. Given that a paid version would play exactly the same way, and we specifically chose to monetize in a very optional and hidden way, I'm not sure how we could make the game have a better player experience for you. Remove the option for extra help entirely?
It's a frustrating conundrum, because as a very avid mobile gamer I want you to make killer money making games, in this horrible age of Spotify and people wanting everything for free. It's probably that I suck, really. I'll throw you a few extra ball purchases happily now and then if it helps you make more than $200. I just noticed that the white dot heads straight for the middle a lot, but such is the randomness of pinball. This is a really good idea to mix these two genres up!
Hey, thanks for the support! If you're finding that the white dot goes down the center a lot, there are a couple ways to avoid that. First, avoid shooting up at the direct center of the rows of dots. Angles are your best friend. This takes a little experimenting with noticing where the ball goes based on where it sits on the flipper, in addition to the speed it is moving at the time. Second, when you have both flippers raised, the dot will barely fit through the gap. If you see the dot coming directly down the center, hitting both flippers at the same time could certainly save your dot, even if it's just slightly off direct center. Obviously, a direct center drop will not be saved, but as you said, that's pinball. Unlike most pinball games, the space between the flippers is reduced, so that many center-ish shots do not get drained so easily.
Thanks for the tips, I did try holding the flippers up....two questions: Would you be willing to consider randomizing the colors of the dots like in the photos each new game, so that a sucky player like me can see them more often, if ever? Also, what about occasional power ups like more than one white dot for a time or super expolosive dot or something like that? Also, does the game end or can you just keep breaking dots as long as you can?
I can't guarantee anything, but I'm putting your suggestions on our list of possible update items. Version 1.0, by sheer lack of time and a zero level budget, is just the most basic version of the game concept. We wanted to see if there was an audience for such a game, and a revenue stream to go along with it, before investing more time into it. Jury is still out on whether ZenDots is profitable. If it is, updates will be happening to make the game even more interesting. The game has an infinite number of levels, since it's designed to be a stress relief game, first and foremost. We'd prefer people chilled out with it for a very long time.
Cool, thanks! Now that I think about it maybe the ability to select a dot color theme rather than randomize. Level two is just so purty I hope the word spreads...unfortunately this is Hearthstone iPhone week, though I think that game is a bit overrated. Plus this new Halo thing, but TA is such a great community for games to get noticed, as sure you know. yours is a genre mix up that you'd think had been done enough before but this is the first I've seen it. A more ambient track would be cool. Good luck and I'm looking forward to the updates, as this is just the type of casual game I'll keep around for a good long while.
Thanks for the tips, Little White Bear Studios! I'm enjoying it. It IS relaxing and just pleasant to play. It's also very attractive with clean, crisp graphics. I always mention how important that is to me. I want my graphics sharp, lol! Very nice. I'm glad I got it and it's a nice addition to my LWBS game collection. You guys have been around for a long time, haven't you? I think I remember Zentomino being one of the first IOS games I ever bought, right at the birth of the App Store. Anyway, I know you've been around for quite a while. So, thanks for the many hours of gaming enjoyment!
Thanks for the suggestions, and I'm writing them down. And yes, I was surprised it hadn't been done before as well. I did check around, once I had the concept in mind, and couldn't find anything similar. Apple did feature ZenDots today, so I am cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to afford an update. Still too early to tell. Downloads are one thing. Convincing a subset of free downloaders to buy/watch anything is another matter entirely.
Great to hear you like it! It definitely walks a line between zen and mild chaos. Will be interesting to see what the general player ecosystem thinks of it. I am very fond of the graphics as well. You're welcome, and thanks for being a great customer! We've been on the App Store since the first month it was open in summer 2008. Apple featured our first game, TanZen, and here we are nearly seven years later. Zentomino was around January/February 2009, if I recall.
