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[Microsoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/microsofts-message-to-indies-with-xbox-one-it-was-sort-of-wei/#commentsMicrosoft's message to indies with Xbox One 'It was sort of weird' Microsoft's reveal of its next-gen console, the Xbox One, was high on broad entertainment apps such as Skype, interactive programming, media management and Kinect-powered features. Games saw a smaller showing, with two new announcements and a trailer for Call of Duty: Ghosts. Indie games got an even smaller nod - that is, none at all.

E3 is right around the corner, with the Microsoft conference on June 10. Maybe that's where all of the Xbox One games are hiding, along with the console's indie plan. We asked a handful of indie developers what Microsoft's presentation today said to them specifically, and what they want to see at E3. Below we have responses from Rami Ismail of Ridiculous Fishing fame, Octodad's Philip Tibitoski, DLC Quest's Ben Kane, Charlie Murder's James Silva, Retro City Rampage's Brian Provinciano and Fez's Phil Fish.

Continue reading Microsoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird'

JoystiqMicrosoft's message to indies with Xbox One: 'It was sort of weird' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Kanecharlie-murderDLC-QuestfezGoing-Loud-StudiosIndiemicrosoftoctodadoctodad-2phil-fishphilip-tibitoskirami-ismailridiculous-fishingska-studiosvlambeerxboxxbox-onexbox-revealyoung-horsesTue, 21 May 2013 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers clone dev shoots back at Vlambeer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/luftrausers-clone-dev-shoots-back-at-vlambeer/#comments Dev accused of cloning Luftrausers says Vlambeer copied its titlesRubiqLab, the developer accused of cloning Vlambeer's upcoming 2D dogfighter Luftrausers, has taken to Facebook to assert that Vlambeer's game isn't an original concept.

The Game luftrauser is cloned by ( SKYSTRIKE , JETSTRIKE & many more ) And your game also came under pixel art. Earlier games likes SkyStricks & Jetstrike also were in pixel art. SO WHAT DO YOU SAY IS THAT REALLY YOUR OWN IDEA ? We dont think so.

The clone in question, SkyFar, shares certain mechanics and a visual style with Vlambeer's game, painting the world in a blue hue versus Luftrausers red color scheme.

Joystiq has contacted RubiqLab for further comment on its stance, and will update this post if the developer responds.

Luftrausers is the second game of Vlambeer's to be cloned. The first is the notorious case of Radical Fishing (Ridiculous Fishing on iOS), where Vlambeer's browser-based fishing game was beaten to iOS. Luftrausers is slated to launch this spring on PC, Mac, Linux, PS3 and PS Vita.

JoystiqLuftrausers clone dev shoots back at Vlambeer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloneiosipadiphonelinuxluftrausersmacmobilepcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rubiqlabskyfarvitavlambeerThu, 25 Apr 2013 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer 'fully intends' to fight Luftrausers clone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/vlambeer-fully-intends-to-fight-luftrausers-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/vlambeer-fully-intends-to-fight-luftrausers-clone/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/vlambeer-fully-intends-to-fight-luftrausers-clone/#comments Vlambeer vaguely announces Luftrausers delay, potential Vita launchIndie developer Vlambeer is getting used to its games being cloned before final release, with the developer discovering today that its upcoming game Luftrausers has a clone called SkyFar on the iOS App Store. Freelance journalist Scott Nichols noticed the clone today, following its App Store release on March 24.

"We obviously endured a bit of a scare when news arrived of Luftrausers being cloned and released ahead of our own release schedule by another developer," Vlambeer lead Rami Ismail told us. "This time, however, it's not 'just' the idea of the game that has been cloned, but also the visual style. This gives us much more room to fight the whole thing, and we fully intend to."

Ismail continued, "The developer of the clone has gotten in touch with us after Twitter exploded and let us know that 'acttuly we genrated our assets, Codes and all newly' and that the gameplay as indicated on the screenshots 'is not there in game as in the screen shots. We just done those screnshots for public attraction'. They signed off with the note that 'we really dont think it links your game at all.'"

Vlambeer was famously at the heart of another cloning incident, when its 2010 browser-based game Ridiculous Fishing was cloned in 2011, while the developer was in the process of porting it for the platform. Another key issue with that clone, Ninja Fishing, was that it became a hit on the App Store. SkyFar hasn't seen such traction.

Continue reading Vlambeer 'fully intends' to fight Luftrausers clone

JoystiqVlambeer 'fully intends' to fight Luftrausers clone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clonecloningiosipadiphoneluftrausersmobilerami-ismailridiculous-fishingskyfarvlambeerMon, 22 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers officially coming to PS3 and Vita spring 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/luftrausers-officially-coming-to-ps3-and-vita-spring-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/luftrausers-officially-coming-to-ps3-and-vita-spring-2013/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/luftrausers-officially-coming-to-ps3-and-vita-spring-2013/#comments
Vlambeer's campaign of mobile platform domination continues. Following the successful release of the absolutely essential iOS game Ridiculous Fishing, the company has made its plans for a PS3/Vita release of the dogfighting action game Luftrausers official, putting a spring 2013 release window on it. That's really soon!

Devolver Digital, who worked with Vlambeer on Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (reminder of how weird our world is: that exists) is acting as publisher for this release, along with the PC/Mac/Linux version. For the most part, if you have a game machine, you'll be able to get blown up by a surprise blimp.

JoystiqLuftrausers officially coming to PS3 and Vita spring 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luftrausersplaystationplaystation-vitaps3psnrelease-datevitavlambeerThu, 21 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer's Android dreams and why $0.99 makes it hard to be indie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/vlambeers-android-dreams-and-why-0-99-makes-it-hard-to-be-indi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/vlambeers-android-dreams-and-why-0-99-makes-it-hard-to-be-indi/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/vlambeers-android-dreams-and-why-0-99-makes-it-hard-to-be-indi/#comments Vlambeer's Android dreams and why $099 makes it hard to be indieVlambeer, the team behind confirmed iOS smash hit Ridiculous Fishing, is considering the logistics of porting the game to Android, creator Rami Ismail wrote in a Reddit AMA yesterday. Don't shoot your hopes sky-high just yet, though.

