Please check out my first android game! :D

[Delta517]

Hi! I just finished my first very own android game and I would love it if you guys could check it out, give your opinions and maybe spread the word



Free-Version

Ad-Free Version for 1$!

And no in-app purchases!

EDIT: Thanks to everyone for leaving a total of 18 five stars review! I also would like to ask one more thing from you guys, if thats okay? I would appreciate it if you could help me spreading the word about this game by tweeting about it, making videos, sharing with your friends or anything! I also created a reddit thread (Link here) and it would really help me if you could upvote or leave comments in it! I'm sorry if I sounds like a spamming and requesting idiot, but I really could use your guys help since I can't afford advertising my games like the big companies, who fill their games with all these micro-transaction crap! It's totally optionable though!

 

[Kalker3]

Haha, that trailer was fantastic.
I guess I'll give it a try.

Side note: I have a pretty big wallet, can we work something out? There's nothing in it though. : P

 

[ilman]

What you code it in? Java only or using the NDK? I'm interested in starting to develop games for Android, but am too lazy to learn Java.

 

[frogboy]

Looks pretty darn cool. If I had an Android device, I'd buy it.

 

[Kalker3]

What you code it in? Java only or using the NDK? I'm interested in starting to develop games for Android, but am too lazy to learn Java.

Same here, I'm very interested in game development, especially Android since it has a huge number of devices.

 

[Delta517]

Thanks for the awesome replies, guys! And once you get that wallet filled up, we'll work something out Kalker

The game is made by using Java and Libgdx

 

[ilman]

Ok, after having played it for a bit, this is what I can say:
- Ditch the circle pad. Circle pads for 8-directional movement feel just wrong. Use a d-pad instead.
- Instead of tapping an object for interaction, add an action button or just shoot the object to interact. While tapping the object isn't a problem for phones, it is a problem to get my hands to the centre of the screen on my Note 10.1.
- Fix the graphics for the main character. He has that lazily cut outline that just doesn't look good. If you're using hardware accelerated graphics (for example SDL 2.0) just make the main character 2 circles - 1 smaller red and 1 bigger black underneath. Some other stuff can be a little hard to distinguish, but that's my main gripe about the graphics besides them being all Microsoft Painty.
- Add more variety. While you do have a plethora of power-ups, I can recommend you add more obstacles/enemies. Regular zombies just don't cut it.
- Add music and SFX. Pretty self-explanatory.

Keep going, I'm sure this will get quite a lot of downloads if a little more effort is put into it.

Edit: It turned out it had music, it was just off by default...

Another edit: after playing in the lab for a bit, I stumbled upon a teleporter. I went through it and it led me to a dead end. Is it bad design or am I just too stupid to thinnk of a way to get back.

 

[Kalker3]

So, I've played it for a bit. It seems fun.
Like Ilman, I'd recommend getting rid of the circle pad since there are only 8 directions.
Music and SFX is a must-have.

I'd also enjoy having add-ons for the weapons for special effects and stuff.
There are some weird blue lines that appear when I'm moving around.
I'd make objects that you can interact with more, uh, noticeable in some way. The desk in the house could be simply considered as prop, I only noticed it was there for a reason when I say the "need key" bubble.
I'd switch the color of the player when hurt. I get a "*phew*, I'm ok" feeling when I see my character green, even though I'm one hit away from death.

Thanks for the awesome replies, guys! And once you get that wallet filled up, we'll work something out Kalker

The game is made by using Java and Libgdx

Here, a wallet filled up with gummy bears. Nobody can resist gummy bears.

