Zen Bound - game commentaries

[spmwinkel]

Put the video code from the URL (after the = so in this case mnEPs2B5-mo) between [youtube] [ /youtube] (without the space before the /)

mnEPs2B5-mo

[Donburns99]

Double post. (oops)

[Donburns99]

Forgive me if this video has been posted already but I just noticed it. It's done by one of my fav reviewers on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnEPs2B5-mo

How do I embed Youtube videos?Wrap the tag around the random text after ?v=

So..

mnEPs2B5-mo

mnEPs2B5-mo

[D.Sync]

I wish we can look back the video records or final output for each wooden block we cleared.

[arn]

up to #19 in the U.S. store. still climbing.

arn

[ibelongintheforums]

up to #19 in the U.S. store. still climbing.

arn

woah.........thats amazing
good job SE!!!

has anyone beat it yet?

[coconutbowling]

woah.........thats amazing
good job SE!!!

has anyone beat it yet?

By beat, do you mean 100% completion on every level? If so, then I didn't beat it.

[ibelongintheforums]

By beat, do you mean 100% completion on every level? If so, then I didn't beat it.

no.........70 percent

[Igoo]

Damn! The whale is hard! :)

[Maythius]

Damn! The whale is hard! :)

It's funny that I got 100% on Greed (the whale with the harpoon) but I still can't get 100% on Tranquility (the first whale) Its the most peaceful frustration I have ever had!

[Prab]

It's funny that I got 100% on Greed (the whale with the harpoon) but I still can't get 100% on Tranquility (the first whale) Its the most peaceful frustration I have ever had!
Peaceful frustration lol... Sounds like a cool tagline

[lopches]

Its in the top 20 in the Singapore store! :)

[ericxd]

so since this is intro price...how much will it go up to??
leaning towards this but ive got other games planned ahead!

[don_k]

When will the lite version come out?

I must try the gameplay first and make sure I like it first before purchasing it. Especially because it's so different.

[Tennisking1o1]

Its in the top 20 in the Singapore store! :)

It's #19 in the States! I'm gonna pick this up later tonight

[arn]

When will the lite version come out?

I must try the gameplay first and make sure I like it first before purchasing it. Especially because it's so different.

due to it's current success, I would guess the lite version will come out after the full version starts significantly dropping in the charts.

arn

[Kamazar]

due to it's current success, I would guess the lite version will come out after the full version starts significantly dropping in the charts.

arn

yeah, kinda like movies in the appstore. first, you can only buy it (most people will be desperate enough to do so), then, after the initial hype has gone down, you can rent it. same strategy is being employed here.

[anduril_ukr]

When will the lite version come out?

I must try the gameplay first and make sure I like it first before purchasing it. Especially because it's so different.

try out zen bondage, a pc game (free download from internet) with a near identical concept. of course, the ipod touch/iphone game is more polished, larger, and more a joy to play (as it has a better control system) than zen bondage, but if you are wondering about the concept, try out that game. or you can just wait for the lite.

[coconutbowling]

Uggghh, more 1 star reviews by people saying it's boring. Really, almost every review says it's not for everyone. I'd hate for idiots to give Zen Bound a bad imression. #18 now btw.

[Buster08]

This game is the bomb-diggity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrbass]

When will the lite version come out?

I must try the gameplay first and make sure I like it first before purchasing it. Especially because it's so different.

yea I gave it 3 star review till a demo comes out. I agree. I took a crapshoot and ended up liking it but I know many will buy it and hate it. It's a love/hate one I think.

[anduril_ukr]

yea I gave it 3 star review till a demo comes out. I agree. I took a crapshoot and ended up liking it but I know many will buy it and hate it. It's a love/hate one I think.

till a demo comes out? if you got the full game (the only way to leave an appstore review), why would you dock it for not having a lite version? you are supposed to review the GAME not the marketing strategies of the company who made it (hope i didn't sound rude, just don't get your reasoning for the review)

[thepretender]

I found a bug (if it is a bug) on the level with the curled snake, i used up all of my rope and then quit. and now whenever i go back to that level i get a black screen and i cant do anything..

[Maeks]

I told myself I was gonna wait it out for a price drop, not because I'm cheap, but because I've bought a bunch of games recently (like The Quest, Westward, etc) and wanted to finish those up first. But then I saw the Intro Price statement, bought it immediately!

While I am probably not having as peaceful an experience as other people, it is indeed a fun game, at the very least, a game that's challenging but only if you want it to be. 70% is easy to get, so you don't struggle trying to get past certain levels, but that 85, and especially 99% can be challenging. Nice balance of making the game peaceful to play, but also challenging if you want it to be.

And man, the reviews on the App Store, people complaining about price, these people need to stop thinking that they are somehow experts on economics, and get off their delusional high horses. One review said it should be "$3.99 MAX"...Are you kidding me? A dollar off, that's it? So you can't buy a single 20oz of Mountain Dew now (admittedly, that would be pretty cheap for a 20oz of anything), big deal. At least the people who gave it one star had the gusto to say it's a $1 or $2 game, it never ceases to amaze me that despite people hopin' and wishin' for the iPhone to become a full fledged gaming platform, they have seemingly forgotten that console games cost upwards of $60, and even at bargain prices can still be $20, with used games varying greatly. I would say the amount of polish, and therefore probably money, that went into this game, $5 is a decent price. That's less than a meal at a fast food restaurant.

I don't love this game like some people here love it, but it's definitely worth the money. If every dev, well, not every but most, put the amount of polish and shine into their games, it would warrant higher prices. Unfortunately, they don't and we have all the wonderful $1 games out there which are twisting people into thinking that every game on the app store should be a dollar and if it's above, then the dev is ripping you off somehow.

So perhaps I'm not entirely talking about Zen Bound, but the App Store in general.......Sorry about that!

[thinkdontpray]

ok, so originally i just didnt appreciate this game as i should have. i said it wasnt worth 5 bucks. i was wrong. its worth more.

i actually lost time today playing this game. when you get into the harder shapes i find myself really carefully thinking about how to place the string in the best possible manner. i mean, really carefully

anyways, i beat it, not 100% but i want more levels. NOW!

[spmwinkel]

Jani - if the graphics designer has some more time on his/her hands, maybe the rope in the Zen Bound icon could be a bit wider at the beginning so that it looks more 3d. I saw the Word Fu icon and it looks 3D, that made me think that the Zen Bound icon could have the same look. I already like how the wood looks 3d but the rope could make that effect even better. :)

[Paulio]

This may appeal to some of you. Just something I made :) (http://forums.toucharcade.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1402&d=1235806408)

[spmwinkel]

Here's a bug. Please take a look at the screenshots.

[polyfonken]

Jani - if the graphics designer has some more time on his/her hands, maybe the rope in the Zen Bound icon could be a bit wider at the beginning so that it looks more 3d. I saw the Word Fu icon and it looks 3D, that made me think that the Zen Bound icon could have the same look. I already like how the wood looks 3d but the rope could make that effect even better. :)

but ... i made it like that on purpose!
your request has been added to the "might happen" graphics pipeline - maybe, just maybe, if i'm not too busy, you'll get your rope, some day! should i also make the music a bit cleaner and add some tasty hip house beats while i'm at it? :p

seriously though, the bird & rope in the icon is supposed to look a bit flat and unrealistic, kind of watercolor painted. i might have failed though, i do that from time to time :D

[spmwinkel]

lol OK! If it's on purpose then leave it. :) Like I said regarding finishing the level when the rope touches the nail: as long as it has been considered/thought about, I´m OK with the decision.

[polyfonken]

lol OK! If it's on purpose then leave it. :) Like I said regarding finishing the level when the rope touches the nail: as long as it has been considered/thought about, I´m OK with the decision.

:) well you weren't the only one, we lol:d yesterday at this one comment in which they were telling us to "fix the icon". if enough of you complain about you, i'll probably draw a new rope for the update since it's quite possible i'm just kind of blind and deaf to the graphics and music right now and later it'll start to bug me, too.

[Frand]

Here's a bug. Please take a look at the screenshots.

It's not a bug. It's uhm... a feature? Your mental powers were enough to push the rope beyond the object.

We'll look into it :)

[Pal Van Marrsterhausen]

Here's a bug. Please take a look at the screenshots.

That's what happens when you use some Blade Runner oragami, it puts you in Deckards dream-like zen state...

[Frand]

That's what happens when you use some Blade Runner oragami, it puts you in Deckards dream-like zen state...

Did you get the soundtrack downloaded alright?

[Pal Van Marrsterhausen]

Did you get the soundtrack downloaded alright?

You remebered! Yes I did thank you & excellent it was too.
Many thanks. :)

[Gieve]

the music is good, and if you like it you should check out Ghost monkeys Myspace to get some more music that they have produced. must say I've been listening to their music (not just the soundtrack) whilst playing Zen Bound, and get a strange sense of glee when I hear the music from Zen Bondage comes on.

Assassins is a killer track :D

[polyfonken]

the music is good, and if you like it you should check out Ghost monkeys Myspace to get some more music that they have produced. must say I've been listening to their music (not just the soundtrack) whilst playing Zen Bound, and get a strange sense of glee when I hear the music from Zen Bondage comes on.

Assassins is a killer track :D

ta :D

i'm gonna have to re-do www.polyfonken.com real soon now so that all the ghost monkey stuff is easy to access, now tracking it down is a chore and i am really lazy with the myspace.

[polyplay]

Via Twitter, Chillingo sends along the review from IGN (http://uk.wireless.ign.com/articles/957/957995p1.html): 9.5.

The review is short and heaps praise on the game, but one thing shocked me: they gave the game's graphics a 9/10, the lowest score of their five categories. If Zen Bound's graphics are only nine-tenths of what IGN expects from the iPhone, I don't want to see what they consider perfect; my eyes might just burn out of their sockets. Yikes.

