Shred Nebula Design Documents

CrunchTime Games has released the design documents for Shred Nebula. For anyone interested in creating games for XBLA, PSN or WiiWare, this is a pretty good look at what a game maker has to do.

Anyone not in the industry but interested in the business aspects should check it out.

I don't know much about the game, but the documentation is definitely good. I can honestly say that the docs give me a good idea of the game play (from a development/pitch standpoint). It was good enough to get me to try the game, which was released this past Wednesday.

Initial impressions are pretty good. The design docs say this game was influenced by Asteroids, but I was a little disappointed that they didn't fashion the basic controls more like Asteroids (rotate left/right, accelerate based on where you are pointed).

Overall though, it's definitely worth checking it out on XBLA and I have gained tremendous respect for any company who is willing to share documentation info like this. Thanks!

Funny you should mention X-COM

Not really super exciting news, but amusing to me. My friend and I were talking about X-COM today and I come home to find that the X-COM series is now available on Steam.

I've also realized that games made in 1993 just aren't as fun anymore, mostly because the DPI's on my laser mouse prevent me from being able to accurately click on any of those cruddy pixelated buttons and units.

XBLA goodness

Remember all those great four player arcade smashers? If you ever wondered where they went, look no further. Castle Crashers brings back old fashion fun and it's fantastic. I'm a particular fan of the music, it really builds the mood. Besides a somewhat marred first couple of days, it's being patched and really, it wasn't that big of an issue.

One of my favorite genres seems to be making a come-back as well. That would be the manic shooter. Galaga Legions is incredibly insane in that regard, and I still haven't been able to beat the third act. I'm losing my reaction time in my old age.

Lastly, is 1942: Joint Strike. This classing scrolling shooter is back with updated graphics and a new twist. In co-op mode, you have the ability to, well, joint strike with your partner. It's basically a fancy word for being able to link attack with a partner. The game itself is very enjoyable, especially if you're a fan of the original.

Honorable mentions to Braid and Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, but the above games on XBLA made me happy to own an Xbox 360.