Tunnel Shoot Pro (blems?)

Whilst searching for different apps, I stumbled upon an App called Tunnel Shoot Pro and on closer inspection it seems to be almost exactly the idea that I had (a cylindrical based track with accelerometer based steering) The critical gameplay mechanics are not racing; however – but rather are ‘score based’ in an endurance style (avoid the objects for as long as possible). This is both relieving but also disappointing that the core appeal for my Idea has already been used.

This now presents me with an important question; how can I retain the same idea – but keep the innovation running?

Both my idea and TSP both have the core mechanic that the track is against the player. In Tunnel Shoot Pro these are the Key Features:

Game includes:
-Amazing 3D graphics
-Highly intuitive accelerometer based controls
-Original soundtrack
-Fast-paced action
-Addictive, endless gameplay
-Easy to learn, difficult to master
-iPad support with custom high-resolution graphics
-Optimized graphics for new retina display
-Plus+ integration
-Facebook/Twitter integration

My Idea would feature the following of those aspects: 3D graphics, Accelerometer based controls, Fast Paced action, easy to learn, difficult to master and I pad Support. I hadn’t really thought much about Facebook/Twitter integration but now I know it’s possible this could be included in my Time Trial game mode. My initial Features (on top of the above) are:

-Fast paced action that is pushed to the limit by the unique ‘Shedding’ system which places speed over player lifespan – will your own need for speed cause you the ultimate frustration

- 3 racers and several tracks

-Custom music from your Ipod (If not – racy techno style music/ Jpop?)

-Story Mode and time trial modes

So how can mine differ? Well having discussed the game with my tutors and friends, I have come up with several ideas how to change it and make it more innovative.

-      Multiplayer (Both players on same screen over wi-fi players with 2 game modes: Race (traditional race structure) and Elimination (unlimited time span and slowly speeds up – last man standing wins)

-      ‘Drops’ (Gameplay Switches to the touchscreen controls and your driver jumps out of bike (quick animation) and drops down vertically before eventually landing back onto bike and continues  - adding diversity of both objects, screen, and mechanics.)

-      Chases (at certain point the camera switches to back view and players must avoid objects coming both ways)

-      Ipad ‘Flick’ ability (as Ipads are Cumbersome and hard to turn and tilt so to overturn this players will be able to ‘flick’ their bikes with the touchscreen to reach the ‘top’ of the cylinder)

-      Two forms of play control (Accelerometer and Touch screen (follows bike with finger to move it)

Having now worked out ways I can adjust different areas of my concept, I wondered how the critics labelled Tunnel Shoot Pro - given that it runs using very similar priciples. Here are the http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tunnel-shoot-pro/id376449570?mt=8# [accessed November 8th] customer reviews.

Great, but crashes nonstop under iOS 4

     

by Sean Emmel

As everyone says, this game is solid but crashes every time you play it. Could be after 3 minutes, could be literally 3 seconds... regardless, it is guaranteed to happen. Also, I play it on my iPhone 4, but have it on my 3G, and I must say, it is almost impossible to play on the 3G as the "enemies"/obstacles don't render fast enough to dodge them!

Worst thing: this game has a nasty bug in it that can freeze your accelerometer, even after you quit the game (and I mean end the app in the fast app switcher). Only thing that fixes it is to soft reset or power off phone. LAME

Game has potential to be excellent, but it NEEDS AN UPDATE to fix the crashing issue. Luckily I got this on launch when it was free, so I'm not extremely angry about it, but I would NOT recommend paying for this until the devs fix the crashing bug(s). 2 stars until fixed.

*** EDIT: FINALLY they updated this game, and so far, no crashing! I actually was able to score above a million without the app freezing! Nice. Dunno how it performs on older devices now with this new anti-aliasing, but plays beautifully on the 4. Thank you developers for finally fixing the extremely irritating crash. I now recommend this game to all. ***

Great game.

     

by RecNinja

No crashes and no problem.

Crazy fun!

     

by zippywista

Crazy fast and fun on an iPad! The colors and graphics are wild! Draws you into the screen action! I have a zillion games, this is a keeper!

Looking at these, while the game has 'bugs' overall the opinion is very positive, which bodes exceptionallu well for my concepts odds of success.