Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More unfinished business: Cavanagh's vectorized tongues and the RPG that doesn't exist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/more-unfinished-business-cavanaghs-vectorized-tongues-and-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/more-unfinished-business-cavanaghs-vectorized-tongues-and-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/more-unfinished-business-cavanaghs-vectorized-tongues-and-the/#commentsThis is the second half of a two-part series chronicling the unfinished works of seasoned indie developer Terry Cavanagh. For the first half, click all up on this.


Terry Cavanagh's next confessionary Vine of unfinished projects started with a psychedelic look at his most recently abandoned idea, a first-person exploration game. "The idea was that'd be some way to manipulate your position in the game and access areas that were outside the game world; procedurally generated noise places of some sort," Cavanagh told us.

"I liked the idea of randomly filling a world with information and abilities and letting the player figure it out by just poking around in areas I hadn't specifically designed for them - making a genuine playable minus world. Anyway, I was working on this before GDC, and when I was there I saw another game that was basically doing the same thing but better, so I scrapped my game. It happens, no big deal."

Continue reading More unfinished business: Cavanagh's vectorized tongues and the RPG that doesn't exist

JoystiqMore unfinished business: Cavanagh's vectorized tongues and the RPG that doesn't exist originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-herofour-letter-wordindieisothingynexus-cityself-destructterry-cavanaghunfinished-businessvineMon, 20 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terry Cavanagh picks up 'proper, meaty puzzle game,' Halting Problem]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/terry-cavanagh-picks-up-proper-meaty-puzzle-game-halting-pro/#commentsTerry Cavanagh working on 'Halting Problem,' a puzzle game Terry Cavanagh throws a ton of game ideas into the online hive mind, and it looks like he found one that sticks with Halting Problem (tentative title). Last week Cavanagh posted a set of Vines - "Pushing a block" and "Fistbump" - and this weekend he wrote in his blog that Halting Problem will probably be his "main focus for a while."

"A proper, meaty puzzle game is something I've wanted to make for ages, and I'm having lots of fun just messing around with the mechanics for this one and seeing what I can make out of them," Cavanagh said. It's inspired by DROD, but also things like Qrostar games, Zachtronic games, and my flatmate Increpare's games."

Cavanagh said he's really excited about this one - and so is that happy little sprite.

JoystiqTerry Cavanagh picks up 'proper, meaty puzzle game,' Halting Problem originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halting-problemIndiepcterry-cavanaghSun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unfinished Business: Super Hexagon creator reveals his abandonware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/unfinished-business-super-hexagon-creator-reveals-his-abandonwa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/unfinished-business-super-hexagon-creator-reveals-his-abandonwa/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/unfinished-business-super-hexagon-creator-reveals-his-abandonwa/#comments
This Vine represents eight of VVVVVV and Super Hexagon creator Terry Cavanagh's unfinished projects - the first of three like it recently posted to the game designer's Twitter account.

There's a hell of a lot of information contained within those flashing, garbled clips, but thankfully Cavanagh was willing to take our hand and guide us through each and every incomplete game he posted. Some represent ideas still to come, while others serve as bittersweet reminders of projects that will likely never see the light of day.

Gallery: Terry Cavanagh's Four Letter Word

Continue reading Unfinished Business: Super Hexagon creator reveals his abandonware

JoystiqUnfinished Business: Super Hexagon creator reveals his abandonware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isothingynexus-cityselmas-storysuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghunfinished-businessvvvvvvWed, 01 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon now on Linux, Steam alternatives now also available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/super-hexagon-now-on-linux-steam-alternatives-now-also-availabl/#comments Super Hexagon is now available on Linux, both through Steam and directly from its official website. PC and OSX versions of the game are also now available directly through the site, should you prefer to acquire your games straight from the tap.

Like the recently ported Linux version of VVVVVV, Super Hexagon requires Ubuntu version 12.04 LTS, or "Precise Pangolin" for you codename types, a 2 GHz processor and 32 megs of hard drive space. By bringing the game to Linux, Super Hexagon has successfully made it to "all the platforms that it's ever likely to be on," creator Terry Cavanagh said on his official blog, which means we can probably stop holding out for a Game Boy Advance version.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon now on Linux, Steam alternatives now also available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>linuxsteamsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghubuntuWed, 27 Feb 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: VVVVVV now flipping around Linux via Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/psa-vvvvvv-now-flipping-around-linux-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/psa-vvvvvv-now-flipping-around-linux-via-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/psa-vvvvvv-now-flipping-around-linux-via-steam/#comments Terry Cavanagh's reorientation-oriented platformer VVVVVV is now available on Linux by way of Steam, Cavanagh announced earlier today. The port requires Ubuntu version 12.04 LTS (aka "Precise Pangolin") running on a machine only slightly more advanced than a George Foreman grill, so chances are good that your box can handle it.

