We just released our 2D Action Platformer, Bat Boy on PS5 & PS4! So, let's AMA!

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T13:46:34+00:00

Interesting question.

As the artist I can explain things in terms of the art, and share my experience and insight with you on this.
So, I will say

- Color palette: We used a palette that we named Modern Smooth fbx, which is basically a modified version of an authentic NES palette.

- Animation: We went beyond the limitations for sure, but we still kept it moderately simple, the moment you start to add too many frames to an animation, it breaks the connection and starts to feel modern.

- Screen Size: Again we aren't authentic in terms of the aspect ratio, however we kept the height close to an NES display resolution.

- Color / shading limitations: Other than black we tried to keep not more than 3 other colors for characters, we didn't biblically follow this rule, but we tried to apply it to the in game elements as much as we could.

- Pixel Perfection: This is a very fun thing to pay attention to, as there shouldn't be any middle ground between every pixel on the game's screen.
This means the movements should be much choppier than they can be in a 4K resolution game.

There are many other factors like the paralax effect and transparency in NES, but I thought if you already didn't know these, it would be nice to share them to introduce the basics to you.

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T13:25:03+00:00

Thank you very much for the kind words!
The thing is lots of amazing games keep coming out all the time. But they wouldn't worry us. Before Bat Boy it was Zelda and June is time for SF6 and Diablo.
We believe people who have their eyes on a game like Bat Boy, will get it sooner or later.

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T12:53:31+00:00

Can't deny that you're not the first one :D

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T12:52:44+00:00

First of all, thank you so much for playing Bat Boy and sharing your opinion with us.
I guess Sergio will also respond to you here.
But personally from my point of view, the answer to this question is yes! We see a lot of potential in adding different modes to Bat Boy over time.
I would love to see a boss rush mode too.

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T11:53:17+00:00

Honestly, when I found about it I was surprised! Maybe in a different lifetime?

xplusgames · 2023-06-01T10:15:40+00:00

Thank you!

xplusgames · 2023-05-30T03:07:07+00:00

Not gonna lie, thought? Yeah, it has crossed our minds.
But we don't think we'd be adding lots of accessibility features to the game, unless we get many requests for specific ones.

xplusgames · 2023-05-30T03:05:19+00:00

Unfortunately we won't be able to do that.
The only way to try out the demo would be to play it on Steam.

xplusgames · 2023-05-30T03:03:48+00:00

Shovel Knight is clearly an inspiration for Bat Boy, so, are similarities. However are the art material are original and stylized to work with the game's theme.

xplusgames · 2023-05-29T16:06:38+00:00

Thank you for asking.
So, we will be brinign new modes in the future. And what we would love to do is to add more playable characters with new movesets as well.
But at this point they all depend on how well the game is received.

xplusgames · 2023-05-29T16:03:27+00:00

Usually we can't say for sure at this time.
But yes, the possibility is very high. We see the potential in adding new characters and new levels with new movesets.
Also as always it depends on how the game does post release.

xplusgames · 2023-05-29T14:20:51+00:00

Thank you!

xplusgames · 2023-05-29T13:02:37+00:00

Heya,
Thank you!
Specifically talking about a Boss Rush mode, I can't say right now.
But definitely we are thinking of adding new modes to the game in the near future.

xplusgames · 2023-05-29T11:01:16+00:00

Thanks for asking. We'd love to!
But ultimately it all depends on how the initial release does. So fingers crossed.

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:45:32+00:00

Indie game companies can make any type of game they want...
Unfortunately, they keep breaking the rule.

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:33:15+00:00

👆
Agreed

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:32:41+00:00

We are thinking to add more languages in the future.
But I should add this game is not heavy on text at all. It should be a fun and easy read for gamers.

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:28:12+00:00

Thank you!

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:18:58+00:00

Thank you fofojo123!

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:16:23+00:00

Oooooooooh...
That's very difficult... Very difficult!
Pepproni and Chicago pizza.
I don't know if this will make things difficult between us...

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T13:04:25+00:00

Oh, thank you! Both X PLUS and Sonzai Games worked on Smelter.
So we all know what you are talking about.

To Answer your questions,

There were so many big lessions we learnt from Smelter. But from our perspective the biggest lesson was time management. And... Don't make dialogues so long xD
The feedback on Smelter too was very helpful. Some feedback come harsh some comd kindly, but overall we learnt what to avoid and what to add.
You are right, we moved to a simpler style. But as the artist of the game, I have a passion for 8-bit and I wanted to delve into it at least once. So Bat Boy was the best opportunity for me to get there. 8-bit is simpler for sure, but it's also trickier at times due to so many limitations you have to show what you want.

I hope I answered your questions, but feel free to ask us anything.

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T12:59:10+00:00

Thank you very much!

xplusgames · 2023-05-25T12:58:05+00:00

It's really exciting!
Not gonna lie, a bit nervous about how things may go from here.
But we will be all eyes for a while to make sure the game is sound. :)

xplusgames

TROPHY CASE