Hi everyone! I'd like to announce my game, ElectroTrains, which is now a universal app. The graphics are glowing-vector style, largely because I'm a programmer rather than an artist and can't draw(!). Also somewhat inspired by Jeff Minter's classic Tempest 2000 on the Atari Jaguar. ElectroTrains **Now also available on the Android Google Play Store**Top Rated Game - "LED powered train madness" … $0.99 Buy Now Watch Media Details**Now also available on the Android Google Play Store**Top Rated Game - "LED powered train madness" 5/5 stars (What's on iPhone)"ElectroTrains is proof that train games don't need to be boring" (IGN)"With unlockable maps and plenty of awards to seek, ElectroTrains has enough in its back pocket to keep you entertained for quite a while." (App Chronicles)*** Now includes 3 all new maps in addition to the game's original 3. ***How long can you keep the railway running smoothly?Electric blue, red and green trains approach - can you guide them to the right stations and safely away without crashing? Switch the points to send the trains to the correctly colored stations. Tap the trains to speed them up and avoid collisions. Once you've delivered your passengers, send the trains on their onward journeys to make room for new arrivals at the junction.Simple controls - tap to switch points, tap to speed up the trains.Perfect for any train journey, long or short.Super-smooth even on first-generation devices.UNLOCKABLE MAPSElectrotrains has six different maps - some easy, some hard.VECTOR GRAPHICSFeatures stylish electro-looks, and support for retina display on the newest iPhone and iPod models.MEDALS & ONLINE LEADERBOARDS (new in v1.4)Get medals for your in-game achievements - can you collect them all?Compare your score with other players around the world.Ranked #1 in Games/Strategy in App Stores around Europe when it went free for 2 days.*** If you like ElectroTrains, check out the new sequel "More ElectroTrains" with 6 more maps and improved HD graphics *** Information Seller: Genre:Arcade, Strategy Release:Nov 17, 2011 Updated:Nov 30, -0001 Version: Size:0.0 TouchArcade Rating:Unrated User Rating: (6) Your Rating:unrated Compatibility:HD Universal Gameplay video TouchArcade thread for the original version: http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=114083 slewis7 Well-Known Member Apr 6, 2011 3,775 41 48 Male Retired! Houston, TX #2 slewis7, Feb 15, 2012 Last edited: Feb 15, 2012 Game impressions I was lucky enough to get a promo code for this and what a pleasant suprise! First off, the developer sort of apologizes for the graphics because he is not an artist, but I would beg to differ - I absolutely love the look of the game. The gameplay is the star though as it is very simple and very enjoyable - just try to think ahead and manage the traffic. Of course, it can get very hectic. While there are only 3 maps, the point of the game is about getting a high score and each map offers plenty of replay ability. My only request for the game is Game Center support for leader boards. With that one addition this is an easy 5 star game for me. pka4916 Well-Known Member Jun 6, 2009 2,584 0 36 Male Wisconsin #3 pka4916, Feb 15, 2012 Looks interesting. Might give it a shot later tonight. Ubisububi Well-Known Member Oct 8, 2009 1,088 9 38 California #4 Ubisububi, Feb 15, 2012 I bought this game when it was iPhone only and I am still enjoying it. The vector graphics are right up my alley, and the gameplay is smooth and fun. My only complaint has to do with the game difficulty. Once you hit 30,000 points, the game gets INSTANTLY and dramatically harder. I still haven't unlocked the third map because of this. Maybe I'll have better luck now that I can play it on my iPad. LordGek Well-Known Member Staff Member Patreon Silver Patreon Gold Patreon Bronze Feb 19, 2009 12,279 130 63 Software QA Engineer Saratoga, CA, USA #5 LordGek, Feb 15, 2012 While it would mess up your multiplier, maybe you simply need to send some trains off the map early to free up space (if that's the issue)? Ubisububi Well-Known Member Oct 8, 2009 1,088 9 38 California #6 Ubisububi, Feb 15, 2012 Last edited: Feb 15, 2012 I'm sure that's the way to go, but I can't stop trying to manage every train correctly. It seems that a well-balanced game would make it possible, even if it is very, very difficult. With this game, however, that's the only way to survive when you hit 30,000 as 3 stopping trains on the screen at the same time = failure. Edit: I finally unlocked the 3rd map without sending off any trains early. I just got lucky in the late game with a run of non-stopping trains. It's definitely easier to play on the iPad (which isn't a big surprise). LordGek Well-Known Member Staff Member Patreon Silver Patreon Gold Patreon Bronze Feb 19, 2009 12,279 130 63 Software QA Engineer Saratoga, CA, USA #7 LordGek, Feb 15, 2012 Because I *NEED** to fiddle with a perfectly tight and simple game, I have some ideas for potentially a new mode/map pack (as opposed to trying to rework the previous 3 maps to this scheme and messing up old scores, this new mode could be played on a new set of maps for something like a $1 IAP). This new mode would be all about difficulty progression that doesn't rely entirely on speed. Picture a map with 5 stations. When you start the game only 2 of those stations will be used, the other 3 will be present but grayed out. Once either a threshold number of trains have been released to the map, one of the previously dormant stations will suddenly light up in a new color. Now trains can