I wanted to get some feedback on my latest project:

GYMNAST

Gymnast is a physics-based acrobatic game all about swinging on, and leaping between, bars! The controls are 100% analog, using the thumbsticks to control the upper and lower body joints on the gymnast, allowing for lots of variety in gameplay.

Features:
1. Circus Mode - jump from bar to bar, trying to reach the "goal" bar. Records are also kept for best time, highest score, and fewest releases, including Portal-style challenges for each of these records.

2. Gymnastics Mode - just you and 1 bar. Try to achieve a high score by linking release moves into combos. Your score only counts if you land safely on one of the blue mats.

3. Play as one of several different gymnasts

4. Save and watch replays from all game modes

5. Built-in level editor lets you create new levels and challenges (all levels in the game were made with this editor)

6. Tutorials to explain how to play.



Screenshots (click for larger):


Trailer:
YOU-TUBE TRAILER

Alpha version Download:
Windows Download (exe installer)
Xbox 360 .ccgame


Known Issues
1. missing many sound effects
2. no music yet
3. some usability issues with the level editor
4. overall some polish
5. missing final levels and goals for those levels.


Please give the game a go, and let me know of any bugs that you find. Also if you make an interesting level or replay, please send it to me! You can find them in a folder called "UserFiles" in the program directory (usually c:\program files\Gymnast)

I'd like to include some of these that I receive from the community in the final version. Obviously you'd have to use the PC version for this, as there's no way to pull individual files out of a game save on the 360.

Also as this is an alpha release, please don't distribute, the game is not quite ready for everyone to play yet.

anyway, thanks for your time!

-walaber

More screenshots:

I have some technical issues with my PC, but as soon as those are fixed, I'll deploy to the xbox and try the game out.

So far it looks awesome. The gymnastics mechanics could probably be used with great effect in a game with environment puzzles and exploration similar to Prince of Persia, or Assassin's Creed.

I still have to see how the controls are. Hopefully, I'll do this in a few days.

 

Thanks for releasing this.

Walaber, you are a game producing madman regardless of what forum you are posting on! Keep up the great work.

That is a WEIRD game.  I mean that in a good way.  :)  Do you plan on making the characters less blocky?  I think they would look much better if they had a more rounded appearance. Merely opinion of course.

Swordshock:

That is a WEIRD game.  I mean that in a good way.  :)  Do you plan on making the characters less blocky?  I think they would look much better if they had a more rounded appearance. Merely opinion of course.

I actually like the way the characters look. It's very different from everything out there. I vote keep the blocky people :).

I don't know what to say.  Color me impressed.

I'll have to try it when I get home from work. I can't get to the download from here. :(

Nice game man. I really like the level editor....*goes off to make a level*

thanks!  I'm working on an updated alpha that will support regular DirectInput controllers, as well as a few other general improvements.  I will definately stick with the blocky character look, I really like it a lot.

if anyone makes any interesting levels, please send them to me, I would like to include them in the game!

you can find your levels (and replays!) in the UserFiles folder in the game's install directory.


EDIT--

ALPHA 03 RELEASED

== CHANGES in Alpha 03 ==
** Added support for DirectInput controllers on Windows... first connected controller should be auto-detected. Controller mapping can be configured by modifying the controller.cfg file (it is a text file) in the "Content" folder of the install path. default config works perfectly for my PS2 DUALSHOCK controller connected via USB converter. config for SIXAXIS is also included in the file for reference (commented out by default)

** Added a delay at the start of a level to wait for the camera to align properly. Also added "GO!" text to signify the level start.

** Added a few new levels and replays.

** Fixed a bug where levels that are tall and skinny were not displayed properly in the level select screen

** fixed a crash when entering the replay theatre and no user replays exist.

** other minor bug fixes.

Looks good, keep up the good work.

Well, I looked at the screen shots and thought "that does not look appealing...", then I looked at the videos and thought "hey, thats a slick smooth animation of the guy" - after all, it looks like a good game, just the first impression from the screenshots is not the best.

Really good work!