Batonic by Lifemakers Stiduo

WIP games, tools & toy projects
#1

Hello, we are a small independent game studio based in Canada working on our very first game, Batonic.

It is an exciting new physics simulation game, with a simple premise but challenging and addictive gameplay. The idea is simple: poise a circus baton on the tip of your finger as various creatures fall from the sky trying to strike you out of balance—and score points as those creatures disappear from your magical touch.

Simple but reasonably realistic (Box2D physics), the game requires quick reaction and intuition - playing Batonic is a challenging but learnable skill. Resist changing winds and gravity, fight off and disintegrate various creatures (bouncing, sticking, exploding) that fall from the sky trying to strike you off balance.

Made with: Java, Android Studio, LibGDX, Box2D, Inkscape, MMA, Audacity.

We are working now on beta-testing the game and are planning to release it for Android this summer.

Here is the very first teaser video of Batonic (showing how to play one level):

#2

Nice. Looks like a well thought out game.

The graphics are… stunning… at first. It isn’t something I am used to. Right now I am contemplating whether that hand is made of cheetos or not :slight_smile:

I am digging the glow. The glow on the sexy ball people figures that is. The one in the top left has swag like nobody has ever seen before.

#3

That swag is of course accidental :wink: but then again, maybe not. Because, if you make a primordial soup with all the right ingredients, and pump and stir them vigorously enough, life will emerge. We are the Lifemakers ;D

Thank you for your feedback! Please help spread the word - we need more beta testers now! :slight_smile:

#4

We added an opening screen at the very beginning of the game. Testing showed that the universe of the game is sufficiently weird to need some kind of introduction!

#5

We’ve moved indicators to the top of the screen for better visibility.

#6

Development update: gameplay tweaks

Based on testers’ feedback, we tweaked gameplay parameters to make it both more challenging and less frustrating at the same time. We adjusted the length and girth (therefore, mass and inertia) of the baton to make it feel more controllable and engaging — though not necessarily easier to handle!

Granted, Batonic is not a kind of game that you can finish on your first try. It is a casual type of game with little rules or story to learn, but it gets really difficult as you progress, and you really need to master and practice the motor skills of controlling the baton in the game’s physics. In the end, it’s so rewarding to feel completely in control of the capricious thing — easily deflecting or avoiding whatever befalls you!

#7

We’ve released two trailers of Batonic.

We aim to release our ‪Android‬ version of the game on Sun, July 24.

This is a game of quick reaction, agility, and physical intuition: you need to be constantly alert and quick to right the tilt. With a simple premise but challenging, addictive, adrenaline-filled gameplay, Batonic tests your agility and precision, your ability to adapt and to make quick decisions in situations of uncertainty.

Winds and gravity change, creatures bounce, stick, explode, your own baton sometimes behaves like a wild horse… luckily, playing Batonic is a learnable skill — the more you play it, the better you get at it. And sometimes, the very threats that bombard you can help you stay afloat!

ovI9qJkwsmg

f0cd2v97nyc