New Project Announcement

It’s been awhile since my last project Mamore, almost two and a half months in fact, but during this time I haven’t just been playing through my Steam back catalogue whilst refreshing the Fallout 4 countdown timer(even though I may have a couple of times), instead I’ve been busy working on my next project. In fact you may have already seen some of the early screenshots and concept art for the game that I’ve been posting over the last month. Now today, I’m happy to officially announce my new project TaO-VARG.

TaOvargTitle

TaO-VARG is a challenging action puzzle game where your goal as the player is to guide a Ballistic Acceleration ellipse(BALL for short) to the goal by using two special gravity particles: Thrusts and Orbits. Further, in order to successfully complete a level, not only must the BALL reach the goal, but it must do so within certain limits, these limits are imposed on the number of respective particles that can be used each level, with three pass marks(bronze, silver and gold) associated with how few(or many) the player uses. If the player reaches the goal but uses too many of a particular particle then they must try again.

The different pass requirements for a level.
The different pass requirements for a level.

In total there are currently 40 levels to beat, with the later levels becoming more and more challenging for the player(though some of the early levels can be a challenge as well). The levels start simple, but as the player progresses through the game they  will encounter a variety of obstacles, ranging from turrets to lasers.

An early TaOVARG level
An early TaOVARG level

The game is currently still in alpha, though it is finished for the most part(I’ll list the things I want to possibly add to the game at the end of this post, along with download links). But the game does need some fine tweaking. This is where I’d like you, the reader, to come in. Unfortunately I’m a bit too familiar with the game(having made it and all), so it’s hard to tell if some levels are a bit too hard. Therefore, I need some more widespread playtesting and feedback on the levels, so that I can put the finishing touches on the game. Basically, I’d like you to just play the game; if you finish it that would be awesome but its not a requirement, and hopefully whether you finish or not you have some fun doing so. And if you want to give me some feedback on the experience that would be awesome too, all constructive criticisms are welcomed.

Below you will find a link to a windows installer along with a standard Unity standalone package.

Windows Installer

Standalone Package

Things I’d like to add or do in no particular order:

-In game tutorial;

-Add more particle effects – for thrust particle, orbit and collisions with walls;

-Alternative control schemes, along with controller support;

-In game options menu, for controls, sound and resolution;

-More sound effects;

-Better end screen;

-Better aspect ratio support;

-Mobile version (This will likely come after all the others);

So that’s that, I had a blast making TaO-VARG, and I am looking forward to making it that little bit better with all your help 🙂

Joe.