Last week we shared some of the animals we have in the game, but this week we’re diving into showcasing a special level!
In the Chase we wanted to have some fun presenting a whole bunch of mini-puzzles and mini-encounters; this level could have a whole lot of variety!
Not only was it a chance to mix things up, but from a narrative perspective it had the opportunity to be a super unique level – it’s a climactic event! Being the story crescendo, it’s a spectacle level that really plays differently from every other level.
The vignette-like compartments let our designers present small versions of the puzzles and encounters that we’d seen in previous levels. Elements like levers and conveyors are throwbacks to mechanics players would already be comfortable with but new elements were included to hint at things to come.
From a story perspective we also knew that every thrilling tale needs a chase scene!
Our artists also had a bit of a laugh adding some personality to the scene. Road trip Chook is having the time of their lives.
Tying everything together, The Chase lent itself really well to integrating with the world map in a fun way.
Last but not least, do you wanna know the secret to making this level ‘look’ right? You can stop reading here if you don’t want to break game magic... You have been warned!
******It’s all smoke and mirrors! The train itself never moves, but the environment slides underneath to give the illusion of the carriages translating through space... and tiiiiime.******
Until next time, TeamSMG, Moving Out!
Moving Out Monday #29 – It's a Moving Out Menagerie!
Hey Movers!
Last week we let you know all about the 1.2 update, but this week we wanted to show off some of the fun animals we have in the game!
With Snottsberry Farm, animals really took centre stage, with your usual variety of farm friends.
From silly sheep to cheeky chickens, we have all that woolly and feathery goodness that you know and love.
We have prancing pigs, sloshing through that sticky mud.
Not to mention, those cavorting cows minding nobody’s business...
If farm life isn’t for you, we have frantic frogs and creepy crocs to terrify and delight.
Last but certainly not least – we have the t-t-t-turtles.
It’s a world-class menagerie up here.
Until next time, Move Out!
Moving Out Monday #28 - A Patchwork Quilt
Hey Movers!
Over the last few weeks we’ve been showcasing some of the levels in the game to give you more of an idea about our process and to highlight some of the little goodies you may have missed on your own playthrough. Now, we have something completely different to share. This week we’re talking about our patchwork quilt-like update to the game!
Firstly, we know how much you love the characters, so we were determined to give you more.
We’d like to introduce you to: T.Pott
When the heat is on and the pressure builds, it's T.Pott's time to shine! You can hear the jolly whistle on their lips a mile away, though they take more breaks than all the other movers combined.
Now, before you sit down to that cup of tea, we wanted to let you know that we have four new dances so you can make your favourite characters jiggle and bop like never before. Our wheelchair users get the Hop, our non-wheelchair users get the Running Man and everyone gets the Sprinkler and Wave. Go forth and dance, my friends!
On the challenge-front, we now have Platinum Times for you to beat. If you thought gold was too easy before - HA! - we now have an even harder challenge for you to sink your teeth into. Put yourselves to the test; we dare you!
Last but not least, there’s a secret something, something that we've added to the game. Not to brag or anything, but it’s pretty cool so let us know in the comments below if you see it!
Until next time, Keep Moving!
Moving Out - Update 1.2 Available Now!
Hello F.A.R.Ts!
Update 1.2 is now available for Moving Out on all platforms!
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New Mover: Meet T.Pott! When the heat is on and the pressure builds, it's T.Pott's time to shine!
Platinum Times & Medals: If you've beaten all gold times then this is the challenge for you!
It's time to dance: We've added four new dance moves for you to perform AND a fun new feature we're calling 'Disco Detector'...
We've also addressed a few issues (including the trophies/achievements that wouldn't unlock), squashed some bugs, and made a few quality of life adjustments!
See the full patch notes below...
General bug fixes & improvements - including a fix for achievements/trophies that would not unlock
Added ‘Disco Detector’ - Disco ball appears when all players dance at the same time
Added additional controller layout options
Added Platinum Times and Medals for base game levels
Added a new character: T. Pott
Updated text and localisations
Added best times visibility for all player counts on the level results screen
Added four new dances for the movers to perform
Moving Out Monday #27 – Showcase: Roundabout Mansion
Hey Movers!
Last week we skated through 21 Slick Street, but this week we’re going round the bend with Roundabout Mansion!
In the previous level - Dread Manor - we introduced some ghoul-like ghosts, but those baddies were mostly avoidable if you played your cards right.
In Roundabout Mansion, we turned that on its head! Here you have two ghosts to avoid and you are definitely forced to interact with them - way more than in Dread Manor!
Let’s set the scene. The level has a roundabout in the centre to funnel both the movables AND the players, which forces those ghostly encounters!
Our level designers went through a bunch of iterations during development, but they were all based around this central idea.
The beauty of the level design is that the ghost has a predictable path. This lets the player time and plan their movements – hot tip: run counter-clockwise to have the best chance at avoiding or outrunning the ghost!
Alternate pathing with the hedge maze and pond was also designed so you could avoid the centre for some movables.
Like in Dread Manor, you can also slap the ghost to stun it. This gives you the option to take some control of the ghosts or simply avoid letting them see you. Spoilt for choice!
Last but not least, we had some fun with some hidden decorative gems. Let us know in the comments below if you noticed the cow and other elements hidden in the valley behind the house. We had fun ‘hiding’ things in the backgrounds of the levels here and there.
Until next time, TeamSMG, moving out!
Moving Out Monday #26 – Showcase: 21 Slick Street
Hey Movers!
Last week we dived into the cool Poolside Pad, but this week we’re sliding on through to 21 Slick Street!
