On Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 8:57 AM, Rich Mellor <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dave, > > I think that there is interest in more games for the QL, but the game idea > has probably not enthused many people, as it sounds too simplistic - a bit > like the old lunar landing types of games that formed the basis of many a > magazine listing in the early 80s. > > I would direct you to have a look at some of the games which have emerged > in recent years for the ZX80 and ZX81 - see > http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx81/zx81_software.html > and also http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx80/zx80_software.html > > This may give you an idea of the types of games which grab attention. > I looked at the games there and I think maybe 1/3rd are within my skill range. That said, the third I could do include a lunar lander game ;) The game idea I outlined above is weirdly addictive at the puzzle level, It's also fairy educational. There's a fair amount of skill required. At higher levels, you'd be racing for the planet against an alien UFO and there would be other hazards like asteroids and black holes and comets - it would get quite busy. It'll certainly be visually pretty. I think, overall, there's maybe a world market for a few dozen copies of a new game on the QL, so I'll not get too hung up on people not liking the ideas. I'd rather do six quite different games over the half year and see what people respond to, while still supporting the specialty games. If there were money riding on it, I'd be a little more concerned, but I'm also not completely unconcerned with what people think either. I think that's the goal of this thread - to get people openly talking about new game ideas and seeing what sticks and what doesn't - at the end of the day it's a tricky affair. Some things sound great on paper then are just unplayable or do not hold attention. Other things sound odd on paper but end up freakishly addictive - look at the number of iApps of simple puzzles that get HOURS of gameplay, and the seemingly pointless games on facebook that soak up days of peoples' lives. One thing from this is that by having quirky and novel games on the QL platform, we can promote it to new users, to other retro platforms and maybe someone'll pick up the idea and run with it. I spend a lot of time thinking about app ideas. Like the game where you race to steal land from an opponent by shining light on it (won't work well on a QL without GD2) or the trucking company trading game or the QL version of GB Ltd, or the newsworthy bad taste game where you have to run an animal shelter (the more animals you put down, the less donations and volunteers you get, etc) or Petrol Station Manager!(tm) and so on ;) I know, odd choices, but it's all about the puzzle... :) Dave _______________________________________________ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
