Press Release: Canadian Indie Musicians Contribute to Auto Age: Standoff Mixtape

Friend of the site Jim Squires reached out to me to let me know about the soundtrack and music behind Phantom Compass. The soundtrack will feature Jim Guthrie, TWRP, Skull Fist and more. I've copied the press release below, but make sure to follow them on Twitter and check them out at PAX East if you're there.

Canadian Indie Musicians Contribute to Auto Age: Standoff Mixtape

Phantom Compass Reveals the Masterful Music Acts Behind the Tunes of Auto Age

Toronto, Canada – 22 April 2016 – When the pedal is to the metal, few things matter quite as much as the soundtrack driving your four-wheeled engine of destruction. Phantom Compass, developers of the upcoming car combat game Auto Age: Standoff, have assembled some of Canada’s deadliest indie artists for a mixtape maximized for motorized mayhem.

“Auto Age embodies a retro future where the 1980s never died,” said game director Tony Walsh. “Before the days of iTunes playlists and streaming music services, kids had just one outlet for customizing their listening sessions: a handcrafted mixtape. We’re recreating that vibe with some of Canada’s coolest retro-inspired indie musicians.”

Each killer vehicle is equipped with a customizable in-game mixtape starring  synth-funk electronic stylings of TWRP, the retro-tinged synthwave sound of 20SIX Hundred, the heavy-rocking metal of Skull Fist, and the tech-noir outrun melodies of Stilz.

"As fellow Canadians who dig rad tunes and bad ass video games, it is a great feeling to be a part of Auto Age,” said Skull Fist guitarist Zach Slaughter. “The graphics rule, the premise rules, the game rules, and even the soundtrack rules!"

In addition to its in-game mixtape, Auto Age: Standoff includes original soundtrack music from Toronto’s own Jim Guthrie. Previous to his work on Auto Age, Guthrie has lent his considerable talents to notable Canadian indie games like Sound Shapes, Below, and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery. Guthrie is also the artist responsible for the soundtrack to Indie Game: The Movie.

“Jim is an absolute legend in the indie games music scene, not to mention the Canadian music scene at large,” said Ericka Evans, Head of Production at Phantom Compass. “We’re honoured to be working not only with Jim but with the great Canadian mixtape musicians.. What better project to meet at the crossroads of Canadian indie music and Canadian indie games than one that literally puts you behind the wheel?”

Auto Age: Standoff is a game of car combat and multiplayer strategy that is coming to Steam later this year. You can add Auto Age: Standoff to your Steam Wishlist starting today. For more information, please visit phantomcompass.com/autoagestandoff, as well as the game's Steam page at http://store.steampowered.com/app/458680.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

• Jim Guthrie is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter. In addition to creating original compositions for video games, film, and television, Jim has released several solo albums including 2003’s Juno-nominated ‘Now, More Than Ever’ and 2013’s critically-acclaimed ‘Takes Time’.  To learn more and listen, please visit jimguthrie.org.

• TWRP are an elite squad of rockstars from the future, the 1980s, and currently Toronto. The band has gained an international following after the release of their animated music video 'The Hit' which has surpassed 1 million views. To listen, visit twrplive.com.

• Skull Fist are a heavy metal group formed in 2006 by Toronto-based guitarist Zach Slaughter. Following a 2006 demo and 2010 EP, the band has released two full albums: 2011’s ‘Head of the Pack’ and and 2014’s Juno-nominated ‘Chasing the Dream’. To listen, please visit youtube.com/user/SkullFistOfficial.

• 20SIX Hundred has been producing music for a number of years, composing horror scores for micro budget thrillers and most recently venturing into the realm of retro-tinged synthwave. Originally from Southern Ontario, 20SIX Hundred now calls Vancouver home. To listen, please visit 20sixhundred.bandcamp.com.

• Stilz has produced for hip hop artists throughout Western Canada for many years. Starting out as a DJ in the late 90's, these days he has become known for his solo instrumental releases. For listening samples, please visit stilz.bandcamp.com.

ABOUT PHANTOM COMPASS

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Phantom Compass is best known for its 2014 pinball-meets-RPG title ‘Rollers of the Realm’ for PC, PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. The studio’s latest title, ‘Auto Age: Standoff,’ has been in development for over a year and will be released on Steam this fall. For more information, visit phantomcompass.com.

Auto Age: Standoff was produced with the financial assistance of the Canada Media Fund and the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.

Is Clapfoot Games Working On An Updated For Fortified?

