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Coming Soon: 'Gravity Hook HD' by the Creators of Canabalt

posted March 1st, 2010 6:20 PM EST by Eli Hodapp in Action, Games, iPhone games, iPod touch games, Upcoming Games

Back in 2008, Adam Atomic and Danny Baranowsky, two of the three masterminds behind Canabalt created a flash game called Gravity Hook originally based on a typing-tutor game called Gravity Key by Arne Niklas Jansson. After securing permission to develop an endless mouse-based version of the game, the original Gravity Hook was created in five days utilizing the beginnings of what is now the flixel framework.

A year later, Danny and Adam revisited their game and added new graphics, sound, controls, and gameplay to create Gravity Hook HD. Much like Canabalt, a free flash version is available that allows players to experience the game in its entirety, with global leaderboards reserved for the upcoming iPhone version.

If you have flash installed, you can try out Gravity Hook HD by clicking below. The game has sound, so make sure you mute your speakers before clicking if you're playing somewhere that epic soundtracks are frowned upon.

 

The developers aren't ready to discuss specific release dates, but hope to have Gravity Hook HD on the App Store sometime this month. We plan on spending some time at GDC with the entire Semi Secret Software crew, and might have more information on Gravity Hook HD then.

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  • http://musicgamespickles.blogspot.com/ Robert M.

    The game seems really fun! I think it'll be better on the iPhone since you can touch the screen. Right now I can't really move my mouse fast enough.

  • http://musicgamespickles.blogspot.com/ Robert M.

    The game seems really fun! I think it'll be better on the iPhone since you can touch the screen. Right now I can't really move my mouse fast enough.

  • spidey146

    I love the music in their games, they're just so epic and really get you in the mood. Can't wait for this game's release.

  • spidey146

    I love the music in their games, they're just so epic and really get you in the mood. Can't wait for this game's release.

  • http://www.twitter.com/josh_hofer Josh

    Wow, this is a lot of fun. I think I like it more already vs Canabalt and that's saying A LOT.

    Count me in for this one.

  • http://www.twitter.com/josh_hofer Josh

    Wow, this is a lot of fun. I think I like it more already vs Canabalt and that's saying A LOT.

    Count me in for this one.

  • Symbolist

    Will not miss this release - crazy old Canabalt fan I am :.D
    (Already tested the flash version: That is the kind of casual game I like!)
    Canabalt, Doodle Jump, Fritz Chess, Labyrinth, Cogs and MiniGore are my all time favorites - my undeletables!

  • Symbolist

    Will not miss this release - crazy old Canabalt fan I am :.D
    (Already tested the flash version: That is the kind of casual game I like!)
    Canabalt, Doodle Jump, Fritz Chess, Labyrinth, Cogs and MiniGore are my all time favorites - my undeletables!

  • omg

    It's like doodle jump + toybot.

  • omg

    It's like doodle jump + toybot.

  • http://www.silentrocco.com SIlent Rocco

    Sold! Perfect!

  • http://www.silentrocco.com SIlent Rocco

    Sold! Perfect!

  • epoverb1

    Pretty fun - looking forward to the touch interface reviews.

  • epoverb1

    Pretty fun - looking forward to the touch interface reviews.

  • http://hgrenade.com se7en

    Semi Secret = great music, art + gameplay!

  • http://hgrenade.com se7en

    Semi Secret = great music, art + gameplay!

  • Chris

    Well...Tractor Beam (Which is available on the app store for $1) is much more fun in my opinion.

  • Chris

    Well...Tractor Beam (Which is available on the app store for $1) is much more fun in my opinion.

  • tsharpfilm

    I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to charge $5.99 for this game. Lol.

  • tsharpfilm

    I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to charge $5.99 for this game. Lol.

  • monster

    I love it, this will be an insta-buy for me on release, especially when I found out that you unlock a Classic mode at 500m, although I do wonder how well Classic will work with touch controls.

  • monster

    I love it, this will be an insta-buy for me on release, especially when I found out that you unlock a Classic mode at 500m, although I do wonder how well Classic will work with touch controls.

  • http://www.silentrocco.com SIlent Rocco

    I wish this game to be the next Doodle Jump megaseller.

  • http://www.silentrocco.com SIlent Rocco

    I wish this game to be the next Doodle Jump megaseller.

  • monster

    Oh yea, the soundtrack is great, but it's not epic. Get the adjectives right man

  • monster

    Oh yea, the soundtrack is great, but it's not epic. Get the adjectives right man

  • Mister Mumbles

    Very nice. Great music, as should be expected. ;)

  • Mister Mumbles

    Very nice. Great music, as should be expected. ;)

  • feDe

    How are you supposed to avoid the bombs? :-/

  • feDe

    How are you supposed to avoid the bombs? :-/

  • xavier

    Let go =D

  • xavier

    Let go =D

  • drunknbass

    fun game! surprised since its so simple..

  • drunknbass

    fun game! surprised since its so simple..

  • http://www.americanelf.com James

    I've played a game with this same mechanic before and it definitely was not the typing tutor game they refer to.

