Interview With Beavertap Games, Developers Of The Casual Speedrun Platformer Mikey Shorts, Coming To The AppStore This Wednesday Night!

There have been quite a few additions to the Speedrun Platformer genre in the AppStore over the last year and a half; Leage of Evil, Mos Speedrun, Commander Pixman, Meganoid, Stardash, Little Acorns and more have provided some great challenges for the more hardcore platform gamers. Well, this Wednesday, casual gamers will be invited to take part in the fun as well, with the release of BeaverTap Game's Mikey Shorts, a casual speedrun platformer that doesn't have insanely strict times, but still provides a challenge for the more hardcore players. I was lucky enough to help beta test this fantastic game, checking out every little nook and cranny, and believe me when I say I haven't had this much fun with speedrun platformer since I got into Mos Speedrun. We were also lucky enough to be able to pull the duo away from their busy lives for a couple minutes and ask them a couple questions about this supremely awesome title. 

Now, I don't really know the details behind it all, but I do know that the two of you met on Touch Arcade while battling it out on OpenFeint and GameCenter for top scores in Hook Champ and Mos Speedrun. Are there other titles that brought you two together? When did you two start really talking about starting up BeaverTap Games?

We were both invited to beta test for Rocketcat Games in early 2010. While competing against each other in Super Quickhook, we started communicating via email and found that we were both interested in making an iOS game at some point. By the end of the year, we finally got around to making it a reality.

How long did it take you two to create Mikey Shorts, your first foray into the iOS development scene?

We've been working on the game in our spare time for over a year and a half, but we really stepped it up in the months before release.

Mikey Shorts is another great addition to the Speedrun Platformer Genre. However, having more lax times for the levels opens the game up to a more casual audiance. What made you two, being the hardcore speedrun mongers that you are, decide to drift away from the strict time limit challenge that most games within the genre have?

We love competing with other people more than just passing a level. We wanted to give every player a chance to do well in the game and show them that earning three stars on a level isn't impossible. For the more experienced players, trying to rank high on the leaderboards should provide an extra challenge.

Are there any games that directly influenced Mikey Shorts, and are there any development teams that influence how the two of you have decided to build up and run BeaverTap Games?

We were influenced by classic console platformers, but we also looked at some of our favorite 2D platformers such as Hook Champ, Super Quickhook, Mos Speedrun, and League of Evil. We're following the lead of a lot of developers that communicate with their players and are open to feedback.

Like other genres, there are a lot of different aspects that are incredibly important when creating a platformer; Controls, physics, level design, inertia, ect... is there any one thing that really gave you two a hard time, drove you crazy or that you guys found especially challenging while you were developing Mikey Shorts?

The controls pretty much make or break a platformer on a touch screen device. We spent a lot of time fine tuning the button placement to make sure the majority of players feel comfortable from the start. We also allow the player to customize the placement of the buttons.

It's pretty clear that the two of you take iOS gaming very seriously. Is the iDevice your main gaming platform, or do you guys prefer playing console games? 

With so many great games, we both consider iOS our gaming platform of choice.

What engine did you guys decide to use to create Mikey Shorts, and why did you decide to go this route?

We chose to use the cocos2d framework because of the community support. There are a lot of tutorials and friendly people willing to help out developers. We use the Box2D physics engine because it's well documented and used in many cocos2d tutorials.

Now that you've got one game release under the belt of BeaverTap Games, what's in store for the future? Are you guys already kicking around some more ideas for your next game, or are you going to primarily focus on expanding Mikey Shorts for the time being? Do you think there's any chance iOS gamers will see a Mikey Shorts 2 in the future?

We're going to focus on trying to make Mikey Shorts even better with updates. Then we'll continue Mikey's adventure in a sequel!

