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Sykhronics Forums » Forum: News - Recent Topics http://forums.sykhronics.com/forum/news Support and discussion of games developed and published by Sykhronics Entertainment en-US Sun, 05 Feb 2012 02:49:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://forums.sykhronics.com/search.php Mike on "All new Smiles trailer now available, in HD (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/all-new-smiles-trailer-now-available-in-hd-2009#post-49 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:31:22 +0000 Mike 49@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ August 25th, 2009 - An all new promotional video trailer for Smiles is now available, in HD. Visit the website to check it out. <a href="http://www.smiles-game.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiles-game.com</a> Mike on "Smiles, Smiles Zen, Smiles Drop, and Free Smiles 1.2 now available (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-smiles-zen-smiles-drop-and-free-smiles-12-now-available-2009#post-51 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:44:10 +0000 Mike 51@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ July 2nd-4th, 2009 - Smiles and all it's variants version 1.2's are now available. Changes include: - Improved touch responsiveness. Most prior control issues should be solved now. - Various iPhone OS 3.0 fixes. Mike on "Apress releases "iPhone Games Projects" book (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/apress-releases-iphone-games-projects-book-2009#post-48 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:22:01 +0000 Mike 48@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ June 29th, 2009 - Apress publishes iPhone Games Projects, featuring the developers of several of iPhone's hottest apps. <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/iphonebookisreal-450x271.jpg"> Mike contributed a chapter on the subject of writing portable game code, as it was something topical to the development of the iPhone game Smiles. <blockquote>Product Description One look at the App Store will show you just how hot iPhone games have become. Games make up over 25 percent of all apps, and over 70 percent of the apps in the App Store's Most Popular category. Surprised? Of course not! We've all filled our iPhones with games, and many of us hope to develop the next best seller. This book is a collection of must-know information from master independent iPhone game developers. In it, you'll discover how some of the most innovative and creative game developers have made it to the pinnacle of game design and profitability. This book is loaded with practical tips for efficient development, and for creating compelling, addictive gaming experiences. And it's not all talk! It's supported with code examples that you can download and use to realize your own great ideas. This book's authors are responsible for some of the all-time most popular and talked-about games: * Brian Greenstone developed Enigmo and Cro-Mag Rally. * Aaron Fothergill developed Flick Fishing. * Mike Lee developed Tap Tap Revolution, the most downloaded game in App Store history. * Mike Kasprzak's Smiles was a finalist in the IGF 2009 Best Mobile Game competition. * PJ Cabrera, Richard Zito, and Matthew Aitken (Quick Draw, Pole2Pole); Joachim Bondo (Deep Green); and Olivier Hennessy and Clayton Kane (Apache Lander) have received glowing reviews and accolades for their games. Pair iPhone Games Projects with Apress's best-selling Beginning iPhone Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK, and you'll have everything you need to create the next game to top the sales charts. What you'll learn * How to optimize games using iPhone SDK tools such as Instruments and Shark, and how to optimize your graphics and sound files for the best performance * Insight into the art and craft of game design * How to implement social networking in your game with RESTful web services * Tips on rapid game development with C on iPhone * How to increase your market by developing games that run on iPhone, Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows * How to create multiplayer iPhone games Who is this book for? All iPhone game developers, and anyone with an iPhone who wants to learn how games are made About the Author PJ Cabrera is a software engineer with more than 12 years of experience developing information systems in various industries, programming in C, C++, Java, PHP, Python, and Ruby. But his real passion for many years has been hacking gadgets (i.e., turning a Sega Dreamcast into a NetBSD router, or running Android and Debian GNU/Linux on a Palm TX) and making home-brewed games for consoles such as Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, GameBoy Advance, and PSP. He is very excited that he can finally share his creative side on iPhone and XBox 360 with the general public through the App Store and XNA Community Games. </blockquote> iPhone Games Projects is available on Amazon, and many other online and "brick and mortar" retailers. Companion website can be found here: <a href="http://iphonegamesbook.com/" rel="nofollow">http://iphonegamesbook.com/</a> Mike