Alpha Centauri 2

Other Games => Other Games => Topic started by: Dale on May 18, 2014, 01:47:58 PM

Title: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 18, 2014, 01:47:58 PM
So anyways, during my current between contracts period, I've decided to create a little casual game that I can whip up, chuck on the Windows Store, and maybe make a couple of bucks to keep some money coming in.

The game is a BoulderDash style game (collect the diamonds, avoid boulders, bugs and other nasties) and has only a couple of simple game rules.  In the last week I've been able to get the structure of the game up and running, including loading of text file levels and settings.  This makes it much easier moving forward.

You'll notice a couple of things:
1. My graphics is the crap.  Hey, I'm a coder not an artist.  :p
2. The game is at what you could call an "alpha" state.  it's a game, but not complete, tested or polished.
3. Yellow box is start, red box is finish (opens when enough diamonds are collected) and star is currently player.

Here's some screenshots of the current game:
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 18, 2014, 04:18:33 PM
Would you like something like "Game Developer" or "BBR Games" for a user title?  Promotion, y'know?

Would you be looking for any help w/ graphics, or are you thinking to keep it quick & simple and yours. all. yours?

What timeframe do you anticipate completing this in?  What sort of profit would satisfy you, and how likely do you think that is to happen?  I don't know anything about the Windows Store...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on May 18, 2014, 09:27:49 PM
Sounds like the kind of game for a portable device, but you say it is intended for the Windows Store? For microsoft-based computers thus?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 18, 2014, 10:18:35 PM
Would you like something like "Game Developer" or "BBR Games" for a user title?  Promotion, y'know?

"Indie Dev" would be cool.  :)

Quote
Would you be looking for any help w/ graphics, or are you thinking to keep it quick & simple and yours. all. yours?

Well for assets I was thinking of crowd sourcing this, then pay a local to come up with the goods.  But if there's offers to give it for free, I ain't gunna say "no".  ;)

Quote
What timeframe do you anticipate completing this in?  What sort of profit would satisfy you, and how likely do you think that is to happen?  I don't know anything about the Windows Store...

Simply put, it'll be done when it's done.  ASAP preferably.  It should be finished as far as I can get it (ie: to asset polishing) in the next few weeks.  As for money, any money would satisfy me.  That'd be an improvement on my current state.   :D

Sounds like the kind of game for a portable device, but you say it is intended for the Windows Store? For microsoft-based computers thus?

Well it can be for tablet or PC.  Seen plenty of games like this on PC.  BTW, Windows Store caters for Windows tablets too don't ya know?  ;)

Anyways it's not really a choice option.  Whilst I can android and iOS it up, XNA (Windows) is my primary area.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 18, 2014, 10:49:06 PM
Well I'm willing to put some serious effort in, if my art skillz meet your needs, in return for a professional credit and you promising to remember who yer buddy is if this makes you rich.  All rights ceded to you completely.  Let me know what you need.

Gonna title you now.  Enjoy.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 18, 2014, 11:21:57 PM
Cool.  Full credits in the game of course.  That's a gimme.  And if I make a $million I'll remember who got me there.   ;lol

Art as you can see from the screenshots:
- boulder
- dirt
- bedrock (hard, can't break through)
- brick wall (hard, but can be broken by explosions)
- two coloured doors (start and finish)
- player icon
- 4 frame explosion animation (make 4 separate pngs)

All gfx 32x32 pixels, png, with alpha transparency.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 18, 2014, 11:33:37 PM
Deal.

Hmmm.  I need to look over your screenies and think about it first, but if I can wrap my head around your needs -and as a smilie artist of some proven accomplishment, I think I can do good work at that size- this ought to be reasonably easy.  Naturally, I'll need to create from scratch so you can't run into problems with that part of IP rights; I like to cheat and adapt pre-existing work when I can, but no problem.

