The ongoing development on Zodiac Ninja Attack!!! and its companion Game/Wellness App, Zodiac Puzzle Attack!!!, projects are currently being re-worked and on hiatus as I reassess the gaming landscape.

The ongoing AI revolution is reshaping the App, Gaming, and Tech world before our eyes. Many of the concepts I planned, or even started development on, no longer feel fresh or relevant for today’s consumer needs. I’m not alone in this feeling, and it’s forcing a critical re-evaluation: Do I move forward with the old roadmap, or fundamentally revamp and overhaul these IPs for the current marketplace?

The Genesis and The Delay

The idea for Zodiac Ninja Attack!!! is nearly a decade old, dating back to 2012, even before the release of my first Game, Trap Dat Ninja. Inspired by the Tower Defense genre (like Samurai Defenders), I made sketches for a game at a time when the mobile market was wide open. However, lacking the equipment and coding skills, I had to simplify the concept into a basic shooter Trap Dat Ninja.

After that release and working on Doogie Fun Adventure with a client, I finally decided to tackle the Tower Defense genre with Zodiac Ninja Attack!!! My initial attempt in 2D (using GameMaker Studio 2) quickly shifted to Unity 3D (now just Unity) as I sought to expand into polygon graphics. But, as often happens, life intervened: running my company, covering expenses, traveling to promote the business, and working long hours took priority.

The Impact of Crisis and Change

The pandemic hit and I lost my main source of income. This was soon followed by serious medical issues involving my back/spine and teeth. I was out of work, relying heavily on savings, and progress stalled completely.

Now, fast forward to the present: AI and LLM models are booming. The mobile gaming market is saturated with “vibe coding” and mass-produced content. I have no interest in simply rehashing material that already exists, especially ideas that I initially conceived but lacked the time and resources to launch before the bigger studios (with way money money and funding) did.

What Happens Next?

The time for simple iteration is over. I am committing to an overhaul of the Zodiac Ninja Attack!!! IP.

The core basis of the concept will stay: our steadfast Ninja Gal, Aquarii Akua, will certainly stick around, along with the unique Zodiac/Birthstone thematic elements.

However, the genre, the mechanics, and how we deliver excitement to both new and returning gamers are all up in the air. The challenge is clear: How do we use the current technological revolution to make this IP fresh, innovative, and necessary?

Stay tuned as I begin this journey of reinvention.