iPhone Project "Joan" – bloody indie scroll shooter for pixel lovers

Discussion in 'Upcoming iOS Games' started by Happybyte, Jul 24, 2013.

  1. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    #1 Happybyte, Jul 24, 2013
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2014
    Update from 2014.02.18

    Todays news are:
    - a new video and new screens
    - new game description and it's key features
    - a launch of the Joan Mad Run page on Steam Greenlight
    - good news about multi-platform goals
    - sad/good news about beta testing

    Scroll down for more stuff.

    Trailer

    The first gameplay trailer video - 5 new levels, a new boss, new mobs and new guns, yet still w/o shaders:



    News

    The main news today is that we decided to launch the game on as many platforms as we will be able to handle - Mac/PC/Linux/iOS/Android. It'll depend on how well the project is funded and voted. So, vote and follow us if you'd like to see the game not just on the iOS.

    The sad news is that beta testing iOS builds via TestFlight has recently become impossible for common users, which have no iOS Developer Program account. In order to be able to install anything from TestFlight you'll need first to activate your iOS device using Xcode and the IDP account login. So, we dropped the beta build distribution via TestFlight.

    Instead of using TestFlight and because developing the game will probably take at least several more months we will be releasing a free (with no IAP) version of the game with a different main character and a separate new level - hopefully this is a matter of just several weeks.

    For some time we were working on a limited Web/Flash version, but, as it turned out, it's far from being playable by now - so, the free prequel on iOS probably comes first.

    Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the new content!

    Screens

    New screenshots with added shaders and dynamic light effects:

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    Joan Mad Run

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    Click the pic to see the actual pixels.

    Joan Mad Run is a pixel-art gory fight-to-the-death run’n’gun, that takes your enemies straight to hell. Literally.

    The story begins with Joan waking up from a razor-sharp nightmare, which, ironically, turns out to be reality. Locked up in prison and bearing no memories about her past, she is left one-on-one with her insanity. Led by her inner voice, that craves for blood, and remorseless in the desire to find out the truth about her real self, Joan sets off on her cutthroat escape mission.

    Having no one she can trust, Joan, luckily, has her guns, that would leave no chance for anyone or anything in her way. Stimulating in its sheer insanity and unnerving in its out-of-control brutality, the game instantly forces you into Joan’s shoes. And that’s when you get an amazing chance to satisfy your bloodlust by burning your enemies alive, melting them with acid, chopping them and watching their blood spurt like geyser, striking them with lightning, exploding them, squeezing them like bugs or sending them directly to the blazing inferno.

    Pure and straight-down-the-line in its skeletal outline, Joan Mad Run is not that simple as it may seem. Being infected with the thrill of madness, you will have to try to keep your head cool, think fast and be hell dexterous if you hope to survive. Deadly traps, grisly bosses and callous scumbags are all here. So grab your gun, bite the bullet and show them who’s boss.

    Key Features

    * single-player / multi-platform co-op multiplayer
    * speedy breakneck gameplay with brutal boss battles and hardcore soundtrack
    * dozens of meticulously designed weapons – from shotgun and katana to monomolecular wire and satanic pighead-gun
    * exquisite and spectacular death effects: cut, explode, burn, freeze, melt, incinerate, squeeze, send to hell and use even more unique torture methods
    * weapon crafting workbench that will allow to create stunning weapon combos
    * plethora of atmospheric locations with over 50 callous enemies to test your limits
    * dynamic environments with shader-based light and particle effects
    * lots of secrets to unveil - secret levels/rooms/corridors, unique items and easter eggs
    * procedurally generated levels
    * supports many game controllers
    * use your mobile phone as a wireless controller over WiFi
    * natively stream game video and audio to compatible TVs and media centers over network
    * play on desktop and on the go on PC/Mac/Linux/iOS/Android (progress synced across your computers and devices)
    * will support all US/EU/AP major languages (and yours if you help us translate)

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    Follow us on Facebook to track updates http://www.facebook.com/Happymagenta
     
  2. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    #2 Happybyte, Jul 24, 2013
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2013
    Meet some more weapon designs and effects - upgraded weapons mostly.

    Satanic

    An upgraded Imp gun opens a black hole into a dark world and sends it to traverse the level to gather blood and souls:

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    Super shotgun

    10 gauge shotgun shrapnel spreads to a wider area - it's that powerful so it shoots enemies on all level platforms:

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    AK-47 with submachine grenade launcher

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    Shot of Odin

    An upgraded version of Lighting gun, sends out a lightning ball electrocuting all who is trapped too close:

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    Acid gun LV

    An upgraded Acid gun, deploys a bunch of head-crabs that spit acid and melt everyone on all level platforms:

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    Microwave gun 22

    A wider ray of microwave energy burns across all levels:

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    Freezer with freezing grenade launcher

    Cools down everything in the range of the grenade blast, including the environment:

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    Plasma sword with bullet deflection

    Upgraded plasma sword give you an ability to deflect projectiles, bullets:

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    Monomolecular net upgrade

    Throw monomolecular net and slice everyone in front of you into tiny pieces:

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    Circular saw C.P.

    Throws saw discs after upgrade:

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    Knife

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    Katana

    Replaces knife as an upgrade - slices enemies in several pieces:

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    Reducer

    Shrinks enemies to mice size - step on them to smash:

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    Golden pistol upgrade

    Allows a more rapid rate of fire:

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    Shutgun

    A king of close combat:

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  3. anthonyusher87

    Oct 9, 2010
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    Hi guys, game looks good. Can I put myself forward for beta testing? Cheers.
     
