Angel : Platformer Developer Extraordinaire
Kraino Origins is an engaging platformer starring a reanimated skeleton who battles evil monsters. It’s not often we rate a game 5 out of 5 here at Hardcore iOS. So, after giving Kraino Origins a perfect review score, I jumped at the chance to interview Angel Dorantes, the solo developer behind the spooky platformer.
What was your inspiration for Kraino Origins?
Angel Dorantes: The biggest inspiration is classic Castlevania. When I started indie games, they weren’t making any new Castlevania games, so I’d make my own. Shovel knight is also an inspiration. Yacht Club is made up of ex-Wayforward employees and I am also an ex-Wayforward employee.
Kraino Origins manages to avoid the common pitfalls that plague many platform games, such as repetitive gameplay. How did you feel you managed to keep gameplay fresh?
Angel Dorantes: The trick was that every level needed to have at least 3 to 4 unique gameplay elements that made sense in their level. Like the upward leaves in the forest level or the sinking pipes in the sewer. I think I picked that up from all the Mega Man games. The NES had 6 of them and they all felt fresh despite always running, jumping and shooting.
Considering the game’s aesthetic, I’m guessing you’re a fan of horror?
Angel Dorantes: I am a huge fan of classic horror! I love the aesthetic of the older universal monsters. But I also really like newer films like Monster Squad, Fright Night, and the 90’s Dracula. My favorite holiday is also Halloween.
How did you get into game development?
Angel Dorantes: I was a directionless security guard. I then happened to catch Indie Game: The Movie on Netflix and realized, ‘Hey, regular people can make games.‘ It then went from a hobby to working at Wayforward, to soon releasing on a Nintendo console.”
What do you find to be the most challenging part of solo development?
Angel Dorantes: The hardest part for me has always been remembering to eat and drink water. I’m usually super focused and completely lose track of time and reality sometimes. I’ve actually been hospitalized from dehydration and too much coffee.
Will we see more of Kraino in the future?
Angel Dorantes: For sure!! Currently working on a 16-bit Kraino Metroidvania with new mechanics and other new ideas. Hopefully, that can be done by this time next year.
Your games seem to be well-received on both Steam and Mobile. How does that feel?
Angel Dorantes: It’s surreal, for sure! When I see a positive review, I can’t believe it’s real. There’s still some imposter syndrome here and there. Though, once that fades, I feel proud and then an urge to improve even more.
What advice would you give those hoping to break into indie game development?
Angel Dorantes: Scope small for your first few games; make something you can finish in 4-6 months or less. Just finishing and releasing a game, even a small one, will teach you a lot. Keep improving. Play games, even games from genres you don’t like and try to understand the mechanics, why you like this, why you don’t. Measure your characters, assets and backgrounds constantly! The last thing you want is that 10-hour character animation to not be the right size! That was a painful lesson for me early on.
Just for fun, what’s your favorite mobile game that you didn’t develop?
Angel Dorantes: I love platformers, so it’s weird for me to admit that I really enjoyed Infinity Blade. I was just totally sucked into that game. I was also into the original Plants vs. zombies! A fun game that happened to have zombies, which, knowing me, I’m a sucker for.
Kraino Origins is now available on the App Store for iOS devices and Steam for PC. His 2019 title Super Ninja Meow Cat, is also available for PC.
