Astro Ranch - OFFICIAL launch thread

[Paul@Tag]

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the first post on the Astro Ranch offical launch thread. I'll add all the relevant details, plus the trailer video, screens and more in the next few days as we come close to Apple submission.

Here's the game-play trailer...

n3zaAyvXcYQ

Here's the intro story movie direct from the game...

Fy-xmkragYE

Oh and here's a picture of a Spicken (space chicken)...

http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1264434218035330800.jpg (http://www.imagechicken.com)

Cheers
P

[eggzbacon]

Im on your candidate list I think for this game

[Fleabag323]

Me too, does that mean we're accepted, or just candidates? Have you decided who the testers are yet?

[eggzbacon]

Hey this game looks like Animal Crossing.
Does it have to do with anything about Animal Crossing?

[DaveMc99]

http://www.astroranch.com/

[DUS]

Thanks Paul!

Look forward to seeing more!

DUS

[Slapshot]

Hey this game looks like Animal Crossing.
Does it have to do with anything about Animal Crossing?

Nah, looks more like Harvest Moon from the link Dave posted.

[mebeswordguy]

What canidate list?

[ZZMitch]

Looks cool!

Any beta testers? :p

[upsidedown]

I am also a candidate for this game. It looks pretty cool.

[GodSon]

Looks great. Can you create a character or are you stuck with the girl on the screens?

[mebeswordguy]

Bump/any more news?/bump

[dogmeat]

Details? it looks like an animal crossing clone.

[mebeswordguy]

yes, kinda with a mix of harvest moon. BUT ON A FRICKIN IPOD!

[Paul@Tag]

Beta testing going well.
Lots of great suggestions.
In the final straight.
Expect a game-play teaser VERY soon.

That's all. Got to get back to my Nibblin and Spange Cake, they wont harvest themselves you know...

P

[eggzbacon]

I didn't make it to the beta testing :(

[Paul@Tag]

Sorry to hear that. What if one extra slot opened up? Perhaps you should email astroranch@tag-games.com right now and beg for all you're worth?!!?

PS You'll need to confirm you are eggzbacon!

[skyye06]

I didn't make it to the beta testing :(

Sorry to hear that. What if one extra slot opened up? Perhaps you should email astroranch@tag-games.com right now and beg for all you're worth?!!?

PS You'll need to confirm you are eggzbacon!

Lol can't believe that worked. Are you just teasing him Paul?:p

[Paul@Tag]

Muhah hahha ha ha.....

[hardcoregamer]

As a beta tester, I can happily say that this game is awesome and is coming along nicely.

[GodSon]

Lookks great! My only question...will there be a male playable character?

[hardcoregamer]

I wish I could say, but I don't know if the dev would allow it. All I can say at this point is that the game is going to be awesome.

[TIMELESS]

I wish I could say, but I don't know if the dev would allow it. All I can say at this point is that the game is going to be awesome.

I will be waiting on this game yes.

[GodSon]

I wish I could say, but I don't know if the dev would allow it. All I can say at this point is that the game is going to be awesome.

Unfortunetly it would be my deal breaker...
:(

[Paul@Tag]

I can confirm that you can play as either of the starlight twins - Max or Sindy. You'll also be able to download new costumes to change their appearance if that's your kind of thing! Almost done with the trailer video and new screens... looking at a few more weeks polish and then we'll ready to unleash the game!

[Paul@Tag]

Here is some nice Astro Ranch wallpaper while you're waiting!

Right click and "save target as" to save to your desktop!
Enjoy and Happy Christmas from your friends at Tag

1024x768
http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1261435851050574600.jpg (http://www.imagechicken.com)

1280x800
http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1261435948032099300.jpg (http://www.imagechicken.com)

[Jarek]

Nice, thank You.

Whole this game looks interesting, but I am curious, how big possibilities will it have?
The goal is to bult a farm, in space, but how big may this farm be, how wide variety of animals and plants will it include?

Best,
Jarek

[Paul@Tag]

Hey Jarek thanks for your interest in the game.

It will launch with 10 crops and 5 animals but more will be added in updates/downloads. Ranching/farming is only one part of the Astro Ranch experience and you'll spend just as much time playing mini-games and embarking on quests for the alien inhabitants as you will growing crops/raising livestock!

Astro Ranch is Farmville in 3D plus a whole lot more!

Cheers
P

[GodSon]

I can confirm that you can play as either of the starlight twins - Max or Sindy. You'll also be able to download new costumes to change their appearance if that's your kind of thing! Almost done with the trailer video and new screens... looking at a few more weeks polish and then we'll ready to unleash the game!

Paul thanks for the clarification. You are the F'ing man! My status is now changed to insta buy!

Nice screens btw. ;)

[songbird]

When does Astro Ranch come out?

[Paul@Tag]

We are looking at a late January/early February release.

Will depend on a few things but we'll have in it for approval by mid-January.

We want to make sure that the inital release has a fair amount of downloadable content to choose from in addition to the core elements you get at the start. Plus there are a few surprises!

Cheers
P

[songbird]

Thanks so much!

[idrisguitar]

thanks for giving us the rough release timeframe :)

also will these update be paid dlc?

i dont mind DLC if its good content at reasonable prices, but whenever i i hear content downloads these days i do usually shudder ;)

[Paul@Tag]

idrisguitar value for money is at the top of our list for the download content. We are speaking with our Beta testers to set this at the correct price.

The last thing we want to do is price too high so that no-one buys! We are approaching it that some people like to customise or buy in game credit and others aren't really in to it... so no matter who you are Astro Ranch should offer a really unique game-play experience at a price that makes it appealing. Thereafter if you really like the game and want to extend your play experience you can, but there is no pressure and there is no loss of game enjoyment or experience by not buying DLC. All the main features are included in the inital download.

Like most developers we will need a little bit of trial and error to get this right... but our overall aim is to provide various ways of enjoying Astro Ranch and paying a fair price for that entertainment!

Cheers
P

[idrisguitar]

great reply, thanks a lot for expanding on your though proccess gives me confidence for the DLC anyway :D


and it is now on the instant buy list :)

[scottyd2k9]

Is this coming out for the DS too, cool. I think you should make it more like animal crossing aswell as a multiplayer.

Suggestions :

Multiplayer :visit each other towns, and trade different items

Buildings : It would be cool if there was some shops and houses that you could go in on story mode and on multiplayer

Transport : you could make some sort of transport like a little bus or a train

Cities/Towns : Have different cities and towns like pokemon not just the one and have each one with a different shop

Customize : Fully customise your home with furniture and other items

House : Be able to buy a new house or have one built and have hidden rooms

Make it more like pokemon an animal crossing.

Communication :
>Be able to talk to people through ipod earphones with built in mic<
> add people to a friends list<
> be able to messege people<

Might of gone to far with my suggestions so i'll just stop there. Just thinking of some good ideas. Also these could be addon packs or something that you have to buy.

[TIMELESS]

I cannot wait for this game. It looks great it will be an instant buy. Thanks guys for the game have a Happy new year.

[Paul@Tag]

People you might like to start taking a look at

http://astroranch.com

We've got some new art up there just now and the game micro site will be seeing a whole load of nice preview stuff going up there in the next couple of weeks.

We are getting very close now with development. The 3D front end and menu system is in. The intro animation is almost complete and we will be functionality complete on the game tomorrow. Then some weeks of bug fixing and polish before a February release...

It's coming!!!!

['Jeep]

Yeah!!! Launching in February! (Someone's lucky to have his birthday in February and has just lined up himself for a birthday present!!:D)

I must say your farmers are fab, the expression on their face is ace, very cute but at the same time a "guess what we've been growing to be so spaced out!".