    It doesn't seem to have the same WOW factor as Canabalt, that's for sure. But it's hard to catch lightning in a bottle, especially twice.

  • http://www.americanelf.com James

    I've played a game with this same mechanic before and it definitely was not the typing tutor game they refer to.

    It doesn't seem to have the same WOW factor as Canabalt, that's for sure. But it's hard to catch lightning in a bottle, especially twice.

  • http://www.mindjuice.net MindJuice

    I don't get it. What are you allowed to hit and what do you have to avoid? sometimes I pass through the blue circles and sometimes they blow me up.

    I love Canabalt, but I just don't get this one yet. Is holding your press down longer supposed to have some effect?

    Also, the game seems to play very slowly. After connecting to a circle, it takes several seconds before I get pulled up.

    I hope this is a really early alpha build or something or I'll give it a pass.

  • http://www.mindjuice.net MindJuice

    I don't get it. What are you allowed to hit and what do you have to avoid? sometimes I pass through the blue circles and sometimes they blow me up.

    I love Canabalt, but I just don't get this one yet. Is holding your press down longer supposed to have some effect?

    Also, the game seems to play very slowly. After connecting to a circle, it takes several seconds before I get pulled up.

    I hope this is a really early alpha build or something or I'll give it a pass.

  • sk8erdude50

    while grabbing the blue circles, you will have to let go before you pass them or they will blow up. Also remeber, the closer the circle that you grab is, the faster you are pulled up

  • sk8erdude50

    while grabbing the blue circles, you will have to let go before you pass them or they will blow up. Also remeber, the closer the circle that you grab is, the faster you are pulled up

  • http://www.runningwithscissorsgame.com Chris

    lol 'gravity hook hd' before i saw the flash app i was thinking of a hookchamp by the makers of canabalt..

  • http://www.runningwithscissorsgame.com Chris

    lol 'gravity hook hd' before i saw the flash app i was thinking of a hookchamp by the makers of canabalt..

  • cranker

    Put Openfeint in this game !!

    I do not like the leaderboards in canabalt !!!

  • cranker

    Put Openfeint in this game !!

    I do not like the leaderboards in canabalt !!!

  • djflippy

    Other developers take note, this is a great way to promote your game.

  • djflippy

    Other developers take note, this is a great way to promote your game.

  • http://www.microsoft.com Steve

    How can other developers do the same?

    I go and create a flash game on a web site and say I'm going to port to the iphone and I get front page on Touch Arcade?

    Or

    I hand Touch Arcade lots of cash?

  • http://www.microsoft.com Steve

    How can other developers do the same?

    I go and create a flash game on a web site and say I'm going to port to the iphone and I get front page on Touch Arcade?

    Or

    I hand Touch Arcade lots of cash?

  • http://strangera.com/ Strangera

    The Flash version is awesome!

  • http://strangera.com/ Strangera

    The Flash version is awesome!

  • lazypeon

    If you're using Flash CS4, you could build it in Flash, and export a binary for iPhone (I think). I think the point is having a playable version of your game online may help sales. You like gameplay videos, right? This is the next step -- getting to TRY a game before buying it. It's different than a Lite, in that it takes less effort for me to try it, than if I have to go download it.

  • lazypeon

    If you're using Flash CS4, you could build it in Flash, and export a binary for iPhone (I think). I think the point is having a playable version of your game online may help sales. You like gameplay videos, right? This is the next step -- getting to TRY a game before buying it. It's different than a Lite, in that it takes less effort for me to try it, than if I have to go download it.

  • Gates

    News flash, you can't try Flash games on an iPhone (GG Apple!). You have to try the lite version...so they are EQUALLY viable...not a step up having flash demos.

  • Gates

    News flash, you can't try Flash games on an iPhone (GG Apple!). You have to try the lite version...so they are EQUALLY viable...not a step up having flash demos.

  • Gates

    sorry that was meant for lazypeon

  • Gates

    sorry that was meant for lazypeon

  • eev

    who cares? canabalt is so so programmed and not really updated anymore, also their leadeboards with the fact they submit every score are not that good as of or plus.

  • eev

    who cares? canabalt is so so programmed and not really updated anymore, also their leadeboards with the fact they submit every score are not that good as of or plus.

  • Symbolist

    Maybe becoming a talented game designer and programmer helps? Than the users hand over a lot of cash to You.

  • Symbolist

    Maybe becoming a talented game designer and programmer helps? Than the users hand over a lot of cash to You.

  • MrMuesli

    I have the same feeling. In fact, on a very unrelated game, I got out Diablo 2 again recently, and realised how used to the touch screen I had become. All that mouse clicking seems so clumsy now.

  • MrMuesli

    I have the same feeling. In fact, on a very unrelated game, I got out Diablo 2 again recently, and realised how used to the touch screen I had become. All that mouse clicking seems so clumsy now.

  • http://thedailyapp.org jon

    I don't know about this one. It seems too fun and addicting to be healthy.

  • http://thedailyapp.org jon

    I don't know about this one. It seems too fun and addicting to be healthy.

