I just wanted to take a moment (well, more than a moment - you know how excited and long-winded I get) with everyone here to share a little gem of a game called Babo. Here's a game that may arguably not have much production value. The graphics engine looks like something you'd see about a decade ago. The game isn't particular deep, there's no storyline, and characters do not exist (YOU provide that part). This deceptively simple game is a twitch gamers wet dream come true, once they can get past the simple graphics, but it's even better for those that love a game that focuses on teamwork rather than individual prowess.
The Babo series has simple premise. You create a Babo, a round creature with the ability to wield different weapons and move about quickly, just like a ball, except with really awesome braking and speed control. Babo Violent 2 provided action revolving around fragging like mad while avoiding being fragged. This game is gory and intenese. Maps quickly become a pool of blood and guts yet, somehow, Babo makes it seem cute and wholesome. Squishy deaths - WHEEEE!
In BV2, you get to play two made modes: Deathmatch (DM) and Capture the Flag (CTF). You can roll (pun intended) solo or with a team. There is a nice variety maps and tons of weapons and accessories you can equip to your Babo to suit your own playstyle (until a know-it-all team member tells you that you should use a different weapon because it's "better"). The depth and replay value comes in the team dynamics and customization options that you have.
Babo Violent 2 is a pure online gaming experience brought to us by RND Labs, an indie developer that, in most part, is based in Canada. What impresses me about this game is that it has such a strong cult following with virtually no marketing effort. What's even more impressive is that the makers of this wonderful little game make it a point to avoid over commercializing their offering. They truly are putting out a game they believe in and find fun themselves, and I really respect that.
The Babo series comes with no pretenses. It's not promising to be the best, the deepest, the hardest, the most fun. It is what it is. So what is it? For some, it's a game that offers a great competitive outlet and, for others, it's a nice diversion, a quick fix offering some stress relief from the days pains.
I believe in Babo so much that I'd like to share some screenshots...
The title screen in Babo Violent 2 gives you a glimpse of actual battle terrain and the primary features of the game, thus allowing you to get into the carnage right away!
Observer mode is a very welcomed addition to the game as it allows newcomers to see what tactics and strategies work best. It's amazing but few online multiplayer games seem to bother adding this simple little feature, especially on the console side.
Even CTF matches can turn into a bloody mess but that's part of the appeal, unless you have a weak stomach...
The upcoming installment in the Babo series looks to take a good thing and make it even better. From what I've had a chance to see of Babo Invasion, it seems that the core mechanics of the game will be preserved while still providing something fresh and new for old-school and newb Babos (and everyone in the middle). One feature that looks to make this game much better is the fact that you can control the camera. I'd still play mostly in overhead view but it seems like a 3/4 isometric-****view can work out well in some of the more lavish settings.
Environments seem to be a lot more interactive now and the Babo models are definitely much more extensive. Babo units will now have faces, giving them a lot more personality than before. This can open up a whole bunch of possibilities. Just off the top of my head, I can see the aforementioned changes as a way to pave a story mode or perhaps throw in some emotes or at least some taunts. This can definitely spice the game up much while bringing in some role-playing/adventure type fun into the already wonderful mixed bag of goodies that is Babo.
Rumors have it that there may be a subscriber fee for this game. The jaded gamers out there are already gritting their teeth, stating that they'd rather pay for a game like WoW or some other MMORPG. I think there is still plenty of room in the gaming industry for scaled-back and retro-****games, especially if they focus on replay value by making online play and community options central components.
There is no final word on the P2P (pay-to-play) features on Babo Invasion, if any, but more than likely there will be a bulk purchasing options so that you do not have to worry about having another bill to worry about. I'd imagine that the monthly fee would not be much at all and, as the community grows, I know that the developers will drive more content and value through this new offering. RND Labs was good about that.
I see good things for the Baboverse, especially now that RND Labs apparently rebranded and restructured themselves to form Playbrains. Their partner, Head Games, has a good track record too (assuming they are the same Head Games that have put out some other gems out there - just Google them and you'll see what I mean). Looks Babo is positioned to become one heck of a cult ****c for the online gaming community. Very exciting!
Babo seems to be the flagship game for the Playbrains brand which means they will do their darnedest to get people to play. I think we should all spread the word. Digg, Stumble, Deli, Twitter, and use all those other fancy social tools possible to let your friends and their friends (and their friends too) know about this diamond in the rough (hmmm, I've used a lot of cliches in this piece, I know.. sowwy). It's little games like this that make big-time developers realize the things they've forgotten about, the true spirit of gaming: bringing people together. While the BV2 community has often been elitist and snobbish, I think it's heading in a very good direction, especially with the fresh blood that's being attracted to the game. Hey, don't take my word for it - try Babo Violent 2 and see what's make this game so friggin' SWEET!
You can also visit BaboInvasion.com or PlayBrains.com to download wallpapers like the one below... ENJOY!!
For more information on the Babo Invasion project and the previous games, be sure to check back here or check out my official Yogizilla-branded StumbleUpon page - it's also linked to my FaceBook account, for those that have me on there! 
