PRODUCTION
I independently designed and developed Line \ Dash in three weeks using the Unity engine. It is an expansion upon a prototype created in three days for Ludum Dare 34.
After going through Steam Greenlight the game was released on Steam in July 2016.
As of April 2014 the game was sold to Gamera Interactive, which is currently working on an expanded re-release, and currently owns the game.
THE GAME
Line/Dash is an Arcade Game/Multimedia Sculpture.
It is, at its core, a pretty simple Arcade game in which the player has to "juggle" bullets across a variety of enemies in order to score the most points possible. A great focus though was put onto the procedural visuals and sound generated by the gameplay, creating a simple yet hypnotic and compelling experience.
DESIGNER'S COMMENTARY
Line/Dash is probably what I consider my most successful game. The original version scored decently in the Ludum Dare ratings and the premium version got some decent coverage on game publications.
In the initial stages of development I was afraid that the game was too simple to be compelling. Fortunately, as it took shape, it quickly became clear that the core mechanic, when coupled with the "procedural trails" aesthetics, was a good enough hook to get players playing.
The biggest problem that I faced when iterating to the "full" version was making the game's end condition more readable (initially the game ended as soon as one of the enemies touched the left side of the screen), as it initially seemed to confuse many players. After plenty of iterations, I ended up settling with a classic lives system. While not the most exciting mechanic, it provided what is basically a "3 deaths buffer" for the player to learn the fail conditions of the game, made even more clear by the classic game signifier of “losing hearts” making it pretty clear to the players that enemies touching the left side of the screen was something to be avoided.
Ultimately I think that Line/Dash worked in providing an engaging and kinaesthetically pleasing core mechanic and minimalist but pleasing visuals. There’s definitely a lack of variety in the game, as during development I decided to keep the scope small and not implement additional mechanics or multiple enemy types, but ultimately I think that’s part of the game’s charm.
Interestingly enough the presence of minimal musical elements in the game (the sound effect generated by hitting an enemy is a randomized note harmonized on a pentatonic scale) led a lot of players to expect the musical elements to evolve and become more intricate during gameplay, which doesn’t really happen. In retrospect, further implementation of musical elements might have made the game more striking in the long term and played better with players’ expectations.
RECEPTION
Line \ Dash has been green-lighted by the Steam community and will be published on the platform shortly
Line \ Dash ranked #31 in the "innovation" category for Ludum Dare 34
Line \ Dash ranked #102 in the "fun" category for Ludum Dare 34
Line \ Dash currently has a rating of 4.77 out of 5 on the Google Play Store ratings
Line \ Dash currently has a "Positive" rating on Steam's review system
"[...] Line/Dash is profoundly addictive. Its lines and blocks collide with a pleasing thud. The whole screen shakes. What starts as a black-and-white color scheme gradually expands to neon shades on alternating black-or-white backgrounds. The game rewards reflexes with linear tableaus." - Kill Screen
"Soon, it's not about saving your lives, but about keeping the blocks from ruining the picture you've created on your desktop. Dang squares, always trying to run my art!" - Indiegames.com
"Line / Dash is basically all there, but it is an entirely appropriate there to the purchase price and definitely a game that can offer involvement, fun, a sensible nontrivial challenge, and that bit of addiction that can make the fortune of such games." - IGN Italia
"Line / Dash is a rhythmic and difficult indie game. While it may be really hard when starting out, give it time and you will discover a truly eye-catching and original game [...] do not pass this one, especially if you like challenging arcade games." - Giocoindie.it