on "Smiles at the Game Developers Conference (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-at-the-game-developers-conference-2009#post-45 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:17:42 +0000 Mike 45@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ March 25th-27th, 2009 - Mike was live on location in San Fransisco exhibiting Smiles. Here are several photos from the event. <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/smilesigfbooth-337x450.jpg"> <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/igfactuallysetup2-450x337.jpg"> <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/igfactuallysetup-450x337.jpg"> Mike on "ANN: Sykhronics has more to smile about (Press Release)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/ann-sykhronics-has-more-to-smile-about-press-release#post-41 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:02:11 +0000 Mike 41@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ London, Ontario, Canada – March 3rd, 2009 – Sykhronics Entertainment is proud to announce that its flagship iPhone title Smiles is a finalist in the Independent Games Festival Mobile (IGF Mobile). The IGF Mobile is a contest set up by the Think Services Game Group (producers of Game Developer magazine, Gamasutra.com, and the Game Developers Conferences®) to promote innovation in portable games, and is open to entrants from around the world. Smiles is one of five remaining games vying for the top prize “IGF Mobile Best Game”. These five were chosen from over 100 unique games submitted to the contest. Smiles is also the only game representing Canada this year. Winners of the IGF Mobile will be announced in San Fransisco, at the Game Developers Conference in March. To learn more about the Independent Games Festival Mobile, visit igfmobile.cm. To learn more about Smiles, please visit: <a href="http://www.smiles-game.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiles-game.com/</a> Smiles is available in the App Store. # # # About Sykhronics Entertainment Sykhronics Entertainment is a Canadian independent game developer. It is owned and operated by Michael Kasprzak, a game industry veteran with nearly a decade of experience. Mike has worked on more than a dozen titles featuring properties from Mattel, Disney, Hoyle, Milton Bradley, Knowledge Adventure and Breakthrough Entertainment. Sykhronics Entertainment aims to bring exciting original titles to current and next generation mobile and console gaming systems. For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.sykhronics.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sykhronics.com/</a> About the Think Services Game Group A core provider of essential information to the professional game industry, the Think Services Game Group offers market-defining content, and drives community through its award winning lineup of print, online, event and research products and services. These include Game Developer Magazine, Game Developer Research, the Webby Award-winning Gamasutra.com, GameCareerGuide.com, WorldsInMotion.biz, GameSetWatch.com, GamesOnDeck.com, SeriousGamesSource.com, the Game Developers Conference®, the Austin Game Developers Conference®, the Paris Game Developers Conference®, GDC Mobile, the Game Career Seminars, the Independent Games Festival and Summit, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.tsgamegroup.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.tsgamegroup.com/</a> Mike on "Sykhronics releases "Free Smiles" for iPhone (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-releases-free-smiles-for-iphone-2009#post-44 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:14:26 +0000 Mike 44@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ January 28th, 2009 - Free Smiles, the lite version of Smiles is now available in the App Store. Try out the IGF nominated "Best Mobile Game" today. iTunes Link: <a href="http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=303478061" rel="nofollow">http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=303478061</a> Mike on "Smiles, Smiles Zen, and Smiles Drop 1.1 now available (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-smiles-zen-and-smiles-drop-11-now-available-2009#post-50 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:39:54 +0000 Mike 50@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ January 23rd-26th, 2009 - Smiles, Smiles Zen, and Smiles Drop version 1.1 is now available. Changes include: - New sound player. Audio no longer spikes too loud. - Improved idle battery life. - Numerous UI tweaks to make differences between modes more obvious. Of historic note, Smiles Zen 1.1 was submitted January 23rd morning and approved the same day. Mike on "Smiles a Finalist in the Independent Games Festival Mobile! (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-a-finalist-in-the-independent-games-festival-mobile-2009#post-43 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:12:15 +0000 Mike 43@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ January 26th, 2009 - Today it was announced that Smiles is a finalist in the Independent Games Festival Mobile. Wow! <blockquote>IGF Mobile Best Game: * Cubic Republic (IKS Mobile) – Flash Lite * Smiles (Sykhronics Entertainment) – iPhone/iPod touch * Fieldrunners (Subatomic Studios) – iPhone/iPod touch * Edge (Mobigame) – iPhone/iPod touch * Wardive (And-or) – Nintendo DS </blockquote> We'll be at the Game Developers Conference in March exhibiting the game. More details can be found here: <a href="http://www.igfmobile.com/02finalists.