15 OUYA games to watch [VIDEOS]
OUYA, the Android-based gaming console, is set to launch in March. Its success will largely depend on developer support: will there be enough games, quality games, and variety? In anticipation of the big debut, we’re running a series of posts highlighting some of the early-adopting OUYA devs (both large and small) and their upcoming games. The series is being done in conjunction with OUYAboards.com and GameFans.com where you can find more extensive coverage of the console, its games, and the developers behind them.
Roboto
This chart-topping success was once awarded “Game of the Week” on iTunes and featured as a Top App amongst legendary titles such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, and Fruit Ninja. Although it hasn’t fared as well on Android, we couldn’t be more excited about Roboto on OUYA. The game has a level of polish and attention to detail that gamers will appreciate. Not to mention, Roboto is a shining example of the OUYA’s potential: add a classic gaming controller and nice big television, and the Roboto beloved on iOS will take on yet another experience and life. [Discuss Roboto]
Orbital Blaster
Despite originating as a failed Kickstarter project, Hashbang Games continues development of their on-rails shooter called Orbital Blaster, and we’re glad they didn’t throw in the towel. Combine Contra boss fights, Galaga gameplay,a sweet time-warp story line, and an objective summarized as, “want[ing] to blow shit up in space,” and you’re left with one thing: a sack of awesome. Hopefully these indie devs can find the time and energy to get Orbital Blaster on OUYA by launch, because it looks like an intergalactic winner. [Discuss on OUYAboards]
Around The Rock Disc Golf
This recently launched Frisbee Golf title looks incredibly promising: it’s got great reviews on the Google Play Store, simple and straight forward gameplay, and attractive graphics. The company behind the game, Tribaloid, has a handful of other titles on Android (ATRDG is also available on iOS, other Android app stores) and thankfully… the OUYA is next up. The look and feel of this game, combined with the multi-player mini-game focus, remind me of something we’d see on the Nintendo Wii. And trust me when I say that’s a good thing, people. [Discuss on OUYAboards]
The Lost Heroes
This side-scrolling game is being developed by the popular Android developer, Magory. With 5 games earning both 100,000+ downloads and 4+ star ratings, OUYA enthusiasts should be excited to have him aboard. Lost Heroes is based on games like Trine and The Lost Vikings with your character being a wizardress, knight, or troll. The below screenshot shows the version for Android tablets which will (obviously) have onscreen controls removed for the OUYA version.
SpaceRoads
The 1993 sensation SkyRoads lives on through WurdIndustries who are launching a retro-style remake of the classic game. So far the levels look beautiful, but as can be expected, the developers still have some work to do ironing out the gameplay details. Nonetheless, this looks promising and the dev team has requested opinions and ideas for new levels and concepts to be incorporated- now’s your chance to contribute! [Discuss SpaceRoads]
Politico
19-year old Josh Siegl shows why open source is awesome, making his entrance into the world of game development by single-handedly creating Politico, a 2D Sim City type game coming to Steam that will receive a full OUYA port. He has some work to do, but should get a ton of credit for his efforts in his debut. [From OUYAboards]
Legacy of Barubash
Coming to both Android and OUYA, I would liken Barubash to the story-driven RPGs in the vein of Fable. Of course as indie game devs, Kactus Games won’t be producing virtual 3D worlds of outrageous wonderment as seen in Fable, but conceptually speaking the development of stories, quests, and settings seem familiar. The team already has the game up and running on the OUYA Dev Kit and it’s looking pretty good for an Alpha build. [Discuss Legacy of Barubash]
Space Dodger
This unnamed game by Hypercane Studios should be ready in time for the console’s launch if the below video is any indication. I took the liberty of identifying the game as Space Dodger due to the game’s obvious objective: you’re a spaceship dodging obstacles in a tunnel. The gameplay mechanics and overall look/feel seem solid with my main complaint stemming from the sample level’s darkness. Black tends to be tough on video compression though, and a quick look at screencaps of the same level show a much more stunning output. Hopefully the game will also feature a bunch of levels, some of which will include brighter and more vibrant colors.
Dragon Maze
This game reminds me of Diddy Kong’s Quest on N64 but unfortunately Dragon Maze won’t include the multi-player co-op that made that game so popular. However, Feline Arts – the company behind the game – has already got such requests and is considering multi-co-op for future versions. While Dragon Maze’s pre-alpha gameplay video looks less polished than the Phoenix Run scroller they’ve got on the Play Store, it still looks like a promising proposition. [Dragon Maze on OUYA Boards]
Alien Patrol
Without any iOS devices (that’s a badge of honor statement) I’m unable to comment on the quality of Inane Games’ iOS titles: Alien Patrol and Gatsby’s Golf. But, I must admit: from a graphical standpoint they’re pretty beautiful. The company (Inane Games) has committed to bringing Alien Patrol to OUYA, a title that was just launched on iOS in December. If you’ve played one of Inane’s games, let us know what to expect from their titles on OUYA. [Discuss Alien Patrol on OUYA]
La pesadilla de Ripollés (The nightmare of Ripollés)
Mix Renegade on NES, replace the villains with Spongebob looking characters, insert Spanish music and it appears you’ve got this game, which won a game development award in Spain. While I don’t condone the killing of characters that look fun loving, this game looks like just the right mixture of odd to be enjoyable. Developed by PiX Juegos, this 4-player game is described as a “Beat’em up multiplayer classic” where “statues of Juan Ripollés have come alive and are destroying the city of Castellón.”
Garnatron
Also developed by PiX Juegos, Garnatron is a classis space shooter. Although previously a single person game, their making it multi-player on OUYA to increase the fun level, and this game looks like it could be a solid little mini-game.
Retroformer
This is your classic puzzler game: take your little alien-ish character around an ant-in-the-ant-hill type maze, collecting keys, dodging challenges, and making your way to the finish line. Said to be available on iOS and Android (and of course OUYA) soon, the developers behind Retroformer aim to let users create and upload their own levels, extending the fun to whatever levels you and you friends can personally imagine. [Discuss on OUYA Boards]
Aggro Tactics
Combine chess, strategy/tactical RPG, and the simultaneous game-play of MMOs and you’ve got yourself Aggro Tactics, designed and programmed by aspiring game dev GodlyPerfection. The concept seems to have some real potential, and if the look/feel of the hexagonal board and game pieces is polished up to be more aesthetically pleasing, this could be a really enjoyable chess game with a fresh approach. [Read More on Aggro Tactics]
Tales of People
The thought of this game is absolutely hilarious, and luckily, the game’s maker appropriately pins it as a “dysfunctional comedy”. That’s exactly what I gathered from the game’s first screenshots which mash my brain into thinking that “Tales of People” is a game where Southpark cartoon characters play warrior in real world environments/settings. I’m completely unsure of this game’s future, but in my defense so is the developer who claims, “it might be kinda good. Maybe not. I dunno.” The game features a “depressed, drunken” character named Peoples, described as a guy who “sucks at [life] just like the rest of us.” The game takes him on a journey in “search of love, happiness, and then revenge because that love shit never works out.” If nothing else, at least we got a laugh out of the game’s concept, but ya never know… maybe Peoples will surprise us.
That wraps up our first edition of “OUYA Games to Watch”! Stayed tuned for continued coverage in our own OUYA Section, on GameFans.com, and continue the conversation on our OUYA Boards!