be of any 3 colors! So on and so on until all 5 colors are being used. Sure the speed will need to increase over time or what have you but hopefully at a slightly slower ramp than it does now. While the progression of colored stations can be fixed (like first blue and red and then later green is added), I think it would be fun if the stations initially active and the ones that get added be chosen somewhat randomly location wise (I mean there are only spots for 5 fixed stations on the map, but which of the remaining 3 locations is added could be random). Robin Edwards Member Nov 22, 2011 24 0 0 #8 Robin Edwards, Feb 16, 2012 LordGek, Robin, the developer here. Thanks for your ideas - I was planning to add some more maps in the future, and I certainly need to introduce some extra game mechanics when I do so - the layouts of the existing maps add extra challenge as they progress, but there's not really anywhere to go with this beyond map 3 without adding something completely new... Will probably just include them with the existing game though, rather than going down the IAP route, since I'm not personally a big fan of IAP. Robin drelbs Well-Known Member Jun 25, 2009 11,200 7 38 #9 drelbs, Feb 16, 2012 Thank you, sir! Updated my review - game looks great on the iPad (not that I can pry it away from my daughter often...) LordGek Well-Known Member Staff Member Patreon Silver Patreon Gold Patreon Bronze Feb 19, 2009 12,279 130 63 Software QA Engineer Saratoga, CA, USA #10 LordGek, Feb 17, 2012 Oh, no problem, if you'd rather go IAP free power to you! Sanuku Well-Known Member Jun 14, 2009 11,954 4 38 Austria http://www.touchgameplay.com #11 Sanuku, Feb 23, 2012 Last edited: Feb 23, 2012 Subscribe to the TouchArcade YouTube channel Robin Edwards Member Nov 22, 2011 24 0 0 #12 Robin Edwards, May 31, 2012 Game Center Dear All, An updated version of Electrotrains is now available with online leaderboards (Game Center). I know quite a few people on the toucharcade forums play the game, so hope to see some of your scores there! Robin (Electrotrains developer) Ubisububi Well-Known Member Oct 8, 2009 1,088 9 38 California #13 Ubisububi, Jun 1, 2012 This is one that I just keep coming back to. Love the graphics and love gameplay. What are the chances of getting an iPad retina update for this? Robin Edwards Member Nov 22, 2011 24 0 0 #14 Robin Edwards, Jun 1, 2012 Happy to hear that you're still enjoying it. iPad Retina update - maybe... but I'm not promising anything.... At the moment all the sales proceeds are going in my retina iPad fund, and my current plan is to make a new "ElectroTrains HD", which will be iPad only with more complex layouts and gameplay since I won't have to worry about very small screens. Robin uczmeg Well-Known Member Feb 23, 2009 96 1 0 #15 uczmeg, Jun 1, 2012 I'm buying this purely based on the Minter/T2k comment from Robin. Although it looks like it plays nothing like it.... Robin Edwards Member Nov 22, 2011 24 0 0 #16 Robin Edwards, Jun 14, 2012 Last edited: Jun 14, 2012 New version Dear all, Just to let the forum know that I'm almost finished the next update to ElectroTrains, which adds a new set of 3 maps, signals, and a fast-forward button so experienced players still get a bit of a challenge during the first few minutes of each game, while not making it too hard for new players. This will be a free update (I toyed with the idea of doing the new maps as an IAP, or even a seperate app, but was so pleased with the new maps and gameplay, I wanted everyone to get it). The other good news is that I've sold enough copies of ElectroTrains to be able to pick up a new iPad soon, so a future version (may) support retina iPad display in addition to the existing retina ipod/iphone support. (Work in progress) screenshots of two of the new maps. I'll post here again when the update makes it to the app store, or follow me on twitter since I'll announce it there too. (Apologies for posting the same message to both the main forum and the iPad one - never sure which is my "main" thread). Robin (ElectroTrains Developer) Ubisububi Well-Known Member Oct 8, 2009 1,088 9 38 California #17 Ubisububi, Jun 15, 2012 Great news! This is still one of my favorite pick up and play games, and I look forward to the promised updates. Thanks also for not making them IAP! kzwen Well-Known Member Jun 25, 2010 1,345 0 0 #18 kzwen, Jun 15, 2012 Great news! Congrats on the sale and looking forward to the ipad update in future. Connector Well-Known Member May 6, 2012 15,512 1 0 In the Chatroom http://thechatroom.freeforums.net/ #19 Connector, Jun 15, 2012 Good job on getting the new ipad. You'll like it alot... Robin Edwards Member Nov 22, 2011 24 0 0 #20 Robin Edwards, Jun 28, 2012 The update is now live on the app store. I'll be giving away some promo-codes later if you want to pick up a copy for free. 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Game impressions I was lucky enough to get a promo code for this and what a pleasant suprise! First off, the developer sort of apologizes for the graphics because he is not an artist, but I would beg to differ - I absolutely love the look of the game. The gameplay is the star though as it is very simple and very enjoyable - just try to think ahead and manage the traffic. Of course, it can get very hectic. While there are only 3 maps, the point of the game is about getting a high score and each map offers plenty of replay ability. My only request for the game is Game Center support for leader boards. With that one addition this is an easy 5 star game for me.
