Chronometry Garden - Beta

A personal work-in-progress exercise. A geometrically abstract game where player needs only a single key to play. Designed for hotseat multiplayer where up to 4 players may compete. Acquire points while strategically denying opponents opportunities. Be resourceful in the paths you choose to take, and look out for sneaky backdoor thieves.

If you need to quit or exit a screen at any time, use the [ESC] key.

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Specs

• Geometrically abstract look
  
• Single-key game allowing strategic thinking
  
• Basic multiplayer hotseat option
  
• Freeware, Beta
  
• Last modified 12 Sept 2011

Developer Notes:
This was meant to be an exercise in better understanding game mechanics abstractly than anything else. It is work-in-progress and I'm not sure if I may finish it.

To start, I was interested in using just a single key for a game. Most of such games I have experienced are action-oriented ones, the sort where you push a single key to produce a single action like jumping or shooting. When I came across Nitrome's Onekey, I realized that a single key didn't necessarily mean you had to control only your player piece, but you could control the objects in the environment instead. This would allow the player then to produce different types of actions, depending on where the character was at that particular point of time.

So inspired by this, I wanted to figure out ways to allow strategic thinking for the player. After all, a single key no longer seemed to be as restrictive as I had assumed initially.

As an addition to this, I decided to go geometrically abstract. I would place little focus on narrative and representational elements (things like characters and fictional worlds for instance) so I could focus more on the mechanics themselves.

The whole game uses a single key (per player), even in the game menus. There's a single player tutorial (or "campaign", if you like) that introduces you all the game mechanics and features. There's a multiplayer hotseat option, which unfortunately currently only allows 4 players (not more than or less than -- exactly 4) so you can try it out with friends. If you want to play less than 4 players, just leave the unused tokens as they are.

The Jeluvian Project

A top-down squad game delivering a unique mix of action and tactics, with plenty of emphasis on the narrative. This game is comprehensive and progressive; it takes time and isn't a coffee-break sort of thing.

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Specs

• Tactical Squad Action
• About 3 - 4 hours to complete
• Storyline through 14 levels
• Freeware
• Last modified Feb 2007

Reviews
Mentioned on PC Gamer UK

Developer Notes:
One of my most ambitious projects =)

This is primarily an Action game, but you need to implement some strategy and tactics. You will have to decide which path your squad will take, which enemies you will attack, when to cease fire and when to open fire.

It uses the familiar "RTS" controls, where you command your drones with the mouse. But at the same time, you get to make immediate decisions for them - you will have to aim, shoot, and reload. You take control of the action, not merely the strategics: More like being a Sergeant of a squad, rather than a General of an entire army.

Get involved with the characters in the story, encounter and control six different unit types, through a variety of 14 uniquely-designed operations. Features engaging electronic audio tracks from talented composers.

The development was a very fruitful experience. It was really the first time I attempted a rather ambitious project, and this took me quite some time and plenty of dedication. I learnt a lot about creating an AI (though a simple one), coming up with a level-script design, OGG's, implementing dll's and so many other wonderful things. It was hard work. But I enjoyed it, and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did making it.

The Ancients' Tome

I must declare before anything else - that this game is very experimental. Meaning, some love it, some hate it. But at heart, it is an arcade puzzle. "Puzzle" thematically, not conceptually.

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Specs

• Arcade Puzzle Game
• About 1-2 hours to complete
• Freeware
• Last modified May 2006
  

Developer Notes:
My second accomplishment. The game was originally created for the GMG's two-room contest, where it earned for me a second place.

Generally, it's an arcade-style game, considerably fast-paced. I shall avoid revealing too much as many things within this game are meant to be discovered before they may be appreciated. This is a game that demands your attention if you want to play it through to the end.

It's rather laconic; you'll have depend much on your inference. It has been a challenge working on this idea, and I am rather pleased with how it has turned out. This was developed for the more patient, sophisticated player in mind. Enjoy.

Thank you to those who have supported its development.

TypoGun

A fast-paced, arcade-style typing game, and very simple to play. All you have to do is type out the word attached to your intended target, hit "enter", and watch the sparks fly.

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Specs

• Casual Typing Game
• Entertains for about 15-30 minutes
• Freeware
• Last modified October 2005
  

Developer Notes:
I was using my old screen name (Watergame) at the time this game was developed, so please do not be alarmed if you notice the discrepancy in the credits.

This is my first completed game. Originally it started off as an experiment for me when I was learning to work with strings and keyboard-input, but it evolved into something more entertaining.

I intended there to be more "levels", but I'm afraid I've only got four wordlists for you currently. You may add more yourself though, by copying and editing the wordlist files (*.dat).

The Background

The Locality
While in the midst of speeding through the information highways and clambering the vast bustling cyberplexes, you unexpectedly encounter a quiet, tiny, insignificant plot. A little pond, it appears to be, and little else of man-made construct but a sign with the words "PondSpark" etched on it.

The Resident
PondSpark is the home of Pondwater Tan JY, or Pondy for short. He spends most of his time reflecting (pun) in this pond, working on unecessary projects and carving clumsy things, fueled by the hope of being a skilful artisan, capable of venturing into the Great Lake one day. Or even the Ocean!

Unfortunately, or rather - realistically - he still has a long way to go; the phrase "just can't seem to do anything right" accurately fits the tongue of any who might want to comment on his work hence.

Though. On behalf of Pondwater, I pray that this may not discourage you from exploring his humble little residence. The navigation links on the right would be most helpful. Please, since you have already arrived, do take the trouble to look around while I prepare a cup of LilyTea for you.

The Craft
Three activities preoccupy him.

1. Independent Game Development
2. Digital Art (but with little success)
3. Dreaming then Writing

Pondwater has an interest in game designs and ideas. There are several he has already completed and released. They're all free to download and play. So, by all means, please share them with friends and family.

The Art Gallery is a struggle though. A field he is new to, but is willing to experiment and venture. Hopefully some time down the road in future we might get to see more presentable work.

The content of his articles revolve around his interests, complaints and game concepts. And there is the occasional weakly-plotted story and poem. It does seem that plenty of ideas and a poor command of language do not work in favour of prolificacy.

Profile & Contact Details

ID Stuff:
Pondwater @ Tan JY
Male. 02 July 1986. Singapore.


e.Mail:
Here's the avenue for feedback. Suggestions? A design request? Feel free to contact me via e-mail. Just don't spam or abuse. Simply replace [at] with @:

gleamwater [at] gmail.com


Description:
Loves exploring interesting ideas and concepts.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.
Intending a career in the Game Industry.

Hit: Psytrance. Long weekends. Chocolate.
Miss: The arrogant. Washing dishes.


Favourite Game Quote:
"In this world, there exists a balance between those who are creators and those who are users. I knew that, of course, but it took your help for me to experience this firsthand. From now on, I vow to dedicate myself to the side of creation.

The labour involved becomes joy when I know there are those who will enjoy my work to the utmost."

- Tetsuzou (Doukutsu Monogatari)

GuestBook

The grounds of PondSpark abound with PondWood trees. It is customary practice for any visitor (or regular) to leave a gentle mark or two on them by which they may be remembered. Pondwater's scribbling tools do no harm to the trees (for their bark is extremely thick and the chalk very brittle), should that be your reservation against doing so.

The messages created last. So, why not leave your scribble on the PondWood bark? Pondwater will appreciate your decorative contribution.

Care to Scribble or Admire the PondWoods?