Messages

9101

Living Room / Re: "Tax Dollars"

« on: January 05, 2007, 01:58 PM »

Ha! 

9102

General Software Discussion / Re: Program to Convert Applications to Run Off USB 3 Flash Drives

« on: January 05, 2007, 01:53 PM »

http://www.u3.com/

-Perry Mowbray (January 05, 2007, 12:01 AM)

That looks neat! Do I need a special USB device or can I just put the U3 stuff on my current USB drives?

9103

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 01:49 PM »

Take this statement:

Unfortunately Tiled exports in XML, a language I know nothing about and tried to figure out how to work with it in Flash a couple years ago but was deeply frustrated by how you had to reference objects (_root.firstChild.firstChild.firstChild.firstChild etc.).

and reverse it.

the time you spent figuring out how to get flash to load and work with the xml file will be paid back to you double.  it will in the long run be far easier for you to work with such a file in flash, plus youll gain skills working with xml files which will serve you well in the future.

-mouser (January 05, 2007, 01:47 PM)

Figuring out XML would indeed be beneficial. But I'd rather not have to figure it out and program a game in one month.

9104

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 01:40 PM »

I don't know how those editors work. Do they just create a text file based on the graphics included in the setup? Got links to the sites so I can read more about them?

Yes, they create data files you can load from flash or any game engine.

Some tile/level editor websites:

• TileStudio - http://tilestudio.sourceforge.net/
• Mappy - http://www.tilemap.co.uk/mappy.php
• Tiled - http://mapeditor.org/

I just saw that Tiled supports isometric levels (!)

-mouser (January 05, 2007, 12:55 PM)

Both Tiled and Mappy support Isometric. Mappy also supports hexagonal.

Unfortunately Tiled exports in XML, a language I know nothing about and tried to figure out how to work with it in Flash a couple years ago but was deeply frustrated by how you had to reference objects (_root.firstChild.firstChild.firstChild.firstChild etc.).

I can't figure out what Mappy exports to. Looks like a bunch of different ones, even plain text.

TileStudio can be programmed to output however you want it, and thus seems an ideal choice from the five-minute research I just did on the three programs.

Possibly worst of all, the graphics all have to be bitmap/raster instead of vector.

9105

General Software Discussion / Re: Goodness! Is there NO Win utility to do "DIR /S/B C:\ZZZ\*.JPG > RESULT.TXT"

« on: January 05, 2007, 12:54 PM »

I don't know much about AutoHotKey but I imagine this kind of thing wouldn't be too difficult to do with it. That is, it could run the command prompt, execute the code you want, and clean itself up with just a click or shortcut instead of having to type all the stuff in manually.

9106

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 12:48 PM »

Deozaan: This is donationcoder, i don't think that a gui, help file, and all that paraphernalia would be needed, i guess that only some .ini file with places where to put bad guys would be enough for the people here to do some cool stuff

-jgpaiva (January 05, 2007, 12:22 PM)

It is true that many members here can do some coding. I can, too, but doing it with just a text file sounds difficult for me to figure out. I did read about making a tile-based map in a game, so I know I could program it. But actually making the levels using only text? I need pictures!

I agree with jgpaiva.  Also I would suggest that you could use one of the existing free map/level editors to edit levels (TileStudio, Mappy, etc).

-mouser (January 05, 2007, 12:38 PM)

I don't know how those editors work. Do they just create a text file based on the graphics included in the setup? Got links to the sites so I can read more about them?

Maybe I could work on a level editor in parallel. If I could get it done in time, great, but if not, it would at least allow Deozaan to concentrate on the core game.

-tinjaw (January 05, 2007, 12:27 PM)

I think I might prefer more help with the core game for the duration of the contest. After the contest ends we could always add more features and expand it. That's how real game developers make games, isn't it? They make the version they need to before the deadline and then make a sequel and add all the things they wanted in the first place.

9107

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 12:13 PM »

This is true. But then time would need to be devoted to designing a level editor anybody can use. Not that that's a bad thing, but considering time restraints, might not be plausible. Of course, if we do a level based game and want to include tons of levels we'd probably want to design a level editor that's easy to use anyway. It's something I'll be sure to keep in mind.

9108

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 12:05 PM »

That sounds like a good plan. I can probably get up to speed quick enough to help out with some of the coding. Have you ever done a collaborative development project before? Are you skilled at version control, merging, etc.?

-tinjaw (January 05, 2007, 11:47 AM)

Nope, not really. I was just imagining that we'd pick out some basic things that are common in all elements of the game and then work on separate classes. But collaboration and version control stuff sounds good if it doesn't take a month (or a week) to get set up and organized and going properly.

9109

Living Room / Re: Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 11:23 AM »

I don't know Jack Flash. Do you think it would be possible to go from Zero to Competition-grade Flash game in time? I did something similar with Torque Game Builder for the Accessibility Game Contest, but I don't know if that was a one-time fluke or if it is repeatable with Flash. Can any of our resident Flash experts chime in with some of their thoughts? Are there any freeware or open source tools available to make building Flash games easier or do I need to fork out hundreds of dollars to Adobe?

-tinjaw (January 05, 2007, 09:08 AM)

I was looking for a good ActionScript editor the other day and mouser pointed me to FlashDevelop, which appears to be freeware/donationware. It comes with (a possibly outdated version of) SWFMill, which, if I understand the description correctly, is an Open Source (GNU) program that can create asset libraries (graphics/fonts) into swf files for importing. It can do more than that but I haven't looked into it beyond the front page description.

As for going from 0 to hero in a month in Flash, I'd tend to agree with mouser. I'm not saying it's impossible. It depends on how much time you can devote to it. As for my own skill level, I can't say that I'm incredibly skilled with the programming side of Flash. You could probably reach my skill level fairly quickly, especially if you're already familiar with coding and even more so if you're already familiar with programming in ECMAScript.

Give it a try on your own or I would be very happy to have some help and collaborate on a game with you. I am just starting to get familiar with OOP so if you know how to write custom classes and things like that, your help would be very... uh, helpful.

sounds very good but i've never played one of these tower games so i'll need a few hints.

-nudone (January 05, 2007, 01:56 AM)

Well get playing some of them!

Mouser and I have been thinking about a macroscopic garden theme. With plants and cute little bugs and things. And Cody. The simpleness of your artwork on Cody makes me think you'd have no problem coming up with other little bugs in a similar art style. I'll talk with mouser more about it (or maybe he can just talk to you about it) to figure out more specific ideas for what the plants and bugs look like.

Ooh, I just had an idea! The object of the game could be to protect some kind of flower in the center of the screen while bugs attack at it from all angles. The flower in the middle needs time to bloom and when it blooms the