Cavanagh recently revealed that testing has begun on an iOS version of VVVVVV, though its release shouldn't be expected anytime soon. Meanwhile, our desperate pleas to have Xbox 360 controller support patched into the PC version of the game have thus far gone unanswered. Sources familiar with our deepest desires inform us that we'd be prepared to offer Cavanagh upwards of five dollars and a sizable baguette in exchange for this functionality.

JoystiqPSA: VVVVVV now flipping around Linux via Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baguettefive-dollarsLinuxPrecise-PangolinSteamterry-cavanaghUbuntuvvvvvvFri, 22 Feb 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon brings concentric chiptune madness to BlackBerry 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/super-hexagon-brings-concentric-chiptune-madness-to-blackberry-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/super-hexagon-brings-concentric-chiptune-madness-to-blackberry-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/super-hexagon-brings-concentric-chiptune-madness-to-blackberry-1/#comments Super Hexagon brings concentric chiptune madness to BlackBerry 10File this one under "things we definitely weren't expecting today:" Terry Cavanagh's Super Hexagon is now available on the days-old BlackBerry 10 operating system. Currently, the only device that runs BlackBerry 10 is the BlackBerry Z10, which is available in the UK and Canada, but won't make it to carriers in the United States until March.

"This wasn't originally something I had lined up," Cavanagh writes. "Laurence Muller, who ported the C++ openFrameworks version of the game to Android, has an interest in BlackBerry - he maintains the unofficial Blackberry port of openFrameworks. So when Blackberry came along and asked us to do the port, we figured, let's give it a shot!"

The game can be purchased from BlackBerry World, either on the Z10 or online, for $2.99. Now all we need are PlayStation Vita and 3DS ports, and Cavanagh's mobile market saturation will be absolute.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon brings concentric chiptune madness to BlackBerry 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry-10blackberry-z10mobileportrelease-datesuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghz10Sat, 09 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terry Cavanagh testing VVVVVV on iPhone, not launching anytime soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/terry-cavanagh-testing-vvvvvv-on-iphone-not-launching-anytime-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/terry-cavanagh-testing-vvvvvv-on-iphone-not-launching-anytime-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/terry-cavanagh-testing-vvvvvv-on-iphone-not-launching-anytime-s/#comments Terry Cavanagh testing VVVVVV on iPhone, not launching anytime soonThe iOS port of Terry Cavanagh's flipping-centric platformer VVVVVV is running,undergoing testing by the man himself, though that shouldn't be taken as evidence of its impending release.

Cavanagh revealed via Twitter that while the game technically works, at least well enough to get two thirds of the way through without dying (above), the controls are only "acceptable" and the game won't be available to the public "for AGES." Real buttons are always the preferred control mechanism, Cavanagh added, but that he's hoping to "make it good enough to play."

JoystiqTerry Cavanagh testing VVVVVV on iPhone, not launching anytime soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaiosiphonemobileterry-cavanaghtestingvvvvvvWed, 30 Jan 2013 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon out on Android, temporarily $1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/super-hexagon-out-on-android-temporarily-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/super-hexagon-out-on-android-temporarily-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/super-hexagon-out-on-android-temporarily-1/#comments Super Hexagon out on Android, temporarily $1Terry Cavanagh's concentric chiptune masterpiece Super Hexagon is now available on most Android devices running Froyo or newer, provided said device has access to Google Play and runs hardware on par with (or better than) an iPhone 3GS.

Sadly, the port's issues with the Nexus 7 have yet to be resolved, and therefore the game won't run on Google's flagship tablet. "We're going keep an eye on the situation with the Nexus 7," Cavanagh said on his official blog. "If it ever improves, you can be sure we'll make it available on that device too."

To celebrate its release, the game is on sale for $0.99, though how long this promotional pricing will last remains a mystery. Seeing as Super Hexagon was our fifth favorite game of 2012, you should probably jump on that offer while it stands.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon out on Android, temporarily $1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogle-playmobilereleaserelease-datesalesuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghSat, 19 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon on Android is 'basically done,' Nexus 7 owners out of luck]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/super-hexagon-on-android-is-basically-done-nexus-7-owners-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/super-hexagon-on-android-is-basically-done-nexus-7-owners-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/super-hexagon-on-android-is-basically-done-nexus-7-owners-out/#comments There's good news and bad news. The good news is that the Android port of Super Hexagon is "basically done," Terry Cavanagh wrote in an update on the game's progress. The bad news is that Cavanagh and Laurence Muller, who is actually coding the port, have run into a rather serious bug. The sort of goodish news is that the bug only seems to affect Google's Nexus 7 tablet.

