Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3-5.
SHADOWGUN, by MADFINGER Games
While hard numbers are hard to get a hold off, the statistics on the Android market seem to
indicate that the number of downloads of
SHADOWGUN
is about on par with
Gem Miner
,
previously discussed. This goes to show that it does not necessarily take a huge AAA team to
create a successful Android game.
Tank Hero: Laser Wars
(see Figure
3-6
) is a sequel to
Tank Hero
, created by a very small indie
team called Clapfoot Inc. You command a tank that you can equip with more and more crazy
add-ons, like ray guns, sonic cannons, and so forth. Levels are very small and confined flat
battlegrounds with interactive elements scattered around that you can use to your advantage
to eliminate all other opposing tanks on the playfield. The tank is controlled by simply touching
enemies or the playing field, in response to which it will take the proper action (shoot or move,
respectively). While it is not quite at the level of
SHADWOGUN
visually, it nevertheless has a
rather good-looking dynamic lighting system. The lesson to be learned here is that even small
teams can create a visually pleasing experience if they place constraints on the content, such as
limiting the size of the playing field.