I'll try to have you a first installment in the next 24 hours.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 19, 2014, 12:47:07 AM
Had a thought.  Instead of "bed rock", I'd rather have steel with rivets.  That will make it stand alone aside from all the other tiles.  This particular tile is supposed to be the game border, so it's function is to hold everything in.

I'll link to build downloads when I can so you guys can test it out.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 19, 2014, 01:28:21 AM
Sounds good.

A steel girder segment is probably much easier to do and make look like something than bedrock, so all upside.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 19, 2014, 04:53:42 AM
BTW?  I'm going to end up having to MAKE time for this.  I haven't gotten anything substantial done in days, only reading and sending PMs.  I've got substantial things in need of doing onsite, but there's never enough time - something I'm sure you're familiar with.  Heavy rests the head...

I'm committed to making this a priority, though.  Content is king, and this is that.  And so, substantial.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 01:25:41 AM
I'm not satisfied with the shininess to look metallic, but this will at least give you something to play with while I figure that out.

If you can rotate, this will serve at least for now - otherwise, let me know and I'll post a horizontal straight and three more corners, which will take seconds apiece to do.

Are there color limitations and I'm overthinking it?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 01:32:48 AM
Is this a little more like it?  Warmer or colder?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 01:50:51 AM
I believe you can tell what this is.  Would segments w/ irregular edges and corners out to help simulate digging be useful?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 01:55:23 AM
Alternate take...

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Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 02:06:02 AM
Sorta thing you had in mind for doors?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 20, 2014, 02:53:53 AM
Liking girder1b and dirt2.  Try colouring in the doors with some different shades to indicate the bevels.

See if you can make girder1b tileable horiz and vert just with the one image.  Will make life simple for me.

Nostalgia kick: the original.

(http://www.boulder-dash.nl/images/screenshots/bd1cavea.gif)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 03:49:18 AM
Try colouring in the doors with some different shades to indicate the bevels.
I'm not sure I understand.  I'll try some stuff if you haven't clarified when I post the next border tries.

See if you can make girder1b tileable horiz and vert just with the one image.  Will make life simple for me.
I can turn them into tiles with four edges instead of two, or sort of a ribbon without the raised edge bits that say 'girder'.  I'll post drafts of each.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 04:33:00 AM
I'm open to suggestions...

Doors next...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 20, 2014, 04:39:08 AM
Try colouring in the doors with some different shades to indicate the bevels.
I'm not sure I understand.  I'll try some stuff if you haven't clarified when I post the next border tries.


No white in the doors, doesn't look good in game.  This should convey what I'm trying to explain.  :)

(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/82808/82808,1225779462,2/stock-vector-red-door-icon-19953304.jpg)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 04:41:58 AM
That's roughly what I figured out...  More color?  These're probably too subtle for the retro sort of thing you're doing.  It probably should LOOK sorta 80s...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 05:16:06 AM
?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 20, 2014, 08:29:25 AM
Current shot using some of the above graphics.

Mental note: need to do something about header and footer row.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 02:26:12 PM
I think seeing it laid out like that helps me understand what's needed better.

I'm assuming the pink is needing bricks in that, the round things are in for boulders, and the star needs a player icon?  I can definitely improve on the first two, though no inspiration yet for the last.  I could do a stick figure at that size, but lame.  I think the player icon could be an important piece of branding/catching attention if we're clever, so I'm thinking a certain black and white animal associated w/ you.

A penguin.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 10:52:07 PM
You may differ, but even my bad eyesight can make out the faint border I put on the girder sections in the screenie you posted.  In case more of a continuous ribbon is better for your concept, here...

(I now have a Dale subfolder in Graphics where I keep everything.)

Taking a run at the bolder next - think I'll go for a grayish tone for contrast.


Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: DrazharLn on May 20, 2014, 11:01:52 PM
Is a bright blue really a good idea for the borders? It attracts the attention when the borders aren't all that important. I think they should be a duller colour.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 11:11:39 PM
I think borders at all are not a good idea, but I can't see the picture Dale has in his head.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 11:14:29 PM
Is a little edge blurring and depth shading too far from the concept?  Simpler version also attached.

