Elecorn: The Animated Coder

Caster Episode 2 is now available!

by elecorn on Mar.04, 2010, under Uncategorized

Caster Episode 2 is now available for PC! (Mac Linux and iPhone updates coming soon).

You can download and install it from here:

http://www.casterthegame.com

It should copy over your existing install of Caster. Your save files should be preserved.

New updates include:

New playable girl Caster.
7 new missions.
New game play mechanics.
New music from Monte Emerson.
Built in support for community mods.
Level editor and other mod tools.
Better controller customization.
New art.
Updated play balancing.
You can now jump while sliding down hills.
Visual effects enhancements.
Performance improvements.

So what are you waiting for! All updates are FREE!

And if still haven’t purchased Caster at its very affordable price of $4.99, you can do that as well!
Thanks everyone!

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iWorth It Interview

by elecorn on Feb.06, 2010, under Announcements, Caster, video games

Here’s an interview I did with iWorth It. Too bad they didn’t spell the name of Elecorn properly. Well, they’re not the first…. Elecron…. hmm.

“Elecron… the little known autobot that transforms form an elephant into a unicorn.”

http://www.iworthitappreviews.com/2010/01/23/elecron-developer-of-caster-iphone-app/

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T-Shirt Design

by elecorn on Feb.02, 2010, under Articles, Caster, Comics, Illustration, Pictures, video games

The release of the next update for Caster is fast approaching so, time to make another t-shirt design!

I’ve always liked the negative space design ideas for t-shirts where the color of the shirt becomes a dominant factor in the design itself. Here’s an example of a favorite t-shirt of mine from back in high school:

I’ve also liked the idea of an unbalanced composition where the design sits on one side of the shirt. Here’s an example of a design I did back in 1998. The idea was that the picture should sit on the left side if the shirt.

And here’s what I just finished for Caster. The black is replaced with the color of the t-shirt (preferably a dark color for higher contrast). And since this is a “Caster” shirt, the white is of course glow in the dark. (Click image for larger view).

Now who wouldn’t want a shirt like that!

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Beta Testers for Caster Update

by elecorn on Jan.21, 2010, under Caster, video games

Hey all!

I’m looking for some people to give me feedback on the next update to Caster.

If you’re interested in beta testing Caster, shoot me an e-mail at:

Be sure to include the word “Caster” in the subject so your e-mail gets through.

The beta testing is to help find bugs as well as provide feedback on what you liked, and didn’t like–what was confusing etc.

I really do listen and consider all the feedback and Caster has changed significantly in the past (all for the better) because of feedback from folks like you.

Also, if you give me feedback, I’ll be sure to add you into the credits in the game.

Thanks so much!

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Coloring Book Pages

by elecorn on Dec.31, 2009, under Illustration, Pictures

Here are some drawings I did for coloring.

Download this zipped file to get all the pictures:

8 Coloring Book Pages

Feel free to share any completed colorings with me.

Enjoy!

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Caster from the Past

by elecorn on Dec.22, 2009, under Caster, video games

caster_may_2004

Recently I came across an old and forgotten build of Caster from May of 2004. It’s interesting to see how the game has evolved since then.

Here’s a link to download it if you’re interested (it’s 3 MB).

Caster May 2004

From the README.txt:

CASTER
By Mike D. Smith
Music By pajama crisis

Controls

Move Up: up arrow, w
Move Down: down arrow, s
Move Left: left arrow, a
Move Right: right arrow, d
Punch: j
Jump: space bar
Change view: mouse with buttons.
Exit: esc

No point to the game yet, but there will be.

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Caster Core Gameplay Analysis

by elecorn on Dec.06, 2009, under Uncategorized

Brice Morrison from The Game Prodigy has done a writeup on the core experience in Caster.

It’s an interesting read.

Also, I would like to recommend his video on Play Testing. It’s the same process I used with a lot of success on Caster.

Thanks!

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New Character for Caster

by elecorn on Nov.07, 2009, under Animation, Announcements, Caster, Pictures, video games, Videos

When I first designed Caster, I wanted to have the option to play as a male or female character. You can see that from these designs made in 2004.

Here’s a little run sequence I just finished for the new character in Caster.

I plan to include the new character in the next update on iPhone.

The character will of course also be available when I update the Desktop versions as well.

Thanks!

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Caster Update Press Release

by elecorn on Sep.21, 2009, under Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Caster Redefines Mobile Gaming with Novel Manga Approach

Apple’s App Store opens whole new channel for publishing games in frequent, chapter-size increments

Duvall, Washington – September 21, 2009 – Independent game developer Elecorn LLC is bringing a brand new style of game delivery to the App Store with Caster, a high speed free roaming fantasy themed third-person shooter. Unlike traditional games that deliver story lines in large sequels or expansion packs, Elecorn is leveraging the power of the App Store to use an incremental publishing style that resembles Japanese manga and anime.

“With the App Store, you can quickly distribute updates and new content to every end user with a few clicks. This allows us to do something new in games. We can make a truly episodic game that unfolds one episode at a time,” says Mike D. Smith, principal of Elecorn and Caster’s key developer. With the debut of Chapter 2, Caster advances its brand new format of episodic releases that expands the gameplay and explores an incredible epic story.

Chapter 2 “The Lydonia Chronicles” was released September 18th 2009 and is a free update to all those who currently own the game. The game normally sells for $2.99, but to celebrate the release of Chapter 2, Elecorn is holding a 33% off sale.

ABOUT CASTER
Caster is an episodic game that presents an intense third-person action shooter experience with pulse pounding music. In the game, the player dashes across scenic locations destroying bug like creatures called the Flanx using six unique attacks that include massive terrain deformation and high speed barrages of energy blasts. All new episodes are released periodically for free.
Caster is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and iPhone at http://www.casterthegame.com

ABOUT ELECORN LLC
Elecorn LLC is a small, independent software development company operated by Michael D. Smith. Caster is the latest in a series of games developed by Elecorn, which is also known for its animation software TweenMaker (www.tweenmaker.com). In addition to leading Elecorn, Smith also serves as a senior programmer for Hidden Path Entertainment.

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