Greetings humans,

Here's something I prototyped late last year - a competitive local multiplayer thing designed with OUYA in mind.
I think it's already quite playable and doesn't appear to have any showstopper bugs - it's just far from feature complete (weapons, specials, modes, alternative 'tracks', yadda yadda).
So I'm looking for early feedback to let the community help shape the direction of 'Shmupball'.
Some (or all) of the graphics are essentially placeholders - personally I prefer abstract graphics, but I'd like to make it prettier (maybe even give it an actual non-abstract theme).
No promises that it will even go anywhere beyond this prototype ... but if people are liking it that will give me some motivation to expand it.

Two player only for the moment. I intend to support at least four in later version (associated UI just needs to be built), and a single player time-attack mode.

Gameplay and goals
  • Fire bullets or your tractor beam to push/pull the ball over the target corresponding to your colour.
  • Avoid collecting your opponents colour !
  • Move your ship around the track to direct your fire.
  • Collect mines with your tractor beam to stymie your opponent.
  • Be first to score 10 points.


Controls
  • Left stick - move ship in direction of stick
  • Left/right trigger - alternative movement controls - move ship clockwise/anti-clockwise around the track
  • O - fire bullets
  • A - fire tractor beam
  • Y - drop mine


XBox360 etc controllers should work too.

A few questions

1. Which movement control scheme do you prefer (left stick or triggers) ?

Note that with the left stick controls you must push in the direction of the track. If you push perpendicular to the track the ship won't move.
This gives the left stick controls a nice circular rhythm as you go around the track, but can seem broken the first time you try it.

2. What you you find fun ? What do you find frustrating ?

3. Do you think the music fits this style of game ?

4. Did you discover any strategies or interesting techniques to beat your opponent ? Where the mines useful (underpowered/overpowered) ?

Bonus question: Can you name one OUYA game with online multiplayer where there are currently other players online (other than maybe Bombsquad) ?

Any & all feedback appreciated.

Credits:
Electricity sound, based on "Jacobs Ladder" (CC-BY) by DJ Chronos.
Music by Drozerix.


Download APK here, grab a friend and get sideloadin'