"We're still arguing about an Android release," Ismail said. "There are a lot of things to consider and a lot of things that we just don't know too much about since we've yet to make a game for Android. As soon as we figure all that stuff out, we'll see what we can do."

Ridiculous Fishing costs $3 on the App Store, higher than the accepted average of $0.99 per game, though it offers absolutely no microtransactions. This was a pointed decision: "Developers shouldn't be scared to charge $3 for a game," Ismail said.

"The problem is that at $0.99, you'll need to sell endless amounts of copies to be able to survive as an indie developer. Most games don't even get close to that. A direct result of the whole race-to-the-bottom in prices is the prevalance of free-to-play on iOS - it seems to be a safer bet. But since it's almost impossible to do F2P in a non-evil way and without sacrificing the elegance of your game design, we'll prefer to charge $3."

JoystiqVlambeer's Android dreams and why $0.99 makes it hard to be indie originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidIndieiosipadiphonemobileredditreddit-amaridiculous-fishingvlambeerMon, 18 Mar 2013 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Chat with the Ridiculous Fishing developers on Reddit right now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/chat-with-the-ridiculous-fishing-developers-on-reddit-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/chat-with-the-ridiculous-fishing-developers-on-reddit-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/chat-with-the-ridiculous-fishing-developers-on-reddit-right-now/#comments Chat with the Ridiculous Fishing developers on Reddit right nowHeads up for anyone addicted to Ridiculous Fishing (looking at you, JC Fletcher): The devs are doing a Reddit AMA right now. The team answering questions is a conglomerate of iOS and indie hotshots, including Super Crate Box's Vlambeer (Rami Ismail and Jan Willem Nijman), Zach Gage of Spelltower fame, Hundreds collaborator Greg Wohlwend, The Stanley Parable's Davey Wreden, Hotline Miami sound man Eirik Suhrke and indie trailer expert Kert Gartner.

Ridiculous Fishing has a history as storied as its in-game ARG (written by Wreden), so if you have questions about cloning, microtransactions, adorable art or anything else, direct them to Reddit.

JoystiqChat with the Ridiculous Fishing developers on Reddit right now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobileredditridiculous-fishingvlambeerSun, 17 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Ridiculous Fishing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/metareview-ridiculous-fishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/metareview-ridiculous-fishing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/metareview-ridiculous-fishing/#comments
Ridiculous Fishing review Acute angler
Clone victim Ridiculous Fishing is angling for attention and, as we noted in our review, it is certainly ridiculous. We aren't the only ones who think so.
  • Touch Arcade (100/100): "Ridiculous Fishing is such a complete package that it's an effortless recommendation. It totally captures that gameplay niche of a game you can load up and play for a few minutes while providing a feel of progression that also makes the title suitable for substantially longer play sessions."
  • Edge (90/100): "This is, ultimately, a simple little smartphone title, modest in its ambitions. That isn't to say it's a minor release, merely that it's a much smaller game than the story surrounding it."
  • IGN (80/100): "Ridiculous Fishing could have probably been made even more ridiculous. The four fishing spots don't really feel distinct from one another. The geometric, almost cubist design is absolutely gorgeous, but it contributes to the feeling that you're seeing the same sights repeatedly. Lure and gun upgrades spice up the gameplay somewhat, but they don't really change the fact that this is a simple arcade experience with beautiful audiovisual design."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "And the moral of the story? A great game design can always be ripped off, sadly, but talent will out in the end. You can't cut-and-paste the artistry and attitude that Vlambeer has brought to this extravagant bit of disposable nonsense. You can't copy a true original - even before it's out."

JoystiqMetareview: Ridiculous Fishing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneMetareviewmetareviewsmobileridiculous-fishingvlambeerFri, 15 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ridiculous Fishing review: Acute angler]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ridiculous-fishing-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ridiculous-fishing-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ridiculous-fishing-review/#comments Ridiculous Fishing review Acute anglerVlambeer wouldn't want me to start my Ridiculous Fishing review by bringing up Ninja Fishing - and I kind of don't want to either - but Gamenauts' well-publicized clone actually works as an example of why Vlambeer's iOS update of its own browser game (which "inspired" Ninja Fishing) is so excellent, and so necessary.

Playing Ninja Fishing and Ridiculous Fishing in quick succession illustrates what a difference it makes to care about your audience. The concept may be similar, but Ridiculous Fishing outclasses its would-be competitor in every way.

It's just better.

Continue reading Ridiculous Fishing review: Acute angler

JoystiqRidiculous Fishing review: Acute angler originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobileridiculous-fishingvlambeerThu, 14 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch Vlambeer's 'Ridiculous Fishing' March 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/catch-vlambeers-ridiculous-fishing-march-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/catch-vlambeers-ridiculous-fishing-march-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/05/catch-vlambeers-ridiculous-fishing-march-14/#comments
Ridiculous Fishing, the long-awaited iOS fishin'/shootin' action game by Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer, working with Greg Wohlwend (Solipskier, Hundreds) and Zach Gage (Spelltower) will arrive on the App Store March 14.

Vlambeer, no doubt eager to prove its abilities as innovators after an infamous cloning crisis, revealed the date with the world's first game announcement Vine.

JoystiqCatch Vlambeer's 'Ridiculous Fishing' March 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobileridiculous-fishingvlambeerTue, 05 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/sony-completely-revises-list-of-ps4-eu-studios-down-from-53-to/#comments Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.