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.igfmobile.com/02finalists.html</a> Mike on "Smiles scores Silver on Pocket Gamer UK (2009)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-scores-silver-on-pocket-gamer-uk-2009#post-42 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:08:08 +0000 Mike 42@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ January 5th, 2005 - Sykhronics is proud to announce that it's flagship iPhone game Smiles was the recipient of Pocket Gamers coveted Silver Award. <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/smilessilveraward-450x337.jpg"> You can read the full review here: <a href="http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Smiles/review.asp?c=10724" rel="nofollow">http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Smiles/review.asp?c=10724</a> Mike on "Smiles on the Chris Pirillo show (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-on-the-chris-pirillo-show-2008#post-55 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:10:13 +0000 Mike 55@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ December 15th, 2008 - Smiles made an appearance on Chris Pirillo's streaming internet show. Chris Pirillo was the host of Tech TV's Call for Help, is the founder and maintainer of the Lockergnome network, and is involved in several other projects. More details about Chris can be found on his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Pirillo">Wikipedia page</a>. Clip: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9UOIx8ev8" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9UOIx8ev8</a> Mike on "Smiles scores 4.5/5 on 148 Apps (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-scores-455-on-148-apps-2008#post-56 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:20:40 +0000 Mike 56@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ December 1st, 2008 - Smiles scores a highly respectable 4.5/5 on the iPhone game review site 148 Apps. <blockquote>For a fan of the genre, this could be the ultimate expression of a matching game. Very well done features including some that you wouldn’t expect. Overall a great game and great value considering the depth. </blockquote> Full review here: <a href="http://www.148apps.com/reviews/smiles/" rel="nofollow">http://www.148apps.com/reviews/smiles/</a> Mike on "Sykhronics releases "Smiles Drop" for iPhone (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-releases-smiles-drop-for-iphone-2008#post-53 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:52:04 +0000 Mike 53@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ December 1st, 2008 - Sykhronics releases the standalone Smiles Drop game for iPhone. Smiles Drop is the self contained full Drop, Drop+, and Avalanche games found in Smiles available at a discounted price. Mike on "Smiles scores 4.5/5 on iPhone Games Network (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-scores-455-on-iphone-games-network-2008#post-57 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:24:15 +0000 Mike 57@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ November 26th, 2008 - Smiles scores a respectable 4.5/5 on iPhone Games Network. <blockquote>Smiles does pretty much everything right. Great visuals, good sound, plenty of gameplay modes, and a light and happy atmosphere that works perfectly with the overall feel of the game. Smiles is truly a shining example of how to do an iPhone puzzle game right </blockquote> Full review here: <a href="http://iphonegamenetwork.com/smiles-review" rel="nofollow">http://iphonegamenetwork.com/smiles-review</a> Mike on "Sykhronics releases "Smiles Zen" for iPhone (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-releases-smiles-zen-for-iphone#post-52 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:50:11 +0000 Mike 52@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ November 23rd, 2008 - Sykhronics releases the standalone Smiles Zen game for iPhone. Smiles Zen is the self contained full "Zen" game found in Smiles available at a discounted price. Mike on "ANN: Sykhronics grins on to iPhone with Smiles (Press Release)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/ann-sykhronics-grins-on-to-iphone-with-smiles#post-40 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:58:00 +0000 Mike 40@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ London, Ontario, Canada – November 12th, 2008 - Sykhronics Entertainment would like to introduce, Smiles. A brand new game now available for iPhone and iPod touch. Smiles is a collection of 2 great games. Smiles Drop is an unconventional action puzzle game. Unlike many others, you don’t have to wait to make your next move. In addition, you’re not pressured in to making