I’m caught at a crossroads. FlashLite 1.1 or FlashLite 2.0, I reworked my (thesis) game from 1.1 to 2.0 in January. But now it comes time to distribute and show the work, and 1.1 is looking like a better option.
I found a good string on Marco Casario’s Blog
http://casario.blogs.com/mmworld/2006/01/flashlite_2_vs_.html
But the argument as it pertains to my development is as follows:
1.1 Development
Positives:
• Cheaper handsets
• Ready availability of 3650+ users
• Established, while minor, market penetration
Negatives:
• Low frame rate (slower handsets)
• No function scripting capabilities
• Will be out dated within 6-12 months
2.0 Development
Positives:
• Function scripting capabilities
• Frame rate (on higher end devices)
• Bleeding edge product
Negatives:
• Limited to 6680+ users
• Little to no market penetration
• Few users available within the North American market, or globally for that matter
At this point I really feel like I need to switch back to FlashLite 1.1.
I have to admit after installing LogJam from the FlashLite Exchange, by BlueSkyNorth, I became increasingly convinced that 1.1 is viable. Not only can I zip it up tight in a SIS file, with Symbian OS menu icon, but it also provides extremely compelling experiences. That is LogJam had me laughing my ass off; while simple, I thought it was a brilliant execution of a casual game within FlashLite 1.1.
Given my RPG is a bit more complex, but I really feel like I should tune it to fit a FlashLite 1.1 capable device. The biggest loss for me is the processing power of FlashLite 2.0 capable devices. Things to suffer will be animation, and frame rate, which are important, but not to the extent that it will cut out a majority of my potential users.
Any FlashLite developers out there? Let me know what you think. . .