Sometimes you just need to unwind, relax, and stack some blocks. And then watch your friends do it and laugh at their utter failure. Then you need to topple the tower to the ground with a wrecking ball while a fish in an army helmet asks you weird questions.and watch your monolithic stacks ascend to the heavens. In this addition of Greenlight Spotlight we will be looking at StacksOnStacks(OnStacks).
What is StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)?
StacksOnStacks(OnStacks) or SoSoS as the developers refer to it, feels like a throwback to older video games like Tetris, and the classic board game Jenga. (Does Jenga count as a board game, or is it just a game?) The developers of SoSoS, Ian & Elie seem to be using the concept “more with less”. The game is pretty simple, stack the blocks as high as possible without letting it topple. The controls are being touted as “very simple”, while also using realistic physics. Throw in an art style that looks like it was pulled straight out of a post-Katamari acid trip, and you’ve got a game that puts the “fun” in functional. Looking at the development blogs, the best way I could describe SoSoS would be… Popcorn.
Why would I describe a game as popcorn? It’s actually rather accurate when you think about it. (Trust me.) When you’re popping popcorn, you don’t want to wait long. This game works on a very short timer, where you need to frantically stack your stacks (on stacks) as quickly as possible. You know what popcorn is? The perfect snack. You know what SoSoS is? The perfect snack. It’s a quick game that throws a lot of colors at you with some awesome music while you try to put down blocks that WON’T FUCKING STAY STILL. Also like popcorn popping all around and jumping like little pissants, the blocks also like to do a little jig riiiiight as I’m about to pass the level. Food comparisons aside, the gameplay is quick, satisfying, and familiar to anybody who has played games like Jenga.
Who is StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)?
The team behind SoSoS is a two person team of Ian, their game design, programming, and marketing guru out of Indiana, and Elie the Finish sound and music design maestro. After gaining exposure through their first game Sature, receiving best new mobile game awards form both Apple and CNET. Their goal as a team is to create “memorable game experiences with novel mechanics and a whole lot of soul.”
Where is StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)?
Somewhere at the intersection of Katamari and insanity lies a special realm where the fabric of reality is torn asunder and blocks of various shapes, sizes, and colors fall from the heavens. Will you be able to save the world? By… stacking… blocks…?
When is StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)?
There’s no official release date set for SoSoS, but who knows… maybe at Indy PopCon the Slickster team will swing by to ask Ian and Elie a few questions if they have the time. (Hint hint, wink wink, nudge nudge.)
How is StacksOnStacks(OnStacks)?
SoSoS has party game written all over it. Because of how simple the controls and concepts are, anybody can play this game. Me, you, Crazy Dave who sleeps behind the dumpster at Denny’s, anyone! It’s a shame that there’s no word about release for consoles, especially the Wii U. The game pad would be perfect for controlling it and the screen could be used to provide a top down view of the game. With Nintendo putting so much emphasis on casual, family friendly games, SoSoS seems like a match made in heaven.
The way the levels work on a branching system makes total sense to me. Focus on one kind of tweak to the gameplay and backtrack to 100% everything later. The power up system can also be a total god send as well. One odd coincidence that happened to me was that every time I only got one power up, which was the magnet one. Maybe it was a bug, maybe it’s the only one usable so far, maybe it was just random probability creating a statistically improbable (but still possible) situation.
SoSoS is a great time that can be played for ten minutes by yourself or for a few hours with friends. It’s got a great foundation (unlike my stacks), a distinct design, and great execution. (Unlike my stacks as well.)
If you want to visit their web page: Check them out here.
If you want to vote for them on Steam Greenlight: Click here.