Bricks are probably not going to be a major problem if I'm careful about getting the edges to match...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 11:21:15 PM
I think borders at all are not a good idea, but I can't see the picture Dale has in his head.
Me not understanding point - yeah, I don't disagree, but metallic tones are really hard to nail, and I don't have a lot of features there to make highlights on.  It needs some blue to look like girders at all...

I'll fiddle with lowering color saturation and post a try shortly.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 20, 2014, 11:29:53 PM
This may indeed be better.
?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 12:30:19 AM
This is the surest I've been about a first draft yet.  That'll link up w/ adjoining wall segments, top and bottom, nicely.

Four sequential shots of it blowing up are going to take longer, but doable...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 12:45:59 AM
Now that's branding, I think.

I could also size this slightly differently (and put the background back or not) and create a BBR or Indie Dev usergroup so a certain someone could have it as an icon right under his handle...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 01:19:42 AM
Thanks BU.

Current screenshot.  Looking much better with that border.  BTW, the point of the border is to dictate game area.  Not every level will be the same size.  The border dictates how big an area you get.

EDIT: notice a double line on the brick horizontal tiling.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 01:24:12 AM
That's looking pretty sharp so far.  Did you ask for something in place of the diamonds?

Hmm.  Something I don't understand going on with the brick edges on the sides...  Need to have another look.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 01:25:11 AM
That's looking pretty sharp so far.  Did you ask for something in place of the diamonds?

Hmm.  Something I don't understand going on with the brick edges on the sides...  Need to have another look.

Diamonds are fine.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 01:37:09 AM
I better draw something you can own, though, to be safe - should be no problem.  Before I check your list on the first page, am I missing anything but the animation exploding wall frames?  Anything new?

Okay, the numbers don't work out for bricks quite even at 32x, so I had to cheat a brick in each row one pixel wider, but this will look better on the horizontal walls.  I checked..

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 01:42:00 AM
Bedrock.  How to draw bedrock that looks like bedrock and different than dirt and boulders?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 01:53:20 AM
Ignore bedrock you've been calling it girder.

Explosion is generic not for wall. Ie bug dieing player dieing.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 02:05:23 AM
Ah.  That will actually be easier.  The brick segments fill up the frame and would be tough to make look good.  Chill Penguin, I have a little room, especially to the sides.  I blew up Wiglaf's head recently recently for a 'poly smilie, so I know exactly what to do.  I'll make it as a .gif animation and then post individual frames.

If I can do this  ;hypocrite, that will be easy.



What's this about bugs?  I missed those...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 21, 2014, 02:39:34 AM



What's this about bugs?  I missed those...

Me, too. Probably a level thing. It sorta reminds me of an ant farm. I'd expect to find ants and termites underground... But an unorthodox opinion might be called for.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 02:45:22 AM
Okay - I can knock out a generic spidery silhouette.

Hmm.  Looking at what's in the screenie, I wasted a lot of time trying to fill up the square and just messed up the proportions.  Let's back up a few steps and skip that for the next draft...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 02:54:40 AM
?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 02:58:32 AM
Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 04:10:08 AM
I'm out for the day now and can't trial any.

The bugs are the baddies. One just blows up and the other turns into diamonds.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 04:33:50 AM
Now to save each frame as a .png...

Ants could be tough, as I can do an ant head facing forward, or a profile that faces one way - and which explodes and which turns to diamonds? Ant or spider?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 04:46:20 AM
The way I timed it for the .gif was 30ms for each of these four frames, which may have been too fast.  100ms is too slow.  Around 50ms, or 1/20th of a second may be about right, depending on how it works in the programming and how fast the game runs.  I can fiddle around with the .gif timing more if you want more info on that.

