Monthly Archives: September 2009

Wow, two hiring posts for different positions in just a few weeks! We must be up to something awesome.

If you are a programmer looking for work, drop us a line at jobs<at>firehosegames[dot]com! If you aren’t a programmer but have friends who are, feel free to forward this along to them! If you aren’t a programmer and don’t have friends who are then you’re probably far more normal than any of us.

Job Description: We are looking for a full time or freelance programmer with preferably 3+ years of experience making console video games. Experience with PS3, Xbox 360, and/or Wii desired. Must know C++, other languages like Python, C, and Java a plus (bonus points for knowing Scheme, Cobalt, or Intercal). Ideal candidates will have a thorough understanding of all the different phases of development and have experience working intimately with artists. Basically we want a whiz who can build a game from the ground up on his/her own. If that’s you we’d love to see an application.

Normally we don’t do reviews of games on our website since I don’t really care enough to play anything made after 1983 or that has “graphics”. But Deejoban Games recently released their new game, AAAAAAAA (etc.) and since Ichiro is a friend of mine I feel compelled to do a quick write up.

The game is pretty damn simple: You base jump off the top of a building and plummet downwards, trying to gain points by smashing through scoring plates, flipping off protesters, giving the thumbs up to fans, and landing with only a couple of broken bones. The game has an interesting mechanic of “hugging” and “kissing” buildings, which means to fly real close to them without turning into paste. Beating a level sufficiently well will earn you teeth, which can then be used to unlock later, more complicated levels, different abilities like time-slowing caffeine, and other bizarre features.

Follow the jump for more delicious reviewing! Continue reading →

The Fire Hose Dungeons and Dragons campaign continues! Jeff Ward was awesome enough to do a second write up (after last time’s), so here’s a rundown of what happened.

The Players:

Nebin – halfling theif, bold + brazen and full of bravado
Silidhor – ranger elf, quiet with a dark past
Arranis – eladrin wizard, more interested in books and history than fighting
Lucian – elf cleric, a healer with a big freaking mace

After returning from our battle against the dragon, Alia immediately ran off to inform Taleh’s family of his apparent demise. Nebin, Silidor, Arranis and Lucian, meanwhile, investigated the contents the chest they had stolen from the dig site. Nebin, Silidor, and Lucian divided (and fought) over some gold, stones and potions, while Arranis spent some time with some very interesting looking (and magical) spectacles, which came with a note, apparently written in Abyssal, which he decided needed more investigation.

Follow the jump for more! Continue reading →

Canabalt is short, sweet, and a lot of fun. Created by Adam Saltsman and with music from Danny B (Benmergui?), you can play the whole game in about 10 seconds, but you’ll probably get addicted and keep going for an hour if you’re anything like me. Set in a post apocalyptic nightmare, you take the role of some well dressed dude just trying to run away. The game is incredibly simple – jump to avoid obstacles and clear the gaps between rooftops. That’s it. What makes the game so enjoyable is the sense of urgency that the developers manage to pack in, largely thanks to the music. It really feels like you’re in the Matrix, trying to outrun robots who will sooner or later destroy you. The fact that they managed to get that aesthetic in a game that is so simple (pixel graphics, grayscale coloring, one button controls) is pretty damn impressive.

So what’s extra cool about the game? The little touches are great – making the screen ratio 2.86:1 really works for the game, allowing you to see what’s coming up in the distance. The procedural level generation makes the game always feel new and fresh. The way that your character isn’t always centered vertically on the screen helps the sense of jumping and height as you dash from rooftop to rooftop. The way the smashing glass flys a distance proportional to your speed makes the world seem real. And that somersalt the hero does after a long drop is awesome.

Interestingly enough, the game is actually pretty accessible too, as it is a one button game. It loses some points for being so dependent on reflexes, but if you are a one switch gamer I would *strongly* recommend checking this game out.

My record so far? 4984 meters. Beat that Turnip!

We did it! We’re (pretty much) all moved into our new digs at 1035 Cambridge Street. It took a few days, a lot of manpower (a lot), and a bit of patience, but we’re happy to report that we are currently loving the new place. We’ve already tried out Olecito, All Star Sandwich Bar, Arams #1, and are pretty much looking forward to trying out all the other restaurants around the area. Any suggestions are welcome!

We’ll keep you updated on the housewarming once we’re all settled in. For now, follow the jump for more moving pics! Continue reading →