Again, we would like to thank BeaverTap Games for taking the time to answer these questions, and we can not wait to check out the final build of Mikey Shorts this Wednesday night. You know we'll be posting up a review of the game this Thursday, so if you want to know more about Mikey Shorts, make sure you check back then for a full, in-depth review of the game. You can also check out the trailer below, as well as head on over to the BeaverTap Official Site!

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Bulkypix December Release: Project Holy Shield's First Teaser Trailer Released!

A couple days ago, Bulkypix laid out their release plans for the rest of 2012. Among them, and due out this December, was Holy Shield, a Third Person Shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world where demons wander the Earth, and the human race depends on one organization for protection; Holy Shield, a secret organization that's spent the last thousand years defending humans from demons. Well, a little while ago, we received the very first teaser trailer for this seemingly awesome sounding game. Check it out!

Nice, right?? We thought so. Here's some extra information that was included with the video;

In a post-apocalyptic world, daemons of all kinds wander the Earth, hungry for man-flesh. Luckily the human  race has some protection: Holy Shield, a secret organization that for thousands of years has fought against daemons in order to preserve the balance between good and evil. But one day, while on a routine mission, two daemon hunters encounter the vilest daemon ever faced by Holy Shield. As a consequence, they are instructed to find the source of his Evil, and fight all of his slaves before tackling the daemon himself. Thus begins a violent, crazy journey of epic proportions!
This winter, discover Project: Holy Shield -- a third-person shoot-‘em-up game, developed by Dogbox studios in association with BulkyPix, which will blow you away!Prepare yourself for incredible 3D graphics, impressive content and a unique real-time sound rendering engine, developed by Audio Gaming.Play as Gabriel or Rachel as you disembowel, behead and dismember daemons as varied as they are terrifying!When the carnage is over, the walking dead will surely beat a hasty return to the grave.
Full of clichés and elements of parody, Project: Holy Shield pays tribute to the genre of big guns, angry, super-powerful heroes, and blood-thirsty daemons, and is accompanied by a soundtrack especially composed for the game by the heavy metal band, The Slaughters. Load your Holy Revolvers and Blessed Guns – the hunt is on!

 Features:
 - An epic adventure through seven different maps and 14 levels. Play levels anew in Survival and Hunt modes!
 - Play as Gabriel or Rachel, two Holy Shield members, and discover their powerful combos.
 - More than 20 different upgradeable weapons, including flamethrowers, machine guns, and Blessed Revolvers.
 - High -quality 3D environments and full third-person view.
 - More than 15 enemies, and up to 40 entities on-screen at the same time.
 - Three types of gameplay: TPS in Story mode, FPS in Hunt mode, and device-tilt in Vehicle mode.
- Immerse yourself in an original, 80’s-style soundtrack composed by The Slaughters.

They also included some fantastic screen shots; 

*Click to enlarge

We'll make sure and share more information as it becomes available, but we're already super psyched about Holy Shield. It looks like it's going to be one of the BEST Third Person Shooters available in the AppStore, and if the gameplay and controls really play out like we're hoping they will, it could very well be a serious competitor for the top spot in the genre! 

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11-Bit Studios Debut Trailer for Sleepwalker's Journey hits YouTube!

11-Bit Studios, developers of the amazing Tower Offense title, Anomaly Warzone Earth, have just released the debut trailer for their new Puzzle-Platformer, Sleepwalker's Journey. Along with the trailer, they've also sent out some screenshots, which look absolutely beautiful! Take a look;

Sleepwalker's Journey is the story of Moonboy, a young boy who's just been blown out of bed by a huge 'Lunar Sneeze'. Sleepwalking through his dreams, it's up to you to move, rotate, shift, start and stop objects and platforms so that Moonboy can avoid all of the dreamworld's crazy hazards, and make it back to his bed. With numerous environmental puzzles, Sleepwalker's Journey looks to be one of the most interesting puzzle platformers we'll see this year. 

