Darwin's Demons is now FREE!
We're celebrating Darwin's Day this year by making Darwin's Demons FREE!
We're celebrating Darwin's Day this year by making Darwin's Demons FREE!
Darwin's Demons
Polymorphic Games · University of Idaho
- Released
- Feb 13, 2017
- Platforms
- WindowsmacOSLinux
- Last updated
Updates & announcements
- Developer postOriginal post
- Developer post
Ia Flaghn! (Happy Mother’s Day!)
This Mother’s Day, in honor of Shub-Niggurath, The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand (unlocked) Young, Polymorphic Games is releasing the unlocked version of Darwin’s Demons of Steam. Test the awesome power of the Uvha-X1’s Blood Laser. Try to defeat the Protean Swarm with
Original post
This Mother’s Day, in honor of Shub-Niggurath, The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand (unlocked) Young, Polymorphic Games is releasing the unlocked version of Darwin’s Demons of Steam.
Test the awesome power of the Uvha-X1’s Blood Laser.
Try to defeat the Protean Swarm with the swirling vortexes of madness generated by the Cthu-X1.
And of course, unleash the Thousand Screaming Young of the Shub-X1. - Developer post
FANTASY PACK UPDATE!
Announcing a major update to Darwin’s Demons, with TONS of new content! New genes in the Protean Genome! Nine powerful new ships! Fantastical new backgrounds! Release is planned for early May, 2017. New Genes specifying Protean Shield Type: 5 new genes have been encoded in the ge
Original postAnnouncing a major update to Darwin’s Demons, with TONS of new content!
New genes in the Protean Genome!
Nine powerful new ships!
Fantastical new backgrounds!
Release is planned for early May, 2017.
New Genes specifying Protean Shield Type:
5 new genes have been encoded in the genome, each specifying a particular shield type. The shield types mirror the alien fire types (cold, acid, fire, electric, psychic), and their effectiveness depends on your projectile type (explosive, physical, hard-light, laser, electric).
Nine powerful new ships:
Introducing the ARCADE class (AvataR Casting via Augmented Dimensional Entropy)!
When Moirai scientists developed hard-light technology, it was quickly adopted by the Psychic Combat Corps. PCC pilots capable of multi-dimensional visualization soon learned to remodel the hulls of their hard-light ships. While limited by the availability of pilots with the necessary capabilities, the ARCADE class ship projection system proved highly effective for space combat. Of course, the pilots involved in the ARCADE program quickly began customizing their avatars, drawing inspiration from historical technology, electronic entertainment, and elite educational institutions.
Bargle the Profligate (Bard)
The hard light avatar of “Livemau5”, one of the most skilled pilots in the Psychic Combat Corps. Bargle fires projectiles that are attuned to the spectral decomposition of the in-game soundtrack. Watch as your projectiles dance and pulse in time to the music! Adapt to that, Proteans!
Joe Vandal (Peerless Mascot)
An avatar in honor of Idaho’s Flagship Research Institution. Joe Vandal represents a graduation rate, job placement rate, and record of research productivity that are peerless in the great state of Idaho. Also, he tosses hard light diplomas at the Proteans, who upon graduation march off the screen destroying anything in their path. Brave and bold, the TRIBE FROM THE NORTH may be the savior of the galaxy.
Hakak (Warrior)
What is best in life? To crush your enemies! To see them driven before you, and to toss heavy objects into space! Hakak’s indestructible physical projectiles fly about the screen, destroying Proteans left and right. Upgrade the projectiles’ mass to hurl ever larger and more terrifying weapons!
Deathless Aether (Ninja)
The pilot of Deathless Aether is a closely guarded secret. This avatar hurls ultra precise shuriken at the Proteans. Deathless Aether combines tight control and great speed. If hit, Deathless Aether enters stealth mode, a brief period of invisibility and invulnerability.