Now to knock out a spider before bed - feedback on the ant and the other two transformations would be great.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 05:09:05 AM
Tough to pick a color, since black is already taken for the background and I think the ants will be red.  Color is easily changed on request.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Green1 on May 21, 2014, 05:14:44 AM
Something like this would probably go over pretty well on an Android platform in the Google Play store. Make an f2p version that gives one level then ask for a certain low amount to unlock an unlimited version. Lots of folks like simple games like this on their phones as a time waster.

Would that be hard to do?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Green1 on May 21, 2014, 05:18:23 AM
oh... and Dale....

If you ever make a Facebook cow clicker... ever, I will get in my command chopper with my army of green clad ninjas to Aussie land to "re-educate" you :D
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 05:20:36 AM
Something like this would probably go over pretty well on an Android platform in the Google Play store. Make an f2p version that gives one level then ask for a certain low amount to unlock an unlimited version. Lots of folks like simple games like this on their phones as a time waster.

Would that be hard to do?
I wonder about doing the bedrock and maybe some other graphical changes for a different level?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 05:21:59 AM
Bed now.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 05:55:43 AM
The way I timed it for the .gif was 30ms for each of these four frames, which may have been too fast.  100ms is too slow.  Around 50ms, or 1/20th of a second may be about right, depending on how it works in the programming and how fast the game runs.  I can fiddle around with the .gif timing more if you want more info on that.

Now to knock out a spider before bed - feedback on the ant and the other two transformations would be great.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games

Keep the animations as separate pngs, don't combine them.  I'm programatically controlling the timers.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on May 21, 2014, 07:04:04 AM
oh... and Dale....

If you ever make a Facebook cow clicker... ever, I will get in my command chopper with my army of green clad ninjas to Aussie land to "re-educate" you :D

Sorry to break your worldview, but he has an elite heroine back home, defending it to the death. ;)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 01:16:48 PM
I would pay to see a beered-up Green w/ ninjas versus Mrs. Dale.  He's a machine when he gets going, and my money's on her, but I bet it would be epic.

Keep the animations as separate pngs, don't combine them.  I'm programatically controlling the timers.
I guess I wasn't clear that I get that - I was saying that I do have a little experience with animation, and working with the .gif version is how I can test and advise.  I'm not entirely satisfied with all frames at 30ms - and it might work better if the first frame, GoodbyeChillFr1.png, was replaced whit Chill swelling up a little instead.

No feedback about the second bug? Or which explodes?  Will an effect be needed for the one that turns diamond?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 21, 2014, 01:42:10 PM
Okay, so it goes like this.

One bug, let's say a spider, follows the walls in one direction.  If hit by a boulder, or hits the player or slime, then 9 squares explode (bug plus 8 surrounding).

The other bug, a butterfly, follows the walls in the opposite direction.  If hit by a boulder, or hits the player or slime, then 9 squares turn into diamonds (bug plus 8 surrounding).
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 01:48:45 PM
I can do a butterfly - that works.  You don't need explosion animations for surroundings?

The spider fills less of the frame, so if I knew what color spider you preferred, that ought to be easy to 'splode.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 21, 2014, 04:36:53 PM
Okay this version has the four frames timed at, respectively, 100, 50, 30 and 20ms.  I do think the new first/swell-up frame, as attached below, works better.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 12:54:23 AM
Okay, I just picked one.  Color easy enough to change.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 01:05:53 AM
The frame timing I used above was, respectively in order, - 200, 70, 50 and 40ms.  the last three are probably a smidge too slow/long to my eye.

When I do the butterflies, am I done?  I'm thinking a poisonous-looking green and yellow with some black...

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 02:41:20 AM
What else?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 02:54:12 AM
W/ black lightened around the edges so all of Chill Penguin shows against the black background.  Doesn't look like I did anything against this light background, but you'll see the difference in the game.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 02:58:49 AM
For multiplayer, I'm thinking I've got the perfect thing for the other player icon - Innocent Teddy, a perfectly innocent example of a back and white teddy bear...

