Xaniria - Defense of New Earth

[TheSilverWebsurfer]

At long last, 2 years after my C++ and SFML discovery, I have the great pleasure to introduce my game to you :
Xaniria - Defense of New earth

It is a unique mix between puzzle-game and tower-defense.

You can find much more informations, videos and screenshots on my site,
www.hailtothefun.com

If you like this project, don't hesitate to talk about it, and vote for it on Greenlight
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=283105459&searchtext=xaniria

Comments are really welcome.

[eXpl0it3r]

Sounds interesting, not sure how well the two genres mix together.

Looking at the videos and images I wonder, why do you stop the animation of the enemies when the "bullet hell" starts? Feels quite odd to me.
Overall you might want to talk to a designer/artist, because from my perspective you're mixing a few different styles in the game, which is generally not a good idea. Also you pattern icons might need some polishing.

Congrats on getting so far, not many get there.

[Jesper Juhl]

This reminds me of Phobia III which is/was quite fun.

[TheSilverWebsurfer]

Really thank you for your constructive feedback!

@Jesper Juhl: yes! the second phase, in which you fight ennemies, is inspired by games like Phobia, I'm really glad you saw that!
But the gameplay is not as simple as in Phobia III, as you have to switch between weapons to maximize damages. This makes this phase less boring.

@eXploit3r
Well, the 2 gameplays don't mix together at the same time, maybe I wasn't clear about that enough in my description.

In a first time, you create defenses in a puzzle-game.

In a second time, those defenses are used to repell invaders.

I tried to create an original concept with this mix, and totally mixing the two phases at the same time would be quite aweful to play, so one after another is really better. ^^

During special shot, your "Bullet hell" ^^, everything is frozen, like a Bullet-time.
I thought this would  be great to give the player a little break, as this combat phase is pretty intense.

For patterns icons, of course, this can be done better, thank you for spotting it!

[Hapax]

Your puzzle phase reminds me of Tetris 

Well, the 2 gameplays don't mix together at the same time

I think the point might have been that they don't look like they should be in the same game. It's like reading a book and the next chapter is written by a different author 

everything is frozen, like a Bullet-time.

Technically, during "Bullet Time", bullets should also be shown slower. It's only really the camera that stays in normal speed 

[TheSilverWebsurfer]

Totally! I had Tetris in mind when I created the construction phase.
But instead of geometric pieces, I made rectangles.
And instead of creating lines, I thought patterns fulfilling could be interesting.

I think about this 2-phases system as crafting a tool, then using it, they are complementary.

And you're right, Bullet time let bullets move.
I tried a few ways to make the special shot looks really special.
As Bullet Time is really common in video games since Max Payne, I found that time stopping nicely told:
"Oh man, this special shot is really awesome!".

Maybe should I add visual effects?

Here is a video with new graphics for construction phase, is it easier to understand?


In all cases, thanks for your comments!

[Gobbles]

I'm also quite confused as to the effects of construction mode and how it affects gameplay. I think the issue is your video doesn't show any gameplay affected by construction, or if it does, I really didn't see it at all.

[TheSilverWebsurfer]

I'll try to create a clearer video as soon as the main work will be finished.
But don't think too complicated, it is quite simple:
1- You create defences in construction phase.
2- They are stocked and used in combat phase.

Desura accepted to distribute my game, so I must keep up the good work.