Now it is far less a challenge than it was (laughs). Seriously, the SDK has improved dramatically and the number of people building games has exploded, so there is a lot more information available. One of the key things we (rough cookie/ngmoco:) did right in focusing on was the interaction. The strong compulsion to rotate the planets, manipulate objects in that way, contributes heavily to the strong and immersive experience of Star Defense. Throughout the project this has been the core element in our decisions, extending that to how things look on the screen, how you message something to how things look on the device.

Choosing to focus on understanding the device you develop for from a user perspective and translating that into art, design and code has been key in this project. At the same time we were, mildly put, on a strict deadline so that was definitely a challenge. Strange as it may sound though, and not in a small way thanks to ngmoco, it also was one of the most exciting and fun parts.

Star Defense started out as an Aliens vs Humans game set in the sixties! Where you played the Aliens that were being invaded by humans… Funny how things can take a 180 degree turn sometimes! Our aliens started out as squids ... then turned into C’thulu type critters and now look like some sort of worm snail Hybrid… From smart to disgusting… Iteration at its best!

The result is an art style wildly different to other MMOs. The shards are enclosed worlds; when you look up, you see the roof of a stone cavern far overhead, with light streaming through holes in the firmament. Huge slabs of stone, tossed about casually in the Sundering, erupt from the landscape, while shards of glowing crystal provide ghostly illumination for the many forest glades.

Combined with the truly lovely environmental art, the unique setting makes for a game that's a joy to explore. Soft edges and diffuse lighting abound, with beautifully composed incidental music and background sound giving the whole game an evocative twilight feel.

On occasion, Spellborn tries to wow you with spectacle - the epic home buildings of the High Houses being a perfect example - but it's usually more interested in a delicately woven atmosphere, and it's all the better for it.

Read the full review here