2D, sprite-based platformers seem to be the go-to genre for many independent developers. If you aren't the kind of person who grew up on 8- or 16-bit titles, this can be a hard sell. Dooder by Matthew Thomas Seely certainly applies, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Those who are allergic to cute might want to stay away, as Dooder's impossibly delightful style will make you vomit rainbow-colored confetti. There's a free demo, and you ought to play it. No, really. Play it.
The facial expressions -- in particular, the ones shown while Dooder is using power-ups -- are phenomenal. As is the character design in general. Hell, besides maybe the control placement, there wasn't a single thing I didn't like about this demo. I know I'm an easy guy to please, but seriously -- so much potential here.
Jordan Devore is Destructoid's PC gaming manager and founding ginger editor. He is said to be easy to love but difficult to know. When Samit inquired about his curious bio photo Jordan simply replied: "bitches love sandcastles" ... yet, there is no sandcastle in that photo. We may never truly understand his ways.
Likes
Platformers, Pixel-based graphics, Stickerbrush Symphony, Pokemon, Leaderboards
Meet the rest of the team
The sprite work is impressive lookin, but I've gotta say, the indie-retro-platformer is starting to wear on me. I think some indie devs have gotten a bit too comfortable. I mean, to me, it just seems like as long as it's "retro, and pixelly, and hipsterish" then it'll do. I'm not knocking the game, I'm just knocking the perceived trend.
The whole point of low-res graphics is that it makes games creation possible for people whose speciality isn't art, because it leaves a lot to the imagination. I also make games in this style because it saves me loads of time - when some indie games take single-man teams years or more, this can be the difference between finishing the project and giving up.
I also think it's a beautiful and highly specific form, like jazz or a haiku!
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Contest:
6:00 PM on 07.15.2010 | 
I can read you. I think many other independent designers should try different styles despite the fundamentalism of 8-bit
I also think it's a beautiful and highly specific form, like jazz or a haiku!