COngrats, good luck with the final touches!;)

[TIMELESS]

Yeah!!! Launching in February! (Someone's lucky to have his birthday in February and has just lined up himself for a birthday present!!:D)

I must say your farmers are fab, the expression on their face is ace, very cute but at the same time a "guess what we've been growing to be so spaced out!".

COngrats, good luck with the final touches!;)

I hope it is the first part of February. I can not wait for this game. Thanks guys nice job.

[Mudkipz223]

Can't wait, been wanted to play this since it was announced. :D

[Paul@Tag]

Thank you for all the positive feedback! I trust the game lives up to expectations for everyone. We are certainly having a lot of fun playing it.

It does lend itself to lots of updates and new content if thats what players want so consider this first release a starting point for what could be a much larger universe (no pun intended!) in future.

Right now we are starting to collect ideas for updates so given the info we have put out on the game so far if you have ideas for mini-quests, mini-games, new objects etc please do post them here!

In the meantime we are about to let our Astro Ranch street team loose on the world and if you want to be a part of that and spreading the Astro Ranch word to the masses drop us a line at astroranch@tag-games.com

Thanks

Remember - In space noone can hear you honk!

[Blackucard]

Anyone know the release game for this game?

[randomdude]

This game has been so long since I heard anything about this. I hope this game succeeds and go to the Top Paid! Good luck guys! Also I got 3 of my friends looking forward for this.

[TIMELESS]

This game has been so long since I heard anything about this. I hope this game succeeds and go to the Top Paid! Good luck guys! Also I got 3 of my friends looking forward for this.

I am looking forward to this game also. I am so excited.

[Paul@Tag]

A quick update - all functionality is now complete!

Just a couple of weeks of bug testing and polish and we will be ready for launch. Wow - its been a much bigger project than we expected when we set out on this journey but we hope it has been worth it.

Some features we'd have hoped to get in haven't made it but at least that gives us plenty of ideas for updates.

So for those that don't know what the hell is Astro Ranch?


It's basically Farmville in 3D, set in space
- but with animals as well as crops
with elements of Animal Crossing - speaking to crazy characters and doing tasks for them
but with a bit of an RPG element as you level up you character
PLUS it has FISHING (think mini-version of Flick Fishing) and PANNING for GOLD mini-games
You can send your friends messages and gifts, compete against them in ranching challenges (who can grow the most carrots etc) plus much, much connected stuff!!
For a small cost you can download packs of clothes, furniture for your house and ranch decor to personalise the whole experience!



In short its awesome fun and we think you're gonna like it!

More details and the long awaited game-play teaser to come shortly

P

[Haephestos]

That sounds great Paul! It has been a long wait, but I am sure that it will be worth it. :)
Can you give us any word on CJS 2?

[TIMELESS]

So will this game maybe be out by the middle of Next month. It looks and sounds great.

[Paul@Tag]

Yes a mid-February launch is looking about right. We have one memory issue with the engine that is driving us nuts at the moment but I'm hoping we can have that resolved soon....

In terms of Car Jack Streets 2 with GTA now out the competition is very tough. We have started work but being able to take CJS2 to the next level is very much dependant on how well Astro Ranch sells.

In your opinion would you want the game to go full 3D like Gangsters, iso-3D like GTA or stay top down like the original?

Cheers
P

[jak56]

iso 3d like gta please!

[songbird]

A quick update - all functionality is now complete!

Just a couple of weeks of bug testing and polish and we will be ready for launch. Wow - its been a much bigger project than we expected when we set out on this journey but we hope it has been worth it.

Some features we'd have hoped to get in haven't made it but at least that gives us plenty of ideas for updates.

So for those that don't know what the hell is Astro Ranch?


It's basically Farmville in 3D, set in space
- but with animals as well as crops
with elements of Animal Crossing - speaking to crazy characters and doing tasks for them
but with a bit of an RPG element as you level up you character
PLUS it has FISHING (think mini-version of Flick Fishing) and PANNING for GOLD mini-games
You can send your friends messages and gifts, compete against them in ranching challenges (who can grow the most carrots etc) plus much, much connected stuff!!
For a small cost you can download packs of clothes, furniture for your house and ranch decor to personalise the whole experience!



In short its awesome fun and we think you're gonna like it!

More details and the long awaited game-play teaser to come shortly

P


Wow, sounds totally awesome. Any idea what the starting price will be?

[don_k]

Iso 3D please!!

I believe it can give better framerate on older devices too?

[jak56]

i've already said i would like iso 3d but i havent explained why.

here's why: the first CJS was a blast to play and i dont think i wouldve enjoyed it half as much in 3d. i still like 3d though, and i always think it's great to have it.

iso 3d would therefore not only look nice, but still feel like it's predeccesor

[Haephestos]

In your opinion would you want the game to go full 3D like Gangsters, iso-3D like GTA or stay top down like the original?
That would depend on how alive the environment feels. If you go fully 3D at the expense of having a living breathing environment (one of the ways in which Gang$tar went wrong), then it is not worth it. My preference would be fully 3D, but only if it feels alive. If that is an unobtainable goal, then GTA:CW style 3/4 view 3D is a much better option. :)

[TouchChatterbox]

Agreed. And no time limits. :)

Astro Ranch is on my definite 'to buy' list. Looks rock solid.

[TIMELESS]

Agreed. And no time limits. :)

Astro Ranch is on my definite 'to buy' list. Looks rock solid.

I am waiting for this game it is on my definite buy list also.

[Paul@Tag]

Astro Ranch launch date will be 21st February 2010

Launch price will be discounted for at least a week to begin with, before rising again. Expect £1.79/$2.99 as a launch price rising to £2.99/$4.99

There will be a special item included for the first 50,000 downloads. After that target has been achieved the next update will remove it! It's a little thank you from us to those players that buy early and support us with this game.

More info coming soon...

P

[TIMELESS]

Astro Ranch launch date will be 21st February 2010

Launch price will be discounted for at least a week to begin with, before rising again. Expect £1.79/$2.99 as a launch price rising to £2.99/$4.99

There will be a special item included for the first 50,000 downloads. After that target has been achieved the next update will remove it! It's a little thank you from us to those players that buy early and support us with this game.

More info coming soon...

P

As soon as it is released I will buy. I think this game is worth 4.99. Thank you guys.

[sid187]

hate to sound like a broken record.. but instant buy for me.. woohoo, look forward to the special gift :D

chris.

[scottyd2k9]

Im buying this straight away the second it comes out, lol is there a certain time it will be launched i want a gift, hahaha.

Cant wait, been looking at this topic ever since i joined the site and now the wait is finally over, not too long now, whhoooooooo !

[colorsound]

Astro Ranch launch date will be 21st February 2010

Launch price will be discounted for at least a week to begin with, before rising again. Expect £1.79/$2.99 as a launch price rising to £2.99/$4.99

There will be a special item included for the first 50,000 downloads. After that target has been achieved the next update will remove it! It's a little thank you from us to those players that buy early and support us with this game.

More info coming soon...

P



Oh..... so still another month away?

Hmm.
Has this been submitted?

Any reason the launch date is so far away?

If it's to generate hype, you already got that by using an original release of March, 2009

Sorry to be a crab, it just feels far away still.

[Paul@Tag]

Well the main reason that the game has taken as long as it has is:

1/ We are a small studio and have only had 2 people working on Astro Ranch for much of its development

2/ We took time out mid-development as we didn't think the iPhone market was large enough in the relevant demographics for this game (that has now clearly changed)

3/ We want Astro Ranch to be as good as possible!

After we took some flak for Car Jack Streets from some people for hyping the game too much you'll notice its a more steady approach this time. Astro Ranch doesn't need any hype, its a unique game with some lovely visuals. We are quietly confident it will do well ;-)

Thanks
P

[snow_mani]

As one of the beta testers I must say that it's been lots of fun and very interesting to see how Astro Ranch has evolved over the last couple of months.

