To create the demo, we worked hand in hand with both OculusVR and Robotic Arm Software, who specializes in digital tools development, to create identical demos in both Unity3D and in a custom C++ engine that would be released to developers as part of the Oculus Rift SDK.

What was really cool about the project was just working with the headset device, which we were lucky enough to get one of the very first Oculus Rift prototypes ever created.  Once you put the headset on you really feel that this could be the future of not just gaming, but many types of entertainment and simulations.  As a designer of video games, my head was literally spinning as I thought of all the potential and opportunity that the Oculus Rift provides developers.  What is truly interesting is what we found out while developing the Tuscany demo; everything, I mean everything, is far more intimate in the Rift as opposed to being viewed on a TV across the room.  Every nuance is now noticeable, every texture detail is vivid.  This created a slightly new way of level creation for us as we quickly learned that the high res textures that make up the environment are critical.

Another aspect that we found was just how important maintaining a high framerate is.  When you turn your head in the Rift, the character, or camera, turns in realtime which creates a fantastically immerse feeling.  The funny things is that your brain expects this to happen instantly.  Any lag and your brain is going “what the heck is going on!”  It’s a strange feeling to experience.  Obviously, the way to combat this is to optimize the artwork so that it runs very fast, at least 60FPS.  I actually think that the Oculus Rift might push new devices to have refresh rates to 120FPS or higher, as this for the first time might actually become noticeable to the user.

You can learn more about OculusVR at thier website here: www.oculusvr.com

The basis of the story is set in the year 2048, where mankind is forced to invent more powerful military forces if it has any chance against a far superior extra planetary threat.  As a military giant, it’s up to you to lead the attack against a new kind of alien threat, as our typical combat protocols do little damage against them.  You represent a new kind of human species, biologically engineered to kick all forms of major ass.

If you dig the concept of a experimental military giant marine forces set in the not so distant future, why not support us by spreading the word?  Be sure to like and comment on our Youtube video (Important!  The contest is judging our Youtube likes!) and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on this exciting and ambitious project.

When we first caught wind of the Kickstarter campaign about a company attempting to make a new kind of game console, we instantly fell out of our chairs from the pure possibility shock that the Ouya can offer.  We then raced over to immediately back the project.  Bam, full development backing.  Most of us at Fenix Fire grew up on console games, which to us means TV + controller in hand + high end graphics.  To Fenix Fire, the Ouya is like getting run over by 18 wheels of awesome.

We have a ton of ideas on what we should bring to the Ouya, and can’t wait to get down and dirty with it!

]]> http://www.fenixfire.com/fenix-fire-to-develop-on-ouya/feed/ 0 http://www.fenixfire.com/wow-wee-and-fenix-fire-launch-akodomon/ http://www.fenixfire.com/wow-wee-and-fenix-fire-launch-akodomon/#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:38:24 +0000 Brian http://www.fenixfire.com/fenixfire_wp/?p=1062 Continue Reading]]> We love toys and have been beyond excited to work with Robosapien toy maker Wow Wee on a brand new experience called Akodomon.  Set in a distant world, Akodomon is one part RPG and one part pet game, all while interacting with a beautiful set of real physical action figures.  Fenix Fire teamed up with the best professionals in the business to make Akodomon a truly amazing and beautiful experience.

If you haven’t downloaded this game already, go get it.  It’s free!

We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Union and can’t wait to see Roboto and our future projects on more and more digital download shopping experiences.

Roboto is live in the Android Marketplace and in the iTunes store. In fact, we are the iPad game of the week !

In addition to that, we actually jumped into the TOP TEN!  No marketing, no advertising, just our game submitted to the App Store.  We are more than shocked, we never thought we would get anywhere near this ranking.  OMG!

It’s truly flattering to be surrounded by such esteemed company: Angry Brids, Cut The Rope, Fruit Ninja, and Sid Meier’s Pirates.  That’s our little game, Roboto, sitting in at number 7.

On top of that, the user reviews are really good.  There’s a few complaints about frame rates on older devices (sorry about that guys, but we need the extra horsepower to push this kind of gameplay), but overall the reviews are very positive.  It’s a little scary to put something out there and have it scrutinized so closely by so many people, especially considering we put so much of ourselves into the game.  Now that we’re here it is extremely exciting and you guys are making this a great experience.

For you Android players out there, we are working with Google to fix the download issues.  Please don’t knock us for this!  We’re doing the best we can but the downloading system is a little out of our control!

Here’s what you guys are saying:

“I was looking for a great, awesome, fun to play platform / jump&run game for a while – I FOUND IT!!!! This game is awesome, nice graphics, easy controls (don’t know what another reviewer had against them) and extremely fun to play!! PS: using an iPad one to play!” -by myKlaro

“This game really showcases the potential for iPad as serious gamer. The graphics are beautiful and game play fun.” – by Joshyomy

“Best platformer on my iPad 2!” – by Meetca253

“Wow! Great looking, fun to play.Can’t stop playing it. Galaxy s2.” – by robert

“Great platformer… Great graphics. Great gameplay. GREAT SCOTT!” – by TeeKay

And our personal favorite:

“Mario meets Mega Man!!!! Great game with amazing graphics. Fans of old school side scrollers should get this game. G2X.” – by Angelito

Thanks for all the love everyone! Your feedback made all those long hours making Roboto so much sweeter!

“This “Roboto” is the official candidate for the Super Mario Bros role on iPhone. Exaggeration, you say? Well, look the video below. As you can see, the premises are really exciting and just watch the trailer down to understand the potential of the product.”

iPhoneItalia Preview of Roboto

We had the privilege of being interviewed via podcast with The Play Vault who run a great website in the UK. You can check out our embarrassing rant here:

The Play Vault Podcast Interview with Fenix Fire

Wow! We’re really flattered about what our new friends in the media are saying about our soon to be released game for iPad, iPhone and Android – Roboto.

To our amazement we’ve already received some great previews! Check it out:

“Build with Unity3D, Fenix Fire has a graphical look similar to Samurai II: Vengeance for Android Tegra 2 devices with the whole cartoon-ish look to it but in 3D and it pulls it off just as good too.” -Droid Gamers

” . . . it’s a long time since we’ve seen something that looks as good as Roboto.” -Pocket Gamer

Hats off to these early adopters- it’s great to know that we don’t need a bizzillion dollar advertising budget to get someone to look at our soon-to-be-born baby boy. Thanks guys!