This level was really about combining some mechanics, namely slippery surfaces and dangerous vehicles.
Our level designers wanted the build on the challenge of the slippery surfaces of the previous level, Summer Chalet, by adding some moving dangers the player would have to avoid. Wading through the slick oil pools added a level of unpredictability and made navigating the obstacles just that little bit harder!
To keep the level progression solid, our designers kept the idea of multiple pathing – in this instance, from the car to the second floor, the front door and front windows – so players could go their own way.
With the mechanics firmly in place, the artists had some fun echoing the slippery gameplay with some dynamic prop storytelling. What if 21 Slick Street was owned by a world-famous ice-skater? What if she kept all her trophies and skating-wear on display? What if, in moving it all out, you took zero care of her belongings? They weren’t precious to her or anything, right? Great work, Smooth Moves.
Let us know in the comments if you picked up on the link between the skater’s home and the footprint-leaving-slickness of the street. Our artists will love you for it!
Until next time, Slick it out xo
Moving Out Monday #25 – Showcase: Poolside Pad
Hey Movers!
Last week we looked at The Hoop House but this week we’re shining our spotlight on the Poolside Pad!
Our designers really wanted to encourage players to hone their throwing and catching skills, but how best to do that? I’m glad you asked! The logically creative solution is to put a pool in the way, of course!
This liquid body of sweet blue water gave the players a real shortcut, but one that required a level of skill we wanted the players to develop. With long and convoluted pathing when avoiding that throw/catch mechanic... well, NOT throwing objects actually hinders your progress. Oh, you level designers!
To really upskill the player, we added a whole bunch of fragile items to the level, making teamwork almost a requirement for success.
Lastly, we added an extra level of hidden fun. The pool is JUST wide enough that you can brazenly jump across when you use a moveable as a ramp. So throw down a fridge or cantilever a bed over the pool’s edge to use it as a launching pad to fly, baby. FLY!
If you haven’t given the Poolside Pad it’s day in the sun, why not dive right into the deep end? Let us know in the comments below if you’ve used a movable to rocket launch yourself through the air and if so, tell us just how it felt to take that air!
Until next time, Team SMG, Moving Out!
Moving Out Monday #24 – Showcase: The Hoop House
Hey Movers!
Over the last couple of weeks we introduced you to those wacky Employees of the Month, but for the next little while we’re gonna put a spotlight on some of the levels in the game so you can get a feel for them from our perspective here at SMG!
We’re jumping right into... The Hoop House!
There are a bunch of ideas that this level explores, unusual shaped movables for one. Enter, the L-shaped sofa!
We also wanted players to experiment with the layout of the levels too, finding ways to handle the doorways and windows.
The Hoop House was ripe for playing with alternate pathing, giving the player more choices and control in how to navigate the level.
Putting obstacles in the way, such as the wiggly tube – items that don't need to be delivered - act as barriers and add a level of complexity to the level progression.
The basketball ring (the Hoop in the House!) along with the chicken in the dog house were added for extra flavour – they add personality to the level, but they really came from our designers just having some fun!
If you haven’t yet played through to The Hoop House, you’re in for a treat. If you have, let us know in the comments below what you liked most about this level! Did you manage to swish that B'ball?
Team SMG, Moving out!
Moving Out Monday #23 – Employees of the Month(s)
Hey Movers!
Last week we introduced you to Sprinkles and Dials, two stellar Smooth Moves employees full of gumption and grit. Today we thought we’d introduce you to the last two characters that round out the Employees of the Month pack, so please give a warm welcome to this kooky koala and his old-world octopus friend.
Introducing, Bruce and Prof. Inkle!
Bruce
………...Oh! Sorry, Bruce fell asleep again. He has a habit of drifting off in the middle of conversations... currently the team’s expert on moving beds...soft, fluffy beds... He’ll get back to work soon...after a quick 20 hour nap…
Prof. Inkle
Nobody is really sure what Professor Inkle is a professor of or who hired them. They just show up on time with their own uniform, ready to jump into the deep end! Old Blackwiskers seems to have a bad past with Inkle, but the story is shrouded in mystery.
Now, with the workforce additions of Sprinkes, Dials, Bruce and Prof. Inkle, you’ll have a full new roster to complement your already impressive Smooth Moves ensemble!
You can grab the Employees of the Month pack here:
Let us know in the comments which employee tickles your fancy and why!
Until next time, Move Outwards
Moving Out Monday #22 – Employees of the Month
Hey Movers!
Last week we waxed lyrical about the Moving Out soundtrack, but this week we wanted to introduce you to two of the extra characters you can snag to play the game!
Firstly, when it came to character creation, the artists had so much fun! Concepting and then building the characters was a highlight for our artists, and everyone had so many ideas. So many, in fact, that they couldn’t all make it out the door for release.
As with everything in Moving Out, these characters have some great... character, so without further ado, we'd like to welcome the dynamic duo of a devious donut and a tattletale TV!
Introducing, Sprinkles and Dials!
Sprinkles
Beware! Here comes Sprinkles! A supervillain, but also too sweet to be taken seriously. Their dastardly deeds include being TOO nice of a friend and moving TOO MANY chairs! Fear their kindness! Soon you will be their best friend! Muahahaha!
Dials
No matter what’s going on in the world, Dials is always tuned in. A serious news junky, they love breaking news about the global moving industry. Just don’t stand too close. The volume knob is stuck at 11!
Now when all is said and done, you’ll find that this duo lend themselves beautifully to the repertoire of current characters in the game.
Next week you’ll make the acquaintance of two more characters in The Employees of the Month Pack, so join us then to meet your new work-mates!
