8 replies to this topic

[Golden Beast Studios]

Amphibix was originally released as a commercial game, but since we've had a change in business plans, I'm pleased to announce that Amphibix is now freeware!

Description:
Find the lowest number to survive in this dimetric adventure! Search for the kidnapped Komiko in 99 brain-teasing levels. Beat the game to unlock endless mode. Online highscores hosted by GMhighscores.com

Amphibix Video:
http://bit.ly/aw4O0G

Here's a little peak at what Amphibix looks like:


Come play it on yoyogames!
http://bit.ly/aR6pb6

Ampihbix is now featured on FreePCGamers.com!
http://bit.ly/9oe46B


Have a blast! It's free!

-John,

Edited by Golden Beast Studios, 09 April 2010 - 08:24 PM.

[Kyon]

Awesome game man!
I am 12th in highscore!!!

Edited by Kyon, 03 April 2010 - 09:04 PM.

[Desert Dog]

Really nice game, with enjoyable, but simple gameplay.

I think this would have done well as shareware. I was playing it, and then my non-gamer dad came up and started watching me, then he asked to have a go. [He started at the level I was at, but couldn't manage it so good, so started again]

Sadly, the game kinda stuck when the pink frog got captured for him. It just had her going "!!!" when the cage went on her, but that snake never came out, and then he just quit after about a few minute of waiting.

I'm a bit surprised your not getting a bit more attention.. it's a really polished, and smooth game, that's very well done. Congrats!

Only minor gripe, was even for me, for some of the obstacles didn't 'stand out'. and you'd run into them without knowing it. This was murder for dad, who would often do flying leaps all across the board, into a spike that was sitting inbetween! While he figured out to take smaller hops, I do think maybe an outline, or more 'stand out-ish' colors would be nice. Sorry, I literally don't know much about what I'm talking about (I'm no artist!) but I feel that was a bit of an issue.

I'm quite interested in 'doing' shareware myself... would you care to share a bit with how it went for you, and why you went freeware(and why the tiny price when it was selling)? I perfectly understand if you can't, though.

Edited by Desert Dog, 06 April 2010 - 11:02 PM.

[Golden Beast Studios]

The snake didn't come out!?!... @#@$#!!! lol. I worked really hard on that segment, and tested it like crazy! If you have the time, maybe you can figure out how to reproduce it? I would be greatly in your debt

As far as the shareware aspect, attempting to make any money off of the game has proved a fruitless effort I like to think that the product is okay, but that getting exposure is the main problem. So, I've abandoned the idea of really "selling" the game and implemented the "electronic tip jar" (which is just a form of donation). With the tip jar there's still no real money, but at least it's getting better reation now that I'm not holding the game hostage anymore lol.

Part of the reason this game hasn't really gotten any attention is because of my inexperience and misguided efforts in making a buck. It's hard enough to get noticed when this stuff is free lol. Now with titles like Iji on the scene, it's obvious to me that attempting to sell a game is asking far too much I'm happy with the tip jar arrangement, and luckily I'm not in this for the money (or else I'd be in some real trouble lol).

So, my advice is to do the same if you're interested in shareware; make the best possible game you can, implement a tip jar, and let go of the idea of making any real money lol!

Thanks again for playing and all the kind words If you want to know more about Amphibix, check out the blog The GBS Blog

-Johnny B.

Edited by Golden Beast Studios, 07 April 2010 - 12:23 AM.

[Desert Dog]

Sure. I've just given it another run through, and been able to reproduce it reliably.

You just have to redo that level twice, in one sitting (i.e. I played it, and did that level, and then my dad played that level, and it didn't come out)

Simply quitting the game completely, and then loading the game up from that level and it will play correctly.

It should be simple enough to reproduce yourself, just create a new player, play through the early levels, until you get to the bit where the snake captures her. When she's captured, just quit to the main menu, then load your game. From there, she will (or does for me!) get stuck saying "!!!" and no snake comes out. [Although look at the bottom right corner!]

An odd bug, probably caused by persisting variables of some sort. That snake was pretty cool, btw. Nice work on that.

Thanks for that info! I don't know what you've read/tried, but I read a lot on the subject, and found a lot of interesting links/topics on the sites tigsource, and indiegamer. I think that your tip method is tried a bit, but in general no real money is made from it!

Here's some interesting links, you may/may not find interesting.
How to Start an Indie Game Business Simple check list with lots of interesting links, written by Derek Yu (Aquaria, Spelunky)

I'm reading the link on marketing now, haha, I need to.
There is also a discussion on Donations, which I've linked directly because of it's relevance to your game.

Oh, and then my favourite Top Tips For New Indies

Hmm, O.k. maybe I should stop being a pain now!

[Mr. Munchkin]

Wow! What a great game!
I'm not even going to bother writing a review, as all I would be saying is that everything is perfect!

I love it!

I think that the only reason why you weren't successful with the commercial side of things, is because you were looking at the wrong market. I reckon it's more of a basic educational game that could be sold to schools or people with younger children. Although you'd probably want to look for people who're interested in very basic numbers.

Great game again!
I think I got up to level 17 before I decided to come back to reality and check stuff. Very addicting, can't wait to play more!

Oh, and out of interest, how much were you attempting to sell it for?

Thanks for sharing.
~ Mr. Munchkin

[Golden Beast Studios]

@ Desert Dog:
Thanks for taking the time to figure out that bug :) I'm sure you're right that it's some global variable that's causing it, which means it should be a pretty easy fix :) I'll be sure to read through all the literature you provided, thanks! I really ought to know more about this stuff lol :P

@Mr. Munchkin:
Thanks so much for playing! :D I'm happy you like it :) The main reason I didn't try to market Amphibix as a educational game is because I didn't really consider it to fall into that catagory... at least at first. RPGs handle tons of numbers and statisics, but aren't ever referred to as educational (although in reality I'm sure they are to some degree). That was sort of my perspective on Ampihibix; the numbers where just an means to an end. Most people that play it have called it educational, so heck, I guess it is lol!

I was trying to sell Amphibix for 2.50 (that was the lowest price I could get, I originally wanted to sell it for 2) :P


Thanks again for playing the game guys! Check out the GBS site if you get a chance ;) GBS Site

-Johnny B.

[Mr. Munchkin]

Well for kids learning to count, they obviously need to learn that 16 comes before 49. Stuff like that.

Also, forgot to tell you that there are a few spelling mistakes.
I think you said unfarmilliar in one place instead of unfamiliar.
Steak instead of streak, although I was hoping to get a large steak.. I was dissapointed =/

The unfamiliar mistake was the beginning cutscene I think. And the misteak (lol sorry, I'm in the mood for puns) was just before the pink frog got captured? The information thing - sorry, forgot her name.

~ Mr. Munchkin

[Golden Beast Studios]

Thanks for the typo help Mr Muchkin! I'll work the corrections into the new version that should be up in a few days

Thanks again

-Johnny B.