How did the idea for Retrobot come about and how did you
get involved in the project?
The idea for Retrobot was the combined effort of two
indie developers. Our company Endeavor Bros and another indie Developer from
Belgium named Monkube. The Endeavor Bros model is to collaborate with some of
the best emerging artists and developers in the industry in order to make great
games. At the same time, Monkube, a company started by two ex-video game
journalists, was just getting started and was looking for projects and funding.
We found each other on the internet and started talking. It turned out that we
had a great idea for a gameplay concept and Monkube had a great idea for a
story and character. So we decided that we would work together to bring our
visions to life. We married the two ideas together and 'The Adventures of
Retrobot" was born.
What is the story of Retrobot?
The Adventures of Retrobot game offers intense tank
shooter action, epic boss battles and is supercharged with a story about a DIY
robot built as a gaming buddy who’s out to save his maker from the evil robots
who’ve taken over the world. The tale is brought to life through The Active
Reader technology, which allows for animated and “active” comic story panels.
Adding in a bit of slapstick video game humor, Retrobot and sidekick Toto’s
tale is filled with events that’ll remind any gamer of their fondest gaming
moments.
It’s currently available for the iPad, iPod, and iPhone,
will it be available for other devices?
The game is schedule to be released in late July for the
iPhone and iPod Touch on the App Store with the digital and print comic coming
later this summer. An iPad version will be next possibly followed by an android
version in 2013.
How difficult was it to plan out the game and comic at
the same time?
Our partner Monkube did this whole process before with
6th Planet, so we kind of knew what to expect. In the end, games have a longer
development time than stand-alone comics, so you have more time to debate story
details. So it was fun writing the story, bouncing ideas back and forth between
Monkube and Endeavor Bros, and ending up having long talks about the games we
played when we where kids. Next to being a fun game, it was nice that some of
the gaming jokes in The Adventures of Retrobot start off similar conversations
among its players. Because, well... those were the days, I guess.
How does the interactive aspect of the project work? How
much does the reader control the story?
Well, no, to be honest. What we have is an animated
story, where each panel is made out of moving fields, telling the story in a
more animated form.
Is there another one in the works? Any teasers you want
to throw out?
When we created, "The Adventures of Retrobot"
we didn't just create a stand alone incident that would only take place in one
game. We created an entire world filled with fascinating characters that have
hopes, dreams and motivations of their own. There is so much to the characters
already that the players don't know and they have so many avenues in which the
characters can grow. There are many more stories to be told and if the game
does well, we will tell them. With all that being said, there may be a puzzle
game spin off on the horizon featuring the Spencer character. Which if you read
the story in "The Adventures of Retrobot" closely, is kind of
announced in the game. Besides the Retrobot universe, Endeavor Bros and Monkube
are working on another project called Ricky Starfield stay tuned for more
details. Last but not least, our partner Monkube is releasing their highly
acclaimed game 6th planet to the iPad, PC and Mac in Retina form. If you have
not played it then I suggest you check it out. It is a great game with an
incredibly well written story. You won't be disappointed. Monkube is also going
to be releasing a puzzle game called Fiver Classic which will most likely be
their next release. Then in 2013 you can expect to see a 6th Planet sequel. If
you check out Endeavor Bros and Monkube on Facebook, you'll get to see some
stuff pretty soon. Who knows, you might even get a spot in one of the test
audience teams.
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