Monday, December 29, 2008

Heartwild

This is quite possibly one of the coolest things I've ever been involved in.

A while back, Orchid Games contacted a friend of mine about beta-testing their romance-reader targeting solitaire game. She had a Mac, so she couldn't do it, but gave some other names. Mine was one, so I got to test the game, called Heartwild Solitaire, and help them work out the bugs and revise their scoring system and stuff.

And now the game is available for everyone! And I'm in the credits! LOL

First off, the game is gorgeous. Every board is richly elaborate art, and the music matches. I like playing stuff like this at the end of the day (which is good, because sometimes I end up playing for four hours and only stop because it's 2:00 a.m.!), and the imagery and sound suit that.

Secondly, the game is FUN. It's a simple matching game, but there are 7 boards for each of 12 levels, plus a bonus level in the middle, and I've played hundreds of times without ever getting bored. There are many different ways to score, so it's challenging.

And finally, it's unique. You may have played games before where each accomplishment uncovers part of a story. This is different because it's a romance! The story unfolds in chapters accompanied by tarot that adds depth to the arc. Very compelling.

Right now you can get a demo of the game for FREE, then decide if you want to purchase the whole game. Sandlot Games will also be offering a "modified for television" type version that lowers the sensuality a little, if that's something you prefer. You can get all the dope at the Heartwild site.

Check it out, and have fun!

3 comments:

MJFredrick said...

EXTREMELY cool that you are in the credits, but I'm not clicking over. Nope. Don't need another distraction :)

Natalie J. Damschroder said...

Heee. I know, it's a problem. But if you're already struggling with avoiding spider solitaire or free cell--wouldn't you rather at least be looking at something gorgeous?!

MJFredrick said...

I have thus far avoided these....Facebook, on the other hand...oy!