Metanet Software launches N v2.0

May 17, 2013

While the world awaits the release of Metanet Software’s N++, the Toronto indie developer came another step closer to closing the chapter on its popular N series today, launching the final update for N v2.0.

“It took eight years, but we finally managed to finish the update to N we’ve been planning since 2005,” studio co-founder Mare Sheppard tells Dork Shelf.

Three of the biggest highlights to the release of v.20 of the browser-based N include two-player local co-op, a whopping 300 new levels — including levels from N’s incarnations on other platforms (XBLA, DS, PSP) — and arcade mode.

N-v2-E

Along with the help of Toronto studio Golden Gear Games, Metanet has also added a new UI. Other updates include improvements to N-Editor (appropriately dubbed “Ned”), anti-cheat technology, as well the addition of level sharing integration, an account system to manage user-made levels and game progress, among others.

Metanet kicked off 2013 with the public beta of v2.0 in January, as announced on its blog.

N-v2-A

With this latest version now complete, Sheppard and co-founder Raigan Burns are working full-steam ahead on N++, and according to this short teaser, the game will be “an aspirational re-interpretation.”

N v2.0 is available to play and download for free.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Meet Bit Bazaar, TCAF’s Physical Digital Games Marketplace

May 10, 2013

Last year, the organizers of the Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF) began carving out a space for video games with the inaugural Comics vs. Games display. It went so well that they’re continuing the trend in 2013, filling out Comics vs. Games 2 with new panels, new collaborations, and – perhaps most importantly – a new location for the inaugural Bit Bazaar. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Raising Spellirium

May 1, 2013

How the five-year development of the LOOM-inspired adventure word game spelled S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E for Toronto’s Ryan Henson Creighton — and how he fought to keep it alive. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Injustice: Gods Among Us Review

April 27, 2013

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment hopes to answer fans’ burning questions about who would win a straight-up fight between Superman and Shazam, or the Joker and Bane. The answers are about as satisfying – and silly – as you’d expect. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
7

Truth In the Land of Impostors

By Alec Holowka
April 25, 2013

Through interviews with indie game developers Alexander Bruce, Corey Nolan, and Mike Kime, guest contributor Alec Holowka explores a psychological phenomenon known as impostor syndrome. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Indiegogo, Integrity, and Game Jam: The Documentary

April 22, 2013

What’s going on with Game Jam: The Documentary? Dork Shelf’s Eric Weiss talks to director Troy Morrissey to get some answers. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX East: A Photoblog

This gallery contains 11 photos.

There’s no wrong way to do PAX. Dork Shelfer Wesley Fok details how he did it his way at Penny Arcade’s gaming wonderland in Boston. Continue reading

More Galleries | Leave a comment

Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2 Review

April 12, 2013

While the simple elements remain faithful, do mysterious alterations to the Bit.Trip formula betray its uncanny predecessor? Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

The Indies:
Slick Entertainment

April 11, 2013

Vancouver-based Slick Entertainment took on the challenge of designing in-app purchases in a “non-evil” way. Find out how they earned the respect of their peers and how they approach indie game development. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
5

Thought Bubble:
We are artists
(so let’s start talking like it!)

By Navid Khavari
April 9, 2013

Are video games art? Yes. Should we move on? Yes. A guest editorial from Ubisoft Toronto narrative designer Navid Khavari. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guacamelee! Review

April 9, 2013

These days, most games billed as Metroidvania don’t live up to the moniker. Enter Guacamelee!, an excellent Mexican-themed brawler that oozes 2D authenticity. The latest offering from Toronto’s DrinkBox Studios maximizes the Metroidvania concept with tight combat, intricate level design, and a colourful aesthetic that reminds players that more is not necessarily better. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thought Bubble: A Gamer’s Thank You to Roger Ebert

April 5, 2013

Given Roger Ebert’s well-publicized opinions about gaming’s (lack of) potential as an art form, some might find it strange to eulogize him in the context of video games. Personally, I think it’s important. While the many accounts of his unrivaled contributions to film are obviously well-deserved, Ebert had far more to offer the world than a couple of thumbs up or down. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , ,

Dork Shelf Presents
An Ode to LucasArts

April 4, 2013

Following the news of Disney shuttering LucasArts’ internal development, Dork Shelf’s game contributors get nostalgic about their favourites of the publisher’s titles. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thought Bubble: God of War: Ascension

April 3, 2013

Dork Shelf writer Eric Weiss shares his thoughts on what makes a video game replayable after essentially replaying God of War for the fourth time on a console with Ascension. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
3

Metanet Software announces N++

March 28, 2013

At Game Developers Conference, Mare Sheppard announced that Metanet Software is working on the third and final instalment of the N series. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm Review

March 28, 2013

Starcraft 2‘s main loading screen, a close-up of the hero Jim Raynor, has been replaced with his love interest and nemesis Sarah Kerrigan. Blizzard makes it clear, in its traditionally blunt manner, that things have changed. But are they for the better? Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate Review

March 20, 2013

The latest ‘Vania installment is a welcome addition to the series, but does the litany of technical problems mar the return to Dracula’s Castle? Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview: Patrick Moran discusses Game On 2.0

March 18, 2013

When you walk into the Game On 2.0 exhibit at the Ontario Science Centre, the first thing you’ll notice is a massive projection of PONG. That’s to be expected. The new gallery chronicles the history of video games and PONG is doubtlessly one of the originals. Continue reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,