Metroid like game for iphone!

2011-12-10 09:51:20 am

Hey Everyone,

The title says it all, I'm building a Metriod like game for iphone! :)
I just wanted to share progress with some fans who might be interested. This game is hugely inspired by Super Metroid for SNES my favorite of all the metroid games.

And here are some screens and descriptions, I'd love to get your feedback

This is a image of boss number one rising out of the ground

this is the map screen, while like the good old map from metroid in some ways. you can also check mission objectives, and later you can find "Jump-pads". if you are in a jump pad room you can jump from any room with a active jump pad to another, making it easier to get to far away rooms faster

so I'd love to know what you guys think! and if you have any questions about the game I can answer them

here is the teaser trailer

Thanks for reading
-Ash

Thread title:

Hey Everyone,

The title says it all, I'm building a Metriod like game for iphone! :) 
I just wanted to share progress with some fans who might be interested. This game is hugely inspired by Super Metroid for SNES my favorite of all the metroid games.

And here are some screens and descriptions, I'd love to get your feedback

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6484280647_f7b751e104.jpg[/img]
This is a image of boss number one rising out of the ground

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6484280411_665e22233f.jpg[/img]
this is the map screen, while like the good old map from metroid in some ways. you can also check mission objectives, and later you can find "Jump-pads".  if you are in a jump pad room  you can jump from any room with a active jump pad to another, making it easier to get to far away rooms faster
[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6443406545_94b40d3b3e.jpg[/img]
[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6484280091_87c9b80765.jpg[/img]

so I'd love to know what you guys think!  and if you have any questions about the game I can answer them

here is the teaser trailer [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH4F97g4RmY[/url]

Thanks for reading
-Ash

Ntsc

Edit history:

Ntsc: 2011-12-10 02:50:05 pm

Ntsc: 2011-12-10 02:48:45 pm

2011-12-10 02:47:32 pm

It looks good from the screenshots but the teaser trailer doesn't do anything for me. I'd prefer to see some gameplay over story in normal trailers.

I am a huge hater of the IPhone appstore and developer model so unless you port it to run on the PC or Android I will never play it.

Jeff Atwood sums most of my frustrations with Apple fairly well but I think he and everyone else is delusional if they/you think that profit splitting with a multi-billion dollar company is reasonable. I'll continue writing business applications and games for Windows desktop and enjoying my 100%.

sabata2

2011-12-10 08:04:42 pm

ANKOKU

Quote from Ntsc:

It looks good from the screenshots but the teaser trailer doesn't do anything for me. I'd prefer to see some gameplay over story in normal trailers.

monsterbot

2011-12-11 06:54:17 pm

Yeah, I'm not big on them taking a cut of the money :( I may port this to android, but there will definitely be a playable online version :)
here is some game play footage

sabata2

2011-12-11 08:31:12 pm

ANKOKU

The player looks REALLY slow, and that's likely due to the bulkiness of the sprite, but you're working on a static few inches of screen so it's probably warranted. I'd suggest making the character go faster (cause that looks painfully slow), but then you might accidentally impose sequence breaks.
Then again, look where you're advertising this.

The music leaves a lot to be desired if the youtube vid's music is going to be in game. But it's not like we can't mute it (though that's really not a good thing).

It looks very Metroid-like, and could be very good. I don't use my ANDROID much for gaming but I'd atleast be willing to try a demo/buy to critique it as a professional game dev.

From what you've shown us, I'd say that the only major difference between your game, and Metroid/Castleroid games is purely the speed.
You feel AGILE in the GBA metroids and EVERY Castleroid since Aria of Sorrow (Hell even SotN). From what's shown, it looks like you've shoved a SPEHS MAHREEN down a ventaliation shaft that's 3 sizes too small, and told him to explore.

As a prospective buyer though (once ported to Android), what's the expected gameplay length and will you be expanding the game through updates (or just secondary releases)?

