Vapor Tanks is a new video game created by Aaron Taylor of Basement Dweller Games.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
reporter@medicinehatnews.com
Medicine Hat video game creator Aaron Taylor, owner of Basement Dweller Games, has launched a new game on Steam. Vapor Tanks is an arcade style 3D shooter game that came out Oct. 9.
A fast-paced combat game, Taylor started Vapor Tanks a week after he launched Everett Isle, an exploration-based puzzle game. Although Everett Isle didn’t sell well, Taylor says creating the game was a great learning experience. He worked on the prototype for Vapor Tanks for three days straight with no sleep, which came out well, so he decided to go into full development.
“Based off classic arcade games of the 80s and 90s, but in a 3D style. I think the game is unique from most other shooters and the art styles I’ve chosen for every zone are interesting and there is lots to be explored,” explained Taylor.
The game has a darker backdrop with bright neon colours and 30 levels, with each having different mechanics.
“The game’s main focus is combat between you and different tanks. The story is you enter a world called Cyberspace, which is invading Earth, and you have to venture into it in order to find the source and stop it. It’s like an alien’s trope from the 80s or 90s brought into the modern aesthetic.”
It took Taylor just over a year to develop Vapor Tanks working with a team of three other people, although he is the only one based in Medicine Hat.
“Indie development is a difficult space to be in. It’s where most people start in game development,” said Taylor. “As far as I know, I’m the only commercial developer in Medicine Hat and I’d really like to stay.”
Vapor Tanks has a unique game-play style that isn’t seen much in modern shooters, said Taylor. It is based off lives and endurance testing in each world. Each world has four levels that need to be conquered without losing any lives.
“It’s very much based off arcades like Galaga and Pac-Man.”
Taylor will have a booth at the upcoming Gas City Entertainment Expo selling Vapor Tanks and Basement Dweller Games merchandise as well as sponsoring a tournament. This comic/anime expo will be at the Stampede grounds from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Vapor Tanks is now available on Steam for $11.99. To find out more, go to https://twitter.com/BD_Games or https://www.instagram.com/basementdweller.
