Android Developer Finds Beauty, Entertainment in Simple Game Design
Albuquerque, New Mexico (PRWEB) October 18, 2013 -- Gravitate, the Android app recently released by Phantom Data Services, looks out of place among other game apps. There are no characters, no backstory, and no music. The backdrop is plain black. Gravitate uses only a few primitive shapes with just a handful of colors.
However, looks can be deceiving, and Gravitate is the perfect example. Despite the minimalist graphic design, the game play is interactive, challenging, and highly addictive.
"Gravitate was designed to be simple and casual, but still keep your attention," says Adam Peters, the game's designer. "There is no time limit or score. You learn the game through trial-and-error. Whether you spend a couple of minutes or a couple of hours, the game is designed to keep you entertained. It might not have flashy graphics, but it does its job. There's a certain beauty in that fact."
The goal of the game is to launch a satellite at a target while dodging planets that are in the way. The planets' gravity will pull the satellite off course, but these forces can be used to the player's advantage. By adjusting the launch speed and direction, the satellite will slingshot around the planets to hit the target. A custom-developed physics engine delivers realistic gravitational effects.
Gravitate uses a drag-and-release user interface, which is easy to learn. However, it is very challenging to master. The game's levels are designed to help players learn the game as they are playing. As players advance through the various game levels, more planets are added to the game. The position of the planets change as well, making their gravitational forces more complex and the solutions more difficult.
The introductory version of Gravitate includes 100 levels. More levels, features, and game options are currently in development by Phantom Data Services and will be available in future versions.
Gravitate is priced at 99 cents, and is available for download from the Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phantomdataservices.gravitate.app1.
Phantom Data Services, LLC is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and provides advanced website and Android app development services.
Adam Peters, Phantom Data Services, LLC, http://www.phantomlink.com, +1 (505) 293-9700, [email protected]
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