From GTA to Side-Scroller: UK Indie’s Firefly Adventure

A former senior designer of Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars has presented his new creation – and it’s a surprise that departs from the expectations one might have for someone who has worked on some of the most intense games of this era.

Firefly: The Adventures of Switch is an iPod, iPhone, and iPad side-scrolling platformer that bears resemblance to Ubisoft’s Rayman series – a stark contrast to Rockstar’s renowned offerings.

Leeds indie developer Red Kite Games was established by Simon Iwaniszak, who contributed to Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars at Rockstar Leeds, Red Dead Redemption at Rockstar San Diego, and most recently, LA Noire, once again at Rockstar Leeds.

Firefly: The Adventures of Switch is a rapid-paced side-scrolling platformer that combines 2D visuals with retro parallaxing environments and 3D characters. Switch, a firefly, embarks on a mission to restore light to Firefly Island after the evil Master Mantis steals all the light orbs for himself, posing a threat to the fireflies residing there and all who depend on them.

This game is inspired by the traditional 2D animation of early Disney films and eighties animations like Watership Down, featuring all the puzzles and platforming elements typical of the genre.

Utilizing touch-based controls, you can make Switch run, fly, and shoot, collecting light orbs that are scattered throughout each level. He can employ his slingshot to attack the game’s numerous enemies, such as toxic slugs and lethal hornets, absorbing their light orbs in the process. Switch’s friends, kidnapped by Master Mantis, are imprisoned in cages, which are also scattered throughout each level. If Switch has found a key, he can set them free.

Light orbs are dispersed throughout each level. Gathering them replenishes Switch’s light and also boosts the light orb metre.

Of course, when most science fiction enthusiasts hear about Firefly: The Adventures of Switch, the first thing that comes to mind is not a Rayman-style platformer but the beloved and short-lived TV series created by Joss Whedon.

“There are absolutely no similarities with it,” Iwaniszak informed Eurogamer. “It’s something we’re somewhat aware of. That’s why we’ve added the tag line to the title.”

Isn’t he concerned that the lawyers will come knocking when the game is released early next year?

“To be honest, it’s not something I’ve investigated extensively, but I can’t see how there could be an issue when Firefly is an insect. The only things they might have trademarked in Firefly would be the characters or perhaps the fact that the spaceship they were in was called Firefly. I can’t see how they could have a copyright claim.”

“Let’s hope not anyway!”

Switch possesses a slingshot, and he can replenish his ammunition by collecting cherries placed throughout each level.

When people purchase our game, they will have access to everything within it. That’s a principle we’re striving to adhere to as closely as possible

Red Kite games founder Simon Iwaniszak

Red Kite has yet to determine the price of the game, but Iwaniszak intends to set a low upfront cost supported by in-app purchases. The light orbs found throughout the game serve as its virtual currency, and you can use real-world money to acquire more. You can use the orbs to purchase upgrades, such as the super accurate crossbow.

He acknowledged that there has been “a minor backlash” towards games that heavily rely on in-app purchases, but assured that players will be able to obtain everything Firefly has to offer if they are willing to invest sufficient playing time.

“There are games out there where this is impossible, but we are determined to avoid that with Firefly. We are adopting this business model, but we’re endeavoring to do it in the right manner. When people buy our game, they will be able to access everything within it. That’s something we’re committed to maintaining as much as feasible.”

So, how much time will you need to play to obtain the crossbow without paying for additional light orbs?

“You might have to play the game for an extended period, but it will be achievable.”

Red Kite will showcase a video of Firefly: The Adventures of Switch at the Bradford Animation Festival on Friday 16th November at midday.

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