  4. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    Thanks :)

    Please, send me a message with your email for a TestFlight invite, or an already registered with the TestFlight email address.
     
  5. waffer15

    waffer15 Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2013
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    Looks fun! Well, the graphics of the game makes me interested, i love these type of pixel games. My email is [email protected].
    When can we expect a build. Or are you guys not even to beta in development?
     
  6. dreadnok

    dreadnok Well-Known Member

    Jun 8, 2011
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    I came here to kick ass and chew bubble gum I'm ou
    Looks great I love that the character is getting ready to kickass
     
  7. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    Right now we have done pretty much:
    - most of gfx needed for levels, weapons and mobs (except user interface)
    - beta engine with test levels and most of mobs (except level bosses)
    - nearly 40% of weapons are programmed with their effects and physics

    What is left:
    - programming the remaining 60% of weapons and their effects
    - extra dynamic lighting
    - extra effects on levels, weapons and etc.
    - more game balance
    - game user interface
    - final level design
    - final game balance

    Right now I play "Joan" more than just daily and I can say, although it's still has things to be done, it's quite hard to give up - sometimes I hang in it for hours :)

    So, we'll be sending early-beta invites soon.

    Stay tuned and send me your TestFlight addresses if you want the beta.
     
  8. Thephantom2k1

    Thephantom2k1 Active Member

    Sep 29, 2012
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    Looks great count me in. Sending private message with test flight email.
     
  9. AnarKitty

    AnarKitty Well-Known Member

    Oct 10, 2010
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    The pixel art looks fantastic. I hope the rest of development and the beta go well, and can't wait to play this! :)
     
  10. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    #10 Happybyte, Jul 30, 2013
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2013
    I’ve just updated the main post with more content – added an animated avatar that shows Joan health level, weapons, ammo and more - how do you like it?

    Thanks all for your opinion :)

    We still have some more spots for beta testers. Thanks to those, who already has sent us their TestFlight emails. Please send me a private message on this forum if you also want to participate.

    The beta will be ready for testing in about a week or two.

    Next we will be posting some more updates that will show weapons, their effects and what extremely cruel things they do with mobs – then we will start the beta testing.
     
  11. Chill Dude

    Chill Dude Member

    Jul 3, 2013
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    Looks fantastic is there any idea on a release date? :)
     
  12. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    Thanks :)

    I guess it's somewhat in September 2013 in the best case - we'll be contacting some publishers on GamesCom in the end of August, and if they will ask us to modify anything in the game, it might be a slight delay, yet still fits the September.
     
  13. waffer15

    waffer15 Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2013
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    When can we expext our first build?
     
  14. Bankai44

    Bankai44 Well-Known Member

    Dec 27, 2009
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    Professional Mother Lover
    With your mom
    Where do you want to discuss the bugs and feedback during the testing? Do you just want it done thru email or do you have a place we need to sign up to post our findings.

    If you need a place to post, I could always make a hidden board on my forum for us to discuss the bugs/feedback.

    ;)
     
  15. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    We planned to make it available at around 11-13th of August.

    But...

    If you think it's fun to play just one (a quite hard) test level with only 40% of weapons (pistol, shotgun, AK47 with grenade launcher, freezing gun and extremely cruel laser gun) that'are ready by now - I can try to arrange the first beta build a bit earlier.
     
  16. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    I think forum is a good idea. Yet I'm not sure what is right for that. I don't think there will be a need to signup anywhere for anything. May be emais are a better and faster way to discuss bug things. On the other hand, if you'll be posting your game impressions, you could post it right here - it is not against TA rules, is it?
     
  17. Bankai44

    Bankai44 Well-Known Member

    Dec 27, 2009
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    I'm okay with whatever decision you make. But as far as rules on TA, I'm not sure if it's against it or not. But if you're wanting to keep some things a secret as far as when it comes to our impressions and feedback on the game, perhaps you would prefer something more private (i.e. email or a hidden board on my forum). lol, either way I will help you out the best way I can...

    ;)
     
  18. waffer15

    waffer15 Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2013
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    The earlier the better, haha. The quicker we get to play it, the faster the feedback comes in and the earlier you guys can change, or here how awesome your game is gonna be. You will have to explain that it isnt finished yet, we will understand thatthe guns arent all ready. Im perfectly fine with testing only one level. I saw you talking about how the game is addicting so im sure we will have a blast! So yeah, the earlier the better really. It helps you guys out more with the feedback and everything, and it keeps us happy, because we actually get to play the game.
     
  19. Happybyte

    Happybyte Well-Known Member
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    Some project news...

    We decided to make the first beta go live earlier - on August 5th.

    I've just sent invites to all, who sent me their email.

    We still have available spots - register here if you'd like to participate:
    http://tflig.ht/17W4SZN

    And, a small extra bonus.
    I hope you'll like it.
    A new sountrack for Joan:
    http://snd.sc/14Hvd9M
     
  20. Bankai44

    Bankai44 Well-Known Member

    Dec 27, 2009
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    Can't wait for Aug. 5th; and the music sounds like something from Tron...love it!

    By the way Paully (unless this is someone else), where are you wanting to have the bugs/issues reported to? Just thru the Testflight email when you send the new builds or do you have a place set up for us to join and post our findings/and feedback.

    If you need a place to have us report I'd be happy to set up a hidden board on my forum for all of us to communicate. Just let me know if you'd like something like that set up.

    ;)
     

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