[Frand]

I have to say this little detail does bring a smile of disbelief to my face:

http://secretexit.com/uploads/ZBvsTetris.jpg

(I know the situation is not fair, let the little guy enjoy the moment, ok? :) )

[polyplay]

I have to say this little detail does bring a smile of disbelief to my face:

(I know the situation is not fair, let the little guy enjoy the moment, ok? :) )

I'm assuming that's from the Finnish store? If it is, I want to see how it fares against Pajatso. Why the Finns love those things so much, I will never know. ;)

[Pal Van Marrsterhausen]

Or this in the U.K Store...

[Frand]

I'm assuming that's from the Finnish store? If it is, I want to see how it fares against Pajatso. Why the Finns love those things so much, I will never know. ;)

No, it's the US store, Top Apps :)

[polyfonken]

does this mean we get to eat proper food next month, dad?

[Frand]

does this mean we get to eat proper food next month, dad?

Daddy will put some ketchup on the postcard he sends from the Bahamas, son.

[don_k]

When will the price go up?

[Frand]

When will the price go up?

We don't know. The game has barely just been released, it's not exactly time yet to be thinking of price changes.

[nattylux]

Daddy will put some ketchup on the postcard he sends from the Bahamas, son.

Haha

Congrats, Frand. Well deserved - beautiful game. Enjoy the Bahamas.

[ibelongintheforums]

14 in USA!

Could zen bound be the first number one app priced at five dollars?
Can a chillingo app take down another?
Find out in the next episode of...........

[Petrus]

How do you download it? Thanks

EDIT: figured it out

[Frand]

Haha

Congrats, Frand. Well deserved - beautiful game. Enjoy the Bahamas.

Cheers!

We're long ways off from sunshine, though. First an update to Zen Bound to address (most of) the concerns that have come up, but then taking a flight to GDC is starting to look tempting :)

And there's that Tree of Nostalgia to wrap up too...

[Petrus]

Would someone please tell me where i can get more music by Ghost monkey and polyfonken (download)

Thanks

[Spartan12103]

Click "Secret Exit" in the game menu. It's at the bottom right corner.

[Frand]

Would someone please tell me where i can get more music by Ghost monkey and polyfonken (download)

Thanks

By more music, do you mean more than the soundtrack?
Check out Ghost Monkey's myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/theghostmonkey
and the 'official' homepage:
http://www.polyfonken.com

[Petrus]

Yeah I meant more than the ST, Is there a way to download it though?

[Frand]

Yeah I meant more than the ST, Is there a way to download it though?

polyfonken.com has the older album for download, and some other stuff.

[spmwinkel]

Here's a free album. Haven't listened to it yet so I don't know how close it is to the Zen Bound soundtrack.

http://www.polyfonken.com/dreams/

Thanks Tuukka for making this available!! (Downloading now)

[polyfonken]

Here's a free album. Haven't listened to it yet so I don't know how close it is to the Zen Bound soundtrack.
http://www.polyfonken.com/dreams/
Thanks Tuukka for making this available!! (Downloading now)

:D it'd be kind of wasted if nobody'd listen to it, right?

http://www.polyfonken.com/ghostmonkey Tea For Miss Yamaha (2001, vinyl)
http://www.polyfonken.com/dreams saturday morning ambient noodlings
http://www.polyfonken.com/TravelSampler a promo thing for ghost monkey's further adventures, with some musicians and Anna the singer, even. More of these on the main polyfonken site or my myspace.
http://www.polyfonken.com/yourdreams more ambient noodlings
http://www.polyfonken.com/special some beats i've made lately

there's some stuff. it's pretty diverse and not all too close to the zb soundtrack.

[spmwinkel]

Wow look at that, it's all available for download! Going to download some more tomorrow. :)

[polyfonken]

for authentic Zen Bondage experience you only need to grab Tea For Miss Yamaha:s Assassins, Vahinja and 2nd Coffee Nimbus. Might have been one more song there but I'm too old to remember it...

[Frand]

for authentic Zen Bondage experience you only need to grab Tea For Miss Yamaha:s Assassins, Vahinja and 2nd Coffee Nimbus. Might have been one more song there but I'm too old to remember it...

Kryla Jam

[arn]

favorite comment about zen bound

http://twitter.com/palais/statuses/1257997596

This zen bound is addictive but WTF?! I'm wrapping rope round wood ffs. I have wood and rope at home but it never occurred to me.

[Frand]

US Top Apps 10 <- oops, not quite.

Somebody hit me with a hammer.
Whew. Hammer hit received. Had my iTunes set for Canada :D

Canada Top Apps 10!

[nattylux]

US Top Apps 10

Somebody hit me with a hammer.

Woot woot! Time to light a cigar with a $1000 bill...

[Frand]

If we hit #10 in US tonight I think it might indeed be cause for a celebration :)

[emb531]

And there's that Tree of Nostalgia to wrap up too...

Hey Frand, when do you think the Tree of Nostalgia will be finished? More towards the end of the month or closer to the beginning? The teaser shot looks awesome :D Also congrats on the success so far, #14 in the U.S. in such a short time is quite the accomplishment

[Frand]

Hey Frand, when do you think the Tree of Nostalgia will be finished? More towards the end of the month or closer to the beginning? The teaser shot looks awesome :D Also congrats on the success so far, #14 in the U.S. in such a short time is quite the accomplishment

Thanks, and certainly closer to the end of the month. There will be a small update do ZB before that, so that we fix the localization issues and a couple of other things.

[Kamazar]

Oh, snap. I didn't even realize the def for ZB is on these forums. :eek:

[Hobbes]

Hey, I need some help...
I'm really on the fence about buying this game. I was gonna wait for the how (sorry, hype) to die down and see if it goes on sale, but then I saw the fact 5$ was an intro price. So I think "should I wait for an iTunes gift card, so if I hate it I won't beat myself up?" or should I wait for the lite version (when is it coming out) and what will the real price be? I just don't know..

[bamafan12]

Does the developer have a TA account? I have a question for him...

[Donburns99]

Hey, I need some help...
I'm really on the fence about buying this game. I was gonna wait for the how (sorry, hype) to die down and see if it goes on sale, but then I saw the fact 5$ was an intro price. So I think "should I wait for an iTunes gift card, so if I hate it I won't beat myself up?" or should I wait for the lite version (when is it coming out) and what will the real price be? I just don't know..You could always try out Zen Bondage, while not as impressive as Zen Bound, it gives a good sense of what you'd be getting yourself into. You can download it here. (http://www.fun-motion.com/physics-games/zen-bondage/)



Does the developer have a TA account? I have a question for him...The developer is 3 posts above yours, he has the game in his signature. :)

[bamafan12]

You could always try out Zen Bondage, while not as impressive as Zen Bound, it gives a good sense of what you'd be getting yourself into. You can download it here. (http://www.fun-motion.com/physics-games/zen-bondage/)



The developer is 3 posts above yours, he has the game in his signature. :)

Thanks!

[Sambo110]

I really wanna try out Zen Bondage, but unfortunately it's only for windows :(.

[bamafan12]

Does anyone know what the price will rise to when this introductory sale ends?

[RVP]

Bought it yesterday. Well worth the wait and the $5. Unlike anything I have ever played. The physics are dead on. Music is very nice as well as the sound of the rope slipping.

Con: is this game sucks your battery down like no other app that includes fast action game like Fielddrunner etc... Even with the sound fx/music off. :eek: If you play it away from power you need to be aware. You may get a big surprise whe n the 20% pops up. :mad:To me this is major and makes it unplayable for any length without power.

Still......Awesome game. It is selling like hotcakes....just look at the feedback count so you know there are many times more buyers. I saw it increase by 30 in just 30 minutes. Just don't drop the price down to .99 tomorrow and screw all us loyalists.

Thx Devs :D

[bamafan12]

Just don't drop the price down to .99 tomorrow and screw all us loyalists.

Thx Devs :D

I hope there is a price drop cuz I only have $3 left on my gift card!

[coconutbowling]

I hope there is a price drop cuz I only have $3 left on my gift card!

This game's not going to get a price drop. Ever.

[bamafan12]

This game's not going to get a price drop. Ever.

JW why do you say that?

[Mr. Charley]

I don't know if we can say never, but hopefully not for a long time.
The better it sells, the less reason the developer will have to reduce the price. And it's selling well, and rightfully so.

[Hobbes]

I think it might eventually have to drop because just a dollar decrease will pick up a lot of people on the fence, but who knows?

[bamafan12]

up to #19 in the U.S. store. still climbing.

arn

now its at number 12! i think it should go on a bigger sale if it gets top 10

[HJJ]

now its at number 12! i think it should go on a bigger sale if it gets top 10

I don't.

[markx2]

It's at #4 in the Top Paid Apps list here in the UK.

[your personal robot]

#10 in Germany.
So no reason to change the price at the moment.
Better starting to educate the people in the matter of "value".

[spmwinkel]

If the price changes, it should go up. That's why there is an introduction price. But the price shouldn't go up too much too soon, otherwise that will mess with the success. But try to get as much money from Zen Bound as possible. I hope it will cover for some of the SPiN costs as well.

[Donburns99]

If the price changes, it should go up. That's why there is an introduction price. But the price shouldn't go up too much too soon, otherwise that will mess with the success. But try to get as much money from Zen Bound as possible. I hope it will cover for some of the SPiN costs as well.Agreed, that would be amazing if it did. ^ ^

[bamafan12]

Zen Bound is at #10 in US Top Paid!

[hirschy75]

Zen Bound is at #10 in US Top Paid!

good job devs

[sam the lion]

#6 in italy... just contributed getting my copy.

[don_k]

This game's not going to get a price drop. Ever.

Same thing was said about SPiN and Rolando.

Price drop is good as long as it's not down to $0.99. That will leave a bad taste in early adopters' mouth. $2.99-$3.99 will be more effective for everyone on the fence (like me).

[spmwinkel]

But a price drop doesn't make a lot of sense (I think) if the game is still getting more and more popular. Lowering the price now might make even more people get it, but I'm not sure if Secret Exit and Chillingo would make more money from it then when keeping it at the current price.

