Dev Box Interview: Mushroom Men’s Programmer Jeff Lake

It usually takes a small army to create the video games that we play, and, most of the time, all of the focus gets put on the game itself, and not on the people that came together to make it. Our Dev Box interview feature takes a look at some of the unsung heroes that have committed their lives to entertaining all of us. This week we are giving Red Fly Studio’s Jeff Lake a chance to answer some of our burning questions.

Name: Jeff Lake
Title: Programmer
What you do: Physics, Gameplay, Combat programming
Most recent game worked on: “Mushroom Men”

1. What game has most influenced you, and why?
The game I’m most influenced by is “Super Metroid.” It was the first game that I played which had that level of open-ended gameplay with such atmospheric art and music. It combined the best of action, puzzle, and adventure games in one experience that still stands up to the best games of today.

2. What are you playing right now?
“Fallout 3″! This game is amazing. The sheer breadth of content that Bethesda is able to bring to bear is inspiring. [Continue Reading]

Mushroom Men Developer Walk Through Video Part 4 – Pax Heads Home

In this, the last of our exclusive “Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars” developer walkthroughs, we get a preview of one of the game’s later levels – Pax’s home… or at least what’s left of it. You’ll get a look at one of the most creative and beautiful, levels to come in quite some time for a 3D platformer, as the mysterious enemy Pester turns Pax’s world upside down, literally.

For more level walkthroughs you can check out some of these videos we’ve posted over the last two weeks:
Part 1: The Beginning
Part 2: Pax’s Journey
Part 3: Pax Goes To The Bathroom

And, check out our interview with Red Fly Studio’s Interactions Lead James Clarendon as he gives us some insight to the development of “Mushroom Men.”

Mushroom Men Interview: Inside The Developer’s Head

Today we are taking a break from “Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars” gameplay, to ask Red Fly Studio’s James Clarendon some questions about the game. Get a look inside one of the minds behind “MM” as we talk about everything from classic video games to Les Claypool.

For more on “Mushroom Men,” check out more videos from our gameplay walk through series:
Part 1: The Beginning
Part 2: Pax’s Journey
Part 3: Pax Goes To The Bathroom

Check back later this week for a look at one of the craziest levels that “Mushroom Men” has to offer.

Mushroom Men Developer Walk Through Video Part 3 – Pax Goes To The Bathroom

Is there really a better way to start the week than with another preview of “Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars” with Red Fly Studio’s Interactions Lead James Clarendon? I think not. In today’s preview you’re going to get a look at Pax’s trip to the bathroom, some drop-in multiplayer (it’s better than “Mario Galaxy”), and some 2D platforming action – oh, and the return of that pesky possum.

If you like that video, be sure to check out the two previews we posted last week of the game’s opening, and one of the early levels where Pax learns to use his abilities. Also, check back later this week for even more exclusive “Mushroom Men” previews.

Mushroom Men Developer Walk Through Part 2 – Pax’s Journey

As promised, here is part two of our “Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars” developer walk through. Today Red Fly Studio’s James Clarendon gives us a look at one of the later levels, a mid-level boss fight with a possum, and some of Pax’s special abilities – including the spore kinesis, punisher, and regrowth. He also shows off the really interesting metronome feature that creates a more immersive environment for the players.

Yesterday we gave you a look at the beginning of the game, and if you check back later this week we’ll have even more preview videos with Red Fly’s Interactions Lead on “Mushroom Men.” You’ll get to see even more features, and levels for the upcoming game.

Mushroom Men Developer Walk Through Video – Part 1 – The Beginning

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with James Clarendon of Red Fly Studio for a one-on-one demo of the upcoming Gamecock release “Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars.” I was able to get a solid look at the submission build of the game, and get an idea of how everything in the game came together.

James walked me through of some of the best parts of the game, and the video above is just the beginning of what he showed me. Over the next few days TrueGameHeadz will be featuring a multi-part, inside look at “Mushroom Men” courtesy of the game’s Interactions Design Lead. Check out the video above, for a look at the early stages of the game – the opening and the tutorial. Check back later in the week for some never before seen levels later in the game.