Great to see today that indie developer, PomPom, is creating an updated version of Mutant Storm for the Xbox 360 Live Arcade. The thrilling psychedelic shoot-'em-up - a blistering tribute to Robotron and the days of the relentless 2D shooter - originally appeared as a downloadable PC title, where it quickly gained renown. Microsoft then commissioned PomPom to produce a fresh version for the Xbox Live Arcade. The 360 outing, currently codenamed Mutant Storm Reloaded will be a launch title, while a full sequel is promised for the second half of 2006.
So, Mutant Storm and Alien Hominid hitting the consoles, Darwinia among the nominees in this year's Edge Awards - is the indie gaming scene turning into a videogame equivalent of the live music circuit, with A&R men hanging around in the shadows, waving contracts and promising to turn programmers into superstars? Well, we'll see. Some of us thought Yaroze represented a new dawn for the bedroom coder, but look what happened to that. Actually, what did happen to that?
Clearly, the 'gulf' between indie and mainstream production values is narrowing, and there seems to be a general realisation in the industry that ideas, style and taut gameplay may drive the next generation, rather than visuals. Either that or I've been out in the sun too long again today.
.jpg?w=600)
