UFHO2

After a long time, I am back to work on a project very dear to me. It is the sequel to UFHO, the Flash game I made in 2008 while working at Visual Creative Studio.

This time, with UFHO2, we are trying to build something bigger and better. While the game will retain the basic mechanics, it will be enhanced by the addition of a single player experience complete with AI, a new dynamic soundtrack, leaderboards and whatnot.
Furthermore, it will be published on Facebook, so players won't even have the need to subscribe or create a profile: they only have to add the application! And this also means more social features.

The estimated time of deployment is March 2010 (maybe.. the end of March). I am working on graphics, programming and such, while Alessandro of Visual CS will work on the marketing and promotion, and Francesco D'Andrea will compose the music and the sound effects. We will get the help of another one who will give me support with the AI.

We have setup a development blog , and prepared a teaser for the game. I am very excited to launch into this new adventure, let's hope it turns out as expected!

UFHO has been entered for the Independent Games Festival

UFHO, my Flash game, has been entered as a contestant for the 11th Independent Games Festival. The entrance fee was 95 dollars, that's why it took so long for us to submit it, we're stingy (whenever I say "we", I mean me and my boss, it's a "company we").
I can't say I think it could win in any cathegory for there could be spectacular games out there, but deep in my heart I know UFHO has a great concept and if it was managed in a better way could have been a big hit as far as puzzle games go.

UFHO

Is there a better way to start one's blog rather than talking about his first real game in the role of designer?

UFHO has been launched three months ago on http://www.ufho.it. It's a puzzle game online, where you can (and ultimately must) play with a friend in a game that is so tactic that it reminds of chess. The concept is simple: move through a maze of hexagon shaped rooms and head for the gem that randomly appears from time to time.
The game is turn-based, so you have to think of the possible moves the opponent is going to make, and plus there's a timer of 20 seconds to execute yours.

Now for the summer UFHO experienced a bit of a stop, but I hope he won't quite die. We plan to do an iPhone version soon, although that version is not mine in programming. I will check that the design stays intact even on the small screen.

Meanwhile I invite you all to try the Flash game, you can find me as ness in the lobby from time to time. You can login in the game as guest - guest, or you can sign up freely to retain your gaming stats after each match.
I advice however to login with a friend to play together, since users come and go...