Info

What is Pseudoform?

Pseudoform is a game project currently in development by a two-man strong team. It aims to be create a unique puzzle-solving experience using heavily stylized viusals and uncommon gameplay elements. The game was initially started by Nullsquared as a tech-demo for showing off portals using the OGRE3D graphics engine. Null's announcement on the Facepunch and OGRE3D forums caught the attention of many people including the second team member, Svenstaro, who quickly got into contact with Null and, having previous project experience, suggested to create an actual game. This is how we got started.

What is Pseudoform all about?

It's going to be a first-person puzzle-solving game. As opposed to first-person shooters, it's going to be all about making your brain melt as you try to solve the various puzzles. In order to help you solve the puzzles, you will be given a special gun that does a lot more than just shoot portals. How about, for example, reversing or slowing time as you try to hasten through a dangerous, neck-braking trap? An interesting game element that we're going to introduce will be the ability to roam around freely in the game world, leaving it up to you where you want to go next, to a limit, of course. What we're trying to achieve is a good balance of freedom and storyline. Stay tuned for more info on the gameplay aspect!

What does "Pseudoform" mean?

"Pseudoform" means "False Shape" which is the general idea of this game in regard to the community involvement. We changed the name from "Portalized" for two reasons: We wanted a different name for engine and game (and the attached community idea) and we wanted to be of no conflict to that other 3D game with portals and puzzles because we don't like getting sued. The new name tries to incorporate the community content creation idea which effectively lets Pseudoform have no defined shape at any point because it is what YOU, the players, make it out to be.

Is Pseudoform open-source?

Yes it is! The source and all media is distributed under the zlib license.

Is there an IRC channel?

Yup, get on irc.freenode.org and join #pseudoform.

Do you want to clone Valve's Portal?

No. Just because we're also using portals as a gameplay element doesn't mean we want to do it just like Valve did. We aim to create more involving and advanced puzzles that will require you to use a lot more than just your trusty portals.

When will it be done?

Since Pseudoform will contantly improve, it will most likely never be "done". It will only get bigger and better.

What platforms will it be released on?

We are actively developing on Linux and Windows but currently there is little reason it shouldn't run on a Mac except for the fact that neither member of the team owns such a machine.

Will my computer be able to play it?

One of our main goals is getting the game to run AND look decent on even fairly old computers and at the same time we're trying to make it look gorgeous on new machines. If you want to help us judge what kinds of computers should be able to run Pseudoform, please go to the forums, register and put your computer's specifications into your signature. That way we get a good overview on kinds of hardware configurations are expected to run the game.

Will Pseudoform be commercial?

To be honest, we don't know. It depends on the community interest, the game quality we are able to reach within a reasonable time frame and of course motivation. We will review our goals once the time comes.

Who is on the team?

Currently there are only two members on the team:

Will Pseudoform include network support?

Most likely not. It would give us WAY too much trouble. Pseudoform is going to be a physically very accurate game and with networking we would have to cut a lot of the physics accuracy. Sorry, it's just very improbable right now, maybe at a later date. We rather create a well working singeplayer game than a half-hearted multiplayer one.

What will happen if you have pair of portals and throw one into another?

Probably one of these but you can't be too sure. Under no circumstances though should you ever attempt it. Curiosity is no valid excuse, bad things might happen. Bad things like this.

Can I help you? / Can I be a tester?

We are in need of new testers using ATI/Intel graphics cards. If you happen to own such a graphics card, you might want to sign up on the forums and put your computer info into your signature. Just have a look at Svenstaro's signature and put in yours accordingly. You do not apply to be a tester, we will send you a PM if we think you are right for the job. Be active on the forums and turn on your PM notifications and maybe on day you'll receive a nice tester's invitation. If you want to be of help in some other way, just ask on the forums.

What underlying technology does Pseudoform build on?

Pseudoform uses its own game engine. Besides lots of custom coding, the engine uses some special ingredients: For graphics we're using the excellent Ogre3D 3d graphics engine. In the physics department, NewtonGD is what makes Pseudoform tick (literally). For convenience we use the LUA scripting language.