[release] ZODIAC TOWER

[berserker]

Hello!

Yet again I am proud to present our latest release called Zodiac Tower.

We worked hard on this one and this game probably has more content than any of our previous titles. I would like to gather as much feedback as possible to be able to sort missed things out before I will pass this one to our distribution partners.

Please let me hear your comments and feedback. Thank you!

Description:
Explore ancient Zodiac Tower and solve its puzzles in this original adventure.
In this game you will be able to become an astrologer by taking a long trip to reach edge of the world, a place where ancient Zodiac Tower holds sacred knowledge and wisdom. Rumour said there are parts of mysterious ancient mechanism hidden somewhere across tower that will allow people to travel to the moon and distant stars!


Screenshots:
1 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot01.jpg) 2 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot02.jpg) 3 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot03.jpg) 4 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot04.jpg) 5 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot05.jpg) 6 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot06.jpg) 7 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot07.jpg) 8 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot08.jpg) 9 (http://www.enkord.com/img/en/zodiactower/shot09.jpg)

Download demo:
here (http://www.enkord.com/product.php?action=download&product=zodiactower&from=indiegamer) (10.5 mb)

Game page:
http://www.enkord.com/games/zodiactower/

As always additional request for those kind people who download and run the game - please write here:
1. Your machine configuration/DirectX version/Windows version/Drivers version and result of game execution:
works fine/hangs/crashes/runs with bugs/etc.
2. How clear was gameplay and game objectives to you?
3. Progression of subjective parameter "Fun" through the game.
4. Any suggestions, impressions, etc. are welcome.

Thanks!

[papillon]

At least in the screenshots, there's something not-quite-right about the zodiac tiles to my eyes. They're not... rich enough? More contrast, more clarity of the zodiac symbols? I'm not sure precisely what's lacking, but I don't enjoy looking at them, my gaze wants to slide away. It's possible it looks better in play, I haven't downloaded yet.

[berserker]

At least in the screenshots, there's something not-quite-right about the zodiac tiles to my eyes. They're not... rich enough? More contrast, more clarity of the zodiac symbols? I'm not sure precisely what's lacking, but I don't enjoy looking at them, my gaze wants to slide away. It's possible it looks better in play, I haven't downloaded yet.

Please give it a try and let me know how you like it in motion!

[Mike Boeh]

I like it... it's sort of inlay meets match 3.....

[jankoM]

uh... I had idea for zodiac themed casual game for a long time. I was thinking that from all the "esoteric/mystical" themes this is by far most present in lives of todays people and noone used it that I know (much more people think of zodiac than atlantis, egipt, incas...in their daily lifes). So if I still make it someday... I wasn't copying it from you.

[berserker]

Dont worry there is at least one game from Oberon called just "Zodiac" so I am not the first one to use this theme.

[spoomusic]

I know I might be biased since I did the tunes for the game, but I have to say that my wife and I are addicted. She's a serious puzzle game freak, used to play Yohoho Puzzle Pirates for hours on end... I showed her how to play Zodiac Tower and she's really into it. Neither of us have ever played a game quite like it.

I used to be a Tetris nut, so whenever I see those pieces, I get excited. Heh! :p

c-yas,
Ariel

[samnova]

Hi guys,

I know I'm a bit late but I first tried the game yesterday and just did a review which can be found here (http://www.samuelnova.com/2007/01/29/review-zodiac-tower/)

I got to say that I liked the game, visuals and audio are top. But I did find the game a bit too easy, but then again only played around 20 levels.. and I will return to play it more, so guess you just sold another copy.

[berserker]

Thank you for your kind words Sam. Yeah the game may seem to be easy but it wil catch up later on. Especially if you are playing on hard which has about twice less time as normal.

[kolka]

2berserker: how long have you been developiing the game?

[berserker]

Can't remember for sure... 2-3 months I suppose...

[Maupin]

Had to try Zodiac Tower, just because I really liked Jurassic Realm. The gameplay and sounds and eyecandy in that one just all came together so well.

Zodiac Tower looks impressive, especially the darkened tower you have to clear, room by room. But the gameplay just isn't for me, I guess. I cleared two rooms but gave up after that... It was a bit tedious dragging shapes onto the board, especially those tiny 1x1 and 1x2 pieces. But that's just me. It could also be that the puzzle aspect of it (rotating Tetris-like pieces to match like pieces on the board) requires more spacial smarts than I possess! ;)

I can tell a lot of work went into it and I applaud the effort!

[berserker]

Maupin,

Yeah, this game is not for everyone. Even taking in account that it occasionally pops here and there in top 10 lists like at BFG or RealArcade (ATM) I think it's apeals only to a slice of portal target audience.

However it was not our intention to make 100% casual game. I've found with Jurassic Realm that too casual games tend to perform quite bad selling directly through our website. And since our website is #1 revenue generator to date (leaving behind any other portal) I want to have more games that will sell good from our website at first. That is why we are slightly moving away from 100% portal targeted games and trying different gameplay variations as our own website is #1 priority and portals are just additional revenue generators.

This won't stop me from making Jewel of Atlantis sequel some day though :)