Factsheet

Developer:
SuperChop Games
Based in Austin, TX

Release date:
June 2014

Platforms:
iPad

Website:
superchopgames.com/ephemerid

Regular Price:

USD1.99

Description

Ephemerid is a musical adventure game about insects, bugs, and rock 'n' roll. Help a simple mayfly find its destiny through the power of music. The gameplay, narrative, and music intertwine and build into a complete experience. Lean back, relax and enjoy it as a whole, as you would a favorite album.

History

Ephemerid began as a series of experiments on how to design a game with no language or UI. This meant finding new ways to communicate with the player. To encourage the player to interact with the game, a textured, paper art style was implemented.

Trial and error revealed that music could be a powerful tool to inform gameplay. The design process often involved writing the music first and then brainstorming gameplay tailored to the song. Not the most common or efficient development process, but the result is a game that doesn't look or play quite like anything else out there.

Features

  • Ephemerid’s beating heart is its original soundtrack, skillful rock guitar with a classical flair.
  • The world of Ephemerid is faithfully handcrafted out of cut paper, glass, and paint.
  • Each setting introduces intuitive challenges which play in harmony with the music.
  • An adventure for all ages, Ephemerid has no tutorial. The music and your intuition are your guides.

Videos

Steam Trailer YouTube

Gameplay Trailer YouTube

Behind The Scenes YouTube

Awards & Recognition

    • "IGF 2015 Winner: Excellence in Audio - Ephemerid" Award Ceremony in San Fransisco CA, March 2015
    • "BIG Festival Finalist 2014 - Ephemerid" Award Ceremony in Sao Paulo, Brazil, May 13th, 2014
    • "SXSW Gamers Voice Award Finalist 2014 - Ephemerid" Award Ceremony in Austin TX, March 8th, 2014
    • "IndieCade 2013 Finalist - Ephemerid" Award Ceremony in Culver City, October 3rd, 2013
    • "Captivate 2013 Finalist - Ephemerid" Award Ceremony in Austin, October 8th, 2013
    • "Game On Austin - Ephemerid" Event in Austin, November 21st, 2013

    Selected Articles

      • " The pure, palpable joy of discovery is childlike in the best way. "
        - Janel, Apps Zoom
      • " The game features a sort of magical whimsy about it that’s rarely featured in mobile titles [...] the music is just mind-blowingly good "
        - William Usher, iPhone Informer
      • " A touch-screen rhythm game that is pure aesthetic pleasantness "
        - James Renovitch, Austin Chronicle
      • " I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys music, art, and tap-based arcade games "
        - Lory, PadGadget
      • " I thought the game was beautiful, engaging and original [...] Really appreciated that the story is all visual and nonverbal "
        - Anonymous IndieCade Juror, IndieCade
      • " It felt like a well-loved game. The music was also really uplifting. "
        - Anonymous IndieCade Juror, IndieCade

      Request Press Copy

      Please fill in your e-mail address below and we'll get back to you as soon as a press copy is available for you.

      , writing for would like to
       
      Alternatively, you can always request a press copy by sending us a quick email.

      About SuperChop Games

      Boilerplate
      SuperChop Games is a two-man power trio hailing from Austin, TX. We like to make interesting things.

      More information
      More information on SuperChop Games, our logo & relevant media are available here.

      Ephemerid: A Musical Adventure Credits

      Matt Meyer
      Code, Music, Design, Animation

      Brent Calhoun
      Art, Design, Animation

      presskit() by Rami Ismail (Vlambeer) - also thanks to these fine folks