that move either. Play at your own pace. Make matches, break ice and rocks, twisting and turning your way to higher scores. Smiles Zen is a relaxing game of strategy. Borrowing heavily from Solitaire and Sudoku, it’s an easy game to pick up but difficult to master. Matches light up instead of clearing, and the goal is to light up the board. In addition to difficulties, Smiles features several extra game modes. Avalanche, where the ice constantly pours out; Hard, where ice is harder to break; Long Play, where multiple matches and combos are easier; And Six, where you can lose in as few as 2 moves. Features: • 2 great games (Smiles Drop, and Smiles Zen) • 14 different game modes • 3 colorful themes • Designed for players of all skill levels • Play at a relaxed pace, or make moves right away • Play in any orientation • Use gravity to break Rocks and Ice (Drop) • High Scores • Statistics • Over 140 Challenges to complete • Listen to your music while you play • Pause menu clock For more information about Smiles, visit <a href="http://www.smiles-game.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiles-game.com</a>. Smiles is now available in the App Store. About Sykhronics Entertainment Sykhronics Entertainment is a Canadian independent game developer. It is owned and operated by Michael Kasprzak, a game industry veteran with nearly a decade of experience. Mike has worked on more than a dozen titles featuring properties from Mattel, Disney, Hoyle, Milton Bradley, Knowledge Adventure and Breakthrough Entertainment. Sykhronics Entertainment aims to bring exciting original titles to current and next generation mobile and console gaming systems. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.sykhronics.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.sykhronics.com</a>. Mike on "Smiles scores 5/5 on Finger Gaming (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/smiles-scores-55-on-finger-gaming-2008#post-54 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:59:54 +0000 Mike 54@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ November 4th, 2008 - Smiles scores a stunning 5/5 star review on Finger Gaming. <blockquote>Quite simply, Smiles is filled to the brim with gameplay, with lots of replay value. The variety of difficulty levels, gameplay modes, and strategy will keep Smiles fresh for hours on end. The game can be enjoyed by both casual and hardcore gamers, both young and old alike. Add to it that the game looks great, plays smoothly, and has a cutesy vibe to it easily makes Smiles one of the most well-rounded and lovingly developed puzzle game available in the App Store. </blockquote> Full review here: <a href="http://fingergaming.com/2008/11/04/smiles/" rel="nofollow">http://fingergaming.com/2008/11/04/smiles/</a> Mike on "Sykhronics releases "Smiles" for iPhone (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-releases-smiles-for-iphone-2008#post-39 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:54:02 +0000 Mike 39@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ Late October 2008 Sykhronics Entertainment releases Smiles, an all new matching game collection for iPhone. <img src="http://www.smiles-game.com/press/Shot01.png"> <img src="http://www.smiles-game.com/press/Shot02.png"> For more information and to watch the trailer, visit: <a href="http://www.smiles-game.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.smiles-game.com</a> Mike on "Sykhronics becomes approved iPhone developer (2008)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-becomes-approved-iphone-developer-2008#post-37 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:44:37 +0000 Mike 37@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ In July of 2008, Sykhronics Entertainment became an approved iPhone developer. Mike on "Sykhronics seeks artist for undisclosed game project (2007)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-seeks-artist-for-undisclosed-game-project-2007#post-47 Sat, 20 Jan 2007 10:36:00 +0000 Mike 47@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ In January 2007, Sykhronics Entertainment began seeking out and eventually hiring an Artist for a currently unreleased project. Work on said project was completed in October 2007. Further details will be made available in the future. Mike on "Namco releases "Mage Knight: Destiny's Soldier" for Nintendo DS (2006)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/namco-releases-mage-knight-destinys-soldier-for-nintendo-ds-2006#post-35 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 01:35:08 +0000 Mike 35@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ September 2006 Namco released Mage Knight: Destiny's Soldier for Nintendo DS, based on the popular tabletop miniatures game. Developed by Big Blue Bubble. Mike provided early AI code for the game. _TODO: Box art and shots_ Mike on "PuffBOMB in "Independent Games Vol 2" compilation (2006)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/puffbomb-in-independent-games-vol-2-compilation-2006#post-29 Wed, 20 Sep 2006 01:12:52 +0000 Mike 29@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ September 2006 PuffBOMB was included