September 24th, 2012 | By Tom Christiansen
Tagged in: Antipodes | digging game | Lorena Casanova | Platformer
Antipodes are places directly opposite from one another on the globe, for example: the North Pole and the South Pole. The game Antipodes, developed by Lorena Casanova, involves digging from one side of the planet, to the other. Antipodes features dig-em-up gameplay and traditional side-scrolling mechanics with an emphasis on vertical descent.
As the player progresses down through Earth’s core, they are faced with either a mini-boss or a puzzle that break apart the layers into distinct levels. One of the earliest levels ends with the player dropped into a cavern with a giant spider, armed only with a burning torch. My spider-sense is tingling thinking about that one.
Recently I interviewed Lorena and talked with her about Antipodes, which is her first game.
You can pick up Antipodes for free on Desura, here. Antipodes is pay-what-you-want, but the recommended price is $3.99.
Interview
IGM: Hey Lorena. So what factored into your decision to work solo, on Antipodes?
Lorena: I’ve been working with other developers before, and their support has been what actually made me step out of the shadows and give my own delusions a try ;)
IGM: What was the most difficult aspect of developing the game on your own?
Lorena: Definitely, the art. The animation and the graphic aspects of the game have been a nightmare for me. However, my bad art makes me laugh so much that I end up emotionally involved with it and I have to struggle to give it up and work on something actually releasable :)
IGM: When you first started development, was the concept of Antipodes any different from what the final product turned out to be?
Lorena: The concept of Antipodes was very simple and it hasn’t changed at all, but the gameplay improved since the original idea was just a game about digging the right way to get to the other side of the globe.
Then later I decided to add some “mini-games” so it became more dynamic, making the player wonder what will be next.
IGM: Where can people buy Antipodes?
Lorena: You can download it or buy it from Desura (http://www.desura.com/games/antipodes) or Indievania (http://www.indievania.com/games/antipodes).
IGM: Why did you decide to release the game free, with the option to pay on the side?
Lorena: Unfortunately you need many hours to get a game done, and lots of hard work, but I want everyone to be able to support my hard work by having the chance to check it first.
IGM: Any plans for future titles?
Lorena: Yes! But at the moment that’s locked in a dark dungeon guarded by a dragon until I find another funny way to make people have a good time figuring [my game] out.
IGM: Would you want to work alone again, or on a team?
Lorena: I’m a sort of nomad traveling around from one country to the other, moving all the time, so I guess developing alone suits my lifestyle better, although I did get cooperation offers, and I would be pleased to make room for some of them, because they look very attractive.
IGM: Any advice for first-time developers, about to start working on their first game?
Lorena: Entertain your visions, start as many creations as you feel inspired to start, follow your artistic passions… But, hey, finish something.
IGM: Thanks so much Lorena!
Lorena: Thank you!
Follow Lorena on Twitter: @MissScripter and check out Antipodes on Desura, here.
Tom Christiansen (221 posts)
The Editor in Chief of IGM, Tom is essentially a nerdy Viking. He has a near constant craving for burgers and beer, and satisfies his instinct to pillage and plunder through video games. Tom stands tall, bearded, and doesn't care much for small talk. He loves talking about indie games though, so never hesitate to tweet him: @TomScott90 or email him: tom@indiegamemag(dot)com.