White Lines 1.2 Released

How does a game get featured in the App Store? This is one of the most frequently asked questions amongst gamers and developers. Graphic designer and illustrator Kyle T. Webster decided to shoot for a coveted feature spot by creating an iPhone game that employs the most minimalist graphic elements possible while maximizing engaging game play.

The result is the game, 'White Lines' (developed by Big Mouse Media), a simple but challenging memory game that makes effective use of the touch screen interface in a new way. Players must redraw sequences of lines as they quickly appear on screen and then fade away. As the game progresses, more and more lines are drawn, challenging the user to remember up to seven lines in a sequence.

Webster, a fan of Swiss design, the Bauhaus, and the timeless typeface, 'Helvetica,' designed the game with only the bare essentials. All of the graphics are in black and white with no frills, and the animation of the lines is crisp and smooth with paintbrush effects. The music is appropriately 'Zen' and it only whispers in the background, so as to not dominate or distract from the chief task of following along with the endless sequences of white lines drawn on screen.


The overall result of this paired down design exercise is a study in restraint and Apple took notice: The editors featured the game two weeks after its launch and more than 25 thousand people have downloaded it in the short time that it has been available for sale. Additionally, the game was well received on every major App review website.

The updated version of the game, released this morning, features online worldwide scoring through OpenFeint, and even more fluid game play. At the moment, Webster is reinvesting the profits from White Lines into developing three more games, scheduled for release later this Summer.

Pricing and Availability:
White Lines 1.2 is only $0.99 USD (or equivalent amount in other currencies) and available exclusively through the App Store in the Games category.

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