[ducks]
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 22, 2014, 03:25:33 AM
oh... and Dale....

If you ever make a Facebook cow clicker... ever, I will get in my command chopper with my army of green clad ninjas to Aussie land to "re-educate" you :D

:p
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 22, 2014, 03:26:29 AM
For multiplayer, I'm thinking I've got the perfect thing for the other player icon - Innocent Teddy, a perfectly innocent example of a back and white teddy bear...

[ducks]

No MP.  Can't be bothered programming it.

Though, it I can get onto Steam, it wouldn't be hard through Steamworks.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 22, 2014, 03:28:43 AM
What else?

Copyright 2014, BBR Games

 ;b;
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:35:59 AM
You're pointing me at the red door, aren't you? :(

The spiders and the butterflies really ought to bob or flap - would alternating frames be practical?  Wouldn't take me five minutes to supply.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 22, 2014, 03:39:23 AM
You're pointing me at the red door, aren't you? :(

The spiders and the butterflies really ought to bob or flap - would alternating frames be practical?  Wouldn't take me five minutes to supply.

The thumbs up was for the butterfly.   :)

Yeah, was gunna ask for a spider bob and fly flap.  Like you say, only needs one more frame.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:39:45 AM
Time me...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:51:06 AM
A little more than five minutes.  Hmph.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 22, 2014, 03:52:41 AM
Too slow.   ;lol
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:54:02 AM
I messed up and had to do the spider twice.  Looks better like that, though.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 04:13:07 AM
Hmm.  Action frame for Chill Penguin?  I could make his flippers flap and feet move a little...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 05:17:22 AM
Seems like the bobbing and flapping look best at a sedate 400ms a frame.  Maybe 300, but 200 is pretty frantic - no lower, I think.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:08:59 PM
A second frame of Chill w/wingtips and feet moved slightly and helmet light brightened a  little.  My complements to the original logo artist, BTW.

I guess I'm done until one of us has an idea or you need tweaking on something?  Feedback welcome.  I enjoy doing these sorts of little art jobs for people, as you well know.

Much could be reimagined if you wanted to make different levels look different.

Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 03:37:16 PM
This is with both frames at 300ms.

Incidentally, I just thought of a practical use for you of the .gifs I've posted.  When you release the game, make a page on the BBR site promoting it -I don't have to explain why that's a good idea, I think- you can use the animated gifs there.  In fact, once I understand enough about how this game works, I could make you a game screen .gif cycling through a few seconds of play to lead the page with.  I already have all the graphical elements...

In fact, I have an idea for another little phone game if you want to follow up in that vein later...


Copyright 2014, BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 22, 2014, 04:18:32 PM
Looks like you forgot to shave today, Buncle.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 22, 2014, 04:34:50 PM
Looks like you forgot to shave today, Buncle.
I did.  That's a pretty good likeness of me made from my usual avatar, who looks enough like my dad -the red crew-cut, wrinkles and all- that I mostly just changed the hair and added facial fur at a typical length - I'm wearing it longer lately, though. 

I also made it into Buster's Daddy w/ typical beard style, but had to change the nose and forehead a lot more, and give it his ears.  Not as strong a likeness, but that's him, all right
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 23, 2014, 04:15:56 AM
I'm out for the weekend.  So there'll be no action on this till next week.  :)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 04:29:23 AM
Okydoke.


Raain' frassin' - I want to see now.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 03:12:46 PM
???
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 23, 2014, 07:43:00 PM
???

Dale is camping with his cubscouts
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 08:23:17 PM
???

Dale is camping with his cubscouts

That wasn't hard to figure out. It's more about the meaning of the following:

Quote
Raain' frassin'...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on May 23, 2014, 08:30:53 PM
OH. Didn't see that.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 08:36:09 PM
Fake grumbling, folks.

