EXO ONE

Description

EXO ONE is a momentum-based exoplanetary exploration game where you pilot an alien craft able to manipulate the laws of gravity. Follow the story of mankind’s first, ill-fated mission outside the solar system.

History

EXO ONE is being developed by Exbleative (AKA, Jay Weston). Jay started out as a game artist then game designer working on such games as Powerslide and Dirt Track Racing. Jay then teamed up with ex-Ratbag programmer Saxon Druce on Zombie Outbreak Simulator and Class 3 Outbreak before developing his own solo creation, Unknown Orbit. EXO ONE is his second solo endevour.

Features

  • An array of unique, open worlds to explore, from traditional terrestrial planets to water worlds to gas giants
  • Pilot a probe featuring multiple movement modes. Rolling, sliding, gliding/flying, with control over gravity and anti gravity.
  • Use these movement modes to build momentum, slide down dunes and catapult off hill tops.
  • Glide and surf through clouds, and catch thermals that lift you high into alien atmospheres.
  • Drop beneath the waves of boiling oceans under the glow of distant suns.
  • Wind down and travel at your own pace. There are no challenges, wars or enemies.
  • A minimalist yet mysterious narrative tells the story of man’s first, ill fated mission outside the solar system.

 


First of all Welcome to Retrogamesmaster.

What is your first gaming experience?

We had a C64, and we had quite a few games on that… not sure what the first would have been, but one of my earliest memories is Wizard or Wor, awesome game 🙂


What got you into programming games?

I actually only started last year, and it was my 5th or so attempt to learn. The thing that tipped me over the edge I think was C#, I’d tried leaping into C++ before and was utterly lost. Prior to this I used visual scripting (this thing called Playmaker for Unity), and before that I only ever did art.


What development tools or coding did you use?

I use Unity and C#, and lots of plugins! Also Blender, Photoshop, Substance Designer (just recently), Audacity.

 


What hurdles did you have making your current game?

Learning to code is definitely one. Progress can be a little slow, but thankfully I’ve chosen a fairly simple concept (a sphere that rolls and flies around on terrain) to compensate.

Other than that, the usual creative challenges of actually just making a good game, writing a good story, etc. Doing “everything” as a solo indie dev is hard to wrap your head around!


After the completion of the game what game will you make?

I’ve got a lot of ideas, preferably (tech-wise) I’d do something that also features terrain and physics etc, since it’d reuse assets and knowledge from Exo One. In reality I bounce all over the place and have a very wide ranging taste in games/genres, so it could be anything!


What other games have you made?

I worked on a couple of racing games as part of a AAA studio 15 or so years ago, Powerslide and Dirt Track Racing. Then a couple of zombie games with Saxon Druce who I used to work with. Then the predecessor to Exo One, Unknown Orbit on iOS.


My favourite computer was my Amiga and console the Megadrive do you have a favourite?

I was never a big console gamer, mostly just because my parents got us a PC and that was all we had. I’ve always wanted all the consoles, though!

I loved the Amiga as well, I have so many fond memories playing that at my house, at friends, etc. I think the combination of being a kid and seeing these cinematic and (at the time) seemingly photoreal games creates such a huge impression on you growing up. I often wonder what it’d be like for kids today playing actual near-photoreal games.

I have memories of PCs from different eras, mostly going from a 486 to a pentium, that kinda thing. And of friends families upgrading their PCs, and cue the classic ‘keeping up with the Jones’ 🙂


What is your favourite retro game?

I can only pick one? Impossible question 🙂 Some games that come to mind immediately are Defender of the Crown, Deuteros, Wings and Stunt Car Racer.


Do you still game on the current consoles if so whats your favourite game?

I borrowed a friend’s console to play Journey, I love that game. It’s up there in my favorite games of all time. While I don’t own a console, luckily my friends always have them, so I do have a bit of experience playing a few of the more popular games.


Whats the worst game you have ever played?

I don’t know, they’re pretty easy to forget 😉


Finally what game or feature would you like to see on Retrogamesmaster in the future?

Deuteros! 🙂