I've just released a new version of my game Wire Hang Redux on the Mac App Store. You can also buy it for Windows PCs via FastSpring.
Mac:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wire-hang-redux/id485354734?mt=12
PC:
http://sites.fastspring.com/gingerbeardman/product/wirehangredux-windows
http://www.wirehang.com
The concept:
• Climb up the platforms, using your grappling hook.
• Do not fall off the bottom.
• Beat your own high score.
New in this version:
• Easier to control
• Changes as you climb
• Bigger game window
• Improved graphics
• Birds!
• Planes!
• A secret at the top
Hints:
• Pay close attention to your aiming arrow.
• Use the sides of the screen.
• Use small jumps to slow down.
History
For those that don't know the history of the game, it was originally a Java game from 1998 by a Japanese guy, Masaki Kobayashi. I learned of the game in 2004 and did a PC/Mac(non-Intel) version with Masaki's blessing (that you can still download it at my site). It proved to be very popular, being featured in magazines (remember those?) in Japan, Germany, Sweden, Czech Republic, USA and UK. The original Java version is also on the web here. Perhaps some of you will remember it?
Over 6 years later...
Since then I've had some changes on my todo list. Finally I got round to them! One of the major issues people had with my original version was that the mouse cursor is confusing, and that the aiming radar was too separate from the action meaning the game was trickier than it needed to be during play. These were valid concerns that also hampered the original Java version. Have a play of the original or my old version and you'll see what I mean.
So, I've done a new version of the game, again with Masaki's blessing. I've made it easier to "pick up" with a new unified control scheme. I've also given it a graphical overhaul, rewarding the players progress with graphical changes. If you manage to get to the top there's an extra special reward, too! I've changed the default game mode to a simple distance, just like Canabalt.
I'll be adding the original "points" mode, as well as a couple of other modes, over the coming months. Meanwhile, work continues on the iOS version.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Cheers folks,
matt