I'm not permitted to reveal specific details about the beta test and the game itself. Especially as those details may change during the process of finalizing and polishing the game for it's "launch" onto the AppStore.

However I do keep an eye on threads about the game. It can be interesting to read speculation about Astro Ranch and it's also interesting to read the odd bit of information that Paul posts.

Yes it has been a long time since the first announced release date of this game. But as a beta tester I can assure you that Tag Games are putting a lot of effort into trying to make this a polished and fun game. There have been several versions of the beta. Each building and improving on the last. This is taking a lot of effort from everyone. I have no doubt that this game has become a bigger undertaking than Tag Games expected it to be way back when they first announced it.

So will all this effort and feedback result in a perfect flawless game that everyone likes? Of course not! No game can achieve that. Even so I like what I've seen and played so far. For me it's different (I haven't played Farmville or Animal Crossing) and quirky. I can play at my own pace and I can play how I want to. I've found it great fun and on that note I'm off to continue my beta testing. The latest beta has taught me I should pay more careful attention to my spickens! :)

[TIMELESS]

As one of the beta testers I must say that it's been lots of fun and very interesting to see how Astro Ranch has evolved over the last couple of months.

I'm not permitted to reveal specific details about the beta test and the game itself. Especially as those details may change during the process of finalizing and polishing the game for it's "launch" onto the AppStore.

However I do keep an eye on threads about the game. It can be interesting to read speculation about Astro Ranch and it's also interesting to read the odd bit of information that Paul posts.

Yes it has been a long time since the first announced release date of this game. But as a beta tester I can assure you that Tag Games are putting a lot of effort into trying to make this a polished and fun game. There have been several versions of the beta. Each building and improving on the last. This is taking a lot of effort from everyone. I have no doubt that this game has become a bigger undertaking than Tag Games expected it to be way back when they first announced it.

So will all this effort and feedback result in a perfect flawless game that everyone likes? Of course not! No game can achieve that. Even so I like what I've seen and played so far. For me it's different (I haven't played Farmville or Animal Crossing) and quirky. I can play at my own pace and I can play how I want to. I've found it great fun and on that note I'm off to continue my beta testing. The latest beta has taught me I should pay more careful attention to my spickens! :)

I can not wait for this game. It looks great.

[Maeks]

$4.99/$2.99 (launch)? Nice!

That is definitely incentive to pick this up. I read about this game waay back when I got my touch (Nov. 08), and wondered what the hell had happened.

I've been wanting a Harvest Moon-y for a while now, that puzzle game Natsume put in the store just isn't cutting it.

[Paul@Tag]

Here's a sneak pic of one of the marketing images...

http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1265026143091779900.jpg (http://www.imagechicken.com)

Will have some icon designs for you to vote on very soon too!

Cheers
P

[goiMot]

Taken from Pocketgamer:

[GodSon]

Good find. Insta buy for me! ;)

[ImNoSuperMan]

Taken from Pocketgamer:
First, go through the Forum rules. (http://forums.toucharcade.com/announcement.php?f=2)

- Don't copy/paste entire articles from other sites. Please always link to original source. more details (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=18942)


And second, where was it posted? Dont see anything on the pocketgamer website. Google sent me to a videogamer.com forum page but that too was not available anymore. You can see it in google cache though.

[goiMot]

First, go through the Forum rules. (http://forums.toucharcade.com/announcement.php?f=2)



And second, where was it posted? Dont see anything on the pocketgamer website. Google sent me to a videogamer.com forum page but that too was not available anymore. You can see it in google cache though.


Thanks for your comment about posting, and yes there's a post about the game on pocketgamer, just use the search box on their website, but here is the link to save you some time:
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/social/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=161371

[Paul@Tag]

Just released the introduction movie from the game... check out the first page of this thread to see what's in store!

Game-play trailer next week ;-)

[nizy]

Just released the introduction movie from the game... check out the first page of this thread to see what's in store!

Game-play trailer next week ;-)

Thats a pretty funny video. The Star Trek stuff is cliched, but still funny in a spoof movie kinda way. Does that kind of humour run throughout the entire game?

[TIMELESS]

Thats a pretty funny video. The Star Trek stuff is cliched, but still funny in a spoof movie kinda way. Does that kind of humour run throughout the entire game?

Is this still going to be released the 21st of this month.

[Paul@Tag]

We are doing everything we can to get this out on the 21st. We will be submitting to Apple by the end of next week unless something very wrong happens...

We'll put out the game-play trailer at the start of next week along with more details. It's been a long, hard road with this game, a lot rides on it's success so we want to make sure you love it as much as we do.

P

PS I played the game for pretty much 10 hours today and still found it hard to put down at the end of the day... just wanted to keep building my ranch and catch all the fish! One of the guys on the game said yesterday this is the most fun game he's made since GTA!!

[scottyd2k9]

We are doing everything we can to get this out on the 21st. We will be submitting to Apple by the end of next week unless something very wrong happens...

We'll put out the game-play trailer at the start of next week along with more details. It's been a long, hard road with this game, a lot rides on it's success so we want to make sure you love it as much as we do.

P

PS I played the game for pretty much 10 hours today and still found it hard to put down at the end of the day... just wanted to keep building my ranch and catch all the fish! One of the guys on the game said yesterday this is the most fun game he's made since GTA!!

Cant wait !

[ChocoVanilla]

We are doing everything we can to get this out on the 21st. We will be submitting to Apple by the end of next week unless something very wrong happens...

We'll put out the game-play trailer at the start of next week along with more details. It's been a long, hard road with this game, a lot rides on it's success so we want to make sure you love it as much as we do.

P

PS I played the game for pretty much 10 hours today and still found it hard to put down at the end of the day... just wanted to keep building my ranch and catch all the fish! One of the guys on the game said yesterday this is the most fun game he's made since GTA!!

OMG...you have a member of the GTA team on your team? Sweet! High-production values FTW!

[TIMELESS]

OMG...you have a member of the GTA team on your team? Sweet! High-production values FTW!

Thank you very much for your hard work I know this is going to be a great game.Have a great weekend

[Doornob]

Just released the introduction movie from the game... check out the first page of this thread to see what's in store!

Game-play trailer next week ;-)

IM SO EXCITED!!! My two favorite games in the entire world are Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon... This looks like the most amazing mix for an ipod EVAR! I love you for making this happen Paul. I cant WAIT to see the gameplay trailer. Thank you SO much for making this happen. I can promise you I will be buying that the moment it hits the app store :D

[aquatic]

Funny video! wish it showed some gameplay though! I can't wait for this one to come out I am such a fan of Harvest Moon, actually been playing the PSX version for the last 24 hours and thought, hey.. there has to be something like this for iphone or at least there should be.. and now here I am..:eek:

[Paul@Tag]

Game play video is in the bag. Should have it uploaded tomorrow. Of course will be posted here as soon as the ranch hands have time!

[Doornob]

Game play video is in the bag. Should have it uploaded tomorrow. Of course will be posted here as soon as the ranch hands have time!

YES! sooo excited!!! I cant wait ^_^

[goiMot]

$2.99, coming out the week of February 21.

[songbird]

I love gameplay videos .... waiting patiently. :)

[Doornob]

$2.99, coming out the week of February 21.

the week of? or ON feb 21st?

[Paul@Tag]

Game-play trailer will be posted tonight... but while you are waiting heres a sneak peak exclusive screen!

http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1265803934076764000.png (http://www.imagechicken.com)

[magihiro]

Oh, wow! That looks very Animal Crossing-esque. I like it. Now I'm worried my battery won't let me play longer than 2 hours or so haha. Looking forward to this.

[3rdamention]

This looks awesome! I cannot wait to see some gameplay. I really like the humor in that picture.