Mostly fake. ;)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on May 23, 2014, 08:55:56 PM
Taking the volume of your voice under consideration, that grumble might sound like a tornado a hundred yards away. :D
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 23, 2014, 09:28:56 PM
Like a loud nerd, mostly.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 02:40:04 AM
Well, SuperDale?  Anything to report?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 28, 2014, 02:51:06 AM
Been working on the inner workings, getting things moving smoothly.

If you have time, how about a two-frame slime tile?   ;)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 02:54:11 AM
Slime tile two frames wide or what?  Tell me more.  -Like what you see slime as looking like...  Is it a puddle on the floor or a gelatious blob blocking the way, and does it 'splode or anything?

Two intersecting frames, or one 20x40?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Green1 on May 28, 2014, 03:11:20 AM
Dale's going to have to put you on payroll, BU. "Lead Artist" sound prestigious enough? Maybe throw in a back support swivel chair and a 3000 USD graphics workstation computer?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 03:14:36 AM
I said I'd do it for a pro credit, and I'm a man of my word.

Plus I do expect a generous stipend/bonus if it unexpectedly blows up viral and makes megabucks...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Green1 on May 28, 2014, 03:19:36 AM
I said I'd do it for a pro credit, and I'm a man of my word.

Plus I do expect a generous stipend/bonus if it unexpectedly blows up viral and makes megabucks...

I guess it is not like you are having to 3d model all this stuff. You seem to be pumping out those sprites pretty darn quick.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 03:27:31 AM
Eh, that work isn't going to set the world on fire (if there were levels w/ different appearances, I'd suggest one with all the same elements done all bright, simple and 16 bit-looking) but I suppose it's competent.  At the small size I'm working in, getting something to look like what it's supposed to be is the challenge, but once that's figured out, it's not a lot of pixels to arrange, and not being able to do that much cuts down on the urge to fiddle/tweak for perfection.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on May 28, 2014, 03:51:20 AM
Slime tile two frames wide or what?  Tell me more.  -Like what you see slime as looking like...  Is it a puddle on the floor or a gelatious blob blocking the way, and does it 'splode or anything?

Two intersecting frames, or one 20x40?

Sorry, should've been more descriptive.  Keep forgetting some people have no idea what the 80's game BoulderDash is.  ;)

Slime is a full size blocking tile.  By two frames I mean animation frames.  So a "jiggle" in the slime.  In game, slime grows slowly filling all dirt/empty spaces.  If it gets blocked in and can't grow anymore it turns into diamonds.  If a bug touches slime it dies.  The player doesn't die but is blocked by slime.  Player can also act to block slime turning it into diamonds.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 04:08:29 AM
So I should google BoulderDash for inspiration and then not do exactly that.  Got it.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Green1 on May 28, 2014, 04:34:54 AM
So I should google BoulderDash for inspiration and then not do exactly that.  Got it.

Boulder Dash had a lot of clones, too back in the day.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 04:38:02 AM
I'm seeing that.  There's a 20-minute play-through video here:
http://www.c64-wiki.com/index.php/Boulder_Dash (http://www.c64-wiki.com/index.php/Boulder_Dash)
and I found the slime in action at 6 minutes, but find myself watching it all...
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 11:17:46 PM
I'd have liked to do something more creative, but I don't see how fooling with the shape/edges could be done w/o making it a lot more complicated...

See how these work out.

Copyright 20144 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 28, 2014, 11:41:29 PM
Here's roughly how it will look ingame at 800ms a frame...

Copyright 20144 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on May 29, 2014, 04:33:09 AM
Hey - I think I just came up with a better arrangement of what I already posted...

Copyright 20144 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 01, 2014, 04:10:26 AM
Anything to report? ;excite;
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on June 01, 2014, 06:32:32 AM
It's Sunday evening in eastern Australia? ;cute
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 01, 2014, 06:37:23 AM
[checks the time for Kilkakon and subtracts three] Still morning in Melbourne, I think.  Dale may actually go to church.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 01, 2014, 07:45:58 AM
There's one more major bug (to do with bug calculation of empty spaces around it) to iron out, and then I'll be able to upload something.   :)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Geo on June 01, 2014, 08:29:49 AM
[checks the time for Kilkakon and subtracts three] Still morning in Melbourne, I think.  Dale may actually go to church.

