Xeno Versus: Public Beta Available

At long last, I've got the first Xeno Versus public beta out and online. The development snapshot is up now. This beta is available about a month later than I'd hoped, but the late alpha testing dug up a few more flaws than anticipated. Plus, I got married... the adjustment to my wife moving in with me took up a good chunk of my time normally dedicated to hobbies. Here's the snapshot thumbnail.



So first the beta info, for those prospective testers:

Join the beta group here or subscribe to the mailing list at xenoversusbeta-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to get access to the beta. It is fully playable with a limited content set: 9 complete ships and 1 complete level. The last playable day is Oct. 6th before the game won't run anymore. The link is in the group's links section. Please don't publish the link here. I'm trying to keep track of users via the Yahoo group. Odds are, I'll have at least one more "late beta" to compliment this "early" one.

I want to give a big shout out to Clint Herron. Not only has Clint been following my progress and cheering me on, but he's also begun to provide some code support. His first big contribution is his improved camera algorithm from his project Air Locked, which is faster, simpler, and better than mine all around. It's a major contribution, to say the least, since the camera was the #1 complaint from the alpha testers!

I also have a hi-resolution version of the development snapshot here. The character artist is Mauizu. The level artist, whose work isn't duly being shown off or credited in this beta, hopefully will have some info up soon as well. Both gals are very talented and I wouldn't be nearly as far along without them.

That's it for this announcement. Head on over to the the group and sign up. Any feedback from bugs to missing features to gameplay is welcome. I need input on anything and everything. Thanks!