Specifically, testing on the Nexus 7 has shown a bit of input lag, meaning that player movement is registered slightly after the screen is pressed. Not a huge problem for most games, but a very big problem for Super Hexagon. As Cavanagh puts it, "even a slight control responsiveness issue like this basically kills Super Hexagon - every single touch overshoots." It's possible to play earlier levels, but the higher levels are "unplayable," which makes the game "unreleaseable" on Nexus 7.

The next step for the duo is to test other Android devices for similar issues. Once that's done, the game should be released "very soon for any Android device that can handle it." Sadly, it looks like that won't include the Nexus 7.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon on Android is 'basically done,' Nexus 7 owners out of luck originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilenexus-7super-hexagonterry-cavanaghWed, 09 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terry Cavanagh halts development on Nexus City and Selma's Story]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/terry-cavanagh-halts-development-on-nexus-city-and-selmas-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/terry-cavanagh-halts-development-on-nexus-city-and-selmas-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/terry-cavanagh-halts-development-on-nexus-city-and-selmas-story/#comments Terry Cavanagh halts development on Nexus City and Selma's StoryTerry Cavanagh, the developer behind VVVVVV and Super Hexagon, has scrapped two projects he's been working on for two years, Nexus City and its spin-off, Selma's Story. Cavanagh began working Nexus City with writer Jonas Kyratzes in 2010, and from humble beginnings it spun out of control, until it began getting in the way of other projects, Cavanagh writes.

"Promising games would come along, and I'd stop myself from getting too deep into them, because I had to finish Nexus City first," he says. "Everything became a big ordered list of what I could work on and when, how long I could spend on it. It's only when a project like Super Hexagon came along, and forced itself on me - became too much to ignore, that I was able to turn that part of my head off. And I could do it, but even then I constantly had that pressure - when this is done, I need to get back to Nexus City.

"I don't think that's creatively healthy."

With the weight of Nexus City and Selma's Story off his mind and a fairly successful year of development under his belt, Cavanagh plans to start 2013 with some time off. He's "very excited" about that, and we plan to live vicariously through him as he walks the beaches of Waikiki, plays the slots, or whatever people do while on vacation.

JoystiqTerry Cavanagh halts development on Nexus City and Selma's Story originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancellednexus-citypcselmas-storyterry-cavanaghThu, 03 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Super Hexagon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-super-hexagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-super-hexagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/joystiq-top-10-of-2012-super-hexagon/#comments Super Hexagon is about an insignificant speck squeezing through gaps in a concentric, never-ending sequence of ever-shrinking shapes. In other words, Super Hexagon is about:

1. Escaping debt in a constrictive economy
2. Escaping a prison made of lasers
3. The inevitability of death and the hope of reincarnation
4. Resilience in the face of constant adversity
5. Maintaining individuality in an increasingly homogenous society
6. Being in a relationship with a control freak
6. Slipping past tourists who are walking too goddamn slowly
6. Recognizing Satan's insidious grip on your soul
7. Dodging awkward hugs
8. Fitting through a coffee shop's door before it closes so you don't have to touch it
9. Wearing multiple corsets at once
10. Trying to reach a human being on FedEx's customer support line

Continue reading Joystiq Top 10 of 2012: Super Hexagon

JoystiqJoystiq Top 10 of 2012: Super Hexagon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-2012goty-2012iosipadiphonejoystiq-best-of-2012mobilepcsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghWed, 02 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Super Hexagon on Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-super-hexagon-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-super-hexagon-on-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/psa-super-hexagon-on-steam-today/#comments In case the mobile version of Super Hexagon has left you with a criminally short attention span, we'd like to remind everyone that the PC and Mac version of Terry Cavanagh's brutally challenging game is now available on Steam.

It's currently on sale for two measly dollars, a full dollar off the usual price of three measly dollars. Or, if you really hate your friends, you can snag a two-pack for $3.34, saving a buck and change on the usual price of $4.99.

JoystiqPSA: Super Hexagon on Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcsteamsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghTue, 27 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon spins onto Steam next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/super-hexagon-spins-onto-steam-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/super-hexagon-spins-onto-steam-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/super-hexagon-spins-onto-steam-next-week/#comments Super Hexagon rotating onto Steam next weekSuper Hexagon is coming to Steam for PC and Mac on Tuesday, November 27, for $3 (with the potential for a discount at launch). That's the same price as the iOS version that we are extremely fond of, even though it's "an overwhelming experience - for a few seconds at a time."

Super Hexagon prides itself on creating a challenge, with death generally a given after seconds of play, rather than minutes or hours - unless, of course, you're developer Terry Cavanagh, who can calmly complete his own game on the "Hexagonest" mode, in front of a room full of people. Like a wizard.

