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Denver, 4:06 AM
Mon Nov 16
18 posts in the last 24 hours
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12/22/08
12/22/08
I spent 11 months creating the XNA Community Game Snake360. It has 300 levels that can be played in single-player or co-op modes, ranging from really easy to really, really challenging. It also has survival mode, two battle modes for up to 4 players, Internet Ranking, special modes for kids... easily 10+ hours of gameplay. The graphics aren't that great and I'll admit that, but the soundtrack is excellent and the gameplay is top-notch. Anyone who enjoys arcade-style games should love it. The multiplayer is great at parties, to boot.
Snake360 costs 400 points. The same as this... fireplace.
I am running contests RIGHT NOW with $450 in MS Points and LIVE Gold subscriptions as prizes, including a "race" contest to clear 90% of the single-player game. The contests have been open for two weeks now and nobody has completed the 90% race yet. I have done this in 5-6 hours, so I know it's possible.
I have submitted news about the contest to several major gaming sites and blogs--including this one--SEVERAL TIMES. None of them will run the story or even contact me to ask about it. Last I checked, gamers like contests and prizes...and yet nobody on the editorial board of those sites feels this is newsworthy.
Now, on the front page of this very blog, viewed by millions of people, there is a story about a fireplace "game." I feel like promoting my contest is impossible, and yet... this.
(If any of you, for some reason, feel like learning more about Snake360 or the contests, you can visit www.snake360.com.)
12/22/08
12/22/08
Likewise, I do think you should realize that Snake 360 is a niche game, and, I suspect to many, it cannot compare to similarly priced "big box" XBLA games such as T.M.N.T. and such. I can't help but believe that if someone posted about Snake 360 here, you'd have people complaining how stupid people must think they are to pay for a game that exists in numerous freeware versions over the Internet. Likewise, I believe Wii Snake is still free for the Wii, and people could gripe about that as well. I understand you're upset that a fireplace program is getting more attention than your game, yet it remains a pretty smart decision by the creator in time for the winter holidays. Would you say the same if, say, Blow were getting better press than your game? What about In the Pit? Just be proud that you've made a game that people have enjoyed enough to purchase. :^)
12/22/08
12/22/08
or better yet!
*turns on his real fire place*
Neither costs 400ms points.
12/22/08
12/22/08
If you get the demo, you may accidentally buy the full version WITH ONE PRESS OF THE "A" BUTTON. I truly hate this obviously shameless tactic to get people to buy full versions. It happens in some arcade games as well, but at least they usually take two button presses.
Here's how it works with the fireplace simulator. It says press "A" to buy full version, then you have to press "A" again to confirm the download. But if you instead just wait 30 seconds for the reminder to pop up automatically, it conveniently highlights the "confirm download" option which will spend your points if you (or some little tot) presses "A."
SHAMELESS I SAY!
12/22/08
12/22/08
sooo, for 400 points this thing will red-ring your xbox?
12/22/08
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12/22/08
Be nice MS it's the holidays or maybe they'll pull a last minute gift on us (maybe?).
"but certain Xbox 360 consoles go the extra mile by adding heat to the equation"
That be more for the PS3. I put that thing on for an hour and my whole room can get burning hot. It sucks during the summer.
12/22/08
Once you open "windows" your room cools down again. It doesn't work on apple houses though. But it's ok cos they are over-priced and their owners deserve their fate.
12/22/08
Just downloaded it for free... It pops up with a message saying to buy it after about 30 seconds... you can just B out and carry on watching it.
Excellent! A must buy!
12/22/08
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12/22/08
12/22/08
Good old MS taking the Micro out of Micro-Transactions.
12/22/08
12/22/08
Good old XNA developers. Taking the "Micro" out of Micro-Transactions."
Better?