  • bM

    Eh? This is a direct copy of Ascent which is FREE right now in the app store. Heck, "balls" you attach to have identical function and even have similar color (the black ones fall.. etc). It's a fun concept but already done several times..

    Besides.. Ascent has Open Feint support, many achievements and good leader boards.

    bM

  • bM

    Eh? This is a direct copy of Ascent which is FREE right now in the app store. Heck, "balls" you attach to have identical function and even have similar color (the black ones fall.. etc). It's a fun concept but already done several times..

    Besides.. Ascent has Open Feint support, many achievements and good leader boards.

    bM

  • bM

    Hmm.. on second thought, looks like Ascent is a direct ripoff of this gravity hook thing. Down to every single detail. :-)

    My bad. Ascent is free though and I like the open feint thing.

  • bM

    Hmm.. on second thought, looks like Ascent is a direct ripoff of this gravity hook thing. Down to every single detail. :-)

    My bad. Ascent is free though and I like the open feint thing.

  • Cohen

    @Steve

    An indie handing lots of cash to TouchArcade? Or an Indie who builds something like Flixel, gives open source access of it to everyone (and who gave a free-to-attend seminar, with free food, for people who want to learn about it) and makes sure his name is out there regardless if the game is great (Canabalt) or has serious problems but was gutsy (Fathom). People know who Adam Atomic and Danny B are- they are out there in the indie community and make cool stuff. THAT is how they get front page coverage.

    Knowing how indies roll, I SERIOUSLY doubt this particular one is handing out cash to journalists and websites.

    I loved the original Gravity Hook, even though it was crazy hard- and I plan on supporting this small dev team so they can make other games I love.

  • Cohen

    @Steve

    An indie handing lots of cash to TouchArcade? Or an Indie who builds something like Flixel, gives open source access of it to everyone (and who gave a free-to-attend seminar, with free food, for people who want to learn about it) and makes sure his name is out there regardless if the game is great (Canabalt) or has serious problems but was gutsy (Fathom). People know who Adam Atomic and Danny B are- they are out there in the indie community and make cool stuff. THAT is how they get front page coverage.

    Knowing how indies roll, I SERIOUSLY doubt this particular one is handing out cash to journalists and websites.

    I loved the original Gravity Hook, even though it was crazy hard- and I plan on supporting this small dev team so they can make other games I love.

  • futuresplash

    It took me some time to figure it out too.
    You have to grab the balls which are nearer to you. The further away the ball is, the longer it will take to accelerate up.
    The green balls are harmless, the blue ones are dangerous and you must let them go before they hit you, the metallic ones move very fast, etc.

  • futuresplash

    It took me some time to figure it out too.
    You have to grab the balls which are nearer to you. The further away the ball is, the longer it will take to accelerate up.
    The green balls are harmless, the blue ones are dangerous and you must let them go before they hit you, the metallic ones move very fast, etc.

  • tsharpfilm

    Woot! Fritz Chess fans unite! ^_^

  • tsharpfilm

    Woot! Fritz Chess fans unite! ^_^

  • tsharpfilm

    It's called "overselling." lol

  • tsharpfilm

    It's called "overselling." lol

  • tsharpfilm

    It's just Frong with a different theme and slower gameplay...

  • tsharpfilm

    It's just Frong with a different theme and slower gameplay...

  • http://www.badbumble.com BadBumble

    This game has been out in Flash format for ages (before I got my iPhone 3G (which is about 18 months now)) in the classic format at least (which is unlockable in the Flash version). It's a really, really smart game once you get into it and I'll be buying it for sure when it comes out.
    I really like, good simple, quick games like this and I agree, it needs Open Feint support (finally starting to like Open Feint now). =)

  • http://www.badbumble.com BadBumble

    This game has been out in Flash format for ages (before I got my iPhone 3G (which is about 18 months now)) in the classic format at least (which is unlockable in the Flash version). It's a really, really smart game once you get into it and I'll be buying it for sure when it comes out.
    I really like, good simple, quick games like this and I agree, it needs Open Feint support (finally starting to like Open Feint now). =)

  • blackHorse

    Very boring.

  • blackHorse

    Very boring.

  • http://anelson.ca Ashley

    sucks dude, its an average game.

  • http://anelson.ca Ashley

    sucks dude, its an average game.

  • jason

    i cant figure out how to move.. the first ball picks me up, but then ijust drag the rest downa nd die

  • jason

    i cant figure out how to move.. the first ball picks me up, but then ijust drag the rest downa nd die

  • Benj

    Great game, first time I've seen Flash on TA, nice!

  • Benj

    Great game, first time I've seen Flash on TA, nice!

  • Lord Gek

    If this game interests you, don't forget there is a nearly identical game in the AppStore that's currently FREE!

    [appinfo=all]http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ascent/id357438167?mt=8[/appinfo]

  • Lord Gek

    If this game interests you, don't forget there is a nearly identical game in the AppStore that's currently FREE!

    [appinfo=all]http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ascent/id357438167?mt=8[/appinfo]


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