"I'm sorry this has taken so long," Cavanagh writes on his Steam announcement. "I appreciate your patience with me! I wanted to launch much sooner than this, but ultimately I just wasn't happy with the performance of the flash version." Cavanagh rewrote the entire game in C++, meaning the Steam version runs at a higher resolution than the iOS version, and it's "fast and silky smooth on every machine I've been able to get my hands on - a very important thing for a game like this."

Super Hexagon on Steam won't support gamepads at the outset, though Cavanagh hopes to add that after launch, along with a Linux version once Steam Linux goes public. As Cavanagh says, "See you on the leaderboards!"

JoystiqSuper Hexagon spins onto Steam next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpcSTEAMsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghTue, 20 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon cloned on PC, Cavanagh is pretty all right with it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/super-hexagon-cloned-on-pc-cavanagh-is-pretty-all-right-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/super-hexagon-cloned-on-pc-cavanagh-is-pretty-all-right-with-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/super-hexagon-cloned-on-pc-cavanagh-is-pretty-all-right-with-it/#comments

Open Hexagon freely states that it is a clone of Terry Cavanagh's iOS mind-melter Super Hexagon, but on PC. The developer of Open Hexagon, Vittorio Romeo, says that he secured permission from Cavanagh to make a game inspired by Super Hexagon, and Cavanagh says he's "basically all right with it." He'd probably be totally all right with it if Romeo hadn't beaten him to a PC launch.

"I'm a little upset that he released it before I had a chance to release Super Hexagon on PC myself," Cavanagh tweets. But, overall, he says Open Hexagon is "not bad at all - the harder octagon stage was pretty cool. I also like the death effect."

So, no harm, no foul. Cavanagh even posted Open Hexagon on his Free Indie Games blog, writing, "This is probably the closest I'll ever come to posting my own games on this site." Besides, Open Hexagon is free for PC. Check it out right here, or play Super Hexagon for $3 on iOS (or regular Hexagon for free).

Cavanagh is "working flat out" to get Super Hexagon on PC and Mac soon, and those versions are almost done, he says.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon cloned on PC, Cavanagh is pretty all right with it originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloneiosipadiphonemacmobileopen-hexagonpcsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghSun, 18 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cavanagh's Don't Look Back now on iOS & Android, VVVVVV may follow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/cavanaghs-dont-look-back-now-on-ios-and-android-vvvvvv-may-foll/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/cavanaghs-dont-look-back-now-on-ios-and-android-vvvvvv-may-foll/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/17/cavanaghs-dont-look-back-now-on-ios-and-android-vvvvvv-may-foll/#comments Cavanagh's Don't Look Back now on iOS and Android, VVVVVV may followTerry Cavanagh is considering bringing VVVVVV to iOS and Android, after releasing his short 2009 game Don't Look Back for free on the App Store and Google Play today. The Super Hexagon creator posted on his blog revealing he saw the Don't Look Back port as a "trial run" for VVVVVV. While Cavanagh isn't promising an iOS and Android port, it's certainly a distinct possibility. Although Cavanagh tells Joystiq "it may not happen this year." So don't go pinning all your hopes on finding the iPad version of VVVVVV under your Christmas tree (especially since it'll be digital and your tree's probably physical).

Cavanagh's chiptune-stuffed 2D platformer arrived on PC back in 2010, and then made the jump to 3DS last year. It didn't, however, use the console's touch screen controls. This may explain why Cavanagh wanted to try porting Don't Look Back first, a 2D platformer which he gave on-screen buttons to on iOS. As Cavanagh puts it, it's a "pretty simple port" of a game which is a bit rough around the edges. It's unlikely to be indicative of how VVVVVV would run on iOS, especially given how sado-nefariously intricate Super Hexagon is.

JoystiqCavanagh's Don't Look Back now on iOS & Android, VVVVVV may follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddont-look-backiosipadiphonemobileterry-cavanaghvvvvvvWed, 17 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terry Cavanagh goes inside Super Hexagon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/terry-cavanagh-goes-inside-super-hexagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/terry-cavanagh-goes-inside-super-hexagon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/terry-cavanagh-goes-inside-super-hexagon/#comments
Terry Cavanagh began his panel at Fantastic Arcade by playing his game, Super Hexagon, live on stage. Above, he easily gets through the "Hexagonest" mode, which is the hardest mode available from the start, and shows us one of the endings. It's inspiring.

After that, he played through the absolute hardest level in the game, in order to show the attending fans the true ending. I didn't realize Super Hexagon had an ending, much less multiple ones. But now I and a small group in Austin have seen it. "Congratulations," he told us all. "Now there's a much larger percentage of people who have seen this ending." To see it yourself, you'll just have to practice.