[Doornob]

oh wow. after seeing that i have very high hopes for this game =D

[Paul@Tag]

Following up on my promise to get the game-play video up here tonight...


here goes!

n3zaAyvXcYQ

only shows a small fraction of what's in the game but should whet the tastebuds for more ;-)

Hope you like and if not we'll be adding plenty more in updates!

Cheers
P

[songbird]

That looks even better than I thought. Thank you so much for posting it.

[Kunning]

Looks great!

[Astar1901]

Looks like an amazing game! You've definately got my buy now I've seen the gameplay video. :)

[TheBeastlyNinja]

we'll now that ive email that to all of of iDevice toting friends i think its safe to say that they will be excited. i tell them all the time at my youth group about it and give them updates and most are really excited about it.

[Touchgamer3g]

Wow this looks amazing- I am counting down the days until it arrives in the app store.

[snow_mani]

Yep, the game is amazing! I found the beta interesting and a lot of fun. Not having played Farmville, Animal Crossing or Harvest Moon, it was a bit different than games I've played before.

I'm really looking forward to the launch of Astro Ranch and can't wait to see how people organize and set up their ranches. The beta was also lots of hard work. So it will be good to be able to settle down and set up my ranch without having to uninstall it and start over again for the next beta version!!

Now all I need to do is decide how I'm going to layout my ranch. Where will I put that Spicken pen and that patch of Nibblin? Decisions, decisions.....

[songbird]

Now all I need to do is decide how I'm going to layout my ranch. Where will I put that Spicken pen and that patch of Nibblin? Decisions, decisions.....

Spicken pen - :D

[snow_mani]

Spicken pen - :D

They're cute when they blink their 3 eyes and of course when they are "babies".

[songbird]

They're cute when they blink their 3 eyes and of course when they are "babies".

Aww... I have always wanted a baby Spicken.

[Doornob]

OMFG ITS SOOOO GOOD!!!! I wants! I cant wait!

[Paul@Tag]

Thanks for the positive feedback and if you thought you had it hard with the beta test snow mani we've been playing and playing and playing it solidly for two weeks now.

I get so upset when I have to kill a game slot and start again, I get very attached to my animal! We did think about letting you name each animal but the emotional strain would then be too much to take - perhaps in an update????!!!!

Almost there now. Expect to be bug free by end of week and then upload unless something horrible comes out of those dark lines of code ;-)

[songbird]

Thanks for the positive feedback and if you thought you had it hard with the beta test snow mani we've been playing and playing and playing it solidly for two weeks now.

I get so upset when I have to kill a game slot and start again, I get very attached to my animal! We did think about letting you name each animal but the emotional strain would then be too much to take - perhaps in an update????!!!!

Almost there now. Expect to be bug free by end of week and then upload unless something horrible comes out of those dark lines of code ;-)

How about being able to choose several as pets? I want to name my animals or atleast as many as I can count on one hand.

[Joshn]

The game looks realy nice. Will deffo pick ths up first day it comes out.

[cjsbug]

... I get so upset when I have to kill a game slot and start again, I get very attached to my animal! ...

Haha! Seriously, it was a bittersweet feeling when you sent out each new build. ;) But I can't wait to see all the finishing touches when Astro Ranch launches.

['Jeep]

That is one awesome video Paul! I'm just dismayed and outraged to see how you dispose of that cute little spicken. This is a very sensitive subject in the UK, I'm sure you are aware of the headmaster who was bullied out of her job for sending to slaughter a lamb that had been raised on the school grounds. :p:D
Could you make an option where you sell the spicken to an animal sanctuary?:D:D

[crazyfruitgal]

Wow!Definantly a must buy :)

[snow_mani]

That is one awesome video Paul! I'm just dismayed and outraged to see how you dispose of that cute little spicken. This is a very sensitive subject in the UK, I'm sure you are aware of the headmaster who was bullied out of her job for sending to slaughter a lamb that had been raised on the school grounds. :p:D
Could you make an option where you sell the spicken to an animal sanctuary?:D:D

Who's to say that the aliens aren't whisking the spickens off to an animal sanctuary they have set up on their own planet?! ;)

['Jeep]

Who's to say that the aliens aren't whisking the spickens off to an animal sanctuary they have set up on their own planet?! ;)

I thought there was hard evidence (from the US of course, the only country aliens bother visiting) that cattle abducted by UFO's in the way described on the video always ended up being found dismembered and mutilated in the most horrific ways. But if you say so! :D

[snow_mani]

I thought there was hard evidence (from the US of course, the only country aliens bother visiting) that cattle abducted by UFO's in the way described on the video always ended up being found dismembered and mutilated in the most horrific ways. But if you say so! :D

That is very disturbing. The mere mention of this is enough to make me refrain from selling any of my spickens! :p :D I thought these aliens were the cute warm and fuzzy kind especially since they have only one eye, a spiffy looking UFO and a snazzy green energy beam.....

[Joshn]

That is one awesome video Paul! I'm just dismayed and outraged to see how you dispose of that cute little spicken. This is a very sensitive subject in the UK, I'm sure you are aware of the headmaster who was bullied out of her job for sending to slaughter a lamb that had been raised on the school grounds. :p:D
Could you make an option where you sell the spicken to an animal sanctuary?:D:D

Are you a vegetarian?

[cjsbug]

That is one awesome video Paul! I'm just dismayed and outraged to see how you dispose of that cute little spicken. This is a very sensitive subject in the UK, I'm sure you are aware of the headmaster who was bullied out of her job for sending to slaughter a lamb that had been raised on the school grounds. :p:D
Could you make an option where you sell the spicken to an animal sanctuary?:D:D

Wow, a lot of concern over the little spicken. Just wait till you see the... <not sure if I can say its name> ;)

[songbird]

Wow, a lot of concern over the little spicken. Just wait till you see the... <not sure if I can say its name> ;)

Thats mean! :p

[3Dejong]

Now THIS is the app I've been waiting for. Harvest Moon meets Animal Crossing meets Futurama?! ON MY IPOD?!

My brain turned into candy!!

[deepseas]

It looks so exciting. I like farm game like farmville and harvest moon.

[scottyd2k9]

Now THIS is the app I've been waiting for. Harvest Moon meets Animal Crossing meets Futurama?! ON MY IPOD?!

My brain turned into candy!!

Good to know next you will be saying theres something sticky down below ! :D

[No Hero]

Well, I'm waiting for this

[jak56]

funny, with caligo chaser, even with the new build, we could continue from our last save point. there was a set of instructions we had to follow though.

[No Hero]

funny, with caligo chaser, even with the new build, we could continue from our last save point. there was a set of instructions we had to follow though.

You mean the build with the speed changes? Well I didnt really follow the instructions lol.

And BTW lets stay on topic :). This game seems really interesting. I will get it straight away.

[Aldex Oun]

You mean the build with the speed changes? Well I didnt really follow the instructions lol.

And BTW lets stay on topic :). This game seems really interesting. I will get it straight away.

Well, as a beta tester I can tell you it plays as good as it looks ;)

[jak56]

well then it must play pretty darn sweet!

[greggfrog]

I am also a beta tester for Tag, and I love this game. It plays like a dream.

As far as I am concerned, the whole point of 'Animal Crossing' in particular but Harvest Moon' as well, is that they play like 'a life in a game'. You want to feel like you can escape to a world in your device.

That achieves this!

Plus its on another planet!

Woop Woop!

Love it! Great game, and plays just as well ;)

[TheBeastlyNinja]

i have a question;
can you customize your house by buying furniture and carpets and such like AC?

[crazyfruitgal]

Cant Wait to buy it, is Astro Ranch out the 21st or the week of the 21st (so any day from the 21st?)

[No Hero]

i have a question;
can you customize your house by buying furniture and carpets and such like AC?