I bought this game when it was iPhone only and I am still enjoying it. The vector graphics are right up my alley, and the gameplay is smooth and fun. My only complaint has to do with the game difficulty. Once you hit 30,000 points, the game gets INSTANTLY and dramatically harder. I still haven't unlocked the third map because of this. Maybe I'll have better luck now that I can play it on my iPad.
While it would mess up your multiplier, maybe you simply need to send some trains off the map early to free up space (if that's the issue)?
I'm sure that's the way to go, but I can't stop trying to manage every train correctly. It seems that a well-balanced game would make it possible, even if it is very, very difficult. With this game, however, that's the only way to survive when you hit 30,000 as 3 stopping trains on the screen at the same time = failure. Edit: I finally unlocked the 3rd map without sending off any trains early. I just got lucky in the late game with a run of non-stopping trains. It's definitely easier to play on the iPad (which isn't a big surprise).
Because I *NEED** to fiddle with a perfectly tight and simple game, I have some ideas for potentially a new mode/map pack (as opposed to trying to rework the previous 3 maps to this scheme and messing up old scores, this new mode could be played on a new set of maps for something like a $1 IAP). This new mode would be all about difficulty progression that doesn't rely entirely on speed. Picture a map with 5 stations. When you start the game only 2 of those stations will be used, the other 3 will be present but grayed out. Once either a threshold number of trains have been released to the map, one of the previously dormant stations will suddenly light up in a new color. Now trains can be of any 3 colors! So on and so on until all 5 colors are being used. Sure the speed will need to increase over time or what have you but hopefully at a slightly slower ramp than it does now. While the progression of colored stations can be fixed (like first blue and red and then later green is added), I think it would be fun if the stations initially active and the ones that get added be chosen somewhat randomly location wise (I mean there are only spots for 5 fixed stations on the map, but which of the remaining 3 locations is added could be random).
LordGek, Robin, the developer here. Thanks for your ideas - I was planning to add some more maps in the future, and I certainly need to introduce some extra game mechanics when I do so - the layouts of the existing maps add extra challenge as they progress, but there's not really anywhere to go with this beyond map 3 without adding something completely new... Will probably just include them with the existing game though, rather than going down the IAP route, since I'm not personally a big fan of IAP. Robin
Thank you, sir! Updated my review - game looks great on the iPad (not that I can pry it away from my daughter often...)
Game Center Dear All, An updated version of Electrotrains is now available with online leaderboards (Game Center). I know quite a few people on the toucharcade forums play the game, so hope to see some of your scores there! Robin (Electrotrains developer)
This is one that I just keep coming back to. Love the graphics and love gameplay. What are the chances of getting an iPad retina update for this?
Happy to hear that you're still enjoying it. iPad Retina update - maybe... but I'm not promising anything.... At the moment all the sales proceeds are going in my retina iPad fund, and my current plan is to make a new "ElectroTrains HD", which will be iPad only with more complex layouts and gameplay since I won't have to worry about very small screens. Robin
I'm buying this purely based on the Minter/T2k comment from Robin. Although it looks like it plays nothing like it....
New version Dear all, Just to let the forum know that I'm almost finished the next update to ElectroTrains, which adds a new set of 3 maps, signals, and a fast-forward button so experienced players still get a bit of a challenge during the first few minutes of each game, while not making it too hard for new players. This will be a free update (I toyed with the idea of doing the new maps as an IAP, or even a seperate app, but was so pleased with the new maps and gameplay, I wanted everyone to get it). The other good news is that I've sold enough copies of ElectroTrains to be able to pick up a new iPad soon, so a future version (may) support retina iPad display in addition to the existing retina ipod/iphone support. (Work in progress) screenshots of two of the new maps. I'll post here again when the update makes it to the app store, or follow me on twitter since I'll announce it there too. (Apologies for posting the same message to both the main forum and the iPad one - never sure which is my "main" thread). Robin (ElectroTrains Developer)
Great news! This is still one of my favorite pick up and play games, and I look forward to the promised updates. Thanks also for not making them IAP!
The update is now live on the app store. I'll be giving away some promo-codes later if you want to pick up a copy for free. See http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=142522 for more info.