Gallery: Super Hexagon (iOS)

Continue reading Terry Cavanagh goes inside Super Hexagon

JoystiqTerry Cavanagh goes inside Super Hexagon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantastic-arcade-2012super-hexagonterry-cavanaghFri, 21 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon has sold approximately 45,000 copies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/super-hexagon-has-sold-approximately-45-000-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/super-hexagon-has-sold-approximately-45-000-copies/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/super-hexagon-has-sold-approximately-45-000-copies/#comments Super Hexagon has sold approximately 45,000 copiesSuper Hexagon creator Terry Cavanagh estimates about 45,000 downloads to date for his iOS action game since its September 6 release.

"I still haven't really processed it yet," Cavanagh told me at Fantastic Arcade. "It is such a hard game, and such a niche thing. I didn't expect it to get the reaction it's gotten. I thought it would be cool if I made enough sales to pay for the phone I bought, it would be cool. I didn't see it doing what it's done. It's up to like 45,000 sold so far."

Cavanagh admitted that "Zynga would be disappointed with those numbers. But me as an individual, I'm ecstatic. That's enough for me to live on. That's several years."

The launch of Super Hexagon has even eclipsed that of his hit gravity action game VVVVVV. "If you actually look at the launch of VVVVVV and the launch of Super Hexagon," he said, "Super Hexagon's bigger. Way bigger. The launch of VVVVVV was like an unprecedented event that I thought I'd never experience in my life again. I'm really, really happy with the game's reception and its sales." I'll have more from my interview with Cavanagh soon, focusing on the design of Super Hexagon.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon has sold approximately 45,000 copies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosiphonemobilesalessuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghFri, 21 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Hexagon sells 10K on iOS, ask Terry Cavanagh anything]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/super-hexagon-sells-10k-on-ios-ask-terry-cavanagh-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/super-hexagon-sells-10k-on-ios-ask-terry-cavanagh-anything/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/09/super-hexagon-sells-10k-on-ios-ask-terry-cavanagh-anything/#comments Super Hexagon sells 10K on iOS, ask Terry Cavanagh anythingSuper Hexagon has sold "about 10,000 copies in three days and has been in the top 25 on the iPhone charts," developer Terry Cavanagh says on Reddit, where he's currently hosting an Ask Me Anything thread. Personally, we find Super Hexagon to be "beyond ideal for the mobile format," so its success isn't a huge surprise.

Cavanagh is looking to make Android, PC and Mac ports of Super Hexagon, and maybe even one for Blackberry Playbook, since a friend of his has one of those. Sales on iOS have been "way beyond expectations" so far.

"I didn't see that coming at all - I'd really gone into this expecting the game to be a super niche thing that only a tiny handful of iPhone gamers would be interested in, and I'm really glad to be proven wrong," Cavanagh writes.

In other news, Cavanagh is interested in board games and has built two, "but neither are very good yet." To learn more about this, Cavanagh's take on Steam Greenlight, or to ask your own question, hit up his Reddit AMA post.

JoystiqSuper Hexagon sells 10K on iOS, ask Terry Cavanagh anything originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaandroidask-me-anythingiosipadiphonemacmobilepcredditsalessuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghSun, 09 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Terry Cavanagh's Super Hexagon out on App Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/psa-terry-cavanaghs-super-hexagon-out-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/psa-terry-cavanaghs-super-hexagon-out-on-app-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/psa-terry-cavanaghs-super-hexagon-out-on-app-store/#comments
Super Hexagon, the updated iOS version of Terry Cavanagh's psychedelic, pixelated musical-maze masterpiece of a flash game, Hexagon, is now available on the App Store. As in the original, players must navigate a series of concentric shapes by pivoting a cursor around a central point as said shapes grow and evolve toward the center.

Additionally, chiptune artist Chipzel returns to lend new jams to the iOS version, which also happens to be an iPhone/iPad compatible Universal app. It should be noted that the game's $0.99 price tag is a special 66-percent off introductory price, so if impossibly difficult musical frustration is your bag, baby, strike while the iron is hot.

Gallery: Super Hexagon (iOS)

JoystiqPSA: Terry Cavanagh's Super Hexagon out on App Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storehexagoniosipadiphonemobilePSAsuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghThu, 06 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV creator's 'Super Hexagon' spins off on iOS next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/vvvvvv-creators-super-hexagon-spins-off-on-ios-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/vvvvvv-creators-super-hexagon-spins-off-on-ios-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/vvvvvv-creators-super-hexagon-spins-off-on-ios-next-week/#comments Hexagon, Terry Cavanagh's game of navigating infinitely spinning maze tunnels for as many seconds as you can handle, is, uh, something you should really play instead of trying to understand our description.

