Most of the time and effort over the last week or two has gone into redesigning the user interface to make use of the touch screen. When the game was originally developed, it was made for devices with buttons. However I think that a strategy game and a touch screen are a perfect fit, and the new interface is coming along very nicely. I’ve found that designing a *good* touch interface is a little more involved that is appears. Iteration is the key though, so I’ll be interested to see how it goes when more people play it.

Almost all of the gameplay has been implemented.

For the iPad version, I’m planning to use 3D models instead of sprites for ships, missiles, etc. A large part of the reason for this is that it’s being developed in Unity3D and so using 3D models is incredibly easy – compared to say the PSP SDK. I’ll hopefully be able to post some screenshot soon.

L8r, Paul

Last week, I commissioned and received new “box art” for Star Hammer Tactics. I’m really happy with it, and I hope it gets peoples attention when they are browsing through the various Indie games available via Xbox LIVE.

I also started working on a game engine for the PSP. Last year, Black Lab Games applied to be an authorized PSP Minis developer, and was accepted. It’s taken a while to get around to it, but I’m finally starting development. Good times ahead, I’m sure!

Finally, Star Hammer Tactics was submitted for peer review for inclusion in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. What this means is that other Xbox LIVE Indies Games developers can review the game, and providing they don’t find any objectionable contents (which they won’t, because there is none), or crashes, it will be available for sale.