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We have worked on a few darts games, and believe it or not, it’s not an easy task. Why? Because the fact remains that the whole game is based on one core concept which is simply take a dart and throw it at the board. Regardless of all the rules, game types, techniques and intricate details of the sport, it comes down to the fact that you either like it or you don’t. You can’t turn the darts into rocket launchers or flying hamsters, so the big question was how do we make this appealing to a much wider audience other than darts fans?
As this is supposed to be a scrap book, we’ll not go into a profound study on darts theory and practices, but we will say that the game followed the rules religiously (even had 9 dart check outs) while introducing some ridiculously freaky characters and scenarios which is what we focus on here.
Here are some snapshots of our efforts:
The world map: OK, it wouldn’t be the same without a pub somewhere in it but check out the other places! There’s a TV station, tournament building and our favourite the travelling fairground which would appear randomly on the map and allow you to gain extra points.
The Characters
Here are just some of the bizarre crew that appear in the game. Before starting a match your opponent would appear on the screen and then their alter ego straight after.
Daniela di Angelo ‘Catwalk Queen’
Raven-haired, cocktail-sipping supermodel type from Venice, who has a certain Sofia Loren look about her. Her alter ego, a gondolier! Actually forget about the Sofia Loren look, this was copy and pasted from the original game design, she turned out more like Angelina Jolie, no complaints though!
“Mamma Mia!”
Foxy Williams ‘Hot stuff’
Her look was pure 1970s Blaxploitation, or at least that what we tried to achieve. Her Alter Ago? What better than a hot chick ebony vampire!!
Ok honey, let’s get down to it!!”
Hiroko Yamada ‘The Warrior’
Japanese Number one Hiroko Yamada is the epitome of serenity and grace. She is a Geisha, who wears a bright, colourful kimono, black wig and white face paint. When her alter ego is awoken, she switches to a sword-wielding Samurai!
“Ha! even monkeys fall from trees!!”
Jawahar Chandra ‘Fangs’
India’s new kid on the block Jawahar Chandra. His alter ego is a flute playing, turban−wearing snake charmer, who merrily hypnotizes a cobra to surface from a ceramic pot.
“I salute the breeze that passes from your valleys!!”
Ted ‘Fats’ McTaggart
Ted is a former professional who almost made it big. Once, he could have been a huge star but he threw it all away. He has an enormous beer belly and love handles from spending too much time down at the pub.
“Arrggh! I need a cheeseburger!”
And to the Fairground
Here there were three games types to choose from, Target practice, Balloon bust and Krayzee Quackers.
And what good would a travelling fairground be without a resident fortune teller?
Some concept art here for the midget clowns. These devious little fellas would randomly appear in the Balloon Bust game. What’s your favourite?
And a couple of finishing screenshots
So that’s all folks, there was an awful lot more work done in this game, maybe in another scrap book post we’ll include videos of some of the effects sequences and gameplay. For the time being I’m sure you’ve seen enough of darts for the day, but just in case you’re wondering what the game was called here it is, Phil Taylor's Power Darts 09.
Catwak queens, foxy chicks, geishas, love handles, beer bellies, vampires, samurai warriors, snake charmers and demonic ducks have all got something in common. You’ll never guess what? A game of darts.
We have worked on a few darts games, and believe it or not, it’s not an easy task. Why? Because the fact remains that the whole game is based on one core concept which is simply take a dart and throw it at the board. Regardless of all the rules, game types, techniques and intricate details of the sport, it comes down to the fact that you either like it or you don’t. You can’t turn the darts into rocket launchers or flying hamsters, so the big question was how do we make this appealing to a much wider audience other than darts fans?
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Scrapbook
