The trailer for Alientrap Software's physics-based action-shooter Capsized has been making the rounds for about a week now. I'd made a mental note to post it already, but I got distracted by something shiny. Seeing it resurface on TIGSource reminded me of how fun it looks, and since pretty 2D shooters never go out of style, I don't mind posting what some might consider to be "old news." If it's new to you, enjoy.
Capsized is the newest effort from indie developer Alientrap, previously known for Nexuiz, a freeware FPS. The transition from first to third person seems to have gone smoothly—at the end of the day, Alientrap is still just making games where you bullets in people's faces, no matter the perspective. In any case, the game looks like a lot of fun, and the trailer seems to hint at some environmental strategies at play: you can use your jetpack and grappling hook to pull down logs and boulders, for example. Programmer and co-designer Lee Vermeulen offers this little tidbit:
"The new trailer shows off the fast physics based gameplay of the platformer, along with it's stylized art and unique setting. The game will focus on fast-paced action along with physics-based puzzles, as the player attempts to exit the strange alien planet.
While, mechanically, Capsized has only the most tenuous link to Nathan Fouts' own indie shooter Grapple Buggy, I can't help but compare the two. While Capsized's palette is more subdued compared to Grapple Buggy's lush and vibrant landscapes, both games suggest that the planets on which they take place on are actually alive as you navigate through alien flora and fauna. Compared to the dark, remote isolation of games like Metroid, it's a different feel altogether.
In any case, according to Capsized's official site, the game will hit Steam and Xbox Live Arcade in 2010. For your viewing pleasure, there's also a gallery of four screenshots below.
Joseph Leray is a founding Destructoid editor and has better hair than you. He speaks French and needs to send us his updated bio in English, preferably.
Likes
Confuse Ray, Feel My Blade
A Mabari War Hound,
Snot,
Spiral Arrow,
Argo,
Dan Smith's critical hit bark,
Rolling things up into my life
Meet the rest of the team
@Stealthy -- Ehhh, maybe. It seems like some of the level design might be familiar, but this game will be more focused on single-player, I'm sure. Soldat seems more technical (and bare bones, aesthetically).
Those dark levels will really make or break the game. its an interesting idea, but it could fail completely if its not designed right. The shooting mechanics look loose as it is and will be much harder in the dark.
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3:20 PM on 10.22.2009
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I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed that.