SUPER PIKIX portable VJ software

[der warst]

So, I finally bought a Caanoo, after my GP2X died during my last tour. Of course before the first gig. Effing annoying.

Anyways, first thing I did after unpacking was downloading Superpikix, transferring my old Pikix playlists and files and giving it a try.

Here's what I think:

pro:

• switching to TV-out in the program. Nice. That was always a bit fiddly with the GP2X.
• Loading while it already runs. Awesome!
• New blend modes interface works quite nicely.
• Loading a new playlist while it still runs! Awesome, too.
• The Glitch effect doesn't make the program crash.

con:

• The overall interface feels far less intuitive to me than the one of Pikix. It might be because I'm not used to it, but I don't really think so.
• Only 4 Filters accessible at one time. No way! I use them a lot and I don't consider that enough.
• New Joystick behaviour, which in my opinion, doesn't make very much sense at all. I found the up/down configuration in Pikix intuitive and I just don't get why you thought it needed to be changed.
• No way of changing/effecting the background loops. I'm not sure if I've missed something because I just couldn't believe that it's only possible to work with the foreground loop any more. [edit]: Yeah, completely missed that one. found it, now. My fault, sorry bout that.
• I found handling the filter/fx interface quite tiring and unintuitive. In my opinion it involves way too many different input methods. DPAD, ABXY, shoulder button AND touchscreen! Ahem...

To sum it up: I've decided to install GINGE and go back to Pikix. Touchscreen doesn't work that way and I can't write playlists in-program, but Interface-wise it still feels a lot more thought through and overall way more solid (even if it always crashes after playing 2 playlists after each other). I learned it quickly because all button combinations were based on a similar principle and I can use it even while being completely pissed. It seems SuperPikix has a completely different interface structure for every aspect, which in my opinion is quite confusing and makes it a lot less fun to play.

Please don't get me wrong, I don't want to spread any hate and I appreciate your work very very much. And I know this is the first version and all, but after having used and loved Pikix for such a long time, I must say that I was rather disappointed by its new sibling. To me, it felt more like a down- than an upgrade. I don't know if my suggestions are of any importance to you and I don't know if I'm the only one who feels like this or if you had other people reacting that way, too. Just like with my GP2X, I don't know anybody else in person who even owns a Caanoo. But if I had anything to say, it would be: "Please reconsider some of the design choices you made for SuperPikix. Base them more on Pikix and expand on that instead of trying to re-invent the wheel."

I live in London, too. I'd buy you a pint anytime anywhere if you're interested in talking about it.

all the best,
Simon