in the 2nd retail Independent Games compilation published by Moondance games. <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/content/ig2compilation.gif"> Might have been nice to get a complimentary copy. <img src="http://forums.sykhronics.com/my-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_wink.gif" title=";)" class="bb_smilies" /> Mike on "PuffBOMB in game magazine PC Gamer UK (2006)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/puffbomb-in-game-magazine-pc-gamer-uk-2006#post-28 Mon, 20 Mar 2006 01:09:54 +0000 Mike 28@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ PuffBOMB was featured in the March 2006 issue of PC Gamer UK. <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/content/pcgameruk2006.jpg"> Mike on ""Sykhronics Entertainment" company founded late 2005" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/sykhronics-entertainment-company-founded-late-2005#post-36 Thu, 22 Dec 2005 01:40:34 +0000 Mike 36@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ After leaving Big Blue Bubble, Mike set out to finally start his own company. Though he'd been working under the name for a while now, in December of 2005 the Canadian game developer Sykhronics Entertainment was officially founded. Mike on "PuffBOMB a finalist in Slamdance 2006" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/puffbomb-a-finalist-in-slamdance-2006#post-27 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:07:00 +0000 Mike 27@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ Gamasutra article here: <a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7538" rel="nofollow">http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=7538</a> PuffBOMB was a finalist at Slamdance 2006 for a special award sponsored by Popcap. <blockquote>The 2006 PopCap Casual Game Award Finalists: Cloud – Cloud Joboo’s Gems – Gem Jocks Ocular Ink – Pistachio Productions The Odyssey – Liquid Dragon Studios PuffBOMB – Sykhronics Entertainment </blockquote> Sadly, Slamdances website is a little messy, so I can't find the press release that quotes this. Mike on "PuffBOMB in game magazine PC Zone (2005)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/puffbomb-in-game-magazine-pc-zone-2005#post-26 Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:56:55 +0000 Mike 26@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ PuffBOMB was featured in the January 2006 issue of UK game magazine PC Zone. Magazines are always post dated despite the publish date (I think I even got my complimentary copy in 2005). <img src="http://www.toonormal.com/content/pbpczone2005.jpg"> Mike on "Sykhronics releases "Classic PuffBOMB", PB with an all new look (2005)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/mike-releases-classic-puffbomb-pb-with-an-all-new-look-2005#post-38 Sat, 20 Aug 2005 01:48:38 +0000 Mike 38@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ In time for submission to the IGF and Slamdance, and to set the ground work for the new company, Mike released an updated version of the classic 2003 PuffBOMB. Classic PuffBOMB (also known as PuffBOMB 2005) features an all new visual style, user maps browser, bonus game maps, and a Mac port. <img src="http://www.puffbomb.com/Misc/Shots/Shot02.png"> For more information (and to play it), visit the website. <a href="http://www.puffbomb.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.puffbomb.com</a> Mike on "Mike leaves Big Blue Bubble (2005)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/mike-leaves-big-blue-bubble-2005#post-34 Tue, 02 Aug 2005 01:32:07 +0000 Mike 34@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ Mike stepped down from his role as Technical Director in August of 2008, after the completion of Atomic Betty for Game Boy Advance. Mike continued to provide minor contract work to Big Blue Bubble after leaving until about January 2006. Mike on "Namco releases "Atomic Betty" for Game Boy Advance (2005)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/namco-releases-atomic-betty-for-game-boy-advance#post-33 Mon, 01 Aug 2005 01:28:59 +0000 Mike 33@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ September 2005 Namco releases Atomic Betty for Game Boy Advanced, based on the hit kids cartoon. Developed by Big Blue Bubble. Mike acted as Lead Programmer and Engine Programmer on this game. _TODO: Box art and shots_ Mike on "Mike is hired by "Big Blue Bubble" as Technical Director (2004)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/mike-is-hired-by-big-blue-bubble-as-technical-director-2004#post-32 Tue, 20 Jul 2004 01:26:28 +0000 Mike 32@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ In July of 2004, Mike is hired on to be the Technical Director at Big Blue Bubble, a company founded by former coworkers. Between his duties as the Technical Director, Mike acted as the Lead/Sole Programmer on several mobile games for the Mophun and J2ME mobile platforms. Mike on "Mike leaves Digital Illusions (2004)" http://forums.sykhronics.com/topic/mike-leaves-digital-illusions-2004#post-31 Sun, 20 Jun 2004 01:21:50 +0000 Mike 31@http://forums.sykhronics.com/ In June of 2004, Mike left Digital Illusions.