Learn the ropes of Coaster Crazy Deluxe from the developer.
Coaster Crazy Deluxe is a perfect game for the Wii U. What the Wii U Game Pad does works so well for Coaster Crazy Deluxe. If it isn’t the inventory being controlled easily, it’s the fun animations that work well on a Nintendo system. Join me in welcoming Adam Woods, Producer at Frotier Developments to GamerHub.TV.
Is Nintendo heading in the right direction in terms of dealing with Indie publishers/developers?
I believe so yes. Nintendo offer constant feedback and support during the development and release phases. This along with free submissions make developing on Nintendo platforms a reality for many companies with limited funds.
Easier to work with smaller/larger publishers/companies?
Both come with their own set of challenges. As long as both parties are behind the game then it makes no real difference; the game will be released to the highest standard possible which is what all that are invested in the project want.
Preference to work on- Mobile games or console games and why?
Again both platforms come with their own pro and cons. At Frontier we have a long history in both consoles, PC’s and more recently mobile. We use our in-house game engine called Cobra which is ported to many different platforms, and the performance of new ‘mobile devices’ is such that we consider the main difference between them and consoles is one of UI and audience tastes – we pride ourselves on delivering extremely high quality experiences regardless of platform.
When was that moment (if you feel you’ve had one) that Frontier, as a company, had arrived on the scene?
We at Frontier have always been on the forefront of games development, since Elite in 1984 until now with our recent Xbox One launch title release, “Zoo Tycoon” and the highly anticipated release of the next chapter in the Elite series “Elite: Dangerous”.
How did you guys know that the Wii U would be a good fit for Coaster Crazy Deluxe?
The GamePad instantly lends itself to the game mechanics; it is a natural fit coming from touch screen devices like the iPad. As well as this, during the development of the Wii U version we constantly iterated on the control scheme, ensuring that the game and console worked together seamlessly.
It looks like a lot of “crazy” things happen in the game. How do you come to the decision on what amount of “crazy” or challenges are right for the game? Is there ever a time in development that you think “this is too tough and might scare people away?”
We took our time to work through the campaign mode and balance the challenges as the player progresses through, to allow for a natural learning curve of the game and coaster building mechanics. As the campaign levels get harder, the player is seamlessly getting better at building coasters, and tweaking their designs.
Differences between the Wii U and Mobile versions?
The Wii U version has unique features thanks to the technology in the GamePad. Players have the opportunity to use the GamePad to look around while on the 1st person camera on board their coaster designs, allowing for a more real life feel whilst riding. As well as this the player can choose to eject the Crazies while they ride, and to force them to be sick…if they want to! Don’t worry, no Crazies were harmed during the making of this game!
Without going into too much detail, can you talk about the story (if there really is one) or at least a reason why the player is building a roller coaster in the first place?
The campaign mode is centered around a brand new type of game genre; a coaster building puzzler! Each plot has its own challenges that are presented to the player by the Crazies themselves, such as:
Can you make your coaster fast enough to get the Speed Freak surfing with delight?
Can you keep G-forces low enough to prevent the Professor’s Nitro Glycerin from exploding?
Can you get your coaster to complete its circuit before the Zombie starts infecting other passengers?
The test is being able to do all that at the same time! With the coaster construction being very easy to pick up and use straight away, it isn’t long before you’re building ever increasingly complex and incredible coasters and solving puzzles along the way!
Favorite feature in the game?
My favorite feature is the coaster construction itself. Being able to pick up the GamePad for the first and create a impressive coaster with loops and rolls within a few minutes is amazing. Favorite Character, I really like The Accountant! With his tight budgets that he sometimes sets you, he can be a pain to work with, but I love to watch him cry when I spend all his money! Favorite moment, I like shooting the crazies off in to the sunset on the Angels Falls level in South America…they like it too…honest!
I saw that you guys have worked in the “roller coaster” game before. What made you stay in that area? I’m sure previous experience didn’t hurt, right?
Most of the team on Coaster Crazy Deluxe are huge rollercoaster fans outside of work, so along with the incredibly powerful coaster building tech that we have developed, it made sense to make a game around the construction of them. Plus I am pretty sure there isn’ another coaster building puzzler on the market; we have made a brand new genre!
Is the game easy to pick-up and play?
Very easy indeed. All you need is the GamePad and the stylus (well even just your finger will work!) and within just a few minutes you will be making incredible designs. Then with time you will master the puzzles and eventually theme parks around the world will be offering you jobs! (don’t quote me on that!)
How would you sell me on Coaster Crazy Deluxe? Why should I, as a video game player, go to the eShop and buy this game?
Coaster Crazy Deluxe offers players a unique experience; use an incredibly easy to use and powerful coaster construction tool to solve puzzles across 9 different locations around the world! On top of that there is a sandbox mode where you’re free to let your imagination go crazy (pun intended) and online leader boards where you can compete for the number one spot with players across the world!
Anything else you want out readers to know?
I try to be as active as I can be in both playing the game posting high scores to the leader boards and in the Miiverse Community, so come join us and build your very own rollercoaster empire! I hope to see you there.
