GDC 2012 - DYAD Racing PS3 PSN GDC PLAY

DYAD - Through the wormhole. 
Among the many games showcased at GDC Play, DYAD had to be my favorite. For one, I'm a sucker for audio-centric 'art' games. I'm a big fan of Jeff Minter's Tempest 2000, and the Atari Jaguar's VLM. I'm also a big fan of Tetsuya Mizuguchi's Rez, and Dylan Fitterer's Audiosurf (and soon to be released Audiosurf Air). And let's not forget TRON the movie, which stylistically seems to permeate through all of these games and has defined the visual style for all things retro digital, and futuristic cool. 
Over the years there has been quite a few indie developers creating unique music based gaming experiences that pulse, ripple, and echo in euphoric psychedelia, where the gameplay is very much part of the soundtrack. DYAD is the latest entry into this category.
From Toronto based developer Shawn McGrath, the objective is to propel yourself forward through a visually stunning wormhole by attaching, or 'hooking' yourself to enemies (particles), while avoiding them. The more strategic connections you make, the faster you go. The game is described as an abstract racing game, though I don't think there is a multi-player competitive mode.
Playing the demo at GDC Play, there were several tracks to choose from. I was able to get a hang of the game, after hitting several particles which slowed me down. The player can rotate around the tunnel, much like Tempest to find the best line. Once I got into the rhythm of the game, it was pretty entertaining and I could see myself getting hooked. Despite comparisons to other games, DYAD is an experience unto its own.
The game had been submitted to festivals, but seems to not have won over any of the juries. However, I'm sure that gamers will enjoy the combination of sounds, eye melting visuals, and gameplay.
DYAD is set for PS3/PSN, with possible PC release.
Looking forward to it!
http://www.dyadgame.com 

GDC 2012 Sample Sumo Music Technology GDC Play

GDC PLAY 2012 - SAMPLE SUMO AUDIO RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY

So it's been a few weeks since GDC 2012, and I'm finally getting around to going through all the business cards I've accumulated over the week at the conference. With so many social events, it's easy to forget where certain cards came from, but in the case of Sample Sumo a Belgium based tech company, I immediately recalled it was from GDC Play.

GDC Play is a separate area from the the main Exhibit Hall, and Conference area. it is the equivalent of a convention's 'Artist Alley' but for independent developers who wish to display their games and products. Sample Sumo's audio technology demonstration was pretty memorable. Using sounds to trigger gameplay behaviour, the user could either tap, pots and pans, or wood blocks to get the correct sound effect, which the microphone would then pick up.

Being demoed at GDC Play was Cows 'n' Order.

It's a neat technology that could be applied to something like Microsoft Kinect, or Sony Move, or even without a camera, or controller. Seems like all you need is a microphone, and well, sound! Would work well with handheld gaming on smartphones or PS Vita, and Nintendo DS.

Read more about Sample Sumo at GDC http://www.samplesumo.com/node/48


Sample Sumo
http://www.samplesumo.com/