[don_k]

But a price drop doesn't make a lot of sense (I think) if the game is still getting more and more popular. Lowering the price now might make even more people get it, but I'm not sure if Secret Exit and Chillingo would make more money from it then when keeping it at the current price.

Yes, definitely not now, it would mess the momentum.

[thinkdontpray]

#7 in canada

cant get enough of this game. me wants more objects

and now i'll be sitting at my desk and look over at the stapler or speakers and wonder "hmmm, how much string would it take to paint that. man, those crevices would be impossible to get into!"

[rich_952000]

Yes, definitely not now, it would mess the momentum.

I have no problem with the price, Secret Exit seem to have developed a wonderfully iPhone exclusive game. My inner-struggle is if I can see myself enjoying this concept, personally.:confused:

[Prab]

#7 in canada

cant get enough of this game. me wants more objects

and now i'll be sitting at my desk and look over at the stapler or speakers and wonder "hmmm, how much string would it take to paint that. man, those crevices would be impossible to get into!"
LOL ya... Every object has zen bound potential now :-P

[don_k]

I have no problem with the price, Secret Exit seem to have developed a wonderfully iPhone exclusive game. My inner-struggle is if I can see myself enjoying this concept, personally.:confused:

Me too. I love the presentation and everything, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy the gameplay. That's why I hope for the lite version to try out.

@Frand, Chillingo, arn:
When will the price go up?

[arn]

Me too. I love the presentation and everything, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy the gameplay. That's why I hope for the lite version to try out.

@Frand, Chillingo, arn:
When will the price go up?

I have no official knowledge or say. But my bet is that they won't change the price until the app settles out in rankings. They aren't going to want to mess with the upward momentum. In either direction. That means no price drop or price increase until it settles out to a stable point.

But that's just my opinion.

arn

[don_k]

I have no official knowledge or say. But my bet is that they won't change the price until the app settles out in rankings. They aren't going to want to mess with the upward momentum. In either direction. That means no price drop or price increase until it settles out to a stable point.

But that's just my opinion.

arn

Thanks arn, I asked you in case you know something from them that we don't. Nevertheless it's a useful opinion :)

[Maythius]

Me too. I love the presentation and everything, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy the gameplay. That's why I hope for the lite version to try out.

@Frand, Chillingo, arn:
When will the price go up?

My hunch is when they release the third tree

[rich_952000]

Are there any comparisons to ANY game on this, or any other console, that you Zen Bound players could make for Donkei, and myself? Would you guys say there is no other games like this? Thanks.:confused:

[DHrox]

Other than Zen Bondage, this is the only "wood-painting-with-rope" game out there. It's truly unique.

[rich_952000]

Other than Zen Bondage, this is the only "wood-painting-with-rope" game out there. It's truly unique.

Yep, just as I suspected. Oh well, I'll give it another day or so and probably cave!:rolleyes:

[DHrox]

Since you tried to "coerce" me into buying Sway, I'll recommend that you cave.

[don_k]

I'm using an old Mac, it can only run Windows via Virtual PC which is slow, so I can't try out Zen Bondage.

[Misguided]

I have no problem with the price, Secret Exit seem to have developed a wonderfully iPhone exclusive game. My inner-struggle is if I can see myself enjoying this concept, personally.:confused:

I know what you mean. I want this to be a game I'd really enjoy as a chill out, just-before-bed type thing as so many have stated, but when I watch the videos for it, I just don't see the appeal (despite the fact that it is very pretty). I'm awaiting a lite version to see if I like it.

[Frand]

Zen Bound update coming.
(not yet submitted)

Update 1.1 includes:

* Improved German, Dutch and French localization.

* Battery & clock indicator visible when in-game menu button has been pressed.

* Changed end-of-level #1 - Many users mentioned ending a level by accident by touching the glowing nail involuntarily. This is now changed: if the rope touches anything after the glowing nail, the level will not end. Also the rope needs to touch the nail slightly longer for the level to end. The rope itself will also glow white when it's touching the nail and the level is ending.

* Changed end-of-level #2 - The game will no longer automatically move to the level selection screen (the tree) after a level has been completed. It is now possible to remain in the level and rotate the completed object.

Status: Changes implemented, currently in internal testing.

[spmwinkel]

Thanks for the status update! :) Looking forward to the changes, I hope your testers will like your changes, it should hopefully mean that "we" like them as well. :)

[rpb1975]

Good to hear! I look forward to the update. By the way, for the TA members who keeps saying this game is overrated....what are you talking about? I wasn't even into the hype and didn't buy it for a week, but it is fantastic. There aren't any 3D graphics that come close, the soundtrack is amazing, and the gameplay is great when you don't want a stressful, fast-paced game!

[rich_952000]

Since you tried to "coerce" me into buying Sway, I'll recommend that you cave.

Was my attempt at coersion a success or failure?

[sam the lion]

Hello Frand, since you talked about translations:

I have just tried the game a bit, but there's an error in the name of the very first level in the italian translation. It it called Umilità, while it should be Umiltà (without a "i"). Hope this helps.

[Frand]

Hello Frand, since you talked about translations:

I have just tried the game a bit, but there's an error in the name of the very first level in the italian translation. It it called Umilità, while it should be Umiltà (without a "i"). Hope this helps.

Oh yes, that's fixed already as well :)
(Thanks Simone!)

[sam the lion]

great!

[don_k]

Is anyone still playing Zen Bound? Or have you guys jumped to other game?

I'm thinking to buy the game so I want to know how long this game stays as your fave game. If people already stop playing it by now, then I'd just wait for the lite version.

[Spartan12103]

I'm still playing it. :)

[coconutbowling]

Been playing this when I can use my headphones, otherwise, I've been playing EDGE.

[spmwinkel]

I'm still playing it!
I had to setup my iPod Touch as new 1,5 week ago so I already have to reply all my other games. I'm trying to do that as much as possible so that Zen Bound will take me a lot longer. So I occasionaly play a level, which I really enjoy. :)

[markx2]

Is anyone still playing Zen Bound? Or have you guys jumped to other game?

Still playing it. I could probably have charged through doing the minimum necessary but it's just not that sort of game, at least not for me.

Have I have value for the £3 I paid? Hell yes and a whole stack more.
If the price went up would I still be telling people to buy it? Yes again.

I got 99% on one of the levels late last night. And just as I hit the nail I realised how moving one rope over I could have got 100%. Well, that doesn't always pan out but this time it did. I did it for that feeling of satisfaction.
(This is one reason I would like some small indicator of 100% on the lamp/flower.)

[don_k]

Thanks guys. I'm just worried the game lifespan is short as the hype has suddenly died. I might pick it up tonight – depending on my mood.

[polyplay]

Thanks guys. I'm just worried the game lifespan is short as the hype has suddenly died. I might pick it up tonight – depending on my mood.

Get it; you won't be disappointed unless you want to be.

I've only got two flowers left - both on the Tree of Challenge. One is on the second-to-last level and one is on the last level. It's tough, tough stuff.

I've been playing random levels a lot, though. Hurry and Cooperation are great for some mindless rope-wrapping fun. :)

[don_k]

I've only got two flowers left - both on the Tree of Challenge. One is on the second-to-last level and one is on the last level. It's tough, tough stuff.


What after you finish those two flowers? is there any reason to come back to the game? is it like Sway where you basically have nothing else to do except to get 99% on all levels?

[markx2]

What after you finish those two flowers? is there any reason to come back to the game? is it like Sway where you basically have nothing else to do except to get 99% on all levels?

That's like any game though isn't it?
On the PS2 I've completed all the SSX games in every way possible but I still play. I've done all the bike challenges in Burnout Paradise but I still go online to play. Played Final Fantasy VII about 3 times all the way through. I re-read good books, watch films twice.

[don_k]

That's like any game though isn't it?

No, not any game.
In racing games, you have Quick Race, Time Trial, etc.
In sport games, you have exhibition, league, competitions.
In some puzzle games, you have endless (randomly generated) puzzles, eg: Mouse About.
In mini games (like Scoops, Up There), there's basically no end.
In fighting games, you have VS and tournament.
Even Secret Exit's other game, SPiN, has freeplay mode and minute rush.

Those game modes surely add some pickup-and-play value and replayability too.

[spmwinkel]

You can try to wrap the object with less rope. :)

[markx2]

It's $5.

We aren't talking major cash here. Put that into perspective with whatever food/drink you will buy this coming week. You get no replay value there (unless you are ill maybe..)

But if you want replayability then how much? Time trials? Less rope? Left handed? With rope always in the bottom left corner? Lying flat on the table?

I'll wait for someone to post a screenshot of the rope they used on a level and then I'll try and beat it. There's replay :)

[markx2]

No, not any game.
In mini games (like Scoops, Up There), there's basically no end.


In all the games you quote there is no end. You can always get faster, get the combos right, keep your concentration for longer. Which is okay but having no end can also not be so great. You always hit your own limit. Sure you might hit a lucky streak but you are the limiting factor and you can't change that.

Zen Bound having an end is not a weakness. It does not detract from the game. In fact beating it is the victory, the satisfaction. It's a series of goals not just one. But you are not limited by time or reflexes or other factors common to games.

[don_k]

From what I heard, it sounds like Zen Bound has no more replayability than Sway. One aims for more gold, one aims for less rope.

It's $5.
We aren't talking major cash here.

Save that argument. I'm asking whether this game has replayability, not whether this game is worth $5.

[don_k]

In all the games you quote there is no end.

Why do you only quote mini games? [I know they're open-ended, I shouldn't have put them as examples]. What about all the other examples? The racing, fighting, sport games? They all have huge replayability with those game modes I mentioned above.

I do care about those game modes because from my experience, those are the modes I play most. In racing games, I always play quick race. In fighting, I always play VS or min-tournament (not the story mode). In sport games, I always play exhibition match. In SPiN, I always play minute rush.

Don't get me wrong, I just want to be convinced that I must get ZB :)

[Ravenblack]

If you read through all the posts in this thread and none of it gets you excited, you probably won't like the game.

YouTube has some vids on the gameplay. Just do a search.

Wish there was a lite version. Trying it is the best way to know if you like something or not.