And you'll be able to play the updated iPhone version, Super Hexagon, as soon as next week. "I'm hoping to release it in a week, on Thursday the 6th of September, as a universal app for iPhone and iPad," Cavanagh announced. The iOS release will be on sale for a buck for the first week "or so," and will settle at $2.99 afterward. "Although I'm focusing on the iPhone version for the moment," Cavanagh notes, "I'm definitely going to put it out on other platforms later. PC/MAC at the very least, and Android is a possibility too!"

JoystiqVVVVVV creator's 'Super Hexagon' spins off on iOS next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hexagoniosiphonemobilesuper-hexagonterry-cavanaghSat, 01 Sep 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV hits European eShop on May 10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/vvvvvv-hits-european-eshop-on-may-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/vvvvvv-hits-european-eshop-on-may-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/28/vvvvvv-hits-european-eshop-on-may-10/#comments Terry Cavanagh's 2D excursion into the world of gravity control and chiptune excellence, VVVVVV, finally has a release date for its long-belated debut on the European eShop: May 10. The announcement comes to us via Twitter, where publisher Nicalis revealed that VVVVVV has passed Nintendo of Europe's certification process - implying immediately afterwards that the game will hit virtual store shelves on "MMMMMMay 10th."

VVVVVV's European eShop debut will take place a little over two years after the game's original release in January of 2010, and while that may sound like a long time, fake scientific studies have shown that it takes at least four and a half years to get the game's phenomenal soundtrack out of your head. So, comparatively, the delay isn't really all that bad.

JoystiqVVVVVV hits European eShop on May 10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseShopeuropeeuropean-release-dateNicalisnintendoterry-cavanaghvvvvvvSat, 28 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Indie Games is a lot of free indie games chosen by Terry Cavanagh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/free-indie-games-is-a-lot-of-free-indie-games-chosen-by-terry-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/free-indie-games-is-a-lot-of-free-indie-games-chosen-by-terry-ca/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/18/free-indie-games-is-a-lot-of-free-indie-games-chosen-by-terry-ca/#comments Terry Cavanagh, indie-game maniac behind VVVVVV, Chat Chat and At a Distance, has started a new website with a title to make an SOE enthusiast blush: Free Indie Games. Guess what it offers? Free indie games, as chosen by Cavanagh based on their newness, goodness, freeness, indieness and gameness.

Currently, Free Indie Games "highly recommends" Wither, Game Title: Lost Levels and Dys4ia, but recent titles we find intriguing include Nausea and Socially Awkward Conversationalist. But they're all free, so really, every single one is quite intriguing to begin with.

JoystiqFree Indie Games is a lot of free indie games chosen by Terry Cavanagh originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>At-a-DistanceChatChatDys4iafreewareGame-Title-Lost-LevelsIndienauseapcSocially-Awkward-Conversationalistterry-cavanaghvvvvvvwitherSun, 18 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Hexagon' is Terry Cavanagh's latest jam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/hexagon-is-terry-cavanaghs-latest-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/hexagon-is-terry-cavanaghs-latest-jam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/hexagon-is-terry-cavanaghs-latest-jam/#comments We hope you weren't planning on getting anything done for the rest of your entire life, because every waking moment of productivity you had in your future will be consumed by Hexagon, a browser-based twitch game by Terry Cavanagh of VVVVVV fame.

You control a small triangle that orbits the hexagon in the middle of the screen. Various shapes and line segments fall toward the hexagon, and it's your job to avoid them in a frantic-yet-calculated, reverse Tempest-style gauntlet of adrenaline and frustration. You must last predetermined amounts of time in order to advance to the next level, at which point the game speeds up and the incoming shapes increase in complexity. The whole experience is set to a phenomenal chiptune track courtesy of Chipzel; it feels like we should be playing it in that rollerblade techno club from Hackers.

The game was created yesterday morning for Pirate Kart V, a two-day event in which hundreds of programmers around the world attempt and create as many games as humanly possible in the short span of 48 hours. It's a wonderful example of game design in its purest form, and we challenge all of you to beat our best time of 35:23 at Level 4.

Joystiq'Hexagon' is Terry Cavanagh's latest jam originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-gamechipzelflashhexagonmacpcpirate-kart-vterry-cavanaghvvvvvvMon, 27 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cavanagh's ChatChat teaches the finer points of feline life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cavanaghs-chatchat-teaches-the-finer-points-of-feline-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cavanaghs-chatchat-teaches-the-finer-points-of-feline-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/cavanaghs-chatchat-teaches-the-finer-points-of-feline-life/#comments ChatChat would be an entirely sensible game if not for the second half of its one-sentence description. We were totally on board through "ChatChat is a game about being a cat," but we threw up our hands in incredulity at "and talking to other cats." We'll be a cat, sure, but a talking cat? Too far, Terry Cavanagh. Too far.