 

[Delta517]

Ok, after having played it for a bit, this is what I can say:
- Ditch the circle pad. Circle pads for 8-directional movement feel just wrong. Use a d-pad instead.
- Instead of tapping an object for interaction, add an action button or just shoot the object to interact. While tapping the object isn't a problem for phones, it is a problem to get my hands to the centre of the screen on my Note 10.1.
- Fix the graphics for the main character. He has that lazily cut outline that just doesn't look good. If you're using hardware accelerated graphics (for example SDL 2.0) just make the main character 2 circles - 1 smaller red and 1 bigger black underneath. Some other stuff can be a little hard to distinguish, but that's my main gripe about the graphics besides them being all Microsoft Painty.
- Add more variety. While you do have a plethora of power-ups, I can recommend you add more obstacles/enemies. Regular zombies just don't cut it.
- Add music and SFX. Pretty self-explanatory.

Keep going, I'm sure this will get quite a lot of downloads if a little more effort is put into it.

Edit: It turned out it had music, it was just off by default...

Another edit: after playing in the lab for a bit, I stumbled upon a teleporter. I went through it and it led me to a dead end. Is it bad design or am I just too stupid to thinnk of a way to get back.

Thanks for your honest reply! I know the graphics is a little crappy...It's my first time doing graphics There's is a way to get back, which has something to do with that cracked wall and crafting. Try mixing a Scrap Metal and some Gas (you get that from the boxes spread around)

EDIT: And I fixed the Sound not being on by default. Thanks for that

 

[ilman]

Thanks for your honest reply! I know the graphics is a little crappy...It's my first time doing graphics There's is a way to get back, which has something to do with that cracked wall and crafting. Try mixing a Scrap Metal and some Gas (you get that from the boxes spread around)

Aha, I see.
In that case you should've put a hint or something saying that. We don't want this game to be as cryptic as the original Zelda.
Also, if you want to make better graphics, I think that investing in a Wacom tablet is a necessity. I have the cheapest one (about 50 EUR) and it beats the mouse in everything concerning graphics design. And if you're using Paint or anything of that sort, I can recommend pirating obtaining a copy of SAI (for backgrounds, easier to use than Photoshop) and Flash(for animated graphics). But pretty much all devs start with crap graphics. For example, look at Hoplite on Android. It started with no more than 100 pixels on the screen at once and it looks miles better now.
Btw, I really like the music playing in the lab. So creepy.

 

[cearp]

Same here, I'm very interested in game development, especially Android since it has a huge number of devices.

you can download 'unity', you can get a patch for it so you have the ability to publish to android etc. (otherwise you would have to pay or something)
if you are new to stuff like game making etc, it will be easier for you than not using engines. look on youtube, there are lots of videos about unity.

 

[Delta517]

Aha, I see.
In that case you should've put a hint or something saying that. We don't want this game to be as cryptic as the original Zelda.
Also, if you want to make better graphics, I think that investing in a Wacom tablet is a necessity. I have the cheapest one (about 50 EUR) and it beats the mouse in everything concerning graphics design. And if you're using Paint or anything of that sort, I can recommend pirating obtaining a copy of SAI (for backgrounds, easier to use than Photoshop) and Flash(for animated graphics). But pretty much all devs start with crap graphics. For example, look at Hoplite on Android. It started with no more than 100 pixels on the screen at once and it looks miles better now.
Btw, I really like the music playing in the lab. So creepy.

Adding the hint as Im writing this! I looked up at using D-Pad, but I would have to code it myself which could take some time. Do you think adding a "snap" function do the joystick would make it better? I also would love to get my hands on a Surface 2 plate with a stylus

 

[ilman]

Adding the hint as Im writing this! I looked up at using D-Pad, but I would have to code it myself which could take some time. Do you think adding a "snap" function do the joystick would make it better? I also would love to get my hands on a Surface 2 plate with a stylus

A snap function should work and I see how you would do it (calculate the angle between the touch coordinate, the centre of the joystick and the x axis with some trigonometry. Then you divide the angle by 45 (360/8) and you get a number indicating the direction your character should go).
While that would work for now, a control pad would be better. Just replace the circle with a control pad sprite and you're done.
Btw, if you want a cheaper alternative for doing graphics on a normal tablet, I can recommend the Note 10.1 (2014 edition if you want extra resolution, it's the device I'm typing this on right now). A great substitute for SAI/Photoshop on Android is Artflow Studio, which only needs selection to become my Painting program of choice.
Of course, a Surface Pro 2 or one of Wacom's Windows 8 tablets are better, but if you're low on funds(which is what your video tried to show), a Note is good enough.