The player looks REALLY slow, and that's likely due to the bulkiness of the sprite, but you're working on a static few inches of screen so it's probably warranted. I'd suggest making the character go faster (cause that looks painfully slow), but then you might accidentally impose sequence breaks.
Then again, look where you're advertising this.

The music leaves a lot to be desired if the youtube vid's music is going to be in game. But it's not like we can't mute it (though that's really not a good thing).

It looks very Metroid-like, and could be very good. I don't use my ANDROID much for gaming but I'd atleast be willing to try a demo/buy to critique it as a professional game dev.

From what you've shown us, I'd say that the only major difference between your game, and Metroid/Castleroid games is purely the speed.
You feel AGILE in the GBA metroids and EVERY Castleroid since Aria of Sorrow (Hell even SotN). From what's shown, it looks like you've shoved a SPEHS MAHREEN down a ventaliation shaft that's 3 sizes too small, and told him to explore.

As a prospective buyer though (once ported to Android), what's the expected gameplay length and will you be expanding the game through updates (or just secondary releases)?

rekameohs

2011-12-11 11:45:46 pm

Anywhere, everywhere

Isn't that loud horn thing like directly from Uncharted 2?

monsterbot

2011-12-19 10:44:48 am

@Sabata Thanks for the tips, I've added a second speed, so you can move faster if you drag the "joystick" further from the base. works really well, I didn't notice how slow it was going till you pointed it out, I think I was wrapped up in looking for glitches when I play it :)

Not sure what the total game time will be, I'm thinking it will take hours once the entire game is live, I plan to release one large chunk at a time, this first part will feature roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes of game play, this is assuming you know just where to go and what to do, so it should end up longer. chapter one will have 3 accessible weapons (plus a bonus weapon only available at launch) 2 bosses, 3 energy tanks, and a bunch more.

@rekameohs I've never played Uncharted, but the sound I used is a actual recording of tibetan horn :)

Beyond Dead-Monster Robot Studios by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

Thanks again for the feedback guys!

@Sabata Thanks for the tips, I've added a second speed, so you can move faster if you drag the "joystick" further from the base. works really well, I didn't notice how slow it was going till you pointed it out, I think I was wrapped up in looking for glitches when I play it :)

Not sure what the total game time will be, I'm thinking it will take  hours  once the entire game is live, I plan to release one large chunk at a time, this first part will feature roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes of game play, this is assuming you know just where to go and what to do, so it should end up longer. chapter one will have 3 accessible weapons (plus a bonus weapon only available at launch)  2 bosses, 3 energy tanks, and a bunch more.

@rekameohs I've never played Uncharted, but the sound I used is a actual recording of tibetan horn  :)

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6538012885/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6538012885_0a43326f12.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6538012885/]Beyond Dead-Monster Robot Studios [/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

Thanks again for the feedback guys!

Ntsc

2011-12-20 10:28:32 pm

So are you the only one working on the game coding, drawing, making sound/music? Also have you made other indie games like this before?

I work as a software developer but I don't get outside of the actual programming much and indie development has always interested me.

monsterbot

2011-12-22 04:54:35 pm

Yeah, for the most part i'm doing everything myself. I have a few friends that are brutally honest who I have test it/give me great feedback to try to make sure it will appeal to all gamers. I'm hoping in time if I can actually make enough dollars I can have a few team members to lighten the work load :)

I've released two other apps Bridge the Gap and GravCat, those were both a lot simpler then this one tho.
all in all there is definitely a nice feeling having control over a project, but not having any help can make it a bit difficult

Menu screen, this works a lot like the zelda menu, you drag the items you want into the bar on the right, then you can access them quickly in game

menu screen-Beyond Dead-SZC-Monster Robot Studios by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

Vera gives you tips/clues/helps you throughout the game

Vera-Beyond Dead-SZC-Monster Robot Studios by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