Cavanagh is the (mad)man behind VVVVVV and At a Distance, and ChatChat (we assume pronounced "Chat cat," with the second "h" as a soft "whipped" sound) is one of a few smaller projects he's working on this year. It involves running around various forests, "mush rooms," alleyways and secret areas, and figuring out the ways you can interact with the environment and other cats. Yes, you can talk to the other cats in your room, but you can also meow, purr, screech and turn into a dog to play tag with your cat friends.

You can play ChatChat on Kongregate right now and learn why cats seem to find it so amusing to lurk around abandoned alleyways, kill mice and, as the game's instructions suggest, "be a cat."

JoystiqCavanagh's ChatChat teaches the finer points of feline life originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>At-a-DistanceCatsChatChatmacpcterry-cavanaghvvvvvvTue, 31 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: VVVVVV (3DS eShop)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/portabliss-vvvvvv-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/portabliss-vvvvvv-3ds-eshop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/portabliss-vvvvvv-3ds-eshop/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: VVVVVV.
VVVVVV for 3DS is the best version of Terry Cavanagh's insanely difficult platform game I've ever played. But that's only because I don't have a good controller for my computer.

As far as I can tell, the 3DS version is identical to the PC release in almost every way: the same C64-style graphics, featuring monochrome smiley-face people against (optional) flashing geometric backgrounds; the same fully explorable world of vast expanses of space, impossible mazes, and so many spikes; the same brilliant chiptune soundtrack.

The differences include, on the downside, the lack of a level editor (though Nicalis has said it is considering adding that), and, on the upside, 3D. Other than that, it's the familiar gauntlet of physically impossible rooms that you really should have played already. Though the specifics of the nostalgia element elude me (not being a C64 person), the style of gameplay is absolutely perfect for me: a series of self-contained platforming challenges that require both dexterity and forethought. Oh, and lots and lots of patience with repeated failure.

Though the level editor isn't present, a selection of user-created levels is included in the download, including the giant "Dimension 333333" by Sendy and a level by Minecraft creator Notch. So when you get through the main game, and collect all 20 of the "trinkets," then you won't have to use those wizard powers you apparently have to generate new content.

VVVVVV is available for $7.99 on the 3DS eShop. We're always looking for new distractions. Want to submit your game for Portabliss consideration? You can reach us at portabliss aat joystiq dawt com.

JoystiqPortabliss: VVVVVV (3DS eShop) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopnicalisnintendoportablissterry-cavanaghvvvvvvThu, 29 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV arrives on the 3DS eShop on December 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/vvvvvv-arrives-on-the-3ds-eshop-on-december-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/vvvvvv-arrives-on-the-3ds-eshop-on-december-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/24/vvvvvv-arrives-on-the-3ds-eshop-on-december-29/#comments Terry Cavanagh's great platformer VVVVVV is heading to a 3DS near you as promised: The game has been set for release on the Nintendo eShop next week. Starting December 29, you'll be able to grab the game (published by Nicalis, the company behind Cave Story and its various iterations) for a price of $7.99 on your 3DS, and take on the game's many frustrating yet ingenious challenges for yourself.

Or, if you've never played the title before, you could go try out the free Flash version, or play it on PC or Mac as you wish. It's a great and well-made experience for sure, but bring all of the patience you have. You'll need it.

Gallery: VVVVVV 3DS (10/07/2011)

JoystiqVVVVVV arrives on the 3DS eShop on December 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopindienicalisnintendonintendo-eshopplatformerreleaseterry-cavanaghvvvvvvSat, 24 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV dev releases cerebral, really local-multiplayer title, At a Distance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/vvvvvv-dev-releases-cerebral-really-local-multiplayer-title-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/vvvvvv-dev-releases-cerebral-really-local-multiplayer-title-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/10/vvvvvv-dev-releases-cerebral-really-local-multiplayer-title-at/#comments Terry Cavanagh, developer of indie frustration machine VVVVVV, has released a new game that encourages intense, quasi-telepathic local multiplayer, titled At a Distance. The game is available for download on Windows and Mac for free, but make sure to read the installation instructions before diving into this one. First, you'll need a friend. Second, you'll need half a brain. We know these may be difficult to come by, but maybe try reversing the order and see what happens. We believe in you.

At a Distance was developed for NYU Game Center's 2011 No Quarter Exhibition and is meant to be played on two computers side-by-side -- each screen runs its own unique game with no instructions on how to explore the neon, geometric world, but apparently the two players come together brilliantly in the game and in real life. This sounds like the beginning of something beautiful.