That would be awesome, I definitely will want a beast house.

[songbird]

i have a question;
can you customize your house by buying furniture and carpets and such like AC?

Is this possible?
http://www.square-go.com/feature/932 - in this review, the writer mentions that there are some items that can be bought. Are those for your house and/or clothing/appearance?

[mattman93]

I'm very excited for this game, I love Animal Crossing, never played Harvest Moon though.

[songbird]

I'm very excited for this game, I love Animal Crossing, never played Harvest Moon though.

Same!

[Paul@Tag]

Hey happy valentines day to everyone! For those that dont have a valentine I hope that true love (and/or lust!) comes your way in the near future ;-)

Anyway I can clarify a few things about Astro Ranch customisation.

Yes you can change your characters outfits - for launch each character (Sindy/Max) will have 3 themed clothing packs available in the online shop. A clothing pack contains 4 outfits and will cost 59p / $0.99

Yes you can change the carpet/pictures/furniture in your house. Again these come in reasonably priced DLC options! There are also limited edition objects for your ranch such as flags, animal gravestones and fountains available only via DLC.

We might add some free custom options in the first update as well but for now we want to see how many players enjoy customising their game and what adding that extra content is worth.

Cheers
P

[songbird]

Hey happy valentines day to everyone! For those that dont have a valentine I hope that true love (and/or lust!) comes your way in the near future ;-)

Anyway I can clarify a few things about Astro Ranch customisation.

Yes you can change your characters outfits - for launch each character (Sindy/Max) will have 3 themed clothing packs available in the online shop. A clothing pack contains 4 outfits and will cost 59p / $0.99

Yes you can change the carpet/pictures/furniture in your house. Again these come in reasonably priced DLC options! There are also limited edition objects for your ranch such as flags, animal gravestones and fountains available only via DLC.

We might add some free custom options in the first update as well but for now we want to see how many players enjoy customising their game and what adding that extra content is worth.

Cheers
P

Thank you for clarifying! :)

[scottyd2k9]

Is this online ??
can you visit other peoples houses ??

[Paul@Tag]

Vistitation planned for an update if there is enough demand!

Cheers
P

[snow_mani]

Has Astro Ranch been submitted yet? Is it still on track for release later this month?

[songbird]

Its been announced that it will be released on Feb. 21st!

[snow_mani]

Its been announced that it will be released on Feb. 21st!

Um yeah thanks I'm aware of that but I was asking if it is still on track for the week of the 21st? As far as I'm aware it hasn't been submitted yet?

[Paul@Tag]

On track!

Will be submitted this evening. The 4am stint last night seems to have done the trick... only now are we fully aware of just how large this game actually is! Testing has been a nightmare due to the interdependancies involved. Very proud of the tiny development team. They have "almost" achieved what I would expect a team three times the size to do.

BTW played the game all day today and was dragged kicking and screaming away from my ranch to post this and do some other marketing work. Got to be one of the most enjoyable, if not the most enjoyable, mobile games I've ever worked on!

[TheBeastlyNinja]

well cant wait to see it on the store
Good luck
i will now go tell all of my iDevice friends as a part of my job

[Mudkipz223]

Can't wait till this is out, I'm worried that it will come out when I don't have wifi. :D

[Lifein2D]

I've been wanting a Harvest Moon game for the iPhone. But this looks like it could be a nice alternative. Can't wait for the release.

[Paul@Tag]

Astro Ranch is submitted to Apple!!!!

Now I'm off for some sleep.... good night ;-)

[jak56]

Wow! Congratulations! Good luck on releasing it!

[The prez 12521]

Astro Ranch is submitted to Apple!!!!

Now I'm off for some sleep.... good night ;-)

oh,,,yeah your in the UK , i was like why is this man going to sleep at 6!?!?! musta been working hard :D ahaha sweet! cant wait

[colorsound]

Astro Ranch is submitted to Apple!!!!

Now I'm off for some sleep.... good night ;-)



This was just submitted and it's supposed to be on track for the 21st?

Let's not forget that it's also on track to be turned down by the 21st. There are always two sides to an Apple decision.


With all of the email's I have gotten about this game, I assumed all of the ducks were in a row.
Guess not.

So the Astro Ranch wait continues...and possibly could continue and continue.

Remember the Mini-gore updates?

In my life, most of the time the glass is half full.
With iPod developers and Apple approvals, the glass is ALWAYS half empty and drooping

[The prez 12521]

This was just submitted and it's supposed to be on track for the 21st?

Let's not forget that it's also on track to be turned down by the 21st. There are always two sides to an Apple decision.


With all of the email's I have gotten about this game, I assumed all of the ducks were in a row.
Guess not.

So the Astro Ranch wait continues...and possibly could continue and continue.

Remember the Mini-gore updates?

In my life, most of the time the glass is half full.
With iPod developers and Apple approvals, the glass is ALWAYS half empty and drooping

well every since 2010, my apple approoval rates have been 150% full

[colorsound]

well every since 2010, my apple approoval rates have been 150% full

That's awesome and I congratulate you Whole-heartedly.

I just get a bad feeling in my stomach about a game that has been in production for 1.5 - 2 years for the iPod.
Seems like something would be off to their liking.

Hey, I hope I am dead wrong, as I was ready to buy Astro Ranch back when the TAG website said coming "March 2009" (I read that in like November of 2008 I believe.)

[snow_mani]

Astro Ranch is submitted to Apple!!!!

Now I'm off for some sleep.... good night ;-)

Yay! That's great news. I can't wait :)

[The prez 12521]

That's awesome and I congratulate you Whole-heartedly.

I just get a bad feeling in my stomach about a game that has been in production for 1.5 - 2 years for the iPod.
Seems like something would be off to their liking.

Hey, I hope I am dead wrong, as I was ready to buy Astro Ranch back when the TAG website said coming "March 2009" (I read that in like November of 2008 I believe.)

THANK YOU! your the only person whos said something nice to me today!

And thats the feeling i got about games ending with GORE

[SSquared]

Patience...must have patience.

[Paul@Tag]

If you are keen to get the game just think how excited and pleased we are to finally have it submitted!

Yes a year and a half is a long time from when we first announced the game but that isn't so uncommon. The big difference is that in console gaming games are announced much closer to launch so you don't have visibility until close to the end. That's different in iPhone where the game creators are often showing pre-production concept work and engaging with games players much earlier on.

Astro Ranch is a typical case where we started work, realised the market wasn't going to be big enough to support that genre of game in time and then put it on hold for 9 months while we did some commissioned work. Even then when it went back into production we had to keep the team small with the result it took longer than we had hoped.

The reality is that if all you are doing is taking game A and using a current technology platform to copy it then yes its a fairly predictable development cycle and you know what to expect. If however like with Astro Ranch we were trying to create something new from scratch (characters, environment, context, game-play etc) plus use a technology platform for the first time and then add in DLC and Scoreloop social aspects you can get a feel for how much of that is hard to predict when you are doing it for the first time.

I guess thats why so many developers just end up copying existing games. It is easier and more predictable... but less fun and less rewarding in the end!!!

Anyway I trust that Astro Ranch provides many happy hours of gaming for your $3. As ever we will be watching and listening to players very closely to resolve any potential issues with the game and add some nice new features in furture free and DLC updates.

Cheers
P

[jak56]

excited!
except for the fact i hate farmville... but you're tag games so...

[Paul@Tag]

Well it isn't really like Farmville, although it does involve farming...

It's hard to describe really. It's a real mash up.

Just buy it, play it, love it!

[JBOO777]

I can't wait to play this. Is there any chance of this coming out earlier?

[K76]

I can't wait to play this. Is there any chance of this coming out earlier?
My thoughts exactly! :D

[Paul@Tag]

I think if it launches by monday then we should all be very happy with Apples review process!

