I’ve been watching Unity for several years now (thanks to James from Futurlab), but the fact that it was Mac-only was an instant turn-off. Earlier this year they released a PC version, which piqued my interest again, but I was unable to devote enough of my time to the free trial to actually learn anything. However, as of October 28, 2009, they’ve scrapped the Indie version of Unity and released a free version!
This is great news for anyone who’s been interested in creating content in Unity. Not only is the plugin just over 3MB, but it’s an almost seamless install in all the browsers I’ve tried it in.
What’s so great about Unity? Excellent 3D support, and you can use either JavaScript or C# for development, which makes transition from programming Flash games quite attractive.
So, this leads me to UnityBrighton.com. Back in March I registered the domain, but did nothing with it. I’m guessing there will be renewed interest in Unity, so I’ve finally got round to setting it up. For now it’s a basic Wordpress blog and a Google groups mailing list. If you’re interested in Unity, please join and say hello!
Currently there’s just one level, which is split into multiple areas. It’s a fairly simple 3D platformer – run around, collect gems, jump onto platforms, attack enemies. It won’t win any awards for originality, but graphically it’s very impressive. Try playing full-screen.
Unity can also support USB 360 controllers. I tried playing this fullscreen with a 360 controller just now, and yes; it’s almost indistinguishable from a console game from a few years ago. Really impressive work Three Melons and LEGO!
LEGO have announced they’ll be releasing a full version in August 2009, with 15 levels and 4 selectable characters.
Blurst have released another great Unity game called ‘Paper Moon’. It’s a 2D platformer with a slight 3D twist to the gameplay: Pressing Space ‘pops’ bits of the scenery either in front or behind the plane of the character. If you or an enemy is in the way, then you die. It creates some interesting puzzles.
I haven’t tried it, but apparently you can plug in a (wired) 360 controller. Nice touch.
Puzzlebloom is a good looking, fun puzzle game made with Unity. Lovely cel-shaded 3D graphics, and fun too. You play the part of a sort of tree-spirit that posesses dumb creatures and robots, and the aim of the game is to turn each dull grey level into one that’s full of life.
I’m getting more and more impressed with what Unity is capable of, and more concerned that Adobe are really losing out in the web 3D space..
It’s a beautiful Unity game where you play a jellyfish that collects eggs. There’s a number of enemies you need to lash with your tentacles, with some great effects when they die. Check out the sea dragon for a good example.
Blurst also have a number of other good games. I quite like Minotaur China Shop.
I’m really impressed with what Unity can do. I’ve got to get a copy soon!
Iestyn.net - Iestyn Lloyd's blog about Flash, Unity, ActionScript, programming, development, Brighton, gaming, robots, photography, and other random things.
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