Mike Mandel

Thrasher Review — The Geekly Grind Destroy cosmic gods as a space eel in this mesmerizing arcade acid trip.

I couldn't stop playing Thrasher until I finished it. @puddlestudio.bsky.social (Brian Gibson and @manrad.bsky.social) have made an incredible, trippy arcade experience. I played on #SteamDeck, but it's also available on #VR devices.

#indiegames 🎮

My review on @thegeeklygrind.bsky.social -

In 2018, I helped produce the tech and visuals for a brilliant re-imagining of David Bowie's final album Blackstar by Evan Ziporyn. Now, on the 10th anniversary of his passing, we are reviving Bowie Cello Symphonic at MIT on January 10.
Tickets here:
www.globalartslive.org/content/even...

🙏

We're excited to announce that Brian Gibson's amazing soundtrack from THRASHER is now available on Steam, including in a discounted bundle with the game:
store.steampowered.com/app/4149300/...

Can't believe its finally out on Steam. Was a huge effort for our 2 person team to bring the game to PCVR and rework it so it can shine on flatscreen with mouse (or gamepad) ✨

We’re honored that THRASHER has been nominated for Best AR/VR Game at this year's Unity Awards✨
The public vote is open now, and we'd appreciate the support:
unity.com/awards

Great to see THRASHER alongside many of our XR friends in this sizzle reel from Unity highlighting other experiences launching on Android XR 😍

What a fantastic week for our Creature Partners. Here's the latest:

@tovanbo.bsky.social
- Laser Dance EA Release Date: November 6th
- Cubism is a Samsung Galaxy XR launch title

@puddlestudio.bsky.social
- THRASHER Steam Release Date: November 7th
- THRASHER is a Samsung Galaxy XR launch title

Excited to be on Google's new XR platform ✨

✨ITS ALMOST HERE ✨

Check out our Steam Next Fest demo on Steam Deck, Steam VR, or in 2D with mouse or gamepad 😍

This is the best version yet of THRASHER, and was a very interesting and challenging process finding its identity as a flatscreen game that feels true to the original but has its own unique magic. Give it a try ✨

THRASHER's first public demo on Steam is live as part of the VR Forever Festival! This include both a remaster for PCVR and first look at our 2D version with mouse + gamepad controls + Steam Deck support. Check out the festival here:
store.steampowered.com/sale/VRForev...

We've been working on this new version of THRASHER for quite awhile - it looks and plays better than ever! Excited for everyone try this on SteamVR as well the overhaul done for the 2D version (with gamepad AND mouse controls!)

YouTube video by XRealityZone [Mike Mandel & Doug North Cook] THRASHER: Getting to Game of the Year and What Comes Next

I’m proud to announce that the talk I gave in Shanghai with @dnorco.bsky.social at Let’s Vision ‘25 was just released! This is the most comprehensive look yet at the design, prototyping process, and journey to Apple Vision Pro for our game THRASHER.

youtu.be/4HEattmY94Y

WHAT IS THRASHER? (Part 3)

Coming this year to Steam and SteamVR, wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2702300/...

WHAT IS THRASHER? (Part 2)

Coming this year to Steam and SteamVR, wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2702300/...

WHAT IS THRASHER? (Part 1)

Coming this year to Steam and SteamVR, wishlist now:
store.steampowered.com/app/2702300/...

YouTube video by IGN Creature Feature 2025 Livestream

Tune in to the Creature Feature today at 9am PST / 12pm EST for some amazing VR announcements from our label friends and maybe even a surprise from us 👀
@creaturedotpage.bsky.social @ign.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEnj...

TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS:
The first ever Creature Feature will include updates, announcements, and shenanigans from all Creature label studios. You will see brand new game announcements, new content for some of your favorite games, and a few surprises along the way.
✨ 9AM PST on May 19th on IGN. ✨

I made a custom Unity app to create “projected AR” around live musical performers for the MIT Gamalan Galaktika performance yesterday! Would love to take this fully
volumetric some day with AR glasses 😍 @unity.com

Here's some footage of our newly announced 2D version of THRASHER, coming to Steam (and Steam Deck) later this year alongside PCVR! Swoop around the space eel with a thumbstick or your mouse and enjoy enhanced visuals on PC 😍
Wishlist here:
store.steampowered.com/app/2702300/...

We're excited to announce that THRASHER's Steam release later this year includes a NEW 2D version ✨Coming to Steam Deck and other 2D screens alongside the award-winning VR version later this year!
Wishlist here:
store.steampowered.com/app/2702300/...

THRASHER is 30% off as part of the Meta Quest Spring Savings Sale!! At its lowest price yet, there's never been a better reason to swoop a space eel through mesmerizing alien worlds😍
Get it here:
vr.meta.me/s/2982G2v3Sh...

Come on by for a peek at what’s next for THRASHER

THRASHER is one of the selected titles for this year's Day of the Devs. @manrad.bsky.social and @dnorco.bsky.social will be there. Go say Hi to them and check this amazing game.

Thanks to the Let’s Vision ‘25 team for hosting @dnorco.bsky.social and I in Shanghai to share the journey to Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year. There was as SO much passion for the platform in the community there 😍

Everyone with a 3d printer needs a pickle sickle 😛
makerworld.com/en/models/19...

I also enjoy using HueForge to make gifts for family/friends:
shop.thehueforge.com

Thanks Kasson! I saw them last year in Boston and it was SUPER mesmerising

YouTube video by nikbaertsch Modul 29_14 Animation, Nik Bärtsch's MOBILE

Thanks to Alex Rigopoulos his direction on the project and Rick Cody for his masterful MIDI assist. You can find the full visualization (at better quality) here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0c9...