Preface

2D platform games (jump ’n’ run) are considered nearly extinct. However, there used to be a time when they were the most favorite genre of video gamers. Who doesn’t remember classics such as Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Sonic, Pitfall, Hearth of Darkness, Commander Keen and many more titles which will always remain in our memories. With the advancement of computer technology and the switch from 2D to 3D, which was accompanied by it, there have been distinct changes in video game genres. This has advantages but disadvantages, too. New possibilities of designing levels and putting ideas into practice arose for game developers. However, various disadvantages resulted from that, too. A three-dimensional environment provides much less clarity. You can only see your character from a certain perspective and you do not have a full overview. What is positioned above you at the moment? Who is standing behind you? Why is the camera stuck in the wall? All this can be frustrating in some 3D games and it will frustrate beginners more than anyone else.

As a result of the partly justified commercial success and the rapid technological development in the game industry, 2D platform games are basically extinct these days or are almost exclusively developed as freeware by hobby developers and as browser games. That is a real shame because the genre is not only beginner-friendly but it also harbors a great potential for wonderful game ideas.

We, Black Chronos, are a new and small company composed of game-crazy enthusiasts, who haven’t forgotten what made us passionate about games in the first place. Outside the mass market, we can take the liberty of attending to a genre which has unjustly been largely ignored and with new ideas and modern technology we can revamp the genre.

Glow is the result of that. A 2D platform game with a scenario for grown-ups and full of action, magic and fun. You assume the role of Stevie Speed, a rogue, who wants to rescue his bride Carmen Cobra from Hell after she was abducted by Satan. You hit and shoot your way through countless monsters inhabitating Hell, you discover secreat areas, collect keys to open locked doors, obtain magical powers and deactivate malicious traps. You can fly, become invisible, hurl fireballs and lightning flashes or choose to morph into a ball. You will master telekinesis, shrink yourself or simply stop time. The adventure of Glow sends you to a magical underworld. You will get frightened but you will laugh, too. You will be disappointed after failures and you will feel better after successes. You will definitely have a lot of fun with Glow.