I've just checked my email and found a rejection message from HP about my Mined Out! submission for the App Catalog.
The message states the app was rejected because -
Quote"Required: Unable to tap and hold to flag a numbered square, only works on blank squares."
Has the reviewer never played MineSweeper before? You can't do this in any MineSweeper game (that I've played). I've just checked the versions that come with XP and W7 and you can't do this either. Why would you want to place a flag on a number? Has anyone played a version of MineSweeper where this is possible?
???
Interesting to note that they pick up on a play mechanic here, but never noticed that my last game did not work on a Pixi (despite supposedly testing for compatibility).
Can't say I've ever seen that behaviour in other versions... Might be worth querying it on the forums and/or email pdc. Or augment the reviewer notes with precise, unambiguous details on how to play the game. :)
There is no point flagging a numbered square as you know the mine wont be on it...
I think they probably check to make sure its stable, doesn't contain anything dodgy and might have a quick play, but probably not a rigorous as Apple are supposed to...
Oh, the stupid reviewers... I got one on my latest Apple review...
He said "if I try to read the comic, it says 'no page found'"
My answer: if you press the HELP button, you can read "you have to download the pages before trying to see them". So, go to the main menu and press the button that says "Download pages" :blink:
I did email the reviewer back, but I don't expect to get a response or a turn-around to the rejection.
I just stated that I'd make it clearer in the instructions that you can't place a flag on a number square. I'm guessing the reviewer had never played the game before and didn't really understand it. Dunno.
I was going to send an update to the game straight away anyway, so it's no big deal re-submitting.
I think you have got to be clear about how to control/move things especially if its complicated - its possibly the reviewer (I suspect its only one person) hasn't come across some game types before...
Unfortunately I forgot to mention how to select and move in the Spots reviewer instructions... Oh dear... :S
I did get a reply. Here goes -
QuoteOh, you're right. I think I got confused since in old school minesweeper, the numbered blocks have a different visual style that more closely resembles cleared blocks rather than active blocks, and that's what made me think I should be marking those. So consider that as "user's preference" feedback instead of required. =]
Despite the obvious fact that the blank (clicked) squares are transparent and the number squares have numbers on she still gets the unclicked squares mixed up? OoooooKkkkkkkk...
This is despite the fact that there is a Theme in the game that is exactly the same as classic MineSweeper on M$ Windows (including the same colouring of each different number), she still gets it wrong.
And no mention at all of turning the rejection around, despite it being her mistake.
Fecking hell HP. It's a wonder that they have a single app in the Catalog. :(
my god, now this is absurd! it dosen´t really matter whether it flags or not, I think this is related to the game itself. I thought they tested for functionality and security....but to reject based on game type?? Most likely he or a friend of his is working on a similar app... =D
I still can´t believe it!
Nice joke. If it wasn't true :/
So, it's approved now?
Quote from: Kitty Hello on 2011-May-17
Nice joke. If it wasn't true :/
So, it's approved now?
Nope. I've got to re-submit and wait another 6+ days. :(
hopefully it won't be on the desk of another worker at palm who then rejects it for the very same reason again XD
Hopefully it'll go through - second time lucky :S
Anyway, here's an updated vid of it in action -
Quote from: Ian Price on 2011-May-17
Hopefully it'll go through - second time lucky :S
Anyway, here's an updated vid of it in action -
COOOOOL!!!
8)
Very cool. And the manual - it looks so "done". I wish I could find the motivation to make a game that thoroughly. But I think that's what pays. Looks like a true winner to me.
Hey Ian, you DID find some music for it at the end uh?
I really liked them, it all looks complete now, nice work. :good:
QuoteI wish I could find the motivation to make a game that thoroughly
Is a very impressive language not enough for you :nw:
Quote from: Kitty Hello on 2011-May-17
Very cool. And the manual - it looks so "done". I wish I could find the motivation to make a game that thoroughly. But I think that's what pays. Looks like a true winner to me.
Cheers Gernot :)
It's not difficult to stay motivated on a game such as this - it's so small that it's difficult not to stay focused on it. The main game was up an running in under an hour - then it was just a task of making it look good enough for someone to want to purchase (hopefully).
Just watched the video Ian. I love the star theme with the rotating triangle effect. Would look great in a modern cracktro type of demo. :)
The actual game has another theme like that, with hearts on a rotating background. See HERE (http://www.iprice.remakes.org/mined_out/mine_index.html)
It was a really simple effect, but one I've wanted to put in a game for a while now.
:)