The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.

We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.

A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment."

Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list.

Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.

Continue reading Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]

JoystiqSony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbohemia-interactivecity-interactivecodemasterscriterion-gamesdeep-silvereuropefrozenbytemediatonicmercurysteammojangninja-theoryPALplaystation-4ps4roviosony-computer-entertainment-europesumo-digitalvlambeerMon, 25 Feb 2013 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Indie developers discuss the Ouya experience thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/indie-developers-discuss-the-ouya-experience-thus-far/#comments With Ouya developer kits now out in the wild, our friends at Engadget decided to see what developers think of them so far. Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games praises the system for its open development system. As an example, he noted the "brutal" certification process Mommy's Best had to overcome in order release Serious Sam Double D XXL on Xbox Live Arcade. "I'm happy to release the game there, but it's a nice break to have fewer restrictions," he said.

Meanwhile, Jerrod Putnam of Tiny Tim Games is excited by the prospect of a unified, widespread Android platform. Whereas Android development usually requires developers to worry about compatibility across multiple devices, all with different specs, Tiny Tim can develop for Ouya "without having to also target thousands of other devices." He does admit that the Tegra 3 chipset in the Ouya will quickly be surpassed by newer chips, but that is simply the nature of consoles. Along the same lines, however, the static nature of the Ouya will allow developers to maximize its potential.

Right now, the biggest question is how the Ouya's business model will play out. "There are still a few unknowns that will ultimately decide how Ouya pans out," said Rami Ismail of Vlambeer. Much will depend on curation, he said. "Too strict risks alienating creative developers and too loose and you end up with a minefield of terrible apps similar to the Android Play Store." Fouts added that another hurdle will be twofold: Convincing developers that there will be an audience for Ouya, and convincing potential Ouya owners that it will have a large enough library of worthwhile games.

JoystiqIndie developers discuss the Ouya experience thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobilemommys-best-gamesouyatiny-tim-gamesvlambeerFri, 01 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers delayed as Vlambeer works out Vita/PS3 deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/luftrausers-delayed-as-vlambeer-works-out-vita-ps3-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/luftrausers-delayed-as-vlambeer-works-out-vita-ps3-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/31/luftrausers-delayed-as-vlambeer-works-out-vita-ps3-deal/#comments Vlambeer vaguely announces Luftrausers delay, potential Vita launchVlambeer's Luftrausers, the PC and Mac version of free Flash dogfighting game Luftrauser, may come to the Vita and PS3, if Vlambeer and Sony can work out a deal they both like. Vlambeer's previous hit, Super Crate Box, made a splash on the Vita last year.

Unfortunately the bureaucratic process and subsequent extra development time means Luftrausers won't be out before April. Ridiculous Fishing, Vlambeer's other in-development title, should be out for iOS slightly before Luftrausers.

"Basically, what we're trying to say is that we think Ridiculous Fishing is going to move in front of Luftrausers in terms of release, but both of them should be out before three more months," Vlambeer co-founder Rami Ismail writes. Both games will be playable at PAX East, from March 22 - 24 in Boston.

JoystiqLuftrausers delayed as Vlambeer works out Vita/PS3 deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luftrausersmacpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3ridiculous-fishingvitavlambeerThu, 31 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer's free Techno King has you defend Earth with force]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/vlambeers-free-techno-king-has-you-defend-earth-with-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/vlambeers-free-techno-king-has-you-defend-earth-with-force/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/vlambeers-free-techno-king-has-you-defend-earth-with-force/#comments
To celebrate the new year (you accidentally wrote 2012 once already, admit it), Vlambeer has released a new free shooter. Entitled Techno King, the game has players defending Neo Tokyo from evil invaders as buildings are destroyed and the screen fills with ever-growing barrages of missile fire. Vlambeer's Rami Ismail told IndieGames that Techno King is inspired by the Earth Defense Force series. Strangely, players actually have to destroy the entire city to win.

We snagged a video of us playing (and quickly losing) the game, which you can check out above. Head over to Vlambeer for a free PC or Mac download.

JoystiqVlambeer's free Techno King has you defend Earth with force originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macpctechno-kingvlambeerThu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/vlambeer-knows-your-c64-is-in-the-attic-made-super-bread-box-an/#comments Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anywayWhen we first heard Super Crate Box would get a Commodore 64 version this December, our first question was, "Why?" As Rami Ismail of Vlambeer answers us, it's mostly because he can.

"When we released Super Crate Box almost two years ago, one of the things we kept on hearing was that the game felt like the classics - the arcade era of old," Ismail says. "We like to think that our games could've been made in the 80s - that they would've worked in some way on a C64 or similar. When Adam Saltsman released C64anabalt, we decided that it could be worth trying to see whether it'd work. We got in touch with the team that developed the C64 version and decided developing a real, actual C64 version was the ultimate test."

OK, that's fine, we thought. Developers challenging themselves is a great way to ensure the industry doesn't stagnate. But then we thought of another conundrum. "Who the hell still has a C64?"

"One of us does have an old one somewhere, although we're not quite sure whether it still works," Ismail says. "We don't know how many people actually have a C64, but we hope that enough people would grab it from their storage to give Super Bread Box a try. Either way, we're mostly doing the project because we want to see whether it is possible."

Continue reading Vlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway

JoystiqVlambeer knows your C64 is in the attic, made Super Bread Box anyway originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bread-binbreadbinc64c64anabaltCommodore-64rami-ismailsuper-crate-boxvlambeerMon, 22 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA['F*ck This Jam' tasks devs to create games in genres they don't like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/f-ck-this-jam-tasks-devs-to-create-games-in-genres-they-dont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/f-ck-this-jam-tasks-devs-to-create-games-in-genres-they-dont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/f-ck-this-jam-tasks-devs-to-create-games-in-genres-they-dont/#comments 'Fck this Jam!' tasks devs to create games in genres they don't like"F*ck This Jam" is the game jam that asks developers to create games for genres they hate or are just in "utter ignorance" of. Organized by Vlambeer's Rami Ismail and indie dev Fernando Ramallo, the game jam will take place from November 9 through November 17.