Yeah, for the most part i'm doing everything myself. I have a few friends that are brutally honest who I have test it/give me great feedback to try to make sure it will appeal to all gamers. I'm hoping in time if I can actually make enough dollars I can have a few team members to lighten the work load :)

I've released two other apps Bridge the Gap and GravCat, those were both a lot simpler then this one tho.
all in all there is definitely a nice feeling having control over a project, but not having any help can make it a bit difficult

Menu screen, this works a lot like the zelda menu, you drag the items you want into the bar on the right, then you can access them quickly in game

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6555756325/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6555756325_56ba68631c.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6555756325/]menu screen-Beyond Dead-SZC-Monster Robot Studios[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

Vera gives you tips/clues/helps you throughout the game

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6555756645/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6555756645_bc8dc483cf.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6555756645/]Vera-Beyond Dead-SZC-Monster Robot Studios[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

monsterbot

2011-12-30 12:07:36 pm

Here is some concept art!

SZC: Beyond Dead Concept art by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

Here is some concept art! 
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600845977/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6600845977_543a5e7fac.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600845977/]SZC: Beyond Dead Concept art[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600845841/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6600845841_51f6c8c8ab.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600845841/]SZC: Beyond Dead Concept art[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600846137/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6600846137_58d78525a8.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600846137/]SZC: Beyond Dead Concept art[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600846395/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6600846395_b88c1986d7.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6600846395/]SZC: Beyond Dead Concept art[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

observer

2011-12-30 03:39:32 pm

i like what i see so far but theres one thing bugging me. how does the map work? is it a linear level-to-level based style, or more like super metroid where the first time plathrough u find yourself a little lost with some backtracking here and there? (at least, thats what i did) i know my say doesnt mean much but imo i prefer an "open world-esque" type of game anyday over the latter. still looks like a very well put together platformer that will be alot of fun, but a different picture is in my mind when "metroid-like" game is said.

sabata2

2011-12-30 10:42:59 pm

ANKOKU

He said it's Metroid-esqe so I have a feeling it's open world.

My question is are we going to have any Standard Enemies that AREN'T shambling zombies? (We've seen a boss and zombies. Thassit)

monsterbot

2012-01-02 12:15:17 pm

@ observer
It is more like super metroid, back tracking and all :) the way I have it set up right now, every-time you enter a new room it saves your data, so the next time you play you can start in the last room you were in or back at the very first screen, and you can use the jump pads to jump to other locations within the world map.
and I think it does matter what you think, one of my favorite things about developing games for phones is how people can give feedback that can help shape the game in later updates. back in the day I couldn't call up nintendo and say "hey, how bout making mario jump a little higher when I press A?" I think that's a really cool thing for both developers and players

@Sabata2
There are a more enemies, I've made a lot of changes since that first trailer I'll be getting another video posted soon showing some of the new bad guys/weapons/walking speeds/ etc.

Thanks for the feed back guys!

J_SNAKE

2012-01-02 07:17:44 pm

Why smartphone?

monsterbot

2012-01-23 06:52:30 pm

There really aren't enough in-depth games for smartphone in my opinion.
touch controls

sabata2

2012-01-23 11:03:04 pm

ANKOKU

Based on that vid, the only thing I suggest is inverting the map movement with the touch controls.

As you have it, you move your thumb -> and the map goes ->

Try that on ANY other app (on droid atleast) and your thumb goes this way -> the map goes <- that way.

monsterbot

2012-02-06 04:37:24 pm

@sabata Thanks for the tip! I agree, the problem is the only way I've been able to get that effect is by moving the whole background/all objects rather then the camera :( But I'm still searching for another way that is less complex.

here is the final video before I release chapter one. this highlights some of the other weapons/items. gravity beam, ice beam, magnet boots, scanner, etc. hopefully you guys will check it out and give some feedback. and thanks again for all the feedback thus far :)

sabata2

2012-02-07 12:45:33 am

ANKOKU

Please tell me you can make the thinner golden one an unlockable character.