Happy Saturday! Clapfoot Games released Fortified earlier this year, but since then we haven't heard much from them.  Based on a recent tweet, it might be safe to say they are working on some DLC for the third person tower defence shooter.

Here's a preview something new coming to Fortified soon. #screenshotsaturday pic.twitter.com/6QNJRAzply

— Clapfoot (@clapfoot) April 23, 2016

We'll be sure to share more about Fortified as Clapfoot Games updates us, but until then make sure to check out the game on Xbox One or Steam.

Vote For Shoot Shoot Mega Pack On Steam Greenlight

The party 2D shooter Shoot Shoot Mega Pack (SSMP) from Jon Remedios now has a Steam Greenlight page, which you can vote for to be Greenlight right here.  The game is described as "a party game about rules, friendship, and shooting". Check out the trailer and screenshots below!

Make sure to vote for the game on Steam Greenlight, and follow all the people involved with the project on Twitter:

• @DualRyan
• @Artbygavin
• @Gabdar
• @JonRemedios

13AM Games Interview On Runbow DLC, What Was Cut, And What The Future Holds

Hey everyone! You may remember that before the launch of the Runbow, Tom over at 13AM Games was kind enough to do an interview. Now that the Runbow DLC has been released, we decided to chat again! We talked about the DLC, what didn't make the cut, and what the future holds for Runbow and 13AM Games.

TorontoGameDevs: Congrats on the DLC launch! What was the motivation to do DLC instead of moving onto a new project? Was it something you knew would always be in store for Runbow?

Tom: From the get go we knew we wanted to release some form of additional content for Runbow, whether it be new guest characters, levels, or costumes. One of the main reasons was to create something that fans of Runbow would appreciate and bring people back to the game after some time had passed. It also allowed us, as game makers, to take all the experience and lessons we learned from creating the original game, and use them to create something even better within the same universe.

TorontoGameDevs: The DLC introduces some new concepts, like with portals, anti gravity spots, and floaty sections. Was there anything left on the chopping block?

Tom: To complement the ridiculous size of space, we came up with a ridiculous amount of concepts for new mechanics we could introduce with the DLC. We had to chop this list down to a more manageable size, here are some examples of things that got the axe:

• Jet-packs: a simple pick up that would allow the player to float around at their leisure. It ended up getting the axe because of how our player and world physics work, and because it didn’t really seem to plug into the colour mechanic too well.
• Wall Gravity: Similar to the upside down portions, we wanted the players to be able to walk up and down the walls of our levels as well. We actually got this working rather well but decided the clunkiness of the controls really broke up the flow and didn’t allow us to get the most out of the idea.
• Space Radiation: We wanted a mechanic that would emulate the harshness of outer space and thought that having rays or beams of space radiation would work. It worked well with the colour mechanic but offered too many level design challenges and would require a new health system or at least a tweaking of the current one.

TorontoGameDevs: There are also some new mutliplayer maps, costumes, and a new character. How did you go about getting Lilac in the game? Was there anything (like other costumes) that didn't make the cut?

Tom: We met Stevie from GalaxyTrail at Pax Prime and approached him about the idea. He really liked it and after doing the same song and dance we did for the other characters, had Lilac ready to go. As for the other content, we did have some other ideas for costumes and even potential adventure themes, like Old West for example, but they never really made it beyond the concept phase. When it came to the DLC we wanted to be laser focused and adhere to some pretty tight scope constraints.

TorontoGameDevs: What's next for Runbow? Have you looked at porting it to other consoles? Amiibo? Or some new DLC?

Tom: All I can say is that we’re not done with Runbow yet. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, we hope to have some exciting announcements soon.

TorontoGameDevs: What's next for 13AM Games? Anything you can say about the next project, or what you have down the pipeline that's not Runbow related?

Tom: What do you mean not Runbow related? That’s a thing?

(No it's not). Thanks to Tom and 13AM Games for taking the time to do the interview. Remember to check out Runbow on Wii U.

Quench Now On Kickstarter and Steam Greenlight

It looks like OSnap Games isn't the only one taking to Kickstarter today, because Toronto developer Axon Interactive is taking to the fundraising  platform to help finish the development of Quench.  The story-driven puzzle game pits you as Shepherd, an avatar of nature who can control the weather to guide animals where "you must protect your flock, tend the land, and unravel the mystery of the strange smokebeasts that have invaded the world."

You can check out the trailer below, and all the details of the Kickstarter here.