[polyplay]

Whoa whoa whoa... didn't intend to set off a controversy over replayability, but I have to qualify what I posted earlier.

Yes, I've accomplished all the goals for all but 2 objects. However, before ever starting the Tree of Challenge I spent a number of hours replaying some of the animals for fun. If I decided to sit down and dedicate myself to reaching those last goals, I could; I enjoy the game's physics, graphics, and gameplay enough that I'd rather just wrap things mindlessly when watching TV and go back to those levels later.

I own both Sway and Zen Bound, and there is absolutely no question in my mind that the replayability in Zen Bound is considerably greater. The gameplay is simply the best currently on my iPod. It's so good that even though I've beaten levels multiple times, I want to play them again just to have the experience; thankfully, an object is just as fun the 2nd or 20th time I wrap it up.

I'm concerned a great deal about replayability; it was my primary gripe about Rolando (which I loved despite not wanting to go back and get every medal), and I've not bought some games because I didn't think they would offer enough to bring me back intermittently.

The point is that this game is Fun, has hours of standalone challenge and several more hours of replayability. Zen Bound is a great experience, and is the best $5 anyone with an iDevice can spend, even in this economy. ;)

[Maythius]

Whoa whoa whoa... didn't intend to set off a controversy over replayability, but I have to qualify what I posted earlier.

Yes, I've accomplished all the goals for all but 2 objects. However, before ever starting the Tree of Challenge I spent a number of hours replaying some of the animals for fun. If I decided to sit down and dedicate myself to reaching those last goals, I could; I enjoy the game's physics, graphics, and gameplay enough that I'd rather just wrap things mindlessly when watching TV and go back to those levels later.

I own both Sway and Zen Bound, and there is absolutely no question in my mind that the replayability in Zen Bound is considerably greater. The gameplay is simply the best currently on my iPod. It's so good that even though I've beaten levels multiple times, I want to play them again just to have the experience; thankfully, an object is just as fun the 2nd or 20th time I wrap it up.

I'm concerned a great deal about replayability; it was my primary gripe about Rolando (which I loved despite not wanting to go back and get every medal), and I've not bought some games because I didn't think they would offer enough to bring me back intermittently.

The point is that this game is Fun, has hours of standalone challenge and several more hours of replayability. Zen Bound is a great experience, and is the best $5 anyone with an iDevice can spend, even in this economy. ;)

Achievement Unlocked: Pure PWNAGE!

[HJJ]

If you read through all the posts in this thread and none of it gets you excited, you probably won't like the game.

YouTube has some vids on the gameplay. Just do a search.

Too true. It's great that this forum exists so that we can give each other feedback and help each other make decisions, but at a certain point, the onus is no longer on us to "convince" other people that they want or need this (or any other) game.

There is so much information about this particular game, with the exception of a lite version, which I'm not even sure is 100% necessary given all of the gameplay videos that are out there. This game is what it is. I don't know what else to say about it.

If it does not appeal to you, and you need someone to convince you to get it, you're probably only setting yourself up for disappointment. If you are of the mindset that rushing through each "level" and "finishing" a game means that the game is no longer usable, then I think you already have your answer. This isn't checkers. It has distinct levels, and if you are not the type of person who is interested in going back and replaying levels that you've already completed, then this is probably not the game for you. I don't think it can be any more clear.

If you are curious about the technology, and the gameplay appeals to you in any way, you might want to give it a try. But don't even think about complaining about having "wasted" your money. There is just too much information out there to not be able to make an informed decision about this game - lite edition or not.

[BadSanta]

I dont like this game but I've something to say about the replayability factor. Only quick puzzle/action game can have great replayability value but at the same time the game machanic is always the same. Soon or later the gameplay will be boring. A good game rarely can be played over and over (unless dev major update).

[don_k]

Thanks guys. I'm just worried the game lifespan is short as the hype has suddenly died. I might pick it up tonight – depending on my mood.
And I finally bought it as I'm in mood for some zen.

If you are of the mindset that rushing through each "level" and "finishing" a game means that the game is no longer usable, then I think you already have your answer. This isn't checkers. It has distinct levels, and if you are not the type of person who is interested in going back and replaying levels that you've already completed, then this is probably not the game for you.

You're both right and wrong. I'm in the mindset of cruising through levels without worrying much about 'gold' medals or '99%' completion, but you know what, Sway and now particularly Zen Bound has been exceptions. It's pretty smart for the devs not to put timer, so they can promote the 'play at your own pace' aspect.

Now that I've finished a few levels with 100% completion, I can I'm liking this game. It's growing on me. There's just something unique – and this uniqueness might've been the very reason I always wanted it even the video clips didn't convince me.

Quick opinion:
1. I can't have my zen while that nail is glowing. I know Frand said this would be fix in future update which is a relief for me. Otherwise I'm always scared the rope will suddenly be cut off.

2. Will there be some sort of 'showcase' mode? eg: to show our object wrapped with the rope at the best record. Say, I finished 'obedience' at 100%. When I click on it again, instead of directly replaying that level, I want to enjoy what I did first. Being able to rotate the object fully wrapped in 3D can bring some sort of satisfaction, no?

[Frand]

Quick opinion:
1. I can't have my zen while that nail is glowing. I know Frand said this would be fix in future update which is a relief for me. Otherwise I'm always scared the rope will suddenly be cut off.

2. Will there be some sort of 'showcase' mode? eg: to show our object wrapped with the rope at the best record. Say, I finished 'obedience' at 100%. When I click on it again, instead of directly replaying that level, I want to enjoy what I did first. Being able to rotate the object fully wrapped in 3D can bring some sort of satisfaction, no?

1. That bit is done.

2. One of the reasons there's now a confirmation to exit a level (in 1.1) is that the user gets to rotate the finished object, and also because we are investigating the possibility to allow the user to take a screen grab when the level has been completed. There are some technical issues to jump through, so I can't confirm if or when the feature may make it to the game. But we're thinking about it and testing the possibility. (Again, let's not start spreading word that the feature is confirmed. It's not.)

[Frand]

Update 1.1 submitted.

Let's hope this brings an end to any accidental level completions :)

[markx2]

Thanks!

UK.
#5 on the store front
#2 on games

[grumpytreto]

So is it just a popup to confirm your finished or how does it work cause i stopped playing the game after accidentally finishing 3 levels at 70%. I love the game though

[Frand]

Update 1.1 includes:

* Improved German, Dutch, French and Italian localization.

* Battery & clock indicator visible when in-game menu button has been pressed.

* Changed end-of-level #1 - Many users mentioned ending a level by accident by touching the glowing nail involuntarily. This is now changed: if the rope touches anything after the glowing nail, the level will not end. Also the rope needs to touch the nail slightly longer for the level to end.

* Changed end-of-level #2 - The game will no longer automatically move to the level selection screen (the tree) after a level has been completed. It is now possible to remain in the level and rotate the completed object.

* Changed end-of-level #3 - The rope itself will also glow white when it's touching the nail and the level is ending.

[mek]

what i dont like about it, any maybe i have not played it enough, but when I am still working on the level and trying to get 100%, i accidently hit the nail, and it ends the object

there should be a confirmation to if you want to submit / hit the name

edit: just read 1.1 was submitted with a fix

thank you

[don_k]

Hi Frand,

1. That bit is done.

2. One of the reasons there's now a confirmation to exit a level (in 1.1) is that the user gets to rotate the finished object, and also because we are investigating the possibility to allow the user to take a screen grab when the level has been completed. There are some technical issues to jump through, so I can't confirm if or when the feature may make it to the game. But we're thinking about it and testing the possibility. (Again, let's not start spreading word that the feature is confirmed. It's not.)

1. Can't wait for the update. I'm now so paranoid about the glowing nail.

2. But can we enjoy it in 3D instead of only 2D screenshots? It would be great if we can rotate the completed object in 3D.

3. Frand, I've submitted my email for the free music but haven't received anything yet. Do you send it out one by one or automatically? If one by one, then I can wait.

[Frand]

2. But can we enjoy it in 3D instead of only 2D screenshots? It would be great if we can rotate the completed object in 3D.

After a level is complete, yes, you can rotate the object until you return to the tree screen. When you return to the level, it will start over. Adding a mandatory "reset level" button for people who wish to start over would be an inconvenience.


3. Frand, I've submitted my email for the free music but haven't received anything yet. Do you send it out one by one or automatically? If one by one, then I can wait.

We've noticed that many Yahoo users have our music download email marked as spam, so it's found in the spam folder of your email client. There is also a significant amount of mistyped email addresses in the server log, but we can't be certain which of those users re-submitted their address.

In any case, the download link email should arrive into your inbox in a matter of minutes or less. Please try again, and if it still doesn't work, send me a PM and we'll sort it out.

[Misguided]

I decided to pick this up yesterday.

As others have said, the game is exquisite. I don't think the videos really do it justice. The controls are quite intuitive and getting the rope into tight spots is challenging and fun. It's a technical tour de force, and certainly worth the money.

Unfortunately, I don't find it particularly relaxing, and I wish I did. I find myself actually concentrating quite intently and giving myself a headache from focusing my vision too hard, probably through a desire to "win". On the one hand, that desire is contrary to the whole zen notion, yet the game supports it with the different achievement levels (and I understand completely why they did that and agree with the decision). Still, my competitive nature wants to get all three flowers on each figurine.

[hirschy75]

The update looks good but does anyone know if the update will erase previous game/level completion

[inferi22]

Once I get more iTunes money I am buying this played it on a friends ipotch and it was a ton more fun than expected

[coconutbowling]

Reading app store reviews are getting me mad. There are still a lot of 1 star reviews saying it's boring. I cringe whenever I read one because it is so obivious whether to buy this or not. Stupid kids...

[kiwi91]

Reading app store reviews are getting me mad. There are still a lot of 1 star reviews saying it's boring. I cringe whenever I read one because it is so obivious whether to buy this or not. Stupid kids...

lol. Maybe you should just stay away from reading the reviews haha.

