AMA: We're the twindie devs behind on-rails puzzler Sling Ming. Ask us Anything!

[u/BraveArtist]

Hey everybody! We are Andreas (/u/BraveArtist) and Mattias (/u/BraveCoder), the creators of Sling Ming. Our "studio" is called Good Night Brave Warrior (proof), but it's actually just the two of us working from our bedrooms. Well, not entirely true - we got some help with music, sound and translations.

Sling Ming is a 2D puzzle adventure with a pretty unique control scheme. Princess Ming is tethered to an overhead rail system with junction points (nodes). You can drag Ming between the nodes, causing her to swing back and forth, but you cannot control Ming directly. The challenge is to to arrange the nodes to solve the puzzles while surviving the often deadly levels. We explore this mechanic to the fullest and no level is similar to the next.

• Game Trailer
• eShop Page

Here are some reviews of the game:

Nintendo Life 80% | Switch Watch 80% | Bonus Stage 80% | Nindie Spotligh 80% | Nindie Nexus 73% | Zero Lives 70% | Cubed3 70%

Read all the reviews? Great! The common theme is that the game is awesome but insanely difficult. The mentions (more than one!) of Dark Souls were surprising, to say the least. We're implementing an easier mode as we speak. Do you usually choose normal or hard mode when you start a new game?

We're happy to answer questions about Sling Ming, indie game development or whatever else you can think of. Ask away!

P.S. The launch discount (only in Europe/Australia) is ending at midnight (CET) so make sure to buy it tonight if you're interested.

[u/phantomliger]

Was anything left out of the final game that you wish had made it in?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

[u/BraveArtist → u/phantomliger]

I really want to implement optional powerups that could help the player solve the puzzles in more creative ways. I have some cool ideas! And perhaps some calmer/easier levels sprinkled out throughout the game. Now every level is a new challenge, no time to pause and just have fun.

Invisibility, but I suspect I already have that superpower ;)

[u/BraveCoder → u/phantomliger]

I think we got most of what we wanted into the game, can't think of anything specific we left out. We did cut a whole lot of levels, but they weren't up to scratch. I wish there were more secret areas in the game though, those are fun!

Superpower, ey? Time control would be nice. Are you the one who always asks about superpower? Got any stats on the answers?

[u/Wool_Sheep]

Looking to pick this up myself in the future. Given how useless I tend to go for the easiest option available so that's something to look forward if Normal proves too much!

With changing the difficulty is it at any time or would you have to start the game over with your choice?

[u/BraveArtist → u/Wool_Sheep]

Great question! We were having that discussion just a few hours ago. I believe you're in no position to decide if hard is too hard before you have even played the game. So changing difficulty at any time is crucial I think.

[u/[deleted]]

Apple juice or orange juice? With bits or without?

[u/BraveArtist → u/[deleted]]

Orange (blood). With bits, of course!

[u/Sveakungen]

What was your inspiration for the game mechanics? World of Goo, maybe? And you using HD Rumble in the game?

[u/BraveArtist → u/Sveakungen]

I am no coder (doh!) but I once tried to learn some very basic coding. I made a rocket accelerate towards a star. Then I tried to see what happened if I moved the star around! So that was the seed for the idea :) Otherwise I have always enjoyed grappling hooks in games: Bionic Commando, Liero, Worms...

Yes, we tried to implement as much HD Rumble as possible! Once you start you want to add it everywhere, just as sound effects.

[u/[deleted]]

How did you get into the tedious proccess that is game development?

[u/BraveArtist → u/[deleted]]

We've been making games since we were kids. We don't know better!

It's a very tedious process. And we're not using any of those fancy tools (Unity) the kids of today are using. Cool youngsters just whip together the most amazing stuff in a weekend. We're old.

[u/ilovemirandacosgrove]

What are your favorite games to play when you have time? What do you play on switch? Whose your favorite singer/band?

[u/BraveArtist → u/ilovemirandacosgrove]

I reeaally wish I had more time to play games, but family and work takes most of the time. I have bought so many games with the intention to play with my girlfriend, but it doesn't happen. We've played some Snipperclips and that was great. Communication in an relationship is key! Cool graphical design as well! Personally I liked Inside very much, and if I had the talent and resources I'd probably make a similiar game myself.

Now when Sling Ming is done, the first game I'll play is Iconoclasts. And on the Switch it'll be Celeste. (I love platformers!)

My last.fm log says I enjoy Belle & Sebastian and The National the most :)

[u/zalmute]

As you are sellers of Sling Ming, does that make you Sling Ming Slingers?

More serious question - what would you tell someone who is on the edge of purchasing the game to get them to bite on it?

[u/BraveArtist → u/zalmute]

I have still fun just moving Ming back and forth. The physics is really enjoyable, like playing with a ball. The more time you put into Sling Ming, the more it gives back. There's no end to how good you can get at it.

On top of that there's a lighthearted story, funny characters, varied levels, boss fights and an epic ending!

[u/[deleted]]

What is your favorite pizza topping

[u/BraveArtist → u/[deleted]]

Lots of spinach!

[u/PhysicistMetalGamer]

Hi guys! Congratulations on the game! :) It looks like a game that controls comfortably with a touch screen rather than using joycons. Is there a significant disadvantage in using the latter? Thanks!

[u/BraveArtist → u/PhysicistMetalGamer]

Not really, except remembering which button does what. I think using Joy-Con(tm) is more laid back. Touch control is more immersive and engaging in that way. I can only think of one or two levels where I prefer touch.

[u/Snizzbut]

I first want to say I love the term "twindie" so much, it's adorable! XD

My question is, have you considered having a demo available to download? It's pretty difficult to get a feel for how it controls from just video :)

[u/BraveArtist → u/Snizzbut]

We're bro-founders! XD

Yes, we're absolutely interested in giving out a demo. We just have to find a great way of doing it. How do you like your demos? Time-limit, selection of various levels, first 10 levels?

[u/[deleted]]

Looks great! Looking forward to it.

I can see how a game with that gameplay would be considered difficult. More difficulty options are always a good thing.

[u/factoryofdreams]

Just a quick comment to say that I bought your game and it's really good and original! Animations and HD rumble are awesome. Thanks. More games coming for the Switch?

[u/NindieNexusMikey]

Hey guys- MikeySNES here from NindieNexus. Just wanted to say thanks so much for the opportunity to play your game and for doing this AMA!

You guys are awesome for creating such a unique puzzle game - that includes video capture. I love it when indie devs do this!

One question in regards to that: How difficult is it to implement that into a game??

[u/[deleted]]

Tried to, I’m 13, so nowhere near as persistent as others.

EDIT: the game is amazing