Astrolander

Astrolander (aka Cosmic Lander, aka Astlan) is a 3D space navigation game inspired by classics such as Lunar Lander, Gravity Force and Uchuusen by Chris Nimmo. Between 2011 and 2012 I crafted this game as a spare time project and documented the process extensively on the TigSource.com forums, a community hub for indie game developers. Additional 2D graphics by Camille Coq.

Astrolander is implemented in Squirrel, the 3D rendering is done on GameStart 3D engine by Emmanuel Julien. It takes advantage of the GameStart 3D Squirrel API

Game Overview

In Astrolander, players control a spacecraft through 25 levels of increasing difficulty, navigating obstacles and collecting items to progress. I designed the game with a simplified two-button control system to optimize the experience on tablets and smartphones, providing intuitive gameplay suitable for both casual and seasoned gamers.

Development Highlights

• Community Engagement: I regularly updated and discussed the project on TigSource forums, using community feedback to refine gameplay balance and mechanics.
• Innovative Controls: Based on physics, I developed a unique control mechanic that prevents the spacecraft from flipping over, reducing frustration and enhancing the realistic navigation feel.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: I optimized Astrolander for both Windows and Android platforms to ensure smooth and responsive experiences across different devices.

Contributions and Innovations

• Comprehensive Design: Except for the music and some 2D illustrations, I handled all aspects of the project, from game design and 3D graphics to coding, including shaders.
• Community-Driven Development: Feedback from TigSource was crucial in refining the game controls and physics, ensuring enjoyable and immersive gameplay.

Astrolander stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in game development and the ongoing appeal of physics-based navigation games.

Astrofra. 2024.