[Rocketman919]

lol. Maybe you should just stay away from reading the reviews haha.

yeah coconut, we dont want you to hurt yourself

[stanny]

Looks like this has been getting nothing but good reviews on every site I go to. I think I must get it, it is inevitable.

[don_k]

After a level is complete, yes, you can rotate the object until you return to the tree screen. When you return to the level, it will start over. Adding a mandatory "reset level" button for people who wish to start over would be an inconvenience.

Yet sometimes I want to show off certain levels to my friends without starting a new game. Say, I finished a level and then want to open it again just to show off to my friends. First, I want to show off how a completed level looks like. Second, I don't want to start a new game so that when I tap on its icon it says 'Continue' instead of 'Start' – I just feel it's eating unnecessary memory because I'm not actually replaying those levels.

Maybe I'm the minority here, but I just wanna let you know my reason.

[Frand]

Yet sometimes I want to show off certain levels to my friends without starting a new game. Say, I finished a level and then want to open it again just to show off to my friends. First, I want to show off how a completed level looks like. Second, I don't want to start a new game so that when I tap on its icon it says 'Continue' instead of 'Start' – I just feel it's eating unnecessary memory because I'm not actually replaying those levels.

Maybe I'm the minority here, but I just wanna let you know my reason.

Any level you've visited, left, and re-entered (without completing) says 'Continue' because we save the progress on every level.

Thanks for the feedback on the completed levels, we have something in mind for that (beyond the planned feature of grabbing screenies), but no promises yet :)

[don_k]

Any level you've visited, left, and re-entered (without completing) says 'Continue' because we save the progress on every level.
Does it eat memory? If yes, then I won't always open them just to show the graphics to my friends and leave them unfinished.

Thanks for the feedback on the completed levels, we have something in mind for that (beyond the planned feature of grabbing screenies), but no promises yet :)

You're welcome. Another thing is, the flowers in the tree are the only objects which lacks attention to details. Everything else in the game is beautifully crafted: object, background, texture, lighting – except the flowers. Both the 3d model and texture look unfinished. Overall, I feel the menu is not as crafted as the in-game visuals. Is it because there are so many things going on and the hardware is limited?

If I may also suggest, the embossed effect of the buttons doesn't seem to suit the style. It feels too computer-ish. I prefer the banner ad on Macrumors.com website. The burnt edges just looks natural and gorgeous! Just my $0.02

[Sambo110]

My only complaint is I keep accidentally ending levels. Luckily that will be fixed in the patch.

[don_k]

Hi Frand,
1. I just found something weird. I was playing a level when I got a call so the game was interrupted. When I came back to the game and tap on the icon, it said 'Play' instead of 'Continue'. I thought I lost the save, but no, it was still there. I could resume playing but it said 'Play' instead of 'Continue'. Is it a known bug? Is it fixed in the submitted update?

2. The sound is still playing even when I turn on silent mode. Is it intentional or is it fixed now?

3. I received the music, thanks.

My only complaint is I keep accidentally ending levels. Luckily that will be fixed in the patch.

Same here. My way around it is to finish the nail area so you don't have to go near it after 70%+ completion. It helps avoid accidental endings. But I look forward to the update too.

[superbad]

has anyone finished it yet???

[polyplay]

has anyone finished it yet???

One flower left, on the last level on the Tree of Challenge. I tried it about an hour ago and got only 86%; the closest I've ever come is 95%. It is super tough, because there's no way to maneuver the rope to wrap around huge sections without blocking other sections.

I know it can be done, but it's rough. Luckily there's a lot of other less stressful things to play.

[Frand]

Hi Frand,
1. I just found something weird. I was playing a level when I got a call so the game was interrupted. When I came back to the game and tap on the icon, it said 'Play' instead of 'Continue'. I thought I lost the save, but no, it was still there. I could resume playing but it said 'Play' instead of 'Continue'. Is it a known bug? Is it fixed in the submitted update?

First time we hear of this. If it happens again consistently, please send us a bug email or slip me a PM. Unless your device is jailbroken, in which case you're on your own ;)

2. The sound is still playing even when I turn on silent mode. Is it intentional or is it fixed now?

Sound effects or music, or both? With the speaker or headphones? When no headphones are attached and audio plays through the internal speaker, ZB obeys the silent switch and mutes all audio.

If you're using headphones, silent switch has no effect on game audio playback - this is how it's specced by Apple.

[don_k]

First time we hear of this. If it happens again consistently, please send us a bug email or slip me a PM. Unless your device is jailbroken, in which case you're on your own ;)
Nope, my iPhone has never been jailbroken – not even once :)
Just a layman's guess, maybe it was because I left open too many levels (around 5). I was showing the beauty of different levels so I opened and closed a few levels again without finishing them. Maybe they ate some memory and caused it? Idk, so far it hasn't happened again.

I hate seeing the 'continue' button and that's why I don't wanna try to replicate the problems. I feel much better if only 1 level says 'continue'.

Sound effects or music, or both? With the speaker or headphones? When no headphones are attached and audio plays through the internal speaker, ZB obeys the silent switch and mutes all audio.

If you're using headphones, silent switch has no effect on game audio playback - this is how it's specced by Apple.
Speaker, but external speaker, lol. That must be why – it thinks of my speaker as earphone.

[spmwinkel]

I think it would be nice that if you've opened a level but still have 0% (or played a bit and then unwrapped the object back to 0%), it would say "Play" instead of "Continue".

[don_k]

I think it would be nice that if you've opened a level but still have 0% (or played a bit and then unwrapped the object back to 0%), it would say "Play" instead of "Continue".

+1 +1 +1 +1 +1
That's such a smart way out, is it not?
so it won't eat memory while at the same time we can still show the levels off.

[Frand]

I think it would be nice that if you've opened a level but still have 0% (or played a bit and then unwrapped the object back to 0%), it would say "Play" instead of "Continue".

We'll add that to the to-do list. Cheers.

[spmwinkel]

Jani,

At this point, I have completed all levels 99% or 100 % except for the very last one. I was hoping/expecting to finish the last level today.

However, look at what happens in this level:
http://forums.toucharcade.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1523&d=1236340078
The surface at the front may not be completely covered by the rope, but I feel that the rope should cover a LOT more of the object. Right now, I'd have to wrap rope from the upside to the downside, which is an unneccesary waste of precious rope.

Things like this happened in other levels as well, but they never stopped me from completing it. In this level, however, it makes me feel that I might have to take the game away from my first page until a fix for this is released. :(

Can you fix this?

(The thumbnail below allows me to post the image in full size above)

[Frand]

Can you fix this?

We'll look into it.

[spmwinkel]

Thank you. :)

[spmwinkel]

I'm here to give everyone some hope! :D

The last level CAN be completed! :cool:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/picture.php?albumid=48&pictureid=275 http://forums.toucharcade.com/picture.php?albumid=48&pictureid=276

So keep trying, you should be able to get it eventually. :)

Secret Exit, thanks for this awesome game, I'm looking forward to the new tree coming later this month. It would still be nice if the rope would properly paint the objects in all situations but at least we know that the game can be finished right now. :)

(Does this make me the first TouchArcade member to finish Zen Bound?)

[dannys95]

(Does this make me the first TouchArcade member to finish Zen Bound?)

yep. at least i think.

[polyplay]

Congrats!

Now I know that all that trying isn't in vain.

Can't wait for the new tree!

[don_k]

What will be the objects in Tree of Nostalgia? Plants?
And would it be the last tree ever added to the game, or will there still be more trees to come in the future?

[Gieve]

http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple/11/85/65/mzl.mnykwigz.480x480-75.jpg

I'd guess from the Joystick in the main screen taken from what i guess is the review copy of the game...

The third tree must include some form of retro-based items, like toys and video game history parrafanalia.

Whatever it contains, i'd be more then happy to have it :) 25 more wrappable items, is 25 more things for me to wrap ;)

[don_k]

http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple/11/85/65/mzl.mnykwigz.480x480-75.jpg

I'd guess from the Joystick in the main screen taken from what i guess is the review copy of the game...

The third tree must include some form of retro-based items, like toys and video game history parrafanalia.

Whatever it contains, i'd be more then happy to have it :) 25 more wrappable items, is 25 more things for me to wrap ;)

Oh I haven't seen that screenshot, just heard of it. It would be cool to wrap some retro items.

So would it be the last tree? or would they still add another tree? (It's fine either way, I'm just curious).

[Mew2468]

http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r30/Purple/11/85/65/mzl.mnykwigz.480x480-75.jpg

It's a controller with 2 buttons :). More video game nostalgia!

[indyraider4]

This is by far the best iPhone game ever and I can't wait for the next secret exit game, cinnamon beats. Does anyone have any info on this or on the next tree. I have almost beaten the game. The only problem with Zen Bound is that every time I play, I curl up into a ball and fall asleep after I beat each level, so I can only play about once a day!

[spamboy]

BEST GAME EVER! That's all I can say for now, I have to go wrap up a whale.

[Ash]

i love u frand BEST GAME EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVER

is the new tree coming in the new update ?

[don_k]

Hi Frand, it seems I could replicate spmwinkel's 'problem'. I just started the Tree of Challenge and when trying to wrap this object, this happened.

I don't know if it's intentional or not, but in reality, the paint should've been solid-straight without any blotch?

ps: btw, it didn't only happen on the front side. It also happened on the lower area in the shade. It's dark, but you can still see the blotch.

http://i42.tinypic.com/27zvlzr.jpg

[markx2]

http://i42.tinypic.com/27zvlzr.jpg

Get a piece of string, soak it in paint / dye.
Pull it over a box and the pattern will be just like that. The pressure at the corners in the string pushed the paint out of it, but where it has no corner there is no pressure.

It looks exactly how it would if you do this for real.

And hey, there would be no challenge at all if it laid down a solid road of colour :)

[don_k]

Get a piece of string, soak it in paint / dye.
Pull it over a box and the pattern will be just like that. The pressure at the corners in the string pushed the paint out of it, but where it has no corner there is no pressure.

It looks exactly how it would if you do this for real.

