The Impossible Game released on Xbox Live Indie Game two weeks ago and already it climbed to the top played Indie Game last week. Since everyone seems fond of difficult platformers we have an interview with FlukeDude of the creator of The Impossible Game.
Question: How did the idea for The Impossible Game come about?
I basically wanted to make an incredibly difficult game that you want to just keep trying again and again and again, I really like those types of games. I think I thought of the name before the actual gameplay, which is rare for me. From there I knew I had to make a game with very simple controls that was all about timing, and everything just came together.
Question: Could you describe The Impossible Game for anyone who hasn’t seen it?
The Impossible Game is a very simple game where you are an orange block, and there are other spikes and blocks always coming towards you. You have to jump over the spikes and jump onto blocks to avoid the pits underneath them. However every time you crash you have to start from the beginning.
Question: How large was the team that created The Impossible Game and how long did it take to develop?
The team was pretty much just me. I did all the coding and artwork (I'm not very good, hence the abstract graphics). All the music within the game are tracks already uploaded onto the Newground's Audio Portal, they're really great songs and the musicians there love having their tracks included in games. Development for this actually happened in a small timeframe within another larger project (still in development), and took around a month from start to finish.
Question: When you first set out to make The Impossible Game were you planning to make it so difficult?
Yes, this was the key target for the game, and I think I achieved that. The hardest part though was making it difficult but at the same time keeping it fun and addictive.
Question: Looking back on The Impossible Game what are the things that you are most proud of?
I'm really proud of how well the soundtrack goes with the spikes and blocks. It gives it a slight rhythm game feel and the music is so good. I'm also proud that the game is very simple but still very hard.
Question: Was there anything you were hoping to get into The Impossible Game that did not make it?
Not really. Originally there wasn't a practice mode, but after getting feedback from playtesters I felt it needed one. Looking back I could have added more levels, maybe it could have had a beginner level, but I also like the idea of having just one level that people try to complete.
Question: Now that The Impossible Game has released are you planning another Indie game?
Of course. In fact The Impossible Game was started after another project, which I'm really looking forward to being released.
Question: Can you give us some tips or hints for The Impossible Game?
I've noticed lots of people don't realise that if you hold down A you keep jumping, it's very useful for the long sequences of blocks. Also that RB and LB scrolls between flags if you lay a flag in an awkward position, but it's all in the instructions. To be honest the best way to complete The Impossible Game is to practice a lot. I've only managed to complete it three times whilst not in practice mode, the three spikes in the row are the hardest parts!
Question: If you could change one thing about Xbox Live Indie Games as a platform what would it be?
I guess the main thing I would like to see is some sort of Achievement system. If Microsoft sorted out some way to give responsible developers achievements within their games it would be amazing.
