Wednesday, April 13, 2011

WizBiz - new app on Android Market

Well, it's been a while since I last posted anything. I've been busy figuring out how to do more stuff in android apps. Particularly drawing on surfaces.

Anyway I recently published my newest app (WizBiz) and WizBiz Lite (free version). I used NumberFun as a basis of the calculation area. But that's where the similarity ends. The object of playing WizBiz is to solve a word for each level rather than to clear all the target numbers. In fact the target numbers are there merely to have hiding places for the letters of the word. Full instructions follow the image.



Shown during play: The missing buttons in the working area are because they have been used in the equation to hit a target number. Hitting the "Keep It" button would move the 5 to the working numbers for further use.


 Game Instuctions:
     There are 10 levels to a game (3 for WizBiz Lite). The objective of each level is to solve the hidden word. Each level starts with a new set of 6 "Working" numbers to use in equations (bottom of the screen) along with the operation buttons (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Enter single line equations (firstNumber operation secondNumber) to hit target numbers (top of the screen). If one equation doesn't clear a target number, you can keep the result of the equation by clicking the "Keep It" button and use that number in another equation.

     Note that using a working number in a equation removes it from the available working numbers (i.e. you can only use each starting number once while hitting a target number). As said, accepting an equation result to use, adds that number to your working number set.

     As target numbers are hit, they go away, and may have a hidden letter behind it which then drops to the letter position holders. Solve the word by dragging the letters left or right to unscramble.

     You must solve the word to advance to the next level. Quit the game after any level and you pick up at the level you achieved when you return.

     If playing timed mode, time increases with each level. You are given a results page at the end of each level showing the points accumulated. Bonus points are awarded by completing the level before time runs out. (the quicker you finish, the more bonus points).

     In addition to the points accumulated, the results page provides solutions to the target numbers you did not hit during the round. These solutions may or may not be the most efficient method of getting there, but it does get there.

     The letter wheel (upper left) can be used if you think you know the word, but cannot uncover one or more letters to make them drop. Spin the wheel to find the desired letter, then drag it away from the wheel center. If you want, those extra letters can be removed from the word line by dragging them straight up the screen.

     If you continue to solve target numbers and uncover hidden letters, they replace the first extra letter in the word line if any.

     One additional thing; I didn't provide a "Pause" button to save real estate. However, if an application switch happens, or you press the device menu, the game goes to a pause mode. When you return, touch in the equation area to resume play.

--- GAME CONTROLS
Reset................ Abandons the equation being built (if any) and restores the working numbers.
Back................ Backs out the last working number (or operation) entry from the current equation being built.
Keep It............ Accepts the result of the current equation and adds it to your working numbers.

--- MENU
 Change Player..... Launches the Player Selection dialog.
Top Scores.......... Launches the Top Scores dialog.
Options............... Opens a sub-menu.
       Sound Muting...... Toggles game sound muting.
Game Info.......... Launches instructions in a dialog.
Quit................... Closes the game.



     One more thing. If you do download the game. PLEASE leave some feedback on the market! And I would appreciate a click on an ad once in a while in the Lite version. Us developers only get paid if you do.

     As always...have fun and enjoy playing it.