Nope. The middle part won't go completely blank. And it really depends on how wet the rope (not string) is. Rope can absorb quite some paint (string can't really), so looking at how big the blotch is, I guess it's quite wet, in which case the middle part should be still painted (though not as much as the corners). And as the paint from the middle part and the corners are connected, they would join together.

If the rope is a bit dry and needs to be pressed to get the paint out as you suggest, then when we cross over our rope (like X mark), the top rope wouldn't paint the surface at all. Even if we pull the rope tightly, it can only paint a little bit. Of course it's different if we literally push the rope to the surface with our hand, but we're pulling the rope in the game, not pressing it.

And hey, there would be no challenge at all if it laid down a solid road of colour :)
I don't mind the challenge, but that's a totally different point ;)

[Frand]

The blotchy paint thing is something we're looking into. Honestly, we noticed the behavior during development (obviously), but didn't consider it a flaw since it's possible to complete each level at 100%.

Now that people are actually paying attention to it and considering it a bug as opposed to "that's just the way it is, but doesn't hurt the gameplay", we'll see about tweaking the code to make it behave more like the audience expects it to. It's not quite a trivial thing to change as it may distort our current level difficulty adjustments, but it's on the list of things we'll look into. There are more critical things to get done first, though (like that Tree of Nostalgia thing :) ).

[spmwinkel]

Hi Frand, it seems I could replicate spmwinkel's 'problem'. I just started the Tree of Challenge and when trying to wrap this object, this happened.

I don't know if it's intentional or not, but in reality, the paint should've been solid-straight without any blotch?

ps: btw, it didn't only happen on the front side. It also happened on the lower area in the shade. It's dark, but you can still see the blotch.

http://i42.tinypic.com/27zvlzr.jpgYou should try painting that part of the object from left to right. My guess is that it will be painted properly. And not just because it's a shorter section than from top to bottom.

I'm guessing that Zen Bound 'expects' that the object is painted in a certain way, some kind of perfect solution. And if certain spots don't get painted when they're covered by rope, they probably should have been covered in another way.

Not sure of course, just some thoughts. :)

[don_k]

It's fine if that's intended to behave that way. I was just pointing it out in case it's a glitch :)

[wootbean]

i just bought this cuz there's nothing else i really want to buy...didn't think i'd have much fun wrapping rope around wood.
i was wrong

[The Game Reaper]

Man this app is awesome! I tried it with my €300+ Bose Noise Cancelling headphones, I was there for hours!

P.S. I made a wallpaper, it's in the wallpaper thread. (cpl)

[Frand]

A slightly unnerving observation:

Zen Bound has about 380 positive user reviews in US iTunes (*** or more)
Zen Bound has about 20 negative user reviews in US iTunes (** or less)

Because of this, the people who dislike Zen Bound have a focused set of reviews to consider helpful, whereas the positive thumbs-ups are spread over a larger distribution.

The end result is that the three reviews on the front page of iTunes are mostly negative, because they are considered the most helpful by the iTunes rating system.

So as a developer request, if you ever give a thumbs-up to a five-star review, it helps if you pick one that already has a lot of votes.

[gootch12]

Frand...wow, that bites.

I just took a look and you are exactly correct.

That is such a subtle effect (the smaller group having a bigger effect on potential customers because their reviews SEEM more helpful and therefore appear higher on the "most helpful" list. Phew.) with potentially dire consequences.

But we (the TA community) can fix this.

Come on people...call to arms.

If you purchased Zen Bound and think it is great, go find a review in the app store that you like and find helpful (ideally one that many people have already found helpful), and click "yes".

If enough people do this (I mean, even just 10 or 12 people might make a difference) we could get some of the positive reviews higher on the list of "most helpful".

This app clearly deserves support...let's try to help. :D

[coconutbowling]

Once again, another flaw in Apple's rating system. Btw, Frand, how are sales? Is the income enough to be getting profit? I hope so.

[don_k]

It's dropping on the Aust AppStore chart. I hope being featured on the banner can help ZB get some deserved exposure.

And while we're at it, I'm again thinking about Lite version. Would it help or would it not? Would it ruin the momentum? If only ZB has a lite version, everyone can try it first. Those who like it will purchase the full version and give it good reviews, while those who hate it can simply delete the app and forget about it, as they don't pay a penny for it so they're less likely to bother writing a review saying 'I get ripped for a boring game'.

But then there would be less sales from those impulse-buyers or those who 'just wanna try it'..

[Frand]

Once again, another flaw in Apple's rating system. Btw, Frand, how are sales? Is the income enough to be getting profit? I hope so.

I doubt there'll be a magazine article about a success story, but things are starting to look a lot better. Seems we'll be making games in the future too :)

(And we still deny the existence of a Stair Dismount game on the iPhone.)

[armen]

A slightly unnerving observation:

Zen Bound has about 380 positive user reviews in US iTunes (*** or more)
Zen Bound has about 20 negative user reviews in US iTunes (** or less)

Because of this, the people who dislike Zen Bound have a focused set of reviews to consider helpful, whereas the positive thumbs-ups are spread over a larger distribution.

The end result is that the three reviews on the front page of iTunes are mostly negative, because they are considered the most helpful by the iTunes rating system.

So as a developer request, if you ever give a thumbs-up to a five-star review, it helps if you pick one that already has a lot of votes.

lol! how much do you earn ? 50.000$ per day with zen bound? why do you complain... many people don't like this game because it is really boring, but many people love it because it is nice, that's life, be happy with what you get :)

[Frand]

lol! how much do you earn ? 50.000$ per day with zen bound? why do you complain... be happy with what you get :)

Heh, nowhere near that sum. And yes, we are happy for every day that the game is selling, and there's nothing we take for granted.

But the observation is valid, judging from the majority of the reviews, people are mostly happy with their purchase, yet the system presents only the voices of those who feel otherwise.

Every customer is entitled to their opinion, and we take all constructive feedback to heart, but it would be fair if the front page opinions in iTunes were a balanced overview of customer response, instead of a biased one.

I can't imagine why we shouldn't be concerned over the sales of our game.

[armen]

Heh, nowhere near that sum. And yes, we are happy for every day that the game is selling, and there's nothing we take for granted.

But the observation is valid, judging from the majority of the reviews, people are mostly happy with their purchase, yet the system presents only the voices of those who feel otherwise.

Every customer is entitled to their opinion, and we take all constructive feedback to heart, but it would be fair if the front page opinions in iTunes were a balanced overview of customer response, instead of a biased one.

I can't imagine why we shouldn't be concerned over the sales of our game.

come on, we all know that top 10 games' selling are around 10.000 per day, at 5$ it makes 50.000$... ok you get "only" 70%, i forgot this. many people vote for negative comments because they agree, i don't see a problem there... is there another game on the store with "biased review" or is it just for ZB ? you made a fair game and your sales are really really good, you might not ask too much i think, just be happy with that, this is my point.

[hirschy75]

come on, we all know that top 10 games' selling are around 10.000 per day, at 5$ it makes 50.000$... ok you get "only" 70%, i forgot this. many people vote for negative comments because they agree, i don't see a problem there... is there another game on the store with "biased review" or is it just for ZB ? you made a fair game and your sales are really really good, you might not ask too much i think, just be happy with that, this is my point.

maybe you could try not be a total d-bad and just not comment if you're to lazy to take 5 mins to try and help out a dev who make a great game but due to a flaw in the system his reviews are getting worse

[Frand]

come on, we all know that top 10 games' selling are around 10.000 per day, at 5$ it makes 50.000$... ok you get "only" 70%, i forgot this. many people vote for negative comments because they agree, i don't see a problem there... is there another game on the store with "biased review" or is it just for ZB ? you made a fair game and your sales are really really good, you might not ask too much i think, just be happy with that, this is my point.

Unfortunately your projection is way off, and top 10 games do not sell 10 000 copies per day. Top 3 perhaps, but not top 10.

As for biased selection of reviews, the point is still totally valid. Example:

Game sells 103 copies, 100 people love it and write 5-star reviews, 3 people hate it and give it 1 star each.

200 more people buy the game and love it, 9 people buy the game and hate it. Then all the users vote the reviews with perfect distribution:

Each of the 5-star reviews gets two thumbs-up, but each of the 1-star reviews gets three thumbs up.

Therefore the front page of the game that shows three "most useful" reviews (as judged by the number of votes each) only shows the negative reviews, and the positive impressions of the vast majority of customers are ignored.

[armen]

Unfortunately your projection is way off, and top 10 games do not sell 10 000 copies per day. Top 3 perhaps, but not top 10.

As for biased selection of reviews, the point is still totally valid. Example:

Game sells 103 copies, 100 people love it and write 5-star reviews, 3 people hate it and give it 1 star each.

200 more people buy the game and love it, 9 people buy the game and hate it. Then all the users vote the reviews with perfect distribution:

Each of the 5-star reviews gets two thumbs-up, but each of the 1-star reviews gets three thumbs up.

Therefore the front page of the game that shows three "most useful" reviews (as judged by the number of votes each) only shows the negative reviews, and the positive impressions of the vast majority of customers are ignored.

you are totaly wrong because it is not based on a volume but on a ratio. 1/1 = 100/100, moreover some games show the opposite.
example, tower blox 3d, average = 3,5/5, first three review are 5/5 stars...
the same for iDracula, and a lot more games... i guess they are also some reviews made by the author, some people said that big companies buy a lot of their games to make a lot of 5/5 stars reviews.

your objection about biased review is pointless.
for ZB it just means that a lot of people like it, just a few love it, and many people regret to bought it. how many people bought the game from the start?

[Frand]

you are totaly wrong because it is not based on a volume but on a ratio. 1/1 = 100/100, moreover some games show the opposite.
example, tower blox 3d, average = 3,5/5, first three review are 5/5 stars...
the same for iDracula, and a lot more games... i guess they are also some reviews made by the author, some people said that big companies buy a lot of their games to make a lot of 5/5 stars reviews.

your objection about biased review is pointless.
for ZB it just means that a lot of people like it, just a few love it, and many people regret to bought it. how many people bought the game from the start?

