App-a-Day #8: Spot the Bug
by Dave Calabrese · 06/26/2009 (1:01 pm) · 3 comments
Sit back with some peaceful music from renowned composer Matt Sayre and collect ladybugs! In this surprisingly calm matching game, the eighth game to come out of Dave Calabrese's App-a-Day Project, ladybugs with different numbers of spots crawl down the screen from the top to the bottom. Tap the ladybug to stop it in its tracks - now count the spots on its back, and tap that many other ladybugs with the same number of spots.
This simple game with its calming music and playful art is certain to surprise you with its engrossing gameplay and re-playability. Before you know it, you'll have been playing for 5 minutes, be at level 12, and have a score of 20 million.
Wait... #8? What happened to #7?
Well, let's say that I've learned you really cannot make a strategy game complete with micro-management within 24 hours. I did get a very long ways through production of it, and I kept saying it was ready for release because it was - however the more I played it, the more I kept feeling like it needed more statistics, more micro management control... just more 'stuff' to really make it a solid 'business sim' game. I'm planning to still finish it up during App-a-Day however and release it as the official #7 - it just won't be the 7th app actually submitted.
This App-a-Day project is quite fascinating due to how it is forcing me to focus on certain aspects of game development. Even though I've been doing this for 8 years, these cram-game-sessions are helping me learn even more and help focus on what's important. I believe when I'm finished with this project, I should write an article about my experiences and what I've taken home from it.
As for App #8, 'Spot the Bug', I am honored to be allowed to include music from the respected game soundtrack composer Matt Sayre. If you are working on games and need music, there is simply no one else to even consider going to - he's the best, without question! Take a moment to visit his home page and become more familiar with Matt Sayre and his awesome work: www.TheGameComposer.com
As always, read more about App-a-Day at app-a-day.blogspot.com
This simple game with its calming music and playful art is certain to surprise you with its engrossing gameplay and re-playability. Before you know it, you'll have been playing for 5 minutes, be at level 12, and have a score of 20 million.
Wait... #8? What happened to #7?
Well, let's say that I've learned you really cannot make a strategy game complete with micro-management within 24 hours. I did get a very long ways through production of it, and I kept saying it was ready for release because it was - however the more I played it, the more I kept feeling like it needed more statistics, more micro management control... just more 'stuff' to really make it a solid 'business sim' game. I'm planning to still finish it up during App-a-Day however and release it as the official #7 - it just won't be the 7th app actually submitted.
This App-a-Day project is quite fascinating due to how it is forcing me to focus on certain aspects of game development. Even though I've been doing this for 8 years, these cram-game-sessions are helping me learn even more and help focus on what's important. I believe when I'm finished with this project, I should write an article about my experiences and what I've taken home from it.
As for App #8, 'Spot the Bug', I am honored to be allowed to include music from the respected game soundtrack composer Matt Sayre. If you are working on games and need music, there is simply no one else to even consider going to - he's the best, without question! Take a moment to visit his home page and become more familiar with Matt Sayre and his awesome work: www.TheGameComposer.com
As always, read more about App-a-Day at app-a-day.blogspot.com
#2
06/27/2009 (4:25 am)
This has so far been the most incredible learning experience I have ever had. It is allowing me to test out development theories and ideas I've had and see if they work when the deadline is short, and has further taught me the value of how important gameplay is over everything else. I wouldn't give back this experience for the world - though I do still have 23 apps left to develop and release so maybe I should answer this again in a few weeks! 
#3
Keep on it!
06/28/2009 (1:49 am)
Well Dave, it's actually a genius move :) Given the hit-or-miss nature of the App Store, you're increasing your chances dramatically. Like 30 lottery tickets instead of only 1 or 2.Keep on it!
Torque Owner Dave Young
Then I thought. Wow, fabulous idea, he's going to get the bootcamp, fire in the pan, deep end of the ocean training that will be way useful!