Space Racer (Android)

[Braddas]

Hi, I'd like to showcase my new Android game. It was created for the Ludum Dare October Challenge, I actually started on the 1st and just finished yesterday. It's pretty simple but I'm pleased with it - I've never made a game over such a short space of time!

It's a space asteroid dodge-em-up, sort of in the endless runner vein (though there is an end if you can make it that far).

You can get it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prepixel.games.spaceracer

EDIT: Free version just for you JGO peeps:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/21842820/Space%20Racer.apk

Hope you like it, feedback welcome!

[badlogicgames]

Very nice nd polished, didn't rech the end yet but i'll get there. The bullet time idea is really great, haven't seen tht before in this genre. Are you using canvas? A high res version would be nice. The lighting worksgreat btw.

[Braddas]

Thanks! You're right, it is canvas. I'm relatively new to Android and it was dead simple to get started with. We actually have all the graphics at high-res, but the framerate was suffering so we're drawing to a bitmap 1/3 size of the window and stretching it to fit the screen. It's a retro style game so the pixellated look kind of works, but I know it's not for everyone.

I'm planning to start using OpenGL but it's a bit of a learning curve (for me at least). I've actually had LibGDX on my system for a while but never found the time to properly get stuck in, looks awesome though! I'll probably move this game over to it at some point, if I do I'll send you a copy.

Thanks again!

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[Braddas]

It occurs to me that I shouldn't really expect you guys to pay to look at my game, so just for you JGO people here is a link to download it free:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/21842820/Space%20Racer.apk

Chances are I'll be releasing a free version at some point anyway, the paid version isn't really selling and I doubt the press are going to cover such a simple game. If you do happen like it, please do feel free to purchase it, I've got another couple of weeks in the 'New Paid Apps' chart so every sale does help. After that it will be swallowed up forever in the dark depths of Google Play.

In any case, would still love to hear your thoughts. At the moment it's probably too hard. I'm thinking about adding a shield that will allow you to take a hit or two before you die.

[ReBirth]

You can "experimental selling", I mean by release free version and paid version which contains more levels or bonus.

[Braddas]

I've added a shield to the latest version. It only allows you to take one extra hit but I think the game feels more 'fair' now.

@ReBirth: A demo version is an interesting idea, the only problem is that people expect to get the full game for free these days - especially on Google Play. There isn't a lot of content to cut anyway, though I have considered releasing a free version without the shield. I'm not a huge fan of in-app purchases so don't really want to go down that route either.

I think my only other option is to pay for advertising and hope the boost in numbers knocks me up the chart, but that's a bit of a gamble. I don't suppose there are any other Android devs here that can advise me on advertising that works well with paid apps?

It was just a jam game anyway, I shouldn't expect too much. Onto the next one.

[ReBirth]

How about follow Pixel Tower? they have two identical version (full both), one free and one paid. They call the paid one "beer version" or what, some kind a way to let google play users to donate.

However, whatever path you choose just dont put in ads. It's annoying as hell even for 1px square.

[Braddas]

Ha ha, beer version! Cool. Just checking it out now and he only seems to do the free one now though...