Gallery: At a Distance

JoystiqVVVVVV dev releases cerebral, really local-multiplayer title, At a Distance originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>At-a-DistanceIndielocal-multiplayermacNo-Quarter-Exhibitionpcterry-cavanaghvvvvvvSat, 10 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV coming to 3DS in late 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/vvvvvv-coming-to-3ds-in-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/vvvvvv-coming-to-3ds-in-late-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/vvvvvv-coming-to-3ds-in-late-2011/#commentsTerry Cavanagh's topsy-turvy challenge, VVVVVV, is coming to the Nintendo 3DS courtesy of Nicalis. It'll be available on the 3DS eShop later this year, complete with "full 3D awesomeness."

VVVVVV's cheerful 8-bit aesthetic will stretch across two screens now, with a real-time map on the bottom screen offering some direction in the action platformer that takes great pleasure in eschewing basic navigational rules. The 3DS version will also feature new levels and "future content updates."

If you want to play VVVVVV's new incarnation before it launches, head to the ongoing Indiecade in Culver City, California, and ... track down Terry Cavanagh. Remember, it's pronounced with six Vs.

Gallery: VVVVVV 3DS (10/07/2011)

Continue reading VVVVVV coming to 3DS in late 2011

JoystiqVVVVVV coming to 3DS in late 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsindiecadeindiecade-2011nicalisnintendoq4-2011release-dateterry-cavanaghvvvvvvFri, 07 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Second annual 'No Quarter' exhibit to be held in NYC May 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/second-annual-no-quarter-exhibit-to-be-held-in-nyc-may-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/second-annual-no-quarter-exhibit-to-be-held-in-nyc-may-12/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/07/second-annual-no-quarter-exhibit-to-be-held-in-nyc-may-12/#comments We assume that everyone reading this blog post are unswervingly hip individuals living in New York City -- if that is indeed the case, you should leave space in your social calendar for the 2nd Annual No Quarter games exhibit this coming Thursday, May 12 at 7PM EST. The event is a showcase of new titles from indie developers including Terry Cavanagh (creator of VVVVVV), Ramiro Corbetta, Charley Miller and Luke O' Connor.

The totally free expo will feature new creations from these developers -- for example, Cavanagh's Nidhogg was commissioned for No Quarter last year -- as well as a public appearance by the indie game-stuffed Winnitron 1000 arcade cabinet. If that doesn't float your boat, perhaps this will: Free refreshments. Check out the flier after the jump for more details on how you can book your ticket on this gravy train. (Man, we hope gravy is one of the aforementioned refreshments.)

Continue reading Second annual 'No Quarter' exhibit to be held in NYC May 12

JoystiqSecond annual 'No Quarter' exhibit to be held in NYC May 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eventsindienidhoggno-quarternycnyu-game-centerpcterry-cavanaghwinnitron-1000Sat, 07 May 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VVVVVV's Captain Viridian dropped into Super Meat Boy PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/vvvvvvs-captain-viridian-dropped-into-super-meat-boy-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/vvvvvvs-captain-viridian-dropped-into-super-meat-boy-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/vvvvvvs-captain-viridian-dropped-into-super-meat-boy-pc/#commentsAnother indie hero has joined the Super Meat Boy collective: VVVVVV's blocky, gravity-ignoring explorer Captain Viridian. Viridian will join Mr. Minecraft as one of the new characters exclusive to the PC version of Super Meat Boy. You've killed him thousands of times in VVVVVV (and if you haven't, you should totally check out the demo), now you'll get to watch him fail fatally over and over again in a new venue!

It sounds like you'll manipulate Viridian in the same manner as VVVVVV, changing gravity to allow him to walk on either the ceiling or the floor. "He has one of the most game breaking powers yet," Team Meat said about the new character on Twitter. "He flips." As a result, he will require "a ton" of bandages to unlock.

JoystiqVVVVVV's Captain Viridian dropped into Super Meat Boy PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcsteamsuper-meat-boyteam-meatterry-cavanaghvvvvvvMon, 08 Nov 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Gravity-defying indie platformer VVVVVV released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/gravity-defying-indie-platformer-vvvvvv-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/gravity-defying-indie-platformer-vvvvvv-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/gravity-defying-indie-platformer-vvvvvv-released/#commentsIf Don't Look Back creator Terry Cavanagh's latest game is any indication, 2010 is already a great year for indie platformers. Taking its graphical inspiration from games of the Spectrum/C64 era, VVVVVV is based upon a gravity-flipping mechanic like the one in Metal Storm -- instead of jumping, the stranded hero of this game is able to reverse gravity at the touch of a button, immediately falling upward into the ceiling.

Trying the game out cut dangerously into the time we intended to use telling you about it. And it's not like we need to say much anyway: Cavanagh has released a downloadable demo for both Mac and PC, as well as a browser-based Flash version on Kongregate. The full game costs $15.

[Thanks, Erik]

JoystiqGravity-defying indie platformer VVVVVV released originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indieplatformerretroterry-cavanaghvvvvvvMon, 11 Jan 2010 14:15:00 EST