SUPPORT QUENCH ON KICKSTARTER AND STEAM GREENLIGHT!*** Kickstarter: http://bit.ly/26f9ae1 Greenlight: http://bit.ly/1U6JMCk Release Date: Fall 2016 Platforms: Windows & Mac (DRM-free) Website: http://quenchgame.com Quench is a story-driven puzzle game set in a colourful, lo-fi world. You play as Shepherd, an avatar of nature, and you have the power to control the weather to guide herds of animals on a perilous journey.

Axon Interactive is looking for $26,000 dollars but does include some stretch goals like voice acting, and a Wii U port. Make sure to check out the Kickstarter for all the details, let's get this game funded! The game also has a Steam Greenlight page up which you can vote for here. Make sure to follow Axon Interactive on Twitter and Tumblr for all the details.

OSnap Games Launches Kickstarter For Quasar

OSnap Games is busy away work on their shoot 'em up Quasar for Steam, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and have taken to Kickstarter to help them with the final push.  The goal is $25000, with 35 days to go, I think we can get this one fully funded.

"Inspired by great shoot ‘em ups of the past such as Asteroids and Space Wars, we’ve set out to make QUASAR a bullet-tastic, top-down multiplayer game for our generation. The mechanics are simple, but the action takes place in procedurally generated areas for a unique and frenetic play experience that tests your skills every time. The game can be played with up to 10 players (5 vs. 5), and we like to say it is easy to learn, fast to play and hard to master."

You can check out the Kickstarter right here, and follow the developer on Twitter as well.  I've had a chance to play to play Quasar and it's a long of fun.  The Kickstarter has all sorts of details on the gameplay, and sound track with the estimate delivery date on it being September 2016, so hopefully we don't have to long of a wait.

Blue Isles Entertainment Announces First-Person Adventure Valley

Blue Isles Entertainment, the Toronto developed responsible for Slender: The Arrival have announced that Valley, their first-person adventure game will be coming to Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 this summer.

"Valley™ is a First-Person adventure unlike any other. Hidden deep within a remote region of the Rocky Mountains, you find yourself bewildered within a secluded valley. With the power of a recently discovered L.E.A.F. suit (Leap Effortlessly though Air Functionality), run and jump your way through beautiful forests, dangerous ruins and vast environments; all the while utilizing the power to control life and death to uncover the startling secrets of the mysterious valley. Be forewarned, with these new-found abilities comes a daunting repercussion: the more you experience death within the valley, the more the valley will die around you."

Coming summer 2016 - www.valleythegame.com Explore the vast and beautiful world of Valley™ using the power of the L.E.A.F. SUIT: a fierce exoskeleton that grants exceptional speed and agility along with the phenomenal ability to manipulate the life and death of all living things.

The trailer comes off as pretty atmospheric, and creepy, which isn't surprising for anyone who has played Slender. We'll be sure to have more on this game as we get closer to its summer 2016 release date, but you can check out the Steam page here, while following the developer on Twitter.

Axon Interactive Announces Kickstarter For Quench Coming This Wednesday

Axon Interactive teased that something was in the works for Quench, and now we know what. They've announced that this Wednesday they'll be launching a Kickstarter for their upcoming game Quench.  There will also be a Steam Greenlight page that we can vote for:

In the past year, we’ve received incredibly encouraging feedback from our fans about the unique aesthetic of the world and its creatures, the focus on non-violence as a game mechanic, and the central themes of compassion and community, where you can change the world through nurturing the earth and helping others.

We’re on our way to completing and releasing Quench on PC and Mac near the end of 2016. But with the majority of our funding received and paid out (and the final amount allocated to post-production costs), we need a boost to help us get to the finish line. So we’ve decided to turn to our friends, family, and fans.

In the meantime, make sure to follow Axon Interactive on Twitter and Tumblr.

Don't Starve: Shipwrecked Coming To PlayStation 4

Having just released Don't Starve: Shipwrecked on Steam late last month, Capybara Games and Klei are not done collaborating. They've announced that Don't Starve: Shipwrecked will be coming to PlayStation 4 this Spring.

"The expansion pack for Don't Starve introduces the ability to craft boats, and explore the open seas."

"Hop in a sailboat and chart new corners of the mysterious archipelago, paddle a raft through the crashing waves and shout “Land Ho!” when you spot a newly discovered jungle island, find treasure maps that lead to buried riches, or fire cannons at pursuing sea monsters or schools of surface-slicing fins. To us, the rich mythos of shipwreck and pirate castaway lore was a perfect fit for Don’t Starve’s survival gameplay, and the expansion into seafaring offers a new set of challenges to established players."

Don't Starve is currently out right now on PlayStation 4, with Shipwrecked coming this Spring.

Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander Releases On Steam Early Access April 21st

It's a busy week for Toronto game developers this week, Massive Damage Inc has announced their space strategy RPG Halcyon 6: Starbase Commander will be hitting Steam Early Access later this month.  Halcyon 6 was a successful Kickstarter from last year that recently showed off some of the ground combat.  Check out the launch trailer below!

Halcyon 6 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/371200 It's official! Halcyon 6 will launch on April 21st on STEAM Early Access.

You can download the game right here on April 21st, and follow the developer on Twitter.

13AM Games Announces Runbow DLC - Out This Week

Well now we know what 13AM Games was tweeting about this whole time.  They have officially announced that Runbow will be getting its first batch of DLC this week.  You can check out the full breakdown below, but the DLC will include new costumes, a new guest characters, single player campaign, and multiplayer maps.

Runbow has taken the 9-player local multiplayer scene by storm, and now things are about to get even hotter with the addition of more content! Most excitingly of all is an expansion to Runbow's story mode that takes antagonist Satura into space in over 48 new levels; exciting!

They also announced the game will be on sale for the next two weeks to celebrate the release of the DLC.  You can also check out the official Runbow store, as well as purchase the soundtrack (composed by friend of the site Dan Rodrigues).

Not only is #Runbow first DLC coming out on 04/14 but the game will also be 25% off from 04/14-28. Thxs @13amgames pic.twitter.com/B38ehBL4GW

— Nintendo Dads (@NintendoDads) April 11, 2016

13AM Games Promises A "Very Cool Month For Runbow Fans"

13AMGames have been sending some cryptic tweets lately, promising an exciting month for Runbow fans and that we probably know what it is.  They have mentioned some DLC for Runbow in the past, but we'll have to wait to see what's going on in 13AM Games land to know the whole scoop.

Cryptic Tweet #1: April is going to be a very cool month for #Runbow fans. . .

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 5, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #2: Everyone thinks they know what we are up to. YOU'RE probably right.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 6, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #3: A Demonstration could be in order...

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 7, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #4: You need to Find OuR hints, and look cloSely AT the clUes.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 7, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #5: i don't want to harRASS anyone with these tweets.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 8, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #6: but you've got to keep up the PACE.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 8, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #7: A little Detective work neVEr hurt aNyone.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 9, 2016

Cryptic Tweet #8: To be fair, some detectives... maybe. sURE.

— 13AM Games (@13amgames) April 9, 2016

What do you think it is? Let us know in the comments, or tweet to 13AM Games.

New Screenshots and Gifs for Quench

Friends of the site Axon Interactive have been a little quiet on the Quench front lately, but they did show off some new screenshots and gifs of their upcoming game, which you can check out below.  Quench puts players in control of "Shepherd, an avatar of nature, and you have the power to control the weather to guide herds of animals on a perilous journey."

You can follow along the developer on their official Twitter, and Tumblr feeds.

Award Winners At Student Game Showcase - LevelUpTO

Last night there was the 6th annual Level Up here in Toronto, which is a showcase event for local students to show off their games.  Pitfall Planet won last years, and this year had quite a few winners, including friend of the site Oddbird Studio.  This all came from Level Up's Facebook page.

Artistic Achievement - Sheridan College - Oddbird Studios -  Arrow Heads

People's Choice Award - OCAD and University of Toronto  - Plunder

Best Overall Game - Sheridan College - Oddbird Studios - Arrow Heads

Technical Innovation Award - UOIT - Ominous Games

Congrats to all the winners! Here are some tweets from the event.

Things are heating up at Level Up! #Toronto #gamedev pic.twitter.com/RFbWSCA0pi

— LevelUpTO (@LevelUpTO) April 6, 2016

If you're a #gamedev in Toronto, #LevelUp2016 at the Design Exchange is where you want to … https://t.co/U7IXyTQFer pic.twitter.com/bbJ1YZEFSN

— Big Viking Games (@BigVikingGames) April 6, 2016

Just got to @LevelUpTO and the place is stacked with great games projects! #Toronto #gaming pic.twitter.com/yWcSWXPx6l

— Lightning Rod Games (@LRGthunder) April 6, 2016

Halcyon 6 Shows Off Alpha Ground Combat Footage

Indie developer Massive Damage Inc has released some new footage of their upcoming game Halcyon 6 which features some ground combat. You can check it out below, but make sure to also follow the developer on Twitter and check out their Devblog where they are posting more details on the game.

Halcyon 6 on Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/371200 Wishlist us! Early Access release date is April 21st, 2016!

Halcyon 6 was on Kickstarter last year where it crushed its fundraising goal. There is no release date yet for the game.