Take a peak below at the trailer, and start to get excited for the second 11 Bit Studio's game to hit the AppStore. If it's even half as polished as Anomaly Warzone Earth, we'll all be in for a real treat. Sleepwalker's Journey is coming to iOS and Android soon. We'll be sure and share the news as it becomes available to us. =o)

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Rubicon's Great Little War Game goes free for a limited time in celebration of the upcoming release of Great Big War Game!

One of the best Turn-Based Strategy titles available for the iOS, Rubicon's Great Little War Game, has just gone free for a limited time to celebrate the upcoming release of the sequel, Great Big War Game. If you haven't had the pleasure of playing GLWG yet, now would be the perfect time to find out why it's held in such high regard by many iOS gamers. Packed with an absolutely wonderful single player campaign mode, a great skirmish mode, pass and play local MP mode, 4 difficulty settings, GameCenter integration, and loads upon loads of replay value, it's a must have for fans of the genre. 

Coming this Thursday, Great Big War Game, has much of the same, but more. The biggest addition will have to be the massive amount of extra Skirmish Mode Maps, and the out-of-this-world online Asynchronous Multiplayer Mode. Be sure to check back on Thursday, when we post up our review of this incredibly anticipated new title. Until then, loose yourself in the game that got many a gamer into the strategy genre, for free!

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OrangePixel's new title, GunSlugs gets some YouTube Footage!

So, if you don't know yet, here at The App Shack, we're HUGE OrangePixel fans. When it comes to old-school retro platforming goodness, OP is where it's at. A couple days ago, they posted a new video on their Facebook page for GunSlugs, an old-school Run-n-Gun title that looks a lot like INC, but with big levels, more colors and loads of action. Check it out!

We don't really have any more information than what's been shared on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the OP site, but GunSlugs will be released for the iOS, Android and BlackBerry Playbook later this year. Going by previous OrangePixel releases, and time-frames, I'm guessing it'll hit the AppStore this Fall. If you're an OP fan, or just a fan of Run-n-Gun gameplay, this is definitely one title you should keep your eye on. 

We'll post up more news as it becomes available. If you'd like to keep up with it yourself, feel free to stop on by OrangePixel's Facebook Page, Twitter Feed, Youtube Channel, or their Main Website. And if you don't yet have any of their previous releases, GET THEM NOW! They have some of the best retro titles available for the iOS!

Meganoid

Stardash

Neoteria

INC

Super Drill Panic

Chrono & Cash

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FDG's iPad only Real-Time Strategy title Tentacle Wars is coming to the iPhone!!

Back in April, we posted our review of the FDG publication, Lumarama's Tentacle Wars HD. Right now, Tentacle Wars is only available for the iPad, however, next Thursday, the 19th, Tentacle Wars will be released for the iPhone and iPod Touch. That's right, you small-screen gamers will finally be able to see what all the fuss is about with this Galconesque Real-Time Strategy title. 

Back in our review, we gave Tentacle Wars HD a rating of 4 1/2 Stars out of 5, praising the challenging gameplay and multiplayer mode, as well as it's GameCenter integrated score-chasing aspects. If you're a fan of Galcon, or just looking for a quick pick-up-and-play RTS title, Tentacle Wars is a game that will definitely be right at home on your device, and in your pocket.

Be sure and check out FDG's trailer for the game, and get ready to experience the challenging gameplay this upcoming Thursday! Don't miss out!

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On The Wind Looks Beautiful

Have you ever wanted to be the wind? In a few weeks you'll get your chance with Dont Step On The Cracks' 'On The Wind'. From what we know, On The Wind will be a sort of survival runner where your goal is to try to keep a group of leaves drifting in the air. The game will be sporting some awesome, crisp and stylish artwork with calm 'windy' music to go with it. Apart from the fantastic visual appeal, the gameplay in On The Wind will be driven by the struggle to "survive" through each season. Leaves will be plentiful in the spring, but in the winter it will be difficult to get by. In terms of controls, it will be a simple, one-touch and drag to direct the wind.
On The Wind is looking really good so far. Randomly generated worlds should keep the game fresh each time you play, and GameCenter integration means loads of achievements and competitive leaderboards. Be looking for On The Wind in the next few weeks. Until then, check out the complete feature list along with the trailer and a handful of screenshots on Don't Step On The Cracks' official website.