"Hopefully, we will be pushing genres past their preconceived notions and the individual developers to challenge themselves out of their comfort-zone," said Ismail.

Participation is free and open to those across the globe. Folks interested in more info can sign up on the official site. Now, question: How are they going to assure it isn't 90 percent sportsball games?

Continue reading 'F*ck This Jam' tasks devs to create games in genres they don't like

Joystiq'F*ck This Jam' tasks devs to create games in genres they don't like originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuck-this-jamgame-jamvlambeerTue, 09 Oct 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers lives up to its arcade potential]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/luftrausers-lives-up-to-its-arcade-potential/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/luftrausers-lives-up-to-its-arcade-potential/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/luftrausers-lives-up-to-its-arcade-potential/#comments Luftrausers lives up to its arcade potentialHotline Miami was the official pick for the "Most Fantastic" game at Fantastic Arcade last weekend, but the cabinet I returned to whenever I had a spare moment was Vlambeer's Luftrausers, the expanded PC/Mac game based on the Flash dogfighting game.

It's perfect as an arcade game, especially with the modifications Vlambeer put in place for the demo, as it gives you very simple mechanics to achieve an immediately apparent goal, and then leaves you to practice those mechanics for as long as you can survive. It's too bad an arcade cabinet won't be one of the default venues for the full game.

Gallery: Luftrausers

Continue reading Luftrausers lives up to its arcade potential

JoystiqLuftrausers lives up to its arcade potential originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalfantastic-arcade-2012luftrausersmacpcvlambeerWed, 26 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[By the way, Super Crate Box is free on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/by-the-way-super-crate-box-is-free-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/by-the-way-super-crate-box-is-free-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/by-the-way-super-crate-box-is-free-on-steam/#comments By the way, Super Crate Box is free on SteamDon't tell anyone, but Super Crate Box is on Steam, for free, and has been for a week. Super Crate Box is commonly found on PC via Vlambeer, also for free, or on iOS for $2. It's also slated to hit PlayStation Mobile when that launches later this year.

Developer Rami Ismail intentionally staged a media blackout for Super Crate Box's launch on Steam, to see how the game would sell on its own merit within the system, he told us (yes, the media) at GDC Europe. Ismail is currently collecting the data from Steam, which has been decidedly busy itself the past few weeks.

JoystiqBy the way, Super Crate Box is free on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcSTEAMsuper-crate-boxvlambeerThu, 06 Sep 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers probably doesn't cost $5,000 (it might!), but it's definitely launching on PC/Mac this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/luftrausers-probably-doesnt-cost-5-000-it-might-but-its-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/luftrausers-probably-doesnt-cost-5-000-it-might-but-its-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/luftrausers-probably-doesnt-cost-5-000-it-might-but-its-d/#comments
Vlambeer, the folks behind hyperaddictive rage inducer Super Crate Box, have another game on the way, Luftrausers, and it's coming out pretty soon. "Luftrausers is set to release on PC and Mac in late 2012," says newly announced publisher Devolver Digital. Devolver previously worked with Vlambeer on the Serious Sam 3 spinoff game, "The Random Encounter."

"But what's a Luftrauser?" you ask? Well, it's a fictional warplane created by the Vlambeer dudes, and it comes in a bunch of different varieties ("125 deadly combinations," says the PR). In practice, this means you spawn with a trio of settings for your plane and you've gotta survive as long as possible (while destroying enemy ships, planes, etc.). Mastering each combination and learning your favorite should help add plenty of depth to the basic spawn/shoot/die/respawn loop.

In a few rounds I played during GDC Europe, it was quick to pick up and hard to put down. The concept of playing it with an actual gamepad makes Luftrausers' core gameplay all the more thrilling - I was playing on a laptop keyboard with WASD, which worked surprisingly well, but I'd prefer a pad. Moreover, the soundtrack is delightfully retro-sounding with modern influence - think 16-bit era midi with dubstep influence.

Luftrausers arrives later this year on both PC and Mac, "with a price point set at $5,000." Of course, the phrase "release date and price subject to change" is attached to that hilariously high price, so don't go expecting to pay that much when the game launches.

JoystiqLuftrausers probably doesn't cost $5,000 (it might!), but it's definitely launching on PC/Mac this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalgameplayluftrausersmacpctrailervlambeerTue, 28 Aug 2012 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The different deadly combinations of Luftrausers: parts explained in part]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-different-deadly-combinations-of-luftrausers-parts-explaine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-different-deadly-combinations-of-luftrausers-parts-explaine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/the-different-deadly-combinations-of-luftrausers-parts-explaine/#comments ImageLuftrausers, Vlambeer's sequel to the singular Luftrauser, is all about ambiance -- and creating your very own form of airborne, rhythmic death with extensive plane customization options. Mostly it's about that second part.

There are three customizable parts for each rauser: weapons, bodies and engines. On the development side, Vlambeer is trying out some of these lethal combinations, and shares its experience with three parts on its dev blog. The cannon is "insanely hard to use at the start," Vlambeer concedes, but if you do manage to hit something it explodes into shrapnel that blows up whatever it hits; it's particularly effective on boats.

The melee body part offers "something like" negative 80 percent health, but you don't take damage from colliding with enemies. This is doubly helpful as it's possible to melee boats in Luftrausers. The "gungine" is a machine gun mounted on a standard jet-propulsion engine, and that's all the description we need.