Please check again. The three reviews shown on Tower Bloxx front page are the three customer reviews that have received the most votes, hence they are considered "most helpful".

[hirschy75]

you are totaly wrong because it is not based on a volume but on a ratio. 1/1 = 100/100, moreover some games show the opposite.
example, tower blox 3d, average = 3,5/5, first three review are 5/5 stars...
the same for iDracula, and a lot more games... i guess they are also some reviews made by the author, some people said that big companies buy a lot of their games to make a lot of 5/5 stars reviews.

your objection about biased review is pointless.
for ZB it just means that a lot of people like it, just a few love it, and many people regret to bought it. how many people bought the game from the start?

i bought it from the start

and can you stop arguing with the dev about this. he most likely knows more unless you for some reason work for apple or something like that since it is his game you are arguing about

[armen]

i bought it from the start

and can you stop arguing with the dev about this. he most likely knows more unless you for some reason work for apple or something like that since it is his game you are arguing about

the dev asked us to vote for good reviews on his game. i am just telling him we can not do that because it is wrong, he has to accept bad reviews AND good reviews, and he should be happy because i am sure he sold 10.000 per day. he knows apple more i agree, but he wants more, more and more and i don't agree, do you?

[markx2]

I bought it from the start, am very happy with what I paid. I also recommended it to several people directly, twittered the url twice and posted the address in a couple of forums. No-one has said anything remotely poor about it - they all love it.

It has the WOW factor for me still just like it also makes me smile.

Quit giving the dev some grief and go play the games you do like.

[markx2]

the dev asked us to vote for good reviews on his game.

No he did not. He just gave us information which we might find helpful. I certainly did not know it and it will help me help other game developers get the feedback they deserve. There is a LOT of difference between what was written and what you are saying was written.

[armen]

Please check again. The three reviews shown on Tower Bloxx front page are the three customer reviews that have received the most votes, hence they are considered "most helpful".

i did but it is just a coincidence, check out rolando, you will see i am right
the ratio is more important than the volume

[hirschy75]

the dev asked us to vote for good reviews on his game. i am just telling him we can not do that because it is wrong, he has to accept bad reviews AND good reviews, and he should be happy because i am sure he sold 10.000 per day. he knows apple more i agree, but he wants more, more and more and i don't agree, do you?

what did you read? he just told us that people who dont like the game are finding the negative reviews more helpful so he asked the people who do like it to do the reverse of what the other ones are doing.

and how does he want more and more and more?
that makes no sense at all

if you dont like this game then dont do what he says, im sure he wont lose sleep over it

and theres no way he's sold 10,000 a day

[Frand]

the dev asked us to vote for good reviews on his game. i am just telling him we can not do that because it is wrong, he has to accept bad reviews AND good reviews, and he should be happy because i am sure he sold 10.000 per day. he knows apple more i agree, but he wants more, more and more and i don't agree, do you?

This will be my last comment on this odd argument:
1) I explained how to make votes count if anyone should decide to vote. Not once did I ask for votes. Feel free to re-read every post of mine.

2) The game has not sold anywhere near 10 000 copies on any single day. If it did, there would certainly be no reason to dispute that.

3) As already written in more than one post, we accept all constructive criticism and negative reviews. None of my posts have whined about any single consumer opinion being false or biased. The issue is with the iTunes system and how reviews are being selected to be shown on the front page. There is no clearer example I can give than the one speaking of 100 good vs. 3 bad reviews.

To underline, giving a vote for a user review that has no previous votes is not beneficial in the context of the front page of the application in iTunes. Only the three reviews with most votes are displayed. Because of this, it creates a situation where the minority opinion is amplified.

This is exactly the same for Rolando. The three reviews with the most user votes are displayed on the front page.

[hirschy75]

allright this is a weird argument but nice game so far and i just got to the last level on the first tree, so awesome!

any updates on the new update?

[armen]

what did you read? he just told us that people who dont like the game are finding the negative reviews more helpful so he asked the people who do like it to do the reverse of what the other ones are doing.

and how does he want more and more and more?
that makes no sense at all

if you dont like this game then dont do what he says, im sure he wont lose sleep over it

and theres no way he's sold 10,000 a day

hig? are you working with him? remember the sales figure from iFart, how can you say he has not sold 10.000 a day?

[Frand]

i did but it is just a coincidence, check out rolando, you will see i am right
the ratio is more important than the volume

Re-checked, you're right about the ratio vs. volume. This involves people also giving negative votes, which my observations and comments didn't include.

[don_k]

That's 3 great points, Frand. It's really weird, I don't know what he's arguing about. Ah well, time to get some Zen :)

[Frand]

allright this is a weird argument but nice game so far and i just got to the last level on the first tree, so awesome!

any updates on the new update?

No news yet. The 1.1 update was submitted on the 4th of March, so hopefully we'll see it in a few days.

[gootch12]

the dev asked us to vote for good reviews on his game. i am just telling him we can not do that because it is wrong, he has to accept bad reviews AND good reviews, and he should be happy because i am sure he sold 10.000 per day. he knows apple more i agree, but he wants more, more and more and i don't agree, do you?

No no. Frand pointed out the discrepancy (and it IS a discrepancy, the smaller pool of negatives makes them disproportionately heavy-weighted. It ends up being misleading.). She (Frand, you are female, yes?) mentioned that "...if you ever give a thumbs-up to a five-star review, it helps if you pick one that already has a lot of votes."

I suggested that we could make a difference. And I only suggested it "If you purchased Zen Bound and think it is great..." (emphasis added)

So really, cut the devs some slack, again, all they said was:

"...if you ever give a thumbs-up to a five-star review, it helps if you pick one that already has a lot of votes."

That seems like a fair enough statement.

[ibelongintheforums]

hig? are you working with him? remember the sales figure from iFart, how can you say he has not sold 10.000 a day?

shut up dude. he said he didnt sell 10,000 so he didnt. the top 3 sell that much, he was 9th i believe. get over it.
frand, hows the update coming?

[armen]

This is exactly the same for Rolando. The three reviews with the most user votes are displayed on the front page.

this is a big lie!!! here are the rolando reviews order by most helpful

1) 50 out of 62 customers found this review helpful
2) 44 out of 59
3) 37 out of 47
4) 31 out of 43
5) 24 out of 34
6) 39 out of 145 (you see the ratio now ????)
7) 19 out of 27
etc...

it is the same on a lot of games, so please stop lying, and stop crying... Apple does a great job and you should thank them and us instead of asking more help!
I say you have sold 10.000 ZB a day because i saw the iFart sales figures, if it is not true just give us your sales figure or stop lying

EDIT : ok Frand you have sold around 5000 a day, not 10.000, i checked again the sales figure and i was wrong, really sorry. but i am still right about the ratio :)

[Frand]

She (Frand, you are female, yes?)

My beard says otherwise, sorry :D

[DHrox]

My beard says otherwise, sorry :D

Yeah, think of the Metroid reveal, except it's a guy. Off topic.

On topic; armen, where did you get those figures from? You have to give EXACT proof when you say someone is lying. Otherwise my BS Alert System will go nutso. That and do cut the dev some slack. I don't think he's going to lie to his loyal supporters.

[ibelongintheforums]

someone ban the guy please.............

apples reviews are messed up
rate on delete and all the other crap apple thinks of
you really have drank the apple kool-aid huh?

ifart sales were around christmas time which means more ipod sales, opening on x-mas, buying games, ifart bought
and ifart was number one

there is a GIANT distance between one to 9
giant
so no, he doesnt sell that much a day and why does that matter anyways?

this is a big lie!!! here are the rolando reviews order by most helpful

1) 50 out of 62 customers found this review helpful
2) 44 out of 59
3) 37 out of 47
4) 31 out of 43
5) 24 out of 34
6) 39 out of 145 (you see the ratio now ????)
7) 19 out of 27
etc...

it is the same on a lot of games, so please stop lying, and stop crying... Apple does a great job and you should thank them and us instead of asking more help!
I say you have sold 10.000 ZB a day because i saw the iFart sales figures, if it is not true just give us your sales figure or stop lying

[armen]

Yeah, think of the Metroid reveal, except it's a guy. Off topic.

On topic; armen, where did you get those figures from? You have to give EXACT proof when you say someone is lying. Otherwise my BS Alert System will go nutso. That and do cut the dev some slack. I don't think he's going to lie to his loyal supporters.

i am right about the ratio, see my post about rolando
but i was wrong on the sales figure, forgive me Frand
iFart was released in US only at first, but ZB works really well in every country, so you should double the sales figures below :

http://www.joelcomm.com/updated_iphone_app_sales_the_f.html

(edit : don't try to look after 22th december because xmas messed up everything)

[Frand]

Yeah, think of the Metroid reveal, except it's a guy. Off topic.

In absence of avatars, here's the big reveal:
http://secretexit.com/uploads/MSN_Avatar.jpg

As for sales numbers, comparing the performance of one app to another has only a loose relationship. Sales are overall higher during the holiday period, and any single daily sale doesn't instantly put an app to a respective position on the top charts. As far as I can determine, there is some kind of averaging done over a longer period, but that is known only by Apple.

[hirschy75]

this is a big lie!!! here are the rolando reviews order by most helpful

1) 50 out of 62 customers found this review helpful
2) 44 out of 59
3) 37 out of 47
4) 31 out of 43
5) 24 out of 34
6) 39 out of 145 (you see the ratio now ????)
7) 19 out of 27
etc...

it is the same on a lot of games, so please stop lying, and stop crying... Apple does a great job and you should thank them and us instead of asking more help!
I say you have sold 10.000 ZB a day because i saw the iFart sales figures, if it is not true just give us your sales figure or stop lying

EDIT : ok Frand you have sold around 5000 a day, not 10.000, i checked again the sales figure and i was wrong, really sorry. but i am still right about the ratio :)


hig? are you working with him? remember the sales figure from iFart, how can you say he has not sold 10.000 a day?



first off i dont know Frand and i have never talked with him except maybe twice in this thread so as far as i know i am not working with him

second this is a dumb argument

third apple may do a fairly decent job but every system has their own problems/bugs that it needs to work out like how there are like 20 old updates i can get if i go on the app store, no ones perfect.

forth this is such a dumb argument

fifth the dev never asked us to sell him more apps or anything, he just asked people who bought Zen Bound and liked it to help out with reviews if they haven't allready done so

sixth this is such a dumb argument

seventh were not talking about iFart and you can't compare

eighth this is such a dumb argument

ninth does it really matter how many copies he sells?

tenth this dumb argument is getting so old

[armen]

you took too much time to write this "dumb" answer man
i am in peace with Frand now :)

[gootch12]

My beard says otherwise, sorry :D

Oops. My bad. :o

Don't know where I thought I saw that.

