You probably know that there are some pretty impressive video game developers on the Isle of Wight in the guise of Stainless Games.
Well, the Island now has another game developer that it can be proud of – Team Mango, which yesterday, released its game, Dysnomia.
They’re on a very different scale to Stainless, as there is but one in Team Mango – Gareth Williams.
Written on the Island
In an amazing feat of persistence and programming skills, Gareth has created a very slick looking video game, all coded by himself on the Island, from start to finish, in ten months.
These days, games are normally developed by considerable teams, but the only person Gareth worked with was Leon Arellano, on the graphics, who worked from Pennsylvania.
“It probably works out at over 800 man hours spent on it, if you include my time and the artist’s time,” Gareth told VB.
They did it for the fun he told us, not the money. “I’ve been writing games for years, but the Xbox Live Indie Games channel is an awesome way to do what I love and make a little money from doing it,” Gareth added.
The game
Anyone who knows and loves top-down shooters which originated in the Amiga / Spectrum era will instantly feel their pulse quickening when they see the games trailer.
From the trailer that we’ve seen, this game utilises all of the improvements that the current-day consoles have, while still bringing the sheer excitement of one of my favourite games of that time, Alien Breed.
As you move between rooms, you’re already in a heightened state, not knowing what will come out of the shadows and attack you. Being armed to the teeth, it’s up to you to blast the living heck out of the would-be attackers as you battle against seemingly-overwhelming odds.
Where to buy it
We’re looking forward to playing this game – and if you feel the same, you’re able to try it for free or buy it online for 240 Microsoft Points (about £2) with your Xbox 360 through the Marketplace.
Have a look at the video and see if you’re not moved …