On The Wind Features:
- Full retina graphics for the new iPad
- Simple and intuitive ‘one touch’ controls
- Relaxing play with the soothing sound of the wind, or challenge yourself to beat your friends
- Beautiful world that’s generated as you play so it’s different every time
- Game Center enabled with lots of tricky achievements, and leader boards to challenge your friends
- Universal app, buy once and play on your iPhone, iPod and iPad.

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Tobe & Friends Hookshot Escape Preview

This Friday post comes with good news! Secret Base's iOS debut title, Tobe & Friends Hookshot Escape is officially launching on March 1st. I have not yet played the original Tobe computer games (Vertical Adventure, Hookshot Escape...), but I believe the gameplay is just about the same. After playing through Hookshot Escape, I must say that I am blown away by how well the controls work and also by the gorgeous yet simplistic artistic design.
We will have a full review on release day, but I'll spoil some things for you to get you by. First thing you need to know is that there are a ton of unlockables. A ton. This game will keep you busy for a long time. Second, this game is HARD. You might think otherwise when you get your hands on Hookshot Escape, but in my mind this game is downright difficult. But keep in mind that every fall and every mis-step keeps you coming back for more. So far, Tobe & Friends Hookshot Escape feels like the perfect blend of hardcore platforming/hookshotting and a good time. That's all I'm going to say for now. Check out the trailer and screens and mark March 1st on your calendars!

 

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2D Multiplayer Crafting Game - Deepworld (Trailer)

Around Thanksgiving last year, Deepworld, a new massively-multiplayer 2D crafting game, was announced to the world.  Even though only 2 screen shots were revealed at the time, it was more than enough to pique my interest.  Now 3 months after its announcement, the first gameplay trailer has been released. Gameplay seems similar to that of Junk Jack in many respects, but the appeal of the game is completely different. The style, like the devs said is more steampunky, and it creates a sort of dark and grungy atmosphere. Anyway, if you haven't seen the screens yet, they are posted below. Have a look at the trailer and head over to the Deepworld forums if you want to get ready for the beta. We'll be watching for more news!

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Picomy Teases New Heroki Screens

Back in December, we heard about an upcoming platformer of sorts named Heroki from Picomy Games.  From the info that we have, Heroki won't be your standard platformer.

The game will be based around a flying mechanic, giving players greater freedom to go where they please.  One detail that I want to hear more about is the 'Flow Motion Control' scheme. This sounds like a streamlined virtual control scheme which, if it works well, should make the game totally awesome.

The reason why I call Heroki a pseudo-platformer is because there it sounds like there is so much more to it.  Apparently, there will be 5 large worlds to explore.  In each world Heroki will learn a new 'ability' which will then drastically alter the gameplay.  This aspect of the game is very intriguing and I can't wait to see how it all pans out.

Also, at any time in the game Heroki will be able to warp back to a "home base" called Levantia which will house NPC's and shops.  While in Levantia, you can perform side quests like treasure hunts as well as buy/sell things at the shops.

Heroki really seems to be shaping into a huge project and I will be eagerly following the game's progress.  Let's all hope Picomy Games comes through with a major success on this title. Until we hear more info, enjoy the console-esque artwork showcased in the screens and teaser trailer.

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Dreamrunner Looks Stunning

We recently caught wind of a new style of endless runner. Unlike the scores of endless runners on the App Store, Dreamrunner will feature character progression and a deep story line.  Follow Nito, a mysterious ninja-like runner, and unveil the truth behind the run.
Apparently, Dreamrunner has been in the works for a while now, and it got its start over 6 months ago in the form of Gyro Balls. From the looks of the screen shots and gameplay footage, Dreamrunner is shaping up well and shouldn't be too far off from release.  In fact, the beta should be starting up in the next few days so go ahead and sign up for it here.  Until we get more info enjoy the screen shots and video!