Each combination of parts will have its own name, and there will be at least five different parts for each section, meaning a minimum of 125 different combinations. For example, the aquatic propulsion engine and heavy armor body on a standard rauser may be called the "Blastoise," Vlambeer suggests. The soundtrack will change with each altered spec as well, meaning "Different weapon? Different bassline. Something like that. Hell yeah. Kozilek is gonna be busy."

JoystiqThe different deadly combinations of Luftrausers: parts explained in part originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blastoisecustomcustomizationluftrauserspcrauservlambeerMon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Luftrausers announced by Super Crate Box dev Vlambeer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/luftrausers-announced-by-super-crate-box-dev-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/luftrausers-announced-by-super-crate-box-dev-vlambeer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/luftrausers-announced-by-super-crate-box-dev-vlambeer/#comments ImageAt the end of an introspective post by indie developer Vlambeer's Rami Ismail, he announced the company is working on a game called Luftrausers and posted the image seen above. That's it. Well, that's it for that post.

A little bit of digging brings us back to another post by Rami last June, about a game called Luftrauser (no plural), that Vlambeer notes sponsors deemed "too extreme." The Flash-based arcade flight shooter is free and actually worth test flying.

"Luftrausers is basically Luftrauser redone from scratch, with everything ten times as spectacular," Ismail told Joystiq when we contacted him. "The biggest difference is that you'll be able to build your own Rauser."

"We've got the full Super Crate Box art-team in the shape of Paul 'Pietepiet' Veer and Roy Nathan de Groot working on it. KOZILEK will be back to redeem his spot for the amazing soundtrack."

Ismail tells us the team will have more info on the project next week as they finalize details.

Continue reading Luftrausers announced by Super Crate Box dev Vlambeer

JoystiqLuftrausers announced by Super Crate Box dev Vlambeer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luftrausersvlambeerMon, 23 Apr 2012 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Venus Patrol exclusives released to Kickstarter supporters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/psa-venus-patrol-exclusives-released-to-kickstarter-supporters/#comments If you donated $25 or more to the Venus Patrol Kickstarter fundraiser back in September of last year, check your email: Gun Godz, the retro hip-hop FPS developed by Vlambeer of Super Crate Box fame, and Capsule, the "minimalist sci-fi/survival-horror" title from Canabalt's Adam Atomic are both waiting for you.

As we found out late last year, Capsule's heavily stylized visual aesthetic and atmospheric, claustrophobic sound design are best enjoyed while wearing headphones in a darkened room, as are Gun Godz's Wolfenstein 3D-inspired graphics and Doseone-infused hip-hop soundtrack.

Gallery: Capsule (PC/Mac)

Gallery: Gun Godz (PC)

JoystiqPSA: Venus Patrol exclusives released to Kickstarter supporters originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomiccanabaltcapsulegun-godzmacpcsuper-crate-boxvenus-patrolvlambeerSat, 11 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Devolver Digital open to indie pitches at GDC, set appointments now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/devolver-digital-open-to-indie-pitches-at-gdc-set-appointments/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/devolver-digital-open-to-indie-pitches-at-gdc-set-appointments/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/devolver-digital-open-to-indie-pitches-at-gdc-set-appointments/#comments Serious Sam publisher Devolver Digital will hear indie pitches as part of its "Pitch Fork Parker Project" at this year's Game Developers Conference. The project is a continuation of the successful Serious Sam Indie Series, in which Devolver Digital and Croteam produced Serious Sam "indie titles" with developers Vlambeer, Mommy's Best Games and Be-Rad Entertainment.

Devolver will provide "completion funds and a publishing deal" to the three best game prototypes, demos or pitches it's presented. Indies interested in getting in front of the execs should email "pitchfork@devolverdigital.com" with details on their team and project to set up a meeting.

Continue reading Devolver Digital open to indie pitches at GDC, set appointments now

JoystiqDevolver Digital open to indie pitches at GDC, set appointments now originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalFork-Parkergdc-2012mommys-best-gamespcPitch-Fork-ParkerSerious-Sam-HDSerious-Sam-HD-The-First-Encounterserious-sam-indie-seriesvlambeerThu, 26 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box iOS updated, next update coincides with 40 million crates collected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/super-crate-box-ios-updated-next-update-coincides-with-40-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/super-crate-box-ios-updated-next-update-coincides-with-40-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/super-crate-box-ios-updated-next-update-coincides-with-40-milli/#comments While our mom's word is good enough for us, others may have more fiscal ideas on what makes someone a success or not. For developer Vlambeer, it's neither -- they gauge success on how many crates iOS players have collected in Super Crate Box.

The developer has set up a number of tiers for unlocking free content in the game, the first being five million. Players quickly surpassed that and reached ten million, prompting this 1.1 update today which adds new control options (jump and shoot!) based on player feedback, and two new unlockable characters. One is unlocked after collecting 1000 crates, the other by reaching 5000 kills.

Finally, Vlambeer teases a new update when 40 million crates have been amassed. You'll also save a princess or something, but we're sure you've already done that once or twice in your lifetime.

JoystiqSuper Crate Box iOS updated, next update coincides with 40 million crates collected originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbotiosipadiphonemobilesuper-crate-boxvlambeerTue, 10 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: I love Super Crate Box and I hate virtual buttons]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/editorial-i-love-super-crate-box-and-i-hate-virtual-buttons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/editorial-i-love-super-crate-box-and-i-hate-virtual-buttons/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/editorial-i-love-super-crate-box-and-i-hate-virtual-buttons/#comments Guys, I want to like Super Crate Box on iOS so, so much. I really do. Vlambeer's latest release is a port of the truly wonderful (and completely free) PC, Mac, and Winnitron 1000 game that I've devotedly recommended to friends and readers repeatedly since playing it at last year's GDC.