It was morning in Europe when I posted. :P
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 01, 2014, 12:02:38 PM
Here you go, something to look at.  Download, install via setup.exe.  Note: written in XNA so it may require additional Microsoft files to download (ie: XNA Runtime files, DirectX).  They're safe to install.

Arrow keys to move.  Collect the diamonds, avoid the bugs.  Only 4 levels.

http://www.brrgames.com/files/RockRun.zip (http://www.brrgames.com/files/RockRun.zip)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 02, 2014, 01:11:07 AM
Hmmm.  I do need Xna to run - but meanwhile, I took a look at what versions you used of this and that graphic - and I assume you haven't had a look at various second drafts I did because you're not at the stage where you worry about that, and everything's easily substituted when you are?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 02, 2014, 01:39:20 AM
As far as I'm aware it's only the brick wall which isn't the latest version.  Let me know if you see any others.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 02, 2014, 01:43:01 AM
Brick wall and slime, for sure.  The gem image you were already using is just plain nicer, but you own the three versions I did outright. I take it the second frame of Chill didn't have anywhere to go.  I see no sign of the second frames of the spider and butterfly.

You appear to have the spider blowing up for the butterfly destruction - do I need to make something of them turning into diamonds?

Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 02, 2014, 02:35:32 AM
The gem image I'm using I already own.  :)

Slime I was sure I updated.  Will do now though to make sure.  I didn't bother with the "move" frames of the characters.  The game speed is such you don't notice it so they became redundant.

Yeah if you could make the fly ripping apart like the spider one?  Don't worry about changing it to a diamond.  Just the same animation as the spider.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 02, 2014, 03:13:56 AM
On it.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 02, 2014, 04:15:24 AM
I think this'll look pretty good...  Same timing as I used on the spider'splode.

Copyright 20144 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 02, 2014, 04:40:12 AM
Good job!  Looks good in game.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on June 04, 2014, 01:18:55 PM
Don't know if Youtube videos can be embedded here, so here's a link to a Youtube of how the game is right now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazHdQZe5hs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazHdQZe5hs)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 04, 2014, 02:30:35 PM
I don't know why, but it'll embed if you take the "s" out of "https".

RockRun Levels 1 - 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oazHdQZe5hs#)

Also?   :danc:
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on June 04, 2014, 09:50:46 PM
I notice that in the video, the penguin's outline still doesn't seem to show - try this instead...

Copyright 20144 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on August 10, 2014, 12:33:07 AM
Is this finished and for sale ?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on August 11, 2014, 08:45:38 PM
I'd like to echo the request for a status update.  It'a only fair.
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Dale on August 27, 2014, 11:14:46 AM
Apologies, I've been waiting on my Surface Pro 3 (arrives tomorrow) so I can launch it on Windows/Surface.  :)
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on October 07, 2014, 01:21:17 AM
My wife loves her Surface Pro 3. It was a great recommendation, Dale !

So has Rock Run been released under that name?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Rusty Edge on December 20, 2014, 04:48:21 PM
Is it ready for Christmas?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Flux on January 01, 2015, 08:44:52 PM
Is this out yet on the W8 store?
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on July 21, 2015, 03:46:51 PM
Hey Daley-Dale; just a note in case you ever do anything with Rock Run - the Rock in my postbit is an improved version of the one I made for you for this.  You might want to use that instead.


Copyright 2015 BBR Games
Title: Re: Rock Run: A Game in Development
Post by: Buster's Uncle on July 21, 2015, 03:53:00 PM
...And I heard a rumor recently that RL has been good to you lately, which I assume is why nothing's yet come of this.  Yes?...
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