The launch of the arcade-style beat-’em-up game Super Doginals couldn’t have come at a better time this month. Released on the Dogecoin blockchain just as the original meme coin experienced a surge in demand and attention, with DOGE reaching a three-year price peak, the game has captured the fun and playful spirit that defines the Dogecoin community.
Created by the pseudonymous developer Pimax, Super Doginals is a tribute to the Doge spirit, adding a unique touch to the beloved meme coin culture. The game stands out for its polished and robust design, especially considering it is a web game inscribed directly onto a blockchain. Drawing inspiration from classic button-mashing brawlers like Fatal Fury and Streets of Rage, Super Doginals features charming artwork and music that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the meme coin fandom.
Developed using the OpenBOR open-source game engine, Super Doginals was ported to the WebAssembly language to ensure smooth performance in web browsers and compatibility with the Doginals protocol standard. The lightweight engine was essential for full blockchain inscription, with pixel art chosen for its efficiency in scaling on higher resolutions without consuming excess data. The original music, totaling 35 minutes, was compressed into the web-friendly OGG format to maintain compatibility with Dogecoin.
Pimax’s goal was to create a fully on-chain experience on the Dogecoin blockchain through Doginals, a protocol that allows users to inscribe artwork, code, and other data onto the chain. This approach not only enables the creation of NFT-like assets but also supports interactive games and apps that exist entirely on-chain.
Super Doginals marks a significant advancement in on-chain gaming, requiring multiple inscriptions that work together in a process called recursion. This innovative approach allows for add-on features and the potential for users to contribute their own content to the game. Players can even create a “delegate” inscription to have a version of the game in their Dogecoin wallet, playable through compatible wallet apps.
Despite being a solo project, Pimax utilized AI tools to manage the development process efficiently. These tools accelerated tasks such as drafting art, composing music, and coding, enabling Pimax to bring their vision to life without compromising their creative input. While AI played a significant role in the project, Pimax emphasizes that it was their ingenuity and determination that ultimately made Super Doginals possible.
In conclusion, Super Doginals is a testament to the creativity and innovation within the Dogecoin community. With its retro aesthetic, engaging gameplay, and on-chain functionality, the game is a fitting tribute to the meme coin that has captured the hearts of many. As Dogecoin continues to gain popularity, Super Doginals stands as a shining example of the exciting possibilities that blockchain technology can offer in the world of gaming.