Comments
Anywho, Babo is worth a look. I think the simple gameplay makes it easy for anyone to get into it. After you get a hang of the controls, it's all about learning how to communicate, read your teammates and opponents, and develop quicker wits. People that like a more slow-paced game will definitely not like it.. This deceptively simple game actually hides several deep strategic elements, which is where the fun really begins...
I'm the Executive Producer of Babo:Invasion, and I've gotta say, I love your overview of the series!
Thanks.As a clarification - although platforms and business models haven't been finalized and announced yet, I can confirm that we are *not* looking at a subscription model (a lot of options have been considered, but that one got eliminated pretty early on).
Anyway, glad you love BV2 - we're working very hard to bring all the classic and next-gen Babo goodness to a broader audience with Babo:Invasion.
Prepare for Invasion!
Paul.
I'd love to chat sometime about the direction of the series. I think Babo:Invasion is one of those rare games where the spirit of the game is preserved while adding stuff that will appeal to more people. I've seen lots of games go through their infancy and I think your focus on community (in particular, competition) is definitely the way to go!
I'm definitely preparing my guys and gals in NoF for invasion. I see plenty of good times ahead but, for the interim, BV2 is still plenty fun. One question I'd like to ask now, if you get a moment, is how do you feel Babo:Invasion will build upon the series? What will be the unique difference, the main appeal of the new game?
For me, the adjustable camera is a very nice feature. I really see it enabling some new gameplay possibilities.. I know a few people are speculating on that as well...
Care to let my readers in on a little exclusive information?
That being said, even if you don't make games, your voice is heard as well. If you are passionate and have something unique to say, believe me, someone out there is listening! That's the part of the fun of the blogosphere! =oD
I noticed some of the gamers didn't respond well to it since they don't see me in the game much (I like to lay low sometimes) and consider me an "outsider" (as I mentioned before, some Babos are a bit over-protective of the game). I just wanted to point out to everyone that some of the information here is purely speculatory. As I said, the trailer is out so everyone can see the game in action as it is right now but, with plenty of time left before we see a full release, I'm just excited to see what sort of features may make it into the next RC version of the game. A LOT can change from now to release. That's just the nature of the business so nothing is really ever "final".
In any case, I never touted this piece as the official word on the game. I do not need to do any homework, TYVM. The homework has been done to satisfy the scope of my article. Everyone is welcome to write an article in the manner that they feel is "best". In this case, I was sharing some views on Babo and what makes it special, plus what I'd like to see in the future. Anyone can do a simple fact sheet but I like to take a more emotionally-charged perspective. That's just my style.
To those that haven't ever played Babo, take this tip from me: if you run into some of the more caustic folks in the community, don't let them ruin the game for you.
Folks, the game will be free to play and may very well see an XBox 360 release. I'm *hoping* that there will be cross-platform interoperability. As I said in my previous articles, please check out BV2 to get a taste for what you'll see in B:I.
ROCK ON! =oD
http://www.rndlabs.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1142
...As you can see, the core gamers in the Babo community are VERY protective of their realm, so much so that they try to supercede the makers in the game as authorities on anything Babo-related. They mean well but some of them sure can be snappy!
I just find it entertaining that the executive producer loved the piece yet some of the guys in the community are drinking major Hatorade. Well, the guys that counted (i.e. Paul and gang) saw that I was sharing what was purely first-contact information I had grabbed from late 2006ish, when B:I was still in very early stages.. I like to speculate and hope for certain features because sometimes that sort of stuff inspires developers to do the right thing!
Anywho, I am all about free-to-play games but pay-to-play works too. There are many different ways to tackle the subscription and other revenue models. Look at games like KartRider and Maple Story (the latter is more popular, obviously, but it's the same company and revenue model at both sides).
I have tons of faith in the folks at PB and HG! Like I said, I'll be more than happy to write a more straight-from-the-horses mouth piece once the devs get a chance to chat with me with more current information.
w3rd up.
Personally, I think it makes sense because, rather than rehashing what they've done already, they're creating a brand-new experience. While I am not really hardcore into BV2 right now, I still think it's a great game and I can see why the community is being so protective. Change is not always a bad thing.
Deep customization just means more deep gameplay and strategy. The dynamics of the game will definitely be different but at least the core of the game will still be in-tact. I agree with you, Little G: they should definitely make sure weapons are balanced within themselves. Each advantage needs to come with a countering disadvantage. Over-powered weapons make the baby Jesus cry. ;o)
anyway, I don't think people are being overprotective. Just voicing their opinions. I lol'd at your outsiders comment. The thing is, public server play is much different from competitive play. Which is one of the great things I luv about this game. It is so simple, yet so much fun. Making strategies is a snatch. "As you can see, the core gamers in the Babo community are VERY protective of their realm, so much so that they try to supercede the makers in the game as authorities on anything Babo-related. They mean well but some of them sure can be snappy!" :S???
Just a heads up that we put together a new trailer for Babo:Invasion. You can find it on our site at www.baboinvasion.com... Hope you like it.
Paul.
Snake4eva_92
I look for fun in games, which is why I could enjoy a game like this, I don't care for graphics or thousands of people playing it online. If I don't find it fun it doesn't interest me.