[hirschy75]

you took too much time to write this "dumb" answer man
i am in peace with Frand now :)

no joke it took less than a minute

sorry, just thought maybe it would end it :)

[nuggetsman28]

someone ban the guy please.............

Apples reviews are messed up
rate on delete and all the other crap apple thinks of
you really have drank the apple kool-aid huh?

Ifart sales were around christmas time which means more ipod sales, opening on x-mas, buying games, ifart bought
and ifart was number one

there is a giant distance between one to 9
giant
so no, he doesnt sell that much a day and why does that matter anyways?


lol u got banned:d

[hirschy75]

What?

[le'deuche123]

lol u got banned:d

How does one still post if they're banned??

[Donburns99]

How does one still post if they're banned??IBITF hasn't posted..

Under his name it does say banned.

[Frand]

1.1 update approved. Should be available on the App Store soon.

As a reminder, if you feel like voting in favor of Zen Bound in the App Store, please pick a review that already has a larger amount of votes.

[hirschy75]

1.1 update approved. Should be available on the App Store soon.

As a reminder, if you feel like voting in favor of Zen Bound in the App Store, please pick a review that already has a larger amount of votes.

awesome

cant wait

i already voted for most positive ones but ill see if i can do it again

[jmelrose]

1.1 update approved. Should be available on the App Store soon.

That was fast. I'm downloading 1.1 already!!

[don_k]

Hi Frand,
1. what do you think of this idea:

I think it would be nice that if you've opened a level but still have 0% (or played a bit and then unwrapped the object back to 0%), it would say "Play" instead of "Continue".

I think it's a great idea. I hate how I sometimes unintentionally start a level and I can't quit it as it would always say 'continue' unless I re-finish it. And as I said, I can't just quickly show off some beautiful levels without finishing it. I don't like seeing 'continue' everywhere.

2. When I was playing the game, the rope got stuck in the wood and I couldn't pull it. I know the rope is very sticky, but it's different. It literally got stuck in the wood and I don't know how to pull it out so I just restarted the level. It didn't happen again. Is it a known issue?

[Frand]

Hi Frand,
1. what do you think of this idea:



I think it's a great idea. I hate how I sometimes unintentionally start a level and I can't quit it as it would always say 'continue' unless I re-finish it. And as I said, I can't just quickly show off some beautiful levels without finishing it. I don't like seeing 'continue' everywhere.

2. When I was playing the game, the rope got stuck in the wood and I couldn't pull it. I know the rope is very sticky, but it's different. It literally got stuck in the wood and I don't know how to pull it out so I just restarted the level. It didn't happen again. Is it a known issue?

Yes, some levels can occasionally have rope interpenetration happen. It's a known issue.

[ibelongintheforums]

Hey, we have a review up of zen bound on my website. Check it out. (sig)

This game is ridiculously addicting. I still haven't beat it. Has anyone else?

[don_k]

spmwinkel has.

I'm here to give everyone some hope! :D

The last level CAN be completed! :cool:

http://forums.toucharcade.com/picture.php?albumid=48&pictureid=275 http://forums.toucharcade.com/picture.php?albumid=48&pictureid=276

So keep trying, you should be able to get it eventually. :)

Secret Exit, thanks for this awesome game, I'm looking forward to the new tree coming later this month. It would still be nice if the rope would properly paint the objects in all situations but at least we know that the game can be finished right now. :)

(Does this make me the first TouchArcade member to finish Zen Bound?)

[spmwinkel]

Yeah, for now... But the next tree is only a week or two away! :o

[aerolord]

The whale is really freaking hard.. It's like my 8th tries...

[polyplay]

The whale is really freaking hard.. It's like my 8th tries...

Which one? The first? That was the first level I had to restart. I just ran out of rope all of a sudden.

The second one is pretty easy.

Wait until you get to the last level on that tree. It took me way more than 8 tries to beat it. :)

[don_k]

I hate the elephant. I could do 2 levels above it (that's where I'm at), but still can't fully wrap that one.

Switching back and forth between Tree of Reflections and Challenges are nice too. I much prefer animals, but don't mind the boxes for a break.

[spmwinkel]

I "hated" both Obfuskation I and Obfuskation II, both from the Tree of Challenge.

I remember doing Obfuskation I and thinking "Ah, so this is how they're going to make this game really hard. I hope the last level isn't like this, that could be an ultimate challenge". But of course, Obfuskation II was presented exactly at the end... :rolleyes:

[aerolord]

Which one? The first? That was the first level I had to restart. I just ran out of rope all of a sudden.

The second one is pretty easy.

Wait until you get to the last level on that tree. It took me way more than 8 tries to beat it. :)

Ya, the first whale.. The max I can go is 92%(I think) and the string is all used up.

[sam the lion]

yep, I'm trying the whale, too!

[don_k]

I remember there was a level in Tree of Challenge where I used all the strings to get 99%. And just as I was nailing the rope, the rope moved and it became 98% :mad:

so I restarted the level again and could finish it with around 5m to spare :cool:

[Frand]

Just to let everyone know, Zen Bound 1.2 update will address the following:

- Paint spread from rope will be smooth and continuous (no more blotches)
- Rope interpenetrating with objects improved (perfection not guaranteed)
- Silly bug with 'Previous' displaying the wrong value changed
- Level beginning says 'Play' instead of 'Continue' if the save game had 0% coverage
- Save game issues hopefully addressed

By 'hopefully' when it comes to save games we mean we still were not able to reproduce any of the reported problems, but we added some checks and safeguards that should take care of problem cases.

1.2 update will also include the Tree of Nostalgia.

[DHrox]

1.2 update will also include the tree of nostalgia.

holy crap. Holy crap. Holy crap. It's coming!

[don_k]

- Level beginning says 'Play' instead of 'Continue' if the save game had 0% coverage

HOORAYYY!!!
Thank you Frand!! :) :)

does it mean the game doesn't save anything? or does it actually save something but just says 'play' instead of 'continue' and thus still eats some memory?

Also, what happened if we wrap the object to 10%, then unwrap it to 0% and quit the level, would it say 'play' or 'continue'?

[emb531]

Also, what happened if we wrap the object to 10%, then unwrap it to 0% and quit the level, would it say 'play' or 'continue'?

Does this honestly affect your expierence with the game that much? It's one word you see for half a second before starting the level, honestly what difference does it make? It is just trivial to even mention and request...

Glad to hear the Tree of Nostalgia is coming in the 1.2 update Frand, any time frame for when it will be submitted? Looking forward to wrapping some more inanimate objects :cool:

[Frand]

does it mean the game doesn't save anything? or does it actually save something but just says 'play' instead of 'continue' and thus still eats some memory?

Also, what happened if we wrap the object to 10%, then unwrap it to 0% and quit the level, would it say 'play' or 'continue'?

If a level has 0% coverage, a save file isn't written. But even if it were, the space required for one is in the range of kilobytes - nothing to worry about.

There's still testing, testing, testing and content work required, but we're still sticking with March for the update (late March for certain).

[coconutbowling]

I'm glad the update is still in March. For a while, I was starting to think it would be delayed to April.

[Frand]

I'm glad the update is still in March. For a while, I was starting to think it would be delayed to April.

Well, we are flying from Helsinki to San Francisco next week for GDC, so it's a slight inconvenience for our development schedule, but we're doing our best :)

[don_k]

If a level has 0% coverage, a save file isn't written. But even if it were, the space required for one is in the range of kilobytes - nothing to worry about.

Thank you, Frand, I really appreciate it :)

Does this honestly affect your expierence with the game that much? It's one word you see for half a second before starting the level, honestly what difference does it make? It is just trivial to even mention and request...

If you're constantly showing off 20 finished levels to your friends without any intention to replay them, you'd know how it affects my experience. I hate to get 20 'continue's on my screen, so I'd replay them just to get the levels done.

[spmwinkel]

Frand, that update sounds great. Thanks for listening to the user requests and fitting them into the Secret Exit game plan. Looking forward to playing the new tree!

[Frand]

There were also requests that people wanted to be able to hide the in-game progress display and have an undisturbed wrapping experience. Done.

[don_k]

There were also requests that people wanted to be able to hide the in-game progress display and have an undisturbed wrapping experience. Done.

I wasn't one of those that requested this feature, but it sounds good. Thanks SecretExit!

[Coral]

I don't have the time to read through this whole thread but I need some help. On the first Whale, Tranquility, does anyone have any strategies for getting 99% or 100%? I always run out of rope before I can finish it. Any tips would be appreciated. Courage is also causing problems for me.

[wootbean]

I don't have the time to read through this whole thread but I need some help. On the first Whale, Tranquility, does anyone have any strategies for getting 99% or 100%? I always run out of rope before I can finish it. Any tips would be appreciated. Courage is also causing problems for me.

I'm having whale problems too. and the snake (Deception) and two snakes (Balance) as well

[don_k]

In general, my tips is to avoid wrapping rope in such way that it makes the surface beneath it impossible to wrap (unless it's already wrapped), then don't spend too much rope trying to wrap 1 area perfectly. Often, when you wrap just a bit more than 99%, all the little uncovered areas are 'magically' covered and it becomes a perfect 100%.

[HardcoreEricXXX]

I thought this thread fell off the charts just like Zen Bound.