In the meantime please tell everyone you know that the game is coming and to look out for it! In the abscence of a huge marketing budget we need the games fans to spread the word.

Thanks

[Paul@Tag]

Just had some very exciting news about Astro Ranch!!!

Hopefully this is going to be a great launch. Remember the £1.79/$2.99/Euro 2.39 launch price is a limited time only to reward those 'early adopters' so make sure you get in there fast!

keep watching the skies ;-)

[SSquared]

In addition, early adopters also get a free statue as well. That was a good incentive for me to get in early! I didn't even realize this was a sale to start with.

BTW, I think someone asked this much earlier, but I don't recall an answer. Will this require the device to be on-line or is it off-line play?

[magihiro]

Just had some very exciting news about Astro Ranch!!!

keep watching the skies ;-)

Do tell!

[Paul@Tag]

It's offline play. Not convinced by browser style games on mobile devices yet. 3G coverage in the UK anyway is far from great!
Cheers
p

[jak56]

3G works great for me (my mom's 3gs)

[TIMELESS]

It's offline play. Not convinced by browser style games on mobile devices yet. 3G coverage in the UK anyway is far from great!
Cheers
p

I been waiting on this game. Thanks guys. I will be watching.

[SSquared]

> It's offline play.

Yes! Thank you! I don't play on-line games because I am not always near a connection. I tend to mostly play before falling asleep and my bedroom doesn't pick up our wireless router. :(

[TIMELESS]

> It's offline play.

Yes! Thank you! I don't play on-line games because I am not always near a connection. I tend to mostly play before falling asleep and my bedroom doesn't pick up our wireless router. :(

That is what I do. I do have wifi but I rather play by myself sometimes.

[Paul@Tag]

Just been thinking that it might be a good idea to produce a play guide for Astro Ranch. A few of the reviewers are struggling to find everything...

done want to spoil the trial and error and exploration aspect of the game though.

Anyone got any great ideas of how to handle this? Maybe release the FAQ a few weeks after launch???

Cheers
P

[tzual]

Just been thinking that it might be a good idea to produce a play guide for Astro Ranch. A few of the reviewers are struggling to find everything...

done want to spoil the trial and error and exploration aspect of the game though.

Anyone got any great ideas of how to handle this? Maybe release the FAQ a few weeks after launch???

Cheers
P

Yeah releasing an FAQ after the release would be nice. I would suggest you to release it on the website before though. People could view it before they even get the game ;)

[DaveMc99]

DGFINCqSVi0

[TIMELESS]

Yeah releasing an FAQ after the release would be nice. I would suggest you to release it on the website before though. People could view it before they even get the game ;)

I would love for you guys to do a guide, maybe after you release the game. That would be very nice. I am waiting on this game Thank you so much.

[Mudkipz223]

YouTube: video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=DGFINCqSVi0)

Man, I can't wait for this game, I am sure this will be my new obsession because I find myself going to Tag games twitter every 15 minutes to check if there is any updates on the review process. :p

[Stan]

I can't wait for this game to be released!! I am waiting anxiously, especially after watching TA's preview!

[ataloss]

Great to see the video from Eli, although I am a little confused... I clearly saw him enter his name (as the character) and then the name of his farm... but, in the following dialogue, I saw the character referred to as Max... :confused:

...is this the way it's supposed to be or am I missing something? :rolleyes:

[Mudkipz223]

Now that I think about it, how does time work in the game? I noticed in the video that the vendor alien said they were only open during a certain time. Does it use real time or in game time, and are there different seasons with weather changes and seasonal crops, Or does the alien planet stay one condition forever?

['Jeep]

If you make a guide you give away everything there is to discover. You could have a point system where you can buy clues (if you have earned a given amount of money) but that would need to be programmed into the game... If you have difficulty finding stuff, you just need to dig to earn: digging for victory!:D

[TheBeastlyNinja]

please tell me your planning on adding a joystick controller because i really dont like tap to move games!

[ShadowsFall]

WOAHHH!! ANIMAL CROSSING!!! :D, I've been waiting months for this game!!

[INateYou]

It looks like you can just leave your finger on the screen to move in that direction instead of constantly tapping.

[Paul@Tag]

Evening all!

Good to see from the movie that Eli managed to find his way around the intro tutorial ok! I'll try my best to answer some of the questions but if I miss anything they can always go in the FAQ ;-)

first of all the game runs in astro time. One day is about ten minutes of earth time! Makes playing a day per commute or bus ride 'just' right. 7 days is one season and just like earth there are 4 seasons in year.

Control is by tapping where you want to go but as Eli shows it's better to just keep your finger on the screen and kind of drag your character around. A couple of beta testers suggested a virtual Dpad and we tried this but it took loads of the screen space and didn't play very well. Might add it as an option in future updates if enough people want it.

There is different weather including rain and snow in the obvious seasons. Seasons also affect crop growth times and their sell value.

You are right that you play as either Sindy or Max. The name you enter is your scoreloop identifier. If you are already on scoreloop the game skips this name entry stage.

Ok think that's it for now. Goodnight!

Oh and ps the game isn't really all that like animal crossing except for the visual style being similar!

[Kunning]

All I can say is, this game is amazing. You all certainly won't be disappointed when it arrives.

Paul, I think you should tell all of us to MAKE SURE to restart our devices before playing - I tested this and if I didn't restart, it crashed around 30% of the time. I restarted, and it's been silky smooth since then.

Great job.

[snow_mani]

As a beta tester I found the controls for walking Max or Sindy to be very natural. I just touched the screen in the direction I wanted them to walk and only lifted my finger off the screen once they got there. Watching the video it was interesting to see the "tap, tap, tap" of the finger on the screen because I hadn't controlled Max or Sindy that way since the very first time I played the game. When I first played I was exploring the nooks and crannies of the whole crater but of course once you know your way around you don't need to tap and look and tap and look. Instead you know where everything is and can just hold your finger on the screen to move your character around and it feels very natural.

It was interesting to watch the completed tutorial. I learnt something too! I read how to do something that had been bugging me to death during the last beta :D. Doh! Paul will know what it was and all I'll say about it is that I'm off to remove unwanted silly thoughts from my head by hitting it with the hammer!! ;)

Given that I learnt something from watching the completed tutorial, maybe an FAQ section on the website is a good idea? There is a lot to discover in this game and that is half the fun of playing. But then again there is nothing worse than being frustrated that you can't do something or can't work something out. Sending a few playing tips to players mailboxes might also be a good idea. And let's be honest, in this day and age where the internet is the go to place for information, it won't be long before many tips, secrets, etc of the game are posted on a forum or website anyway.

One element of the game that I really like (aside from the quirky humor) is that you can pick it up and play for a short period of time or a longer period of time. If you want to be a super rancher you can play and play and play and earn enough coins to deck out your ranch with all the latest whiz bang tools and time saving devices and so on. But if you just want to get your Astro Ranch fix you can pick it up and play and then stop when you've had enough, the bus has reached your stop, your favorite program is on TV, etc.

I'm getting excited now! I can't wait to play the release version of Astro Ranch. Being a beta tester was fun but also hard work. And as I said in an earlier post, it will be good to be able to build up one ranch and not have to delete it and start again to do some further testing!

[abruce42]

release price?

[Mudkipz223]

release price?

$2.99 u.s

[abruce42]

$2.99

You're Kidding right??
I expected this to be like anywhere from 5-10 bucks!

Consider it bought.

[spidey146]

It's a shame it isn't that "Animal Crossing clone" we've all been waiting for but will probably still be picking this up, looks truly amazing.

[arikado]

I've been waiting for this game for 2 years now. OMG.

[INateYou]

I've never been more excited for an ipod touch game to come out than what I am now.

[Mudkipz223]

Any update on the review process?