Other than that it definitely looks metroid-like, not completely but it has elements.

I'd say the difference between whether this game does well or not is all on how easy it is to play (controls).

monsterbot

2012-02-16 09:18:09 am

haha well there will be a 2nd game more like a contra type run and gun where you can play as that one and others...I might also make them unlockable in this one :) thats for all the feedback guys. here are some more images, I'm just waiting for apple to review now

I switched all the backgrounds/terrain to tiled images cause I think it just looks better over all, and with this new design I was also able to make all backgrounds in the game parallax scroll much like super metroid!

SZC: Beyond Dead Monster Robot Studios by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

SZC: Beyond Dead Monster Robot Studios by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

and Sabata2 you're gonna like this one I think, I overhauled the map system, 1 cause I think it looks a lot better, and 2 I was able to figure out a way to give it the inverted scroll!

SZC Beyond Dead by homeschooledmail, on Flickr

Thanks again you guys! I'll post as soon as the game is live

you can also follow me on twitter if you have it, I post new images on there all the time
https://twitter.com/#!/MonsterRobotGC

haha well there will be a 2nd game more like a contra type run and gun where you can play as that one and others...I might also make them unlockable in this one  :)  thats for all the feedback guys. here are some more images, I'm just waiting for apple to review now

I switched all the backgrounds/terrain to tiled images cause I think it just looks better over all, and with this new design I was also able to make all backgrounds in the game parallax scroll much like super metroid!

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6882860629/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6882860629_10bcb91211.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6882860629/]SZC: Beyond Dead Monster Robot Studios[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6882860895/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6882860895_97f772a51a.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6882860895/]SZC: Beyond Dead Monster Robot Studios[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

and Sabata2 you're gonna like this one I think, I overhauled the map system, 1 cause I think it looks a lot better, and 2 I was able to figure out a way to give it the inverted scroll!

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6883899389/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6883899389_d20d0edd1d.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/7845270@N06/6883899389/]SZC Beyond Dead[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/7845270@N06/]homeschooledmail[/url], on Flickr

Thanks again you guys! I'll post as soon as the game is live

you can also follow me on twitter if you have it, I post new images on there all the time 
[url]https://twitter.com/#!/MonsterRobotGC[/url]

sabata2

2012-02-18 07:15:38 pm

ANKOKU

That is one purdy map.

And from what I've seen, it'd be a sale from me... if I had an iPhone.

SO PORT IT TO DROID! :D

monsterbot

2012-02-19 01:58:06 pm

I know! If I get enough sales it'll be the first thing I do :) I need $500 (which means I need about 1000 sales) to get the upgrade that allows me to port it.
I'll post more videos of the next Chapter soon, working on a big bat creature boss!

here are some previews!

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2012/02/monster-robot-studios-sci-fi-platformer-beyond-dead-launches-next-week

http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Multiformat/Out+Next+Week/feature.asp?c=37972

sabata2

Edit history:

sabata2: 2012-02-19 07:13:36 pm

2012-02-19 07:13:29 pm

ANKOKU

It's only a 50 cent app?

Dude I'd DONATE $5 just to get it over faster... (and assume I get a free copy for the 5 :P)

ryu

2012-02-20 04:12:49 am

this looks like you'd be better off releasing this on steam or something. this doesn't look casual enough for iphone "gamers".

in any case, good luck! looks promising.

tomatobob

2012-02-20 04:16:56 am

One shall stand, one shall ball.

Quote from ryu:

this looks like you'd be better off releasing this on steam or something. this doesn't look casual enough for iphone "gamers".

Get eaten by a shark. Rolling Eyes

ryu

2012-02-20 05:07:44 am

Quote from tomatobob:

Quote from ryu:

this looks like you'd be better off releasing this on steam or something. this doesn't look casual enough for iphone "gamers".

Get eaten by a shark. Rolling Eyes

no. but you get eaten by a pony.