The Flash Game Line Rider
Program Allows Players to Create Backgrounds for Nintendo DS Games
The idea of a boy taking his sled through many different terrains is not a new idea, but letting the player draw the terrains for the game is.
At first glance, Line Rider seems to be well suited for the Nintendo DS. The fact that users in the PC version typically input the tracks into the game using a stylus or a light pen makes it seem like Nintendo would have been jumping at the chance to release a DS and Wii version. Mobile phone and PDA versions of Line Rider are already available.
Line Rider started as a simple flash game where players could use the mouse to create the background scenery which would be used for the game. While the game is not as popular as the Pokemon games or even the Phantasy Star series, its unique concept has drawn a dedicated fan base to Line Rider and a Nintendo DS release continues the trend started by the company that made Drawn to Life
Playing Line Rider
The premise of the Line Rider is simple. A boy takes his sled down a course that the player draws until the boy completes the course or until he wipes out on his sled. The premise of the game may be simple, but the designers used real world physics in Line Rider's programming.
The release of mobile and DS versions of Line Rider will come with pre-made courses that allow a player to get the feel of the game. The true genius of Line Rider is involving the player in the background design process. This differs from Drawn to Life, where a player creates the sprites he needs to complete the game. Players can use a stylus, mouse, or a light pen to draw the courses over which the boy will take his sled, although the designers recommend using a stylus or a light pen.
Line Rider Videos
The official website for the game offers several videos that offers examples of courses people have created for Line Rider. These videos give a user unfamiliar with the game a good idea of what the game is about. The popularity of the Line Rider has more to do with its unique concept which will be coming into greater use with the popularity of PDAs and portable systems that use a stylus.
Play Line Rider Now
A gamer who wants to experience Line Rider for himself does not have to wait to find a release for his mobile cell phone or the DS. It started as a flash game and that flash game is still available at the Line Rider web site.