In short, it's a 2D action platformer in which your goal is to survive a non-stop onslaught of monsters falling from a hole in the ceiling toward you, while collecting boxes with randomized weapons (revolver, shotgun, rocket launcher, etc.). The more boxes you collect, the higher your score. Also, there are fire pits at the bottom of the screen that you can burn to death in, and enemies that fall into the pits will respawn at the top, only faster and meaner than before. It's a wonderful little loop of partially randomized risk/reward and it requires precision at very turn.

There's one major blockade standing in the way of me enjoying the portable version of SCB, unfortunately: virtual buttons. Stupid, awful virtual buttons.

Continue reading Editorial: I love Super Crate Box and I hate virtual buttons

JoystiqEditorial: I love Super Crate Box and I hate virtual buttons originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialiosipadiphonemitch-dyermobilesuper-crate-boxvlambeerMon, 09 Jan 2012 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box iOS players collect a million crates in under a day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/super-crate-box-ios-collects-a-million-crates-in-under-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/super-crate-box-ios-collects-a-million-crates-in-under-a-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/super-crate-box-ios-collects-a-million-crates-in-under-a-day/#comments Vlambeer is "speechless" after 1,000,000 crates have been collected in Super Crate Box iOS in a little over 12 hours after the game's release. The math gets tricky here: that doesn't mean the $1 app has sold a million copies, since collecting dozens of crates is the focus of the gameplay, but it does suggest the title is doing well.

"We're afraid Apple hasn't shared sales data with us yet!" Vlambeer's Rami Ismail told Joystiq when we asked. "Apple hasn't selected their features for the week yet, but Super Crate Box came from nowhere and climbed to the top 100 paid apps in many countries around the world. We're practically speechless at what a rollercoaster ride this launch was."

The success comes as happy New Year's present. The studio spent the latter half of 2010 dealing with the Radical Fishing debacle, in which it saw an iOS clone of its browser-based game hooking App Store customers.

JoystiqSuper Crate Box iOS players collect a million crates in under a day originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilesuper-crate-boxvlambeerThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer's Super Crate Box hits iOS on January 5, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/vlambeers-super-crate-box-hits-ios-on-january-5-2012/#comments We've been unabashed in our love for Vlambeer's Super Crate Box, so we were more than a little excited to discover that the incredibly difficult, multiplayer survival-shooter ... thing has a launch date for iOS: January 5, 2012. The news was revealed via Vlambeer's official site a little while back, actually, but we somehow missed it (we're gonna pin it on too much eggnog).

Vlambeer fans will no doubt be wondering whatever happened to the game's previously announced September 2011 launch window, as we were. It turns out that, between the Radical Fishing debacle and the PC/OS X version of Super Crate Box being a bit of a mess in terms of code, the porting took longer than expected. The game's launch is now officially official, though, as it's already been submitted to and approved by Apple for a January 5, 2012 launch. Vlambeer tells us it'll be a universal App (meaning one purchase works for both iPod Touch/iPhone as well as iPad), though pricing hasn't been set just yet.

JoystiqVlambeer's Super Crate Box hits iOS on January 5, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeappleiosipadiphonemobileq1-2012release-datesuper-crate-boxvlambeerThu, 29 Dec 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlambeer and Adam Atomic's Venus Patrol-exclusive games revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/vlambeer-and-adam-atomics-venus-patrol-exclusive-games-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/vlambeer-and-adam-atomics-venus-patrol-exclusive-games-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/15/vlambeer-and-adam-atomics-venus-patrol-exclusive-games-revealed/#comments If you contributed to the Kickstarter campaign for Brandon Boyer's upcoming indie game website, Venus Patrol, you gained the promise of access to exclusive new games from superstar developers Vlambeer (Super Crate Box), Adam Atomic (Canabalt), Superbrothers (Sword & Sworcery), and Die Gute Fabrik (Where Is My Heart?)

Die Gute Fabrik's screenless Move party game, Johann Sebastian Joust, went out to contributors on November 17. Last weekend, at a party for the website, I got the opportunity to play the new games by Adam Atomic and Vlambeer, and to see work-in-progress footage of the one from Superbrothers.

Gallery: Gun Godz (PC)

Continue reading Vlambeer and Adam Atomic's Venus Patrol-exclusive games revealed

JoystiqVlambeer and Adam Atomic's Venus Patrol-exclusive games revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomiccapsulegun-godzmacpcrobin-arnottvenus-patrolvlambeerThu, 15 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam: The Random Encounter launches (a billion missiles)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-launches-a-billion-missiles/#comments
Vlambeer's retro-RPG take on Serious Sam has launched on Get Games and Steam -- and you can save ten percent on Steam if you already own another Serious Sam game. Vlambeer's previous effort was Super Crate Box, a port of which recently released on the iOS platform.

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is a turn-based RPG in a 16-bit style, part of the Serious Sam Indie Series of games. The two previous Indie Series efforts were Serious Sam: Kamikaze Attack and Serious Sam Double D.

Gallery: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (10/24/11)

JoystiqSerious Sam: The Random Encounter launches (a billion missiles) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteamdevolver-digitalpcserious-sam-indie-seriesserious-sam-the-random-encountersteamvlambeerTue, 25 Oct 2011 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam: The Random Encounter gets hectic Oct. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-gets-hectic-oct-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-gets-hectic-oct-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-gets-hectic-oct-24/#comments
With the delay of Serious Sam 3: BFE to November 22, lessen the crippling longing in your itchy trigger finger by picking up Serious Sam: The Random Encounter. The "retro" RPG will be available on Steam October 24 for $4.99.

Serious Sam: The Random Encounter was developed by indie studio Vlambeer, known for quality titles like Super Crate Box. As well as the recent drama where its Radical Fishing experienced a case of, um, heavy borrowing.