Trueshot (Ranger)
PCC specialist Huxley’s preferred avatar fires precisely aimed arrows that rarely miss. In addition, Trueshot can harvest the energy associated with the fire-type of Proteans hit by his arrows. The next arrow fired after such a harvest has special abilities.
J4k0b (Demon)
This mysterious avatar sports a psychically controllable scythe that slices through enemies – even shielded Proteans. The maneuverability and size of the scythe can be upgraded with biomatter.
Tsebaloth (Sorceror)
“Don’t you know who I am?!”
This avatar represents Tsebaloth, an impetuous sorcerer tainted with the infernal blood of his ancestors. Tsebaloth can fire icy lasers that pierce enemies, or scorching blasts with an upgradable area of effect. Can the Proteans adapt to a multiplicity of fire types?
Legion (Necromancer)
The darkest avatar ever spawned by the Psychic Combat Corps, Legion the Necromancer uses his powers to summon the bones of the dead and rain them down upon the Proteans. Many Moirai scientists have pointed out that this makes absolutely no sense in the depths of outer space – and yet, somehow, it happens. Some mysteries are best left unresolved.Starlight (Unicorn)
The Starlight avatar was created by one of the youngest and most precious of the Moirai pilots. Don’t let its cute appearance fool you, the refracting rainbows of pure energy are a deadly weapon. - Developer post
FANTASY PACK UPDATE!
Announcing a major update to Darwin’s Demons, with TONS of new content! New genes in the Protean Genome! Nine powerful new ships! Fantastical new backgrounds! Release is planned for early May, 2017. New Genes specifying Protean Shield Type: 5 new genes have been encoded in the ge
Original postAnnouncing a major update to Darwin’s Demons, with TONS of new content!
New genes in the Protean Genome!
Nine powerful new ships!
Fantastical new backgrounds!
Release is planned for early May, 2017.
New Genes specifying Protean Shield Type:
5 new genes have been encoded in the genome, each specifying a particular shield type. The shield types mirror the alien fire types (cold, acid, fire, electric, psychic), and their effectiveness depends on your projectile type (explosive, physical, hard-light, laser, electric).
Nine powerful new ships:
Introducing the ARCADE class (AvataR Casting via Augmented Dimensional Entropy)!
When Moirai scientists developed hard-light technology, it was quickly adopted by the Psychic Combat Corps. PCC pilots capable of multi-dimensional visualization soon learned to remodel the hulls of their hard-light ships. While limited by the availability of pilots with the necessary capabilities, the ARCADE class ship projection system proved highly effective for space combat. Of course, the pilots involved in the ARCADE program quickly began customizing their avatars, drawing inspiration from historical technology, electronic entertainment, and elite educational institutions.
Bargle the Profligate (Bard)
The hard light avatar of “Livemau5”, one of the most skilled pilots in the Psychic Combat Corps. Bargle fires projectiles that are attuned to the spectral decomposition of the in-game soundtrack. Watch as your projectiles dance and pulse in time to the music! Adapt to that, Proteans!
Joe Vandal (Peerless Mascot)
An avatar in honor of Idaho’s Flagship Research Institution. Joe Vandal represents a graduation rate, job placement rate, and record of research productivity that are peerless in the great state of Idaho. Also, he tosses hard light diplomas at the Proteans, who upon graduation march off the screen destroying anything in their path. Brave and bold, the TRIBE FROM THE NORTH may be the savior of the galaxy.
Hakak (Warrior)
What is best in life? To crush your enemies! To see them driven before you, and to toss heavy objects into space! Hakak’s indestructible physical projectiles fly about the screen, destroying Proteans left and right. Upgrade the projectiles’ mass to hurl ever larger and more terrifying weapons!
Deathless Aether (Ninja)
The pilot of Deathless Aether is a closely guarded secret. This avatar hurls ultra precise shuriken at the Proteans. Deathless Aether combines tight control and great speed. If hit, Deathless Aether enters stealth mode, a brief period of invisibility and invulnerability.
