It’s always fun when decide to contact  us. Especially when our readers come with requests or tips. In this case it was a gentleman named Tim C, that liked our article about Anas Abdin´s sci-fi adventure game “Anastronaut“. But that was not all. Tim C would also like to see us do an interview with Anas Abdin. So I pulled off an email to Ana’s a couple of days ago. Well, guess what? Anas replied instantly!

So we did an email interview with Anas. However, it is entirely in English. Because we wanted as many people as possible to be able to read (and understand) this interview. With that said, many thanks to Anas Abdin who took the time to answer all of our questions. And to our readers, buy Anastronaut. You will NOT be disappointed!

Robin TGG:
Perhaps you could do a little presentation of yourself? Whom you are, where you´re from, what you’re all about etc etc.

Anas Abdin:
My name is Anas Abdin, Before Anastronaut I used to say that I am a cartoonist, composer, writer… I gathered up all those in one category: a game developer. I work in a university.

Robin TGG:
I guess that it would be an understatement if I said that you’re not interested in space, adventure, exploring and Sci-fi, wouldn’t it? Because Anastronaut 1 and 2, are like one big tribute to all that.

Anas Abdin:
My dream job as a child was to become an astronaut (or a fireman…) I love courageous adventures, sports of all kinds and physical activities. When I was a kid, my parents bribed me with astronomy books and scientific media of all kinds.

Robin TGG:
How did you come up with the idea of Anastronaut? And what where your sources of inspiration? Could you also tell a bit about Anastronaut for those whom don’t know what the games are all about?

Anas Abdin:
I started the Anastronaut blog, writing about things in life from a space hero perspective. Filled it with drawings, music and animations… Made so many fans. Once while animating a scene for the blog, I thought it would be great if I give my fans the chance to control the animation, ergo, make a game!

I am inspired by all Sierra’s quests. You can tell that by the classic GUI and mouse cursors of Anastronaut.

Anastronaut is an adventure game set in space. You control the space hero *ahem* Anas. Pretty much self explained!

Robin TGG:
I would like to ask you a kind of a deep question now If you don´t mind. Do you believe that there is intelligent life somewhere in the universe? If so, do you think that mankind will ever get the chance to meet intelligent non-human life? (and yes, I’m more than aware of the theory that mankind could originate from Mars. If so, then the human race is the only intelligent alien species that we know of today).

Imo, If I were them (those smart Alien creatures). I wouldn’t bother to seek contact with the human race at all. I mean, we are destroying our planet. And we have been killing each other for thousands and thousands of years now.

So In the eyes of the Aliens. I bet that we are nothing more then a primitive and violent race. Why seek up trouble when you don´t have to? I’m just saying.

Anas Abdin:
Great question. I don’t want to sound skeptic or like a philosopher. There is no determinate answer to this question, whether theories that say yes there is life or no there is not. We only sent space probes yesterday if you know what I mean, and they were sent to dead and toxic places. The universe is huge and it would be a waste of space if we were the only life supporting planet. On the other hand, if we were the only life in the universe, then we should believe in ourselves more and know how special we are.
If there is life somewhere else in the universe, I believe we will meet.

I can’t agree with you about the Mars origins… Let’s say the space programs are all cancelled due to wars here, few survived and started all over again. Millenniums later new-NASA sends a probe to Mars and finds the remains of -ancient- probes… I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
Why do we always assume that aliens would be any better than the human race? They could be more aggressive and even stupider than us, even though I’d still want to meet them.

Robin TGG:
Do you have any favorite Sci-fi movies, books or video games? In my case. It would be Star Trek, William Gibsons Neuromancer and Space Quest.

Anas Abdin:
Movies: 2001 Space Odyssey, 2010 The year we make contact, Sunshine. (all sci-fi movies)
Books: Illusions by Richard Bach.
Video games: Sierra’s quests, Lucas Arts adventures in general.

Robin TGG:
I really love the graphic style and animation In Anastronaut. It made me think of other game titles such as The Dig, Space Quest and Another World. Anastronaut is made with AGS (Adventure game studio) isn’t it?

Anas Abdin:
Yes I used AGS to create Anastronaut 1 and 2, it’s a very powerful engine.

Robin TGG:
How has the response on Anastronaut 1 and 2 been this far? Have the word about your games spread throughout the world? And what do people think about Anastronaut?

Anas Abdin:
When I released Anastronaut I was not prepared for the fuss it created. It was my first game ever. I am used to creating stuff and putting them on sale (music, books… even couture) I got great positive responses from many people. Made me feel more responsible to create even better games now. I have awesome fans from all over the world.

Robin TGG:
This may seem like an off-topic question. But what games do you play at the moment?

Anas Abdin:
Budokan.

Robin TGG:
Btw. Have you played a old Sci-fi/action/horror game named Martian Gothic? (PC/PS1)
I stumbled up on that old gem less than a month ago (I haven´t played that game since I was a young kid).

Imo, Martian Gothic is worth a try at least. Because I love the whole setting of the game. It´s like Resident Evil, but In space.

Anas Abdin:
Nope I haven’t played it.

Robin TGG:
Time to wrap this interview up. What are your plans, dreams and wishes for 2012/2013? And will there be a Anastronaut 3?

Anas Abdin:
My plans regarding game development is to keep on making games. The story of Anastronaut is written in a way that could handle many episodes.
Finally, I’d like to thank you for the interview and for checking on Anastronaut. Best of luck to you and all fans.

Robin TGG:
And thank you Anas for taking your time to answear all of our questions. This would be It for now. I hope all you guys and girls enjoyed this interview. Take care, and don´t forget to checkout Anastronaut 1 and 2! Because If you like adventure, Sci-fi and space. Then you MUST buy Anastronaut 1 och 2! (espacily if you like games such as Space Quest).

*UPDATE!*
Anas was friendly enough to answear some of our readers questions as well. So here we go!

Tim C:
Is his game going to be on steam?

Anas Abdin:
I can’t give information regarding steam right now, I don’t want to promise my fans something that depends on another site. However, there are other AGS games on steam.

Tim C:
Are you going to make non-adventure games?

Anas Abdin:
I don’t mind making any type of game as long as it gives players great time and benefit 🙂