Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Nathan Fillion’s interest in the iPhone game Ninja Ropes was first revealed to the public at the Dr. Horrible screening in Los Angeles at Halloween when he showed up in an impressive Ninja Ropes costume.

When the Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog DVD was released fans were able to hear Nathan singing about the game in the song “Better than Neil” (“Who’s got the high score on Ninja Ropes?”) .

The DVD’s “Commentary! The Musical” also features an entire song dedicated to the game.

We spoke to the Ninja Ropes creator “Sarkscape Games” about the game.

How long have you been creating games?

Sarkscape Games: About a year, since I opened sarkscape.com website. I’m not a professional game developer, it is just my sparetime hobby. When iPhones entered the market I decided it is worth to try to make something interesting for them.

For those that aren’t familiar with the game, can you give us a bit of a description of Ninja Ropes?

SG: This is basically a game of attention and reaction. By controlling two springy ropes you should lead a ninja through outer space.

When did you first hear about Dr Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog?

SG: In the middle of December 2008, when a first preliminary review of the DVD came out and I found a mention of the Ninja Ropes song in it through Google.

Before the commentary came out, did you have any idea that the team enjoyed your game so much?

SG: Absolutely no.

What was your reaction when you discovered there was a song written about your game that was included in Commentary! The Musical?

SG: I was completely stunned. This was the last thing I could expect. Even now somewhere deep in my mind I have doubts this all really happened.

Have you had any contact with the Dr. Horrible team?

SG: No, but I wish to have :)

Have there been an increase in traffic to your site since the Dr. Horrible DVD was released?

SG: Yes, but not very much.

Are there any hints you can give to beginners of the game?

SG: The game is simple when you know it’s mechanics. The more speed of your falling, the more speed you will have after shrinking of the rope. Use both ropes and remember locations of the gravity vortexes.

Do you have any other games people might be interested in?

SG: You can see all of my games on sarkscape.com. There are a logical puzzle Block2Lock (which I personally use as a time killer) and an action game Mass Defense (which strangely makes me very nervous when I’m playing it).

Currently I’m planning a native game for iPhone and possible for the other touch-screen devices too. Hope you don’t miss it when it will be released.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

SG: Well, I would like to thank Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Neil Patrick Harris and all cast and crew for the superb musical, hilarious commentary and the great song about my game.

And, of course, thanks to all people who play my games. I’m happy that you like them.