Gallery: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (9/28/11)

JoystiqSerious Sam: The Random Encounter gets hectic Oct. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CroTeamdevolver-digitalrelease-dateserious-sam-the-random-encountervlambeerSat, 08 Oct 2011 00:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam: The Random Encounter takes its turn in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-takes-its-turn-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-takes-its-turn-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/28/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-takes-its-turn-in-october/#comments Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer is releasing Serious Sam: The Random Encounter, its turn-based mutation of Croteam's FPS franchise, in mid-October.

Publisher Devolver Digital has been oddly hesitant to name platforms for anything in the Serious Sam Indie Series -- of which this is the last known game to be released -- so we're in the unusual position of being weeks from release and only now learning that it's a PC game. And as such, it'll be available on Steam, Get Games, and unspecified other digital distribution services, for $4.99.

Gallery: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (9/28/11)

Continue reading Serious Sam: The Random Encounter takes its turn in October

JoystiqSerious Sam: The Random Encounter takes its turn in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devolver-digitalgalleryget-gamespcrelease-dateserious-sam-indie-seriesserious-sam-the-random-encountersteamvlambeerWed, 28 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box iOS's controls demonstrated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/super-crate-box-ioss-controls-demonstrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/super-crate-box-ioss-controls-demonstrated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/super-crate-box-ioss-controls-demonstrated/#comments

We can't help but worry about the controls in the iOS version of Vlambeer's Super Crate Box, since we're pretty bad at the PC/Mac version even with a controller. The above video, demonstrating the virtual d-pad controls on an iPad, helps ameliorate our concern, as the player appears to be successfully moving around! Of course, if you want a real controller, it also supports the iCade cabinet.

In the blog post containing that video, Vlambeer also addressed Muffin Knight, yet another mobile game cribbing from one of Vlambeer's designs, this time Super Crate Box. The developer remained sanguine about the situation, saying that "Muffin Knight isn't a 1:1 clone of Super Crate Box," and even praising the effort that went into the theme and design. "We think Super Crate Box iOS & Muffin Knight can easily co-exist without biting each other & for us, that places it a long way ahead of Ninja Fishing."

JoystiqSuper Crate Box iOS's controls demonstrated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphonemobilesuper-crate-boxvlambeerFri, 09 Sep 2011 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[A Ridiculous Fishing story: Reel talk from Vlambeer and Gamenauts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-ridiculous-fishing-story-reel-talk-from-vlambeer-and-gamenaut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-ridiculous-fishing-story-reel-talk-from-vlambeer-and-gamenaut/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/a-ridiculous-fishing-story-reel-talk-from-vlambeer-and-gamenaut/#comments While Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer was preparing to announce an iPhone version of its first game, the browser-based Radical Fishing, it discovered that the game was almost on the App Store. Sort of.

A game called Ninja Fishing, published by Gamenauts, bears an unmistakeable resemblance to Radical Fishing. In both games, you start by controlling a hook falling through the water, dodging fish on the way down. You then pull the hook up at high speed, grabbing as many fish as you can. Then you yank the fish out of the water and destroy as many as you can before they splash back down. The art is different, and there are some tweaks, but the two games are, at the very least, closely related.

Continue reading A Ridiculous Fishing story: Reel talk from Vlambeer and Gamenauts

JoystiqA Ridiculous Fishing story: Reel talk from Vlambeer and Gamenauts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storegamenautsmobileninja-fishingradical-fishingrami-ismaelridiculous-fishingstanley-adrianusvlambeerWed, 07 Sep 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstart Boyer's 'Venus Patrol,' get new games from Superbrothers, Vlambeer, Adam Atomic, and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/kickstart-boyers-venus-patrol-get-new-games-from-superbrothe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/kickstart-boyers-venus-patrol-get-new-games-from-superbrothe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/kickstart-boyers-venus-patrol-get-new-games-from-superbrothe/#comments
IGF chair and former Offworld editor Brandon Boyer wants to start a new website called Venus Patrol. To raise capital for this effort, he's instituted a Kickstarter campaign -- one with bonuses that rival the Humble Indie Bundle. Even if you never read another website in your life, you'll probably want to throw some money over.

Everyone who donates gets an exclusive wallpaper by Katamari Damacy/Noby Noby Boy creator Keita Takahashi and a set of Minecraft character skins by Pen Ward of Adventure Time. Pay more than $25 and you get exclusive new games from Adam Atomic (famous for Canabalt), Vlambeer (known for Super Crate Box), and Superbrothers (as in Sword & Sworcery EP). You also get the first release of Johann Sebastian Joust, a PlayStation Move-enabled PC game in which players annoy each other in slow motion, in an attempt to goad each other into moving their controllers.

$75 gets you that stuff, plus a record of Sworcery remixes and hidden tracks by Scientific American, a copy of Mathew Kumar's exp. -3, a deck of "Monster Mii" trading cards designed by comic artist James Kochalka, and a patch of a Venus Patrol emblem. $200 throws a set of five "Great Showdowns" prints by Double Fine's Scott C. onto the pile ($300 gets you ten, plus everything else above).

After the break, Boyer explains the concept of the website.

Continue reading Kickstart Boyer's 'Venus Patrol,' get new games from Superbrothers, Vlambeer, Adam Atomic, and more

JoystiqKickstart Boyer's 'Venus Patrol,' get new games from Superbrothers, Vlambeer, Adam Atomic, and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-atomicbrandon-boyerindiejohann-sebastian-joustkickstarterpcsuperbrothersvenus-patrolvlambeerWed, 07 Sep 2011 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Crate Box jumping to iOS in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-crate-box-jumping-to-ios-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-crate-box-jumping-to-ios-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/super-crate-box-jumping-to-ios-in-september/#comments Super Crate Box
Indie shooter Super Crate Box is heading to iPad and iPhone next month. The news was announced by developer Vlambeer in a new video, which you can see above. You can also catch a glimpse of the title's wholly excellent gameplay.

