| If you've ever wasted hours or even days on playing | | | | and its ability to capture the gamer. Its also in the |
| a video game on your old Commodore 64, then | | | | fact that Raigan and Mare have published source and |
| chances are it was a game called Load Runner. Well, | | | | tutorials on their web site, which explains the |
| it's amazing how this genre has come back full circle. | | | | technique and process of developing this wonderful |
| "N" is such a game. Developed in Flash by Raigan | | | | game. And we not just talking a few rapid |
| Burns and Mare Sheppard, of Metanet Software | | | | paragraphs here! This is a full blown tutorial on |
| Inc.My first sight of this game was from watching | | | | Collision Detection, Physics, Movement, Geometry, |
| my son play it on his computer. I instantly became | | | | and Mathmatics. With pictures and diagrams too! For |
| mesmerized by it's smoothness and the intricate | | | | anyone who wants a full blown education on the |
| details in the movement of the main character as it | | | | science of game design and development, this is the |
| moves, flys, jumps, and falls thoughout maze after | | | | place to go!I can't say enough about this amazing |
| maze of enemies and bonuses. I especially took note | | | | game, the Metanet website, and the kindness of the |
| of the simplicity of the game. Finally, someone has | | | | developers. There is heart in the offices of Metanet |
| released a game that one can sit down to and play | | | | Software Inc.! I have no doubt that we'll be hearing |
| without having to crack open a 20 page instruction | | | | more about Raigan, Mare, and Metanet! You'll find this |
| guide. But don't be fooled! There are over 200 levels | | | | quote on their web site: "We're not professional -- |
| to get through! And what amazes me, is that after | | | | that's our strength." That pretty much sums it up.You |
| watching my three sons play this during the past few | | | | can check out N at: Trimble, The ART of Software |
| weeks, they've yet to finish the game! They're | | | | DevelopmentTimothy Trimble is a award winning, |
| totally hooked. The family PS2, with its adrenalin | | | | freelance writer, and software developer. He has |
| pumping shooters, 3-d ray traced, real-time graphics, | | | | written a book for Microsoft Press, articles for |
| and total game play immersion - sits cold and alone. | | | | significant computer industry trade magazines, and is |
| Only to be touched if one of the boys is waiting for | | | | currently working on his second computer technology |
| their time on the PC with N.The ART of Software | | | | book to be published in early 2006. |
| Development in N, is not just in the finished product | | | | |