Tetris is one of the most addictive puzzle games of all time.
Void Star Creations’ Poker Smash combines that puzzle addiction with poker. The game releases Feb. 6 for Xbox Live Arcade.
Void Star co-founder Ryan Ellis answered a few questions through e-mail about the game and about Void Star. Ellis met Void Star co-founder Drew Card while working at game company Oddworld Inhabitants.
Void Star was founded in early 2006.
Q: Where did the concept of Poker Smash come from?
A: Well, the genesis of Poker Smash really comes from the time both Drew and I worked at Oddworld. We all got addicted to Tetris Attack on the SNES (Super Nintendo) and played that constantly when we had breaks. Also at the time we all got into poker in a big way. Then one day I remember Drew saying, “It would be super sweet if there was a game like Tetris Attack where you match poker hands together instead of colors.” Fast forward about 3 years and Drew calls me up, and says, “I’m making this game, wanna come along for the ride?” And the rest is history.
Q: What inspired the poker theme?
A: Well the thing that really makes poker an interesting rule set for a game like this is the fact that there are so many different combinations as well as the fact that poker is popular and most people know the poker hands. It really allows you to play the game in a simple way, such as three of a kinds, or get really crazy and try for the harder stuff, like a flush or straight. It adds a ton of depth to the mechanic.
Q: Do you plan on releasing downloadable content for the game?
A: We do. No official word on it yet but it’s definitely our plan.
Q: Is Poker Smash an Xbox exclusive title or do you have any plans for it to be on any other consoles like the Nintendo Wii or the Playstation 3?
A: For now it’s only going to be on XBLA, but we do have plans to expand the property in the future.
Q: Any tips or tricks for fans who will play Poker Smash?
A: Do I!? Well lets see. Using the slow-motion and bomb power-ups really help you get chains going. The slow-mo especially, since it gives you those few extra seconds you need to plan ahead and make the next hand. Currently our record chain was an 80x. Which is pretty impressive. So there, I am throwing down the gauntlet to all the gamers out there … can you beat 80x? Also don’t forget you can make the cards scroll up faster if you need more cards. As people get better they will want to do this more often.
Q: Will you create more original XBLA games or do you plan to create more hits like Oddworld? Basically, what are you hoping to develop in the future?
A: Ah, the million dollar question for us right now. Honestly we would like to do both. We have plans for future XBLA games and we also have plans for a much bigger project. Can’t say anything yet of course.
Q: You have a personal blog up, do you feel it is important to be available for fans?
A: Absolutely. We really want to connect with the people out there who are gonna play our games. It’s important for us to be part of the community and that also means listening to feedback and how people are responding to the features in the game.
Q: When did you decide to co-found Void Star? Why?
A: Pretty much as soon as Drew called me about the idea, I was in. I think it’s all game developers’ secret dream to break away and start a company. When the chance came I jumped at it. The best part is being in control of your own destiny and being able to work on things you want to … not just someone else’s ideas.
Q: With the right experience, is it possible to do your own thing successfully?
A: Yes. But it takes a crap-ton of hard work and you gotta be able to persevere through the tough times. It takes not only experience but a pretty hardcore attitude. It’s definitely a roller-coaster ride.
Q: What would you like to see more of in the gaming industry?
A: I would really like to see digital download take off and become a primary focus for developers. The great thing about it is that it empowers developers to try more things and to be in control of their destiny. You don’t have some suit trying to tell you what gamers want. Don’t get me wrong, I am not anti-publisher but it is nice to not have to deal with that side of the industry sometimes.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to be aware of, either about Poker Smash, Void Star or yourself?
A: One interesting thing about the development of Poker Smash is that we all worked remotely. I am up in Washington state and the rest of the crew is in South Carolina. We joked once that we are not indie developers we are undie developers because we are all working from our homes. And sometimes that means not having to put on pants, wink wink. Also I have a pretty unique office setup. It’s a tower and the office part is about 30 feet of the ground. I get a great view from up here. Also I hope people love Poker Smash.
Poker Smash will be available on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