Trueshot (Ranger)
PCC specialist Huxley’s preferred avatar fires precisely aimed arrows that rarely miss. In addition, Trueshot can harvest the energy associated with the fire-type of Proteans hit by his arrows. The next arrow fired after such a harvest has special abilities.
J4k0b (Demon)
This mysterious avatar sports a psychically controllable scythe that slices through enemies – even shielded Proteans. The maneuverability and size of the scythe can be upgraded with biomatter.
Tsebaloth (Sorceror)
“Don’t you know who I am?!”
This avatar represents Tsebaloth, an impetuous sorcerer tainted with the infernal blood of his ancestors. Tsebaloth can fire icy lasers that pierce enemies, or scorching blasts with an upgradable area of effect. Can the Proteans adapt to a multiplicity of fire types?
Legion (Necromancer)
The darkest avatar ever spawned by the Psychic Combat Corps, Legion the Necromancer uses his powers to summon the bones of the dead and rain them down upon the Proteans. Many Moirai scientists have pointed out that this makes absolutely no sense in the depths of outer space – and yet, somehow, it happens. Some mysteries are best left unresolved.Starlight (Unicorn)
The Starlight avatar was created by one of the youngest and most precious of the Moirai pilots. Don’t let its cute appearance fool you, the refracting rainbows of pure energy are a deadly weapon. - Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.4!
Fixes a few bugs: Occasional crashes with highly upgraded homing missiles Play instructions of title screen sometimes wouldn't disappear entirely Acid alien bullets would sometimes stand still
Original postFixes a few bugs:
Occasional crashes with highly upgraded homing missiles
Play instructions of title screen sometimes wouldn't disappear entirely
Acid alien bullets would sometimes stand still
- Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.4!
Fixes a few bugs: Occasional crashes with highly upgraded homing missiles Play instructions of title screen sometimes wouldn't disappear entirely Acid alien bullets would sometimes stand still
Original postFixes a few bugs:
Occasional crashes with highly upgraded homing missiles
Play instructions of title screen sometimes wouldn't disappear entirely
Acid alien bullets would sometimes stand still
- Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.3!
We're pushing a small update to deal with the following issues: Some achievements weren't unlocking properly. Turning off Steam Cloud Saves caused data loss.
Original postWe're pushing a small update to deal with the following issues:
Some achievements weren't unlocking properly.
Turning off Steam Cloud Saves caused data loss.
- Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.3!
We're pushing a small update to deal with the following issues: Some achievements weren't unlocking properly. Turning off Steam Cloud Saves caused data loss.
Original postWe're pushing a small update to deal with the following issues:
Some achievements weren't unlocking properly.
Turning off Steam Cloud Saves caused data loss.
- Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.2!
We've pushed an update addressing the following issues: Scores now save when you quit the game before losing all your lives. Fixed various bugs with achievements, particularly associated with awards not unlocking. Credits accrual now scales with difficulty level. Removed genetic
Original postWe've pushed an update addressing the following issues:
Scores now save when you quit the game before losing all your lives.
Fixed various bugs with achievements, particularly associated with awards not unlocking.
Credits accrual now scales with difficulty level.
Removed genetic anomalies from easy mode.
Fixed an issue with planetary shield upgrades.
Fixed some text issues in multiplayer mode.
- Developer post
Hotfix - Version 1.0.2!
We've pushed an update addressing the following issues: Scores now save when you quit the game before losing all your lives. Fixed various bugs with achievements, particularly associated with awards not unlocking. Credits accrual now scales with difficulty level. Removed genetic
Original postWe've pushed an update addressing the following issues:
Scores now save when you quit the game before losing all your lives.
Fixed various bugs with achievements, particularly associated with awards not unlocking.
Credits accrual now scales with difficulty level.
Removed genetic anomalies from easy mode.
Fixed an issue with planetary shield upgrades.
Fixed some text issues in multiplayer mode.
