Universal Skill Game 2

Dear TA community,

every time I develop a new game I plan to involve the TA community as soon as possible. Then time goes on and it gets busy: There is so much to do if you’re a single indie developer. Now, again, I’m a bit late

So let’s talk about my new game: Skill Game 2!

After 6 years and over 6 million downloads of the original, I’m happy to announce that the successor of my most beloved game launches next Thursday, November 17th exclusively on iOS:



What it is about?
Skill Game 2 is a never-ending game that incorporates both skill and strategy. It automatically adjusts to each player, offering beginners as well as pros non-stop, new and tricky challenges thanks to an unlimited number of randomly generated levels.



How to play?
You connect as many of the numbers as possible in the right order by drawing a line on the touchscreen. Existing lines cannot be touched or crossed outside of the already connected number fields. As easy as it sounds, the game gets more and more challenging with each new connection depending on the quantity and layout of the numbers as well as added obstacles. In the end, you have to find your way through a maze of ever-increasing lines:



Looks easy, right? Ok, try this:



I think the original version of Skill Game is proof enough of its addictive potential. Released in December 2010, it was the first perpetual and adaptive game for iOS. With over 6 million downloads and enthusiastic reviews, the original game is as successful as it’s popular:
• “This game is a real masterpiece.”
• “An unbelievably intelligent game.”
• “The best game in the history of the universe.”
• “I think I'll play just one more level...OK, one more...and one more...”
• “This game keeps you thinking.”

Compared to the original, I improved and enhanced Skill Game 2 in every way:
• new design with great visuals and smooth animation effects
• full screen playing area for a huge variety of different new level types
• return to the relaxing and beloved gameplay experience without time pressure
• new sound design
• 37 exciting achievements
• support for all current iPhone and iPad devices up to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro
• completely localized in 9 languages



Now I’m very excited and hope everything goes well when Skill Game 2 launches as a FREE download next week, November 17th.

That’s all for now, thanks for reading!
Sebastian

http://www.skillgameapp.com

 

Evolution of Skill Game

Allow me to add a bit more about the history of Skill Game.

The concept is based on a long-standing German game, which is played with paper and pencil. For this reason, the papers for the original version were actually created by hand, and photographed. The background provided a more than 200 year old wooden table from a farm house.

Then, over the years, I constantly improved the game and also worked on the art style.

I’ve made a overview showing the evolution of the art style, from different versions of the original to the completely new Skill Game 2:



As you can see, the new game has a much cleaner look which let’s you focus on the actual gameplay. Additionally I got rid of different navigation elements in favor for a full screen playing area. This allows a huge variety of different new level types and a deeper immersion while playing and solving nasty levels

 

Classic gameplay. No time pressure. No multiplayer. Just skill and strategy, you against the game

For those who don’t know the original Skill Game: Last year I completely overhauled the game and added different type of challenges including levels with time limits and competing against other players about the best time. Although lots of players really liked the new direction (there are players who each played well over 10,000 levels in 6 months) there were players who missed the relaxing gameplay from the initial versions.

The upcoming Skill Game 2 returns to the original gameplay in a beautiful new design with lots of improvements and challenging new levels (thanks to the new full screen playing area):

 

Maybe. Maybe not.

I think you have to play it on the device and see it in motion. Only two days until November 17th!