 

[Delta517]

A snap function should work and I see how you would do it (calculate the angle between the touch coordinate, the centre of the joystick and the x axis with some trigonometry. Then you divide the angle by 45 (360/8) and you get a number indicating the direction your character should go).
While that would work for now, a control pad would be better. Just replace the circle with a control pad sprite and you're done.
Btw, if you want a cheaper alternative for doing graphics on a normal tablet, I can recommend the Note 10.1 (2014 edition if you want extra resolution, it's the device I'm typing this on right now). A great substitute for SAI/Photoshop on Android is Artflow Studio, which only needs selection to become my Painting program of choice.
Of course, a Surface Pro 2 or one of Wacom's Windows 8 tablets are better, but if you're low on funds(which is what your video tried to show), a Note is good enough.

Yeah, I am currently low on funds so I think the Note would be a better idea plus it would made me able to test on tablets too I'm going to take a look at the D-Pad thing, thanks for your help

 

[ilman]

Yeah, I am currently low on funds so I think the Note would be a better idea plus it would made me able to test on tablets too I'm going to take a look at the D-Pad thing, thanks for your help

No problem, if you ever need any help with game algorithms or graphics, be sure to ask.

 

[Delta517]

No problem, if you ever need any help with game algorithms or graphics, be sure to ask.

Thanks alot! I'll soon put up a new update with added hints and some extra stuff to make the game a little easier to understand

Thanks for all your opinions guys! It really helps me grow as a game developer and it makes the game better

EDIT: By the way, what do you guys think about the difficulty? I have two friends who complains about having to few hearts and stuff, but I don't really see a issue there. Just want your opinions

 

[Delta517]

WARNING! Incoming Zombie Cubes GBATemp exclusive photo

Spoiler

Does GBATemp approve? Im keeping the left joypad there since the players movement itself is not limited to just 8 directions, although it may look so. Also it was weird trying to steer the player itself with it

 

[Kalker3]

Thanks alot! I'll soon put up a new update with added hints and some extra stuff to make the game a little easier to understand

Thanks for all your opinions guys! It really helps me grow as a game developer and it makes the game better

EDIT: By the way, what do you guys think about the difficulty? I have two friends who complains about having to few hearts and stuff, but I don't really see a issue there. Just want your opinions

I think that the difficulty is fine.
The problem is the circle pad IMO, a d-pad or w/e should make the game easier to play.

About the few hearts problem, having only 3 hearts is kind of a bother, especially when health packs are somewhat rare. I recommend adding vests to the gun machine that would increase the number of hearts you have. Regenerating health either by killing a certain number of zombies, being ably to buy and keep health packs for later or just regenerating health over time would be a good solution IMO.

 

[BvanBart]

Nice ... You could make an awesome game if you change the sprites a little

 

[Delta517]

I think that the difficulty is fine.
The problem is the circle pad IMO, a d-pad or w/e should make the game easier to play.

About the few hearts problem, having only 3 hearts is kind of a bother, especially when health packs are somewhat rare. I recommend adding vests to the gun machine that would increase the number of hearts you have. Regenerating health either by killing a certain number of zombies, being ably to buy and keep health packs for later or just regenerating health over time would be a good solution IMO.

I will see if I manage to add a option where you can decide to use either joystick or dpad today. I think I'll also increase the health pack chances for now and maybe I will add the idea about being able to keep up to like two health packs for later use

Nice ... You could make an awesome game if you change the sprites a little

Do you have any special ones in mind, or are you referring to all of them?

EDIT: And btw, when you guys say dpad, are you just thinking about changing the look of the movement controller to a dpad or are you also thinking about only having 8 directions movement?