- Developer post
Hotfix! Version 1.0.1
Our ace developer has fixed a few minor issues identified by users today. 1) Fixed an issue with mouse selection on unlock window. 2) Fixed an issue in which players could earn credits in experiment mode. 3) Fixed an issue with the graph displaying up/down movement genes. 4) Fixe
Original postOur ace developer has fixed a few minor issues identified by users today.
1) Fixed an issue with mouse selection on unlock window.
2) Fixed an issue in which players could earn credits in experiment mode.
3) Fixed an issue with the graph displaying up/down movement genes.
4) Fixed an issue cause depletion of omni shield.
Thanks everyone for a great release day!
- Developer post
Hotfix! Version 1.0.1
Our ace developer has fixed a few minor issues identified by users today. 1) Fixed an issue with mouse selection on unlock window. 2) Fixed an issue in which players could earn credits in experiment mode. 3) Fixed an issue with the graph displaying up/down movement genes. 4) Fixe
Original postOur ace developer has fixed a few minor issues identified by users today.
1) Fixed an issue with mouse selection on unlock window.
2) Fixed an issue in which players could earn credits in experiment mode.
3) Fixed an issue with the graph displaying up/down movement genes.
4) Fixed an issue cause depletion of omni shield.
Thanks everyone for a great release day!
- Developer post
Scot Manley plays Darwin's Demons!
Scott Manley posted a 13 minute video on Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day. Check it out here:
Original postScott Manley posted a 13 minute video on Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day. Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKBMY0vcDj4&t=2s
- Developer post
Scot Manley plays Darwin's Demons!
Scott Manley posted a 13 minute video on Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day. Check it out here:
Original postScott Manley posted a 13 minute video on Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day. Check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKBMY0vcDj4&t=2s
- Developer post
Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day!
Assuming app review goes well, Darwin's Demons will release on February 13th, the first business day after Darwin Day 2017. We've been busy putting the finishing touches on the game, testing and balancing, and generally trying to make Darwin's Demons as great as we can make it. I
Original postAssuming app review goes well, Darwin's Demons will release on February 13th, the first business day after Darwin Day 2017. We've been busy putting the finishing touches on the game, testing and balancing, and generally trying to make Darwin's Demons as great as we can make it.
If you don't already know, Darwin's Demons was created by undergraduate students at Polymorphic Games, a game design lab at the University of Idaho. Polymorphic Games creates video games built on real models of biological evolution.
We've had the privilege of working with some insanely talented students from almost every discipline at the University of Idaho, including art, music, biology, computer science, entrepreneurship, english, theater, and journalism. If you decide to purchase our game, THANK YOU.
The proceeds from game sales go directly toward hiring the next cohort of insanely talented students who will make next year's evolutionary video game.
Thanks for checking out our game, and remember...
EVOLUTION ALWAYS WINS.
-Barrie Robison, Professor of Biological Sciences
-Terence Soule, Professor of Computer Science
University of Idaho - Developer post
Darwin's Demons on Darwin Day!
Assuming app review goes well, Darwin's Demons will release on February 13th, the first business day after Darwin Day 2017. We've been busy putting the finishing touches on the game, testing and balancing, and generally trying to make Darwin's Demons as great as we can make it. I
Original postAssuming app review goes well, Darwin's Demons will release on February 13th, the first business day after Darwin Day 2017. We've been busy putting the finishing touches on the game, testing and balancing, and generally trying to make Darwin's Demons as great as we can make it.
If you don't already know, Darwin's Demons was created by undergraduate students at Polymorphic Games, a game design lab at the University of Idaho. Polymorphic Games creates video games built on real models of biological evolution.
We've had the privilege of working with some insanely talented students from almost every discipline at the University of Idaho, including art, music, biology, computer science, entrepreneurship, english, theater, and journalism. If you decide to purchase our game, THANK YOU.
The proceeds from game sales go directly toward hiring the next cohort of insanely talented students who will make next year's evolutionary video game.
Thanks for checking out our game, and remember...
EVOLUTION ALWAYS WINS.
-Barrie Robison, Professor of Biological Sciences
-Terence Soule, Professor of Computer Science
University of Idaho