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Prevail Gameplay Emerges - Epic Adventures Await

A while back we heard that Johnny Two Shoes, the geniuses behind Plunderland, were hard at work on a huge new iOS game.  The game I'm talking about is Prevail, and from the details we have so far, this game will be mind blowing. Expect a true 'open-universe' where you can act on your every whim. Bring destruction or peace to neighboring planet colonies and explore the ends of the universe. Also, in no way is this a Pocket God style game.  Johnny Two Shoes is giving us the real deal here and the game can be better described as a 2D GTA set in outer space. Take a look at the newly released gameplay trailer. Your mind will asplode.

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The League of Evil 2 Trailer Rocks!

There isn't much to say about League of Evil other than that it is pretty much the most amazing platformer on iOS. Back at the start of 2012 we gave our Game of the Year award to the original League of Evil. After having so much fun with the first, you can't imagine how excited we are (or at least I am) for the sequel! Enough chit chat, feast your eyes on the glorious trailer. Agent is back. Oh yeah.

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Hunters 2 Is Shaping Up To Be More Than A Sequel

A year ago, Rodeo Games made their iOS debut with the release of Hunters: Episode One.  Their free-to-try turn-based strategy title set a new standard in terms of graphics and gameplay.  Since then, Hunters: Episode One has received over 600,000 downloads and has earned a Metacritic rating of 84%.  Coming off of this initial success, Rodeo Games is following up with the second installment in the Hunters series.  Hunters 2 looks to expand on the gameplay of the first episode, and will even feature a full campaign mode.  This campaign will follow the story of a brand new hero, Caius Black.

All in all, Hunters 2 is looking really good so far. I'm sure fans will love the new campaign mode, not to mention the new enemies races, environments, mission types, guns, and gear. On top of that, a new graphics engine will be used to handle real-time dynamic lighting and various customization options.
At the moment, Hunters 2 is about to enter the beta stage. If all goes well we should have our hands on the game in no time.  We'll let you know as soon as we hear more info about the game. Until then, go ahead and check out the promo screens below and Rodeo Games' website and sign up for their beta program if you want.

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'Terra Noctis: Free Dreaming' - Interesting Free2Play Model

Recently Bulkypix teamed up with Everplay and FireFruitForge to bring Terra Noctis onto the App Store. Terra Noctis had pretty much anything you could ask for in a classic style platformer, and after playing through the game I had nothing but good things to say about it. Despite a feature on Apple's 'New and Noteworthy' games, Terra Noctis hasn't faired well so the devs are taking a new approach.

On February 2nd, a free to play version of Terra Noctis will go live on the App Store. This version will be released by Everplay Interactive without the Bulkypix branding.  Now it is important to note here that the original premium version of Terra Noctis will go untouched. Just think of this new version as the 'lite' or demo.

Here's what to expect. First things first, there will be no shortage of HATS whatsoever. Of course this is great news because with hats comes increased replay value. There will also be epic items to unlock as well.  The devs would like to stress that the IAP in the game will be completely optional. You will have access to the game in its entirety for free, but if you want to speedily unlock the hats, then you will need to throw down a few coins. I believe this model will work well, and if it is well accepted by the community then we will definitely be seeing future updates to both versions of Terra Noctis.
In terms of actual gameplay, Free Dreaming will play pretty much like its premium older brother. Apparently a few tweaks have been made to make the game more hardcore, so don't expect this to be a cheasy one and done deal.

Other than that there isn't much to say about Terra Noctis: Free Dreaming. I'm excited to see the devs making this effort and I hope it works well for everyone. Either way expect to find the game on the App Store this Thursday, February 2nd. Now let there be hats for everyone. Here's a video:

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