Of course, if you just can't wait until September, you can always download the free version for Mac or PC. Either way, you should really play it sometime.

JoystiqSuper Crate Box jumping to iOS in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halfbotiosipadiphonemobilerelease-datesuper-crate-boxvlambeerTue, 30 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IGF chair continues campaign against game cloning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/igf-chair-continues-campaign-against-game-cloning/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/igf-chair-continues-campaign-against-game-cloning/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/igf-chair-continues-campaign-against-game-cloning/#comments Independent Games Festival chairman Brandon Boyer is quite unhappy with Gamenaut's iOS title Ninja Fishing, a game that's more than "inspired" by indie studio Vlambeer's Flash game Radical Fishing. Vlambeer was secretly in the process of porting the game to iOS when the studio was blindsided by the clone.

"I have a chart I'm almost done with. This is not inspiration," Boyer told us at GDC Europe today when he brought up the dilemma. "The things [Radical Fishing] doesn't have is ... Fruit Ninja. Radical Fishing didn't have Fruit Ninja. [Ninja Fishing] has everything else, except they added Fruit Ninja to one of the parts."

Boyer continued, "The progress, the structure, the power-ups. The mechanics, the three-part design. It's just Radical Fishing. I think most people in the indie circle haven't played Ninja Fishing, which is good, but I think because of that they don't quite understand how blatant it was. Once you lay it out side by side [a project that Boyer will publish soon on an excel sheet he showed us], it's like 'Oh yeah, they just 100 percent ripped that off.'"

When asked what the difference is between "inspiration" and theft, Boyer said, "It's like the thing about pornography, you know it when you see it."

If this type of blatant cloning sounds familiar, it's because it is. In February, the story of The Blocks Cometh theft made the rounds. Indies being ripped off by indies isn't the only type of iOS cloning going on, either. It can also happen with major publishers, as was the case with Capcom's MaXplosion, a blatant clone of Twisted Pixel's high-profile 'Splosion Man.

[Image credit: Official GDC]

JoystiqIGF chair continues campaign against game cloning originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandon-boyerGamenautsgdce-2011IGFmobileninja-fishingpcradical-fishingvlambeerMon, 15 Aug 2011 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam: The Random Encounter is seriously an RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-is-seriously-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-is-seriously-an-rpg/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/serious-sam-the-random-encounter-is-seriously-an-rpg/#comments Yes, for its third of the Serious Sam Indie Series, Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer made an RPG. These new screens of Serious Sam: The Random Encounter reveal a game with both exploration and combat delivered in a 16-bit Final Fantasy-style.

Of course, because it's a Serious Sam game, it's a Final Fantasy-style RPG populated by impossibly beefy dudes with big arms, bigger sidearms, and giant, grotesque robotic alien things.

Gallery: Serious Sam: The Random Encounter (6/21/11)

JoystiqSerious Sam: The Random Encounter is seriously an RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>croteampcserious-samserious-sam-3-bfeserious-sam-the-random-encountervlambeerTue, 21 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Sam gets serious indie cred with new Indie Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/serious-sam-gets-serious-indie-cred-with-new-indie-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/serious-sam-gets-serious-indie-cred-with-new-indie-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/serious-sam-gets-serious-indie-cred-with-new-indie-series/#comments Normally, when a developer farms out one of its franchises to a smaller team, the groans are justified. But this time, the outsourcing is seriously appealing. Croteam and publisher Devolver Digital have announced the Serious Sam Indie Series, in which known indie developers remake Croteam's famous shooter in their own styles.

The first three devs to take on this Serious task are Mommy's Best Games, Vlambeer, and Be-Rad Entertainment. Mommy's Best is doing what it does best, a "frantic side-scrolling shooter" for PC and consoles called Serious Sam: Double-D. Super Crate Box creator Vlambeer mashes up genres to create the turn-based RPG Serious Sam: The Random Encounter for unspecified platforms, and Lame Castle's Be-Rad Entertainment interprets the series as an auto-running game about guiding Headless Kamikazes out of the path of Sam, called Serious Sam: Kamikaze Attack!

Platform specifics about Random Encounter and Kamikaze Attack have yet to be revealed, though Kamikaze Attack sounds like a candidate for a mobile release. If you're at PAX East this weekend, you can find out for yourself -- Double D and Kamikaze Attack will be playable at booth I-16.

If there's one flaw to this plan, it's that these indie games sound way more interesting than the actual Serious Sam sequel they're intended to promote.

Gallery: Serious Sam Indie Series

Continue reading Serious Sam gets serious indie cred with new Indie Series

JoystiqSerious Sam gets serious indie cred with new Indie Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>be-rad-entertainmentcroteamdevolver-digitalmicrosoftmobilemommys-best-gamespax-eastpax-east-2011playstationps3serious-sam-3serious-sam-3-bfeserious-sam-indie-seriesvlambeerxboxWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen@GDC: The Winnitron 1000, featuring Super Crate Box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/seen-gdc-the-winnitron-1000-featuring-super-crate-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/seen-gdc-the-winnitron-1000-featuring-super-crate-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/seen-gdc-the-winnitron-1000-featuring-super-crate-box/#comments You've never played IGF Pavillion game Super Crate Box? Well then, let's fix that right now (it's free!).

Unfortunately, if you weren't at GDC -- or aren't a resident of Winnipeg, Canada -- it's going to be a bit difficult to check out the game's two player co-op mode, housed inside of the wonderful and mysterious Winnitron 1000.

Continue reading Seen@GDC: The Winnitron 1000, featuring Super Crate Box

JoystiqSeen@GDC: The Winnitron 1000, featuring Super Crate Box originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdcgdc-2011igfigf-pavillionmacpcseensuper-crate-boxvlambeerwinnitron-1000Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:40:00 EST