Osmos

Osmos is a game of skill of the Canadian software Studios Hemisphere Games. Programmed it was Eddy Boxerman, Dave Burke and Andy Nealen. The game was released on 17 August 2009 on the download platform Steam. In addition to the Windows version, there are also versions for Mac OS X, Linux, Apple iOS and Android.

Gameplay

The player takes control of a cell ( in the game called Mote ) located in an enclosed space ( Blobiverse ) is with various other cells. The cell is moved with the principle of repulsion, but loses when accelerating to ground. The most common goal of the 47 level is to be the greatest of all cells located in the level. Therefore one must cells, which are smaller than its own, to absorb. Larger cells absorb the own cell and so quit the game.

The levels are divided into 3 groups:

• Ambient: The other cells do not respond to its own cell; usually must be used with quiet, controlled movements of the few existing scope. There are also antimatter cells in their absorption shrinks the own cell.
• Sentient: The other cells are in constant motion; In addition, there are special, sometimes very fast opponents like ovary, Nemocyte and Ferax that, depending on their size, pursue their own cell or try to escape from it.
• Force: Here the own cell revolves in orbit around a so-called attractor. The goal is again to be the greatest of all cells.

Development

For the game a very realistic motion physics of all objects was developed. The background music of the game is kept entirely in the ambient style, it was composed, among others, Biosphere, and Matt Jarvis.

Osmos was released via digital distributors like Steam and Impulse 2009. 2010 was followed by a Linux port, which generated discussion in the Linux community as one of the Osmos developer openly spoke in computer game development later on the strengths and weaknesses of the Linux ecosystem.

Reception

Osmos was generally well received by the press, resulting in a Metacritic of 80 out of 100 ( from 22 reviews) shows up. Apple Inc. chose Osmos as the iPad Game of the Year 2010. During the same year Osmos won several other awards, including IGN's award for best video game soundtrack of 2010.