[starmonkey101]

it is coming out on the 21st right? so should it be in the US at 12:00 tonight or tomorrow night?

[TheBeastlyNinja]

i am so excited for this...
after watching the video 2 times i became obsesed with it!
does anyone know how big the map is?

[aquatic]

It's a shame it isn't that "Animal Crossing clone" we've all been waiting for but will probably still be picking this up, looks truly amazing.

personally did not want an animal crossing clone, I wanted a harvest moon clone :rolleyes:

[ortnmn12]

is the release date the 21st or could it be that it will be released today?

[Mudkipz223]

is the release date the 21st or could it be that it will be released today?

I'm praying for the later. :p

[colorsound]

is the release date the 21st or could it be that it will be released today?


As always, look for it anytime around or after midnight

[Coops58]

woah! 2.99, I wasn't going to buy this game because I don't have 10 bucks and I thought it would be arround that, but 2.99 price will probably secure you my purchase,

[Stan]

Looks like an instabuy!

[killercow]

i don't want to be negative guys but if the release was supposed to be at midnight we would have seen it released in new zeland.And on twitter they said next week will be astro ranch week...

[Joshn]

i don't want to be negative guys but if the release was supposed to be at midnight we would have seen it released in new zeland.And on twitter they said next week will be astro ranch week...

It might be released midnight uk time?

[eggzbacon]

i don't want to be negative guys but if the release was supposed to be at midnight we would have seen it released in new zeland.And on twitter they said next week will be astro ranch week...

Riddim Ribbon was released midnight US time

[killercow]

Riddim Ribbon was released midnight US time

Yes but it was released first in New zealand.

[starmonkey101]

I WANT THIS. ! now !

[Kunning]

All I can say is that this game is amazing. Congrats, Tag Games. You have a hit on your hands.

[yrrebeulb19]

They said the week of the 21st not on the 21st, it was just recently submitted. It probably won't be out tonight or tomorrow.

[Paul@Tag]

Hey - wish I had better news but I just checked and the game is still in review at Apple. I'm guessing that its taking longer than expected due to the amount of DLC we are launching with. It's also the first time we have done DLC or integrated with Scoreloop so it is possible they have found something...

That's just me being negative - I'm sure all is well!

Good point earlier - please spread the word to restart your device before playing ESPECIALLY if you have an iPhone 3G. We done extensive testing across all device/firmware configerations and everything except the iPhone 3G seems to be pretty bulletproof. The iPhone 3G does seem to throw the occasional crash when entering/exiting your house - this is solved by resetting your device before play first time. We will keep working on loading/saving optomisation for the first update but the biggest issue we have is that we have no idea what else is stuck in memory at the same time as Astro Ranch!

I really hope you are right Kunning and we do have a hit... long way to go yet but signs are positive it will be a success. If it doesnt do well I don't want to think of the consequences... we have a lot riding on this one!

Will let you all know the moment we have the green light.

Cheers
P

[colorsound]

They said the week of the 21st not on the 21st, it was just recently submitted. It probably won't be out tonight or tomorrow.


Yeah, once again, Leave it to Tag to leave things so vague.

after all the emails I received from these guys about the 'release' and other websites actually saying the 21st is the release date - Watch it get turned down.

All I can say is this game better be worth every penny paid and every second of iPod Battery Juice spent to run it.

Here TAG had me believing I would get it on the 21st, but NO - as usual with Astro Ranch, the damn wait continues.

[BazookaTime]

The last couple of games I have purchased that had dlc were in review for about a week. (puppet jump/catacombs). I hope this is not held up that long.

[snow_mani]

i am so excited for this...
after watching the video 2 times i became obsesed with it!
does anyone know how big the map is?

The map is plenty big enough, especially if you have a lot of crops and animals to tend. It's then that the map seems too large and the walk to the shop and back seems to be too far to go as time passes so quickly.

I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to reveal. I also don't want to spoil any surprises. So I'll stick with what's been shown in previews and screen images.

Your house is in the top right-hand corner. The shop is just right of centre at the bottom of the map. There's about a screen and a half to the right of it an about two screens to the left. There's some additional areas such as the inside of your house. Access to the far left of the map is by means of a bridge. And to access the bottom shop area of the map you walk through the entry way in the fence as seen in the tutorial video. Astro Ranch time does pass as you walk. The larger your ranch the more precious your time and at those moments it can feel that everything else is too far away.

[Stan]

I officially can't wait much longer. COME ON APPLE!!!

[TIMELESS]

I officially can't wait much longer. COME ON APPLE!!!

I agree. Maybe we will see it tomorrow or Monday.

[TheBeastlyNinja]

must...keep...on...main page

paul could you give us another video to pass the time?!?
possibly show-casing the furniture or animals or something?!?

[Mudkipz223]

Another video would be great! Waiting for this is truly agonizing! :(

[starmonkey101]

Another video would be great! Waiting for this is truly agonizing! :(

i know! i need this now! NOW! i loved animal crossing and if this is even close to that, i know i would be in heaven, but a sleepless heaven! :D

[TheBeastlyNinja]

Any news?

[Mudkipz223]

Well it's not out at midnight US time, so hopefully later today it'll be released.

[TheBeastlyNinja]

Hooah...

We can DO this! I mean we waited for eliminate right?!?

[neostar]

I want this game now!

I hope it is like animal crossing =)

[TheBeastlyNinja]

I have a good feeling about today...

[jak56]

i dont...

['Jeep]

It's not a midnight release in NZ...

[lorry9]

im so hoping for today.

[Blackucard]

WTF where is it? It wasn't there midnight and its still not here:mad::mad:

[Kunning]

Someone should search "Astro Ranch Hands-On Preview" on YouTube. ;)

[jak56]

ok jeff.

Hab5Ha3LiMs

[tzual]

ok jeff.

YouTube: video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hab5Ha3LiMs)

Video credits to me :D. I did that video.

[spidey146]

ok jeff.

YouTube: video (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hab5Ha3LiMs)

Haha I'm such a dumbass, always thought it was pronounced "Nod Pad" wow, I admit to failing on that one :p.

Albert you luck son of a gun......

[Kunning]

Haha I'm such a dumbass, always thought it was pronounced "Nod Pad" wow, I admit to failing on that one :p.

Albert you luck son of a gun......

LMAO.

I got the game too. I hate it because I love it. I'm so addicted... my ranch is worth 10,000 and I have three pens, 11 animals, two farms, electricity, and a sprinkler system. I'm level 7, by the way. I have access to almost everything. Albert's only level 3, so the best plants he could use were the carbots (carrots). :p

[Majikku]

Ahh. I literally just made an account to participate in this thread.
I've been waiting for this game FOREVER. It looks amazing.
What are the chances it actually will be released today?

[neostar]

It looks great, now i want it NOOOOOW!

Hope it will last long time :)

[Majikku]

One more thing..
Is there any way we can change the name of our ranch after naming it for the first time? I always used to restart Animal Crossing because the town names got old.

[tzual]

One more thing..
Is there any way we can change the name of our ranch after naming it for the first time? I always used to restart Animal Crossing because the town names got old.

Yes you can change the name of your ranch AND your name.

[Majikku]

Yes you can change the name of your ranch AND your name.

Yesss. 8D
I seriously cannot wait for this game any longer.

[ortnmn12]

i thought the game is coming out today...
where is it...?
i want astro ranch!!! NOW!!!!!

[snow_mani]

Yes you can change the name of your ranch AND your name.

Yes and no. In the game all other characters will call you either Max or Sindy depending on which character you are playing as. And the sign above your ranch will always be called Astro Ranch.

Your name and ranch name is used for the save game slots and the "social" aspect, global scores, etc. I think the system they're using for this is called Scoreloop?

[Kunning]

Yes and no. In the game all other characters will call you either Max or Sindy depending on which character you are playing as. And the sign above your ranch will always be called Astro Ranch.

Your name and ranch name is used for the save game slots and the "social" aspect, global scores, etc. I think the system they're using for this is called Scoreloop?

That's what he said...

[Majikku]

Yes and no. In the game all other characters will call you either Max or Sindy depending on which character you are playing as. And the sign above your ranch will always be called Astro Ranch.

Your name and ranch name is used for the save game slots and the "social" aspect, global scores, etc. I think the system they're using for this is called Scoreloop?

Thats fine, I just wanted to make sure you could change the info on the save spots and stuff. I have no problem with the characters and signpost ^^. When is this coming out? I know its still in review, but whats the expected release date now?

[snow_mani]

Thats fine, I just wanted to make sure you could change the info on the save spots and stuff. I have no problem with the characters and signpost ^^. When is this coming out? I know its still in review, but whats the expected release date now?

Oh I see. I have never played Animal Crossing so wasn't sure if the player and farm/ranch names are used in the game itself or just for saved game slots, scores, etc.

[Majikku]

Oh I see. I have never played Animal Crossing so wasn't sure if the player and farm/ranch names are used in the game itself or just for saved game slots, scores, etc.

In Animal crossing, the names you choose are infact used in game, but I dont really care about what they're used for in Astro ranch, as long as you can change them. xD
Do you know how much the downloadable content will be and what sort of stuff you can get other than outfits?
Sorry about all the questions, I'm just so excited right now. :D

[Kunning]

In Animal crossing, the names you choose are infact used in game, but I dont really care about what they're used for in Astro ranch, as long as you can change them. xD
Do you know how much the downloadable content will be and what sort of stuff you can get other than outfits?
Sorry about all the questions, I'm just so excited right now. :D

Currently, you can get three sets of downloadable outfits. Other than that, I haven't found any other types of DLC.

[snow_mani]

In Animal crossing, the names you choose are infact used in game, but I dont really care about what they're used for in Astro ranch, as long as you can change them. xD
Do you know how much the downloadable content will be and what sort of stuff you can get other than outfits?
Sorry about all the questions, I'm just so excited right now. :D

Beta testers are not allowed to reveal what the proposed DLC pricing was :). But I can say that Paul's on record as saying they want to offer value for money with a range of options for different players.

As well as outfits there should be DLC for some house decorations and extra currency to spend at the store if you don't want to earn it the "normal" way. I think they are planning on offering more DLC down the track but this depends on how much demand there is for it.

[Mudkipz223]

I'm praying this comes out today, I'm starting to go crazy! :eek:

[snow_mani]

LMAO.

I got the game too. I hate it because I love it. I'm so addicted... my ranch is worth 10,000 and I have three pens, 11 animals, two farms, electricity, and a sprinkler system. I'm level 7, by the way. I have access to almost everything. Albert's only level 3, so the best plants he could use were the carbots (carrots). :p

A ranch value of 10,000? Well done! That's pretty good going. I got as high as level 9 but the highest ranch value I managed was in the mid 8,000's. The "carrots" were a great crop to plant early on. Wonder if it will be the same in the release version? Or will the global supply of crops efffect their sale prices and not just the seasons?

[Majikku]

I'm praying this comes out today, I'm starting to go crazy! :eek:

Tell me about it. D:

[Paul@Tag]

Latest news is that this is still in review at Apple. It's out for our control I'm afraid, fingers crossed for a release either tomorrow or tuesday.

I know its not exactly as good as having the game to play but as a little way of sharing our joint disappointment I'll stick around here for a few hours tonight... feel free to ask ANYTHING you want about Astro Ranch in particular but also Tag and building a small to medium size indy developer!

Take it away...

[Stan]

I'm sure this was addressed before, but will you be able to travel to other friends' ranches, similar to animal crossing?

[snow_mani]

Paul you did say feel free to ask anything so here goes - did the bat fruit make it into this release?

[Majikku]

Latest news is that this is still in review at Apple. It's out for our control I'm afraid, fingers crossed for a release either tomorrow or tuesday.

I know its not exactly as good as having the game to play but as a little way of sharing our joint disappointment I'll stick around here for a few hours tonight... feel free to ask ANYTHING you want about Astro Ranch in particular but also Tag and building a small to medium size indy developer!

Take it away...

Will we be able to upgrade our house, and purchase new furniture without DLC?
And can we go inside the actual ranch itself?
And umm..
Can we have pictures of the DLC outfits? 8D

[Paul@Tag]

Hey Stan good to hear from you!

I'm afraid in the release version you wont be able to do this - at least initially. This is mainly because of the amount of data that goes back and forth, a game save is quite heavy - not only is it a bandwidth issue but also storage on the device.

Probably the most likely outcome would be to allow this via bluetooth... one question I have for you is why you'd want to do this? Would you just want to look at your friends ranch or would you like the opportunity to go help your friend by buying stuff (from your own money) and planting crops etc? That does have one major issue and that is you could always go in and ruin yoru friends ranch ;-) Not sure how we deal with that!

P

[Mudkipz223]

How many different kinds of plants are there in game? Also, how do you increase your level/rank?

[starmonkey101]

the price wont go down anytime soon after the release right? im planning on getting this right away, but ya. :)

[Stan]

@Paul

I think I would be cool just to be able to interact with another ranch. Whether that may be purchasing unique items off other players (maybe there are some unique fruits, that you randomly get in your ranch, that I may not have) or having some sort of mini game competition. I don't think that we should be able to mess with eachothers ranches though...that would suck! ;)

[Joshn]

Can we enter animals in shows and things like that?

[Paul@Tag]

Ok here's a few answers:

Snow_mani - yes the fruit bat made it in but not everybodies game will have it 'native' There are 9 types of trees/bushes from which 3 are chosen to be naitive to your game at the start. If you want the others (and there is an achievement for planting and growing all types) you'll have to get your friends to mail them to you as gifts through the messaging system!

Majikku - the only furniture right now is DLC. We might add some for free in future updates but right now its only decor so quite low priority.

Mudkipz223 - we are launching with 10 plant/crop types but we have one already in place for the first update and might add a second! There are 10 rank levels - you rank up by doing stuff (planting, watering, harvesting as well as catching fish, finding gold nuggets and completing tasks for the residents) given Beta test feedback it will take quite some time to reach rank 10!!!

starmonkey101 - we can't say definatively what will happen with price as alot of what we have to do to be successful on the App Store is reactionary - for example if Apple feature the game and it still isnt selling at £1.79/$2.99 then the only thing left to get it moving is a price drop. I will say right up that we feel Astro Ranch is a £2.99/$4.99 game and our intention is that the game will move to this price once the launch period is over.

Joshn - The Farmers Market and Competition didnt make it. I'm afraid this was one of the features that was cut (along with player vs player challenges) so we could get the game out in a reasonable time frame. Most of the work is done for it and so you can be sure it will be top of the list for updates. We'll also allow you to name your animals and give them a tombstone if they die!

p

[Paul@Tag]

Phew guess thats all the questions answered for now!

Just saw a tweet from one of the reviewers at AppGamer.net bigging up Astro Ranch so looks like the review sites are going to score favourably!

I'm just working on getting our new Astro Ranch micro site set up. The new one should be live in a few hours... not much on there at the moment but we'll be adding tons in the coming weeks. Some new art and stuff and some downloadable desktop wallpapers to get started though.

It will be here shortly... www.astroranch.com

Cheers
P

[spidey146]

You should feel honored, I'm almost as pumped for this as I am for SFIV, and that's saying A LOT!!! This looks great and I can't wait to try it out, will you also be making iPhone wallpapers?

[starmonkey101]

i have never been this excited for anything on the iphone b4!:eek:

[Bucks]

how will this run on my iphone 1g?