Deus Ex Maxhina, Game of the Year 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition

This is the most difficult game I've ever programmed, and for the third time!

You'd think after programming both the c64 and MSX versions of the original classic I'd have had a good idea of how tricky this game would be. Trouble is I could never say no to this classic, and to it's author Mel Croucher.

Part of the problem is that it's a series of short games, linked together by an audio soundtrack. Part of the problem is when playtesting. You get to the point where the only way to playtest is to sit through the whole 40-odd minutes of synchronized soundtrack, checking that everything happens just exactly where it should. 

Oh yes, and there are two different versions of the game, the original and all-new hires graphics edition. How many formats? iOS, Android, Ouya, PC, Mac, Linux, Fire TV, and almost certainly a few more in the future. 

iOS and Android are out now, and OUYA should be out on Saturday the 14th Feb. Desktops by the end of the month, with added director's commentary. There's talk of a follow-up you know. Now would I get involved in that? Watch this space. www,deusexmachina2.com


It would genuinely be a shame to miss it.

DEUS EX MACHINA, Game of the Year, 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition from Colin Jones on Vimeo.

Deus Ex Machina - First Ever Screenshot!

The first ever screenshot from the new version of Deus Ex Machina, which also includes the original 8bit graphics version. Counting down to release...

It's nearly almost ready...

Looks like Deus Ex Machina is finally nearing completion on some, most or all formats. Thoughts are turning to screenshots and appstore submissions.

Am listening to Mel's in-game commentary as I write, which needs to be slotted into the desktop versions pretty sharpish. It's as unexpected as you might expect from Mel, 'would you rather have your children learning how to kiss or learning how to kill?' he just mused. It can't be long before he's given National Treasure status, I feel.

There are some surprising new elements in the game, including new graphics and a particularly interesting new music track.

Is this game Retro, Indie, or just plain weird?

After 20 years, when I got back in touch with Chris Graham, the graphics artist who worked with me on Slightly Magic and Rock Star Ate My Hamster, I knew I wanted to work on a new game with him.



A modest casual game, but hopefully with something new to offer, Cheshire's Cheese Nightmares hits the OUYA and Android today. Free on all formats, so please take a look:

If you play only one game this lifetime...

Here's the thing. I write computer games, and yet I actively dislike 99% of all games that are produced today. You might suggest I find another profession. You might well be right.

I think there's an ancient story about a man who falls in love with a woman in his own dream. On waking, he spends the rest of his life searching for that woman, but she never even existed. This is a very similar story. For 25 years ago a game was released which showed how all other games would one day be written. A game with style, poetry, plot, songs, stars, humour, and even reason.

Deus Ex Machina was released to unprecedented reviews and acclaim. A remarkable ZX Spectrum game linked to an audio soundtrack, and loosely based on Shakespeare's seven ages of man. It was thought-provoking, challenging, utterly confusing and completely brilliant. Quite literally a game-changer. It starred Ian Dury, Jon Pertwee, Frankie Howerd, and yes, yourself. If you ever played it.

I knew that this was where it was at. I knew that finally the game was developing as a full creative art form, following film, music, literature into another world. Except, of course, it never happened. Why that is is not for me to wonder on. But here's something very special. An archival quality, remastered version of the game on Kickstarter. Plus a gleaming new version with breathtaking new graphics. Maybe the time has finally come, maybe now games can begin to stand as an entertainment form with style and creativity.

If you only back one Kickstarter this lifetime, why not make it this one?
And if you only ever play one game this lifetime...

Deus Ex Machina Kickstarter

Slightly Magic Day!

At last and finally, Slightly Magic is back. Woohoo!

Thanks in no small part to my failed Kickstarter, which showed that there was still an interest in Slightly and his friends even after 20+ years absence, and that I probably asked for too much money.

The full game’s out now for Android, iOS, PC Mac and Linux, with OUYA to follow.

Lack of Kickstarter funding meant that it took a little longer than planned, and was a complete gamble for me. Time will tell. You can find out more at slightlymagic.uk. 

Badges, postcards and posters are also available, and you can get an instant download of the full game. 

The end of formats, the return of fun...

Slightly Magic Day is a mere 11 days away, and counting down according to the official website, so here's an update on its progress. After a slight hiccup with the Linux version, I can now report that all the desktop versions are fully complete, uploaded and waiting for release on the appointed day - 7.7.14. That's PC, Mac and Linux, in case you were wondering, and quite a relief for me.

Actually, better than that - they're available for pre-order right now, so feel free to scamper along to slightlymagic.uk to find out more. By some technological wizardry, anyone who pre-orders will be able to download the game as soon as it's released. Plus there's a Physical Fun Bundle option too, which must at least be worth a snigger.

Ah, but what about the mobile versions, I hear you ask? Has the authentic 8bit graphics and original screen ratio fallen foul of the appstore guardians? Erm, well no. Both Slightly Magic and Slightly Magic Lite passed all tests with flying colours. Happy days. Just the OUYA version to go now, unless I sneak another platform past the guards.

Desktop versions have a few nice extras, including the ability to listen to all of Allister's in-game music from a single screen. And the free 'Lite' version (which contains the entire first level) should be available on all formats on 7.7.14 too.

Now I just have to order the postcards, posters and badges for the Fun-Bundle options, and one of those exhibition banner stands for the Wales Games Development Show, which I'll be appearing at on 11th July, if you happen to be around.