23 Stones
Shuffle Wars
Tags: Experimental/Art, Physical
Special thanks to Connor Fitzsimmons for joining me in the NYU-Poly Sifteo Game Jam (which we were fortunate enough to win) and helping to get this game going.
Shuffle Wars is a true blend of both physical and virtual gameplay that use the benefits of both formats cohesively to make new and compelling gameplay. Often, games that mix physical and virtual world are heavily skewed to one side or the other and there is question as to whether using both really enhances the game or if its just gimmicky. In Shuffle Wars, however, the two complement each other providing gameplay that couldn't be done without the combination of both.
I remember playing games like Warhammer and always hating having attacks be determined by dice (sorry dice lovers). I also used to play a lot of shuffle board at bars when I lived in Texas so when I saw that Sifteo cubes were sturdy enough to be thrown at each other, I thought it was the perfect solution to my dice problem. Throwing attacks at units just seemed like a more intuitive and natural way of attacking and added an element of skill that I liked.
The first iteration of the game was created in a 48 hour Sifteo game jam, which we were lucky enough to win, with Connor Fitzsimmons. Unfortunately he has left school to join the real world so I have now taken over this project (with his blessing) and am the only one working on it.
Shuffle Wars is a turn based game where you take turns setting up defenses to protect your empresses and throwing cubes to try and kill your opponent's empress. All units have two attacks types: a basic and special attack. Special attacks do more damage but require more challenging shots or have other additional risks.
The game can be played with an even number of cubes between 2-12, however, 12 may cause the game to slow down.
Accelerometer data was used to calculate everything in the game from throw type to when you started to throw to when you finished. May look into hacking the near field sensors, as its raw data is not accessible through the SDK, to allow for splash damage type attacks.
Expansions are being made that add additional units that use different types of throws and features of the cubes.
The Units
Unit Type HP: 1000
You lose if she dies
Basic Attack Special Attack Throw type: Very soft contact with opponent's cube
Damage: Instant kill
Avaible: At 1/2 Empress Max HP
Unit Type Basic Attack Special Attack Throw type: Timed throw must hit as the fuse finishes burning
Damage: 300 hp
Avaible: Always
Unit Type Basic Attack Special Attack Throw type: Spinning throw. Must spin the cube as you throw
Damage: 150 hp
Avaible: Always
Unit Type Basic Attack Special Attack Throw type: Sacrifice. Does 200 damage to peasants.
Damage: 200 hp
Avaible: Always
Gameplay Pics
If you would like to see this game on the Sifteo platform let them know (tweet, fb, etc). Also I am only allowed to work on one game for them at a time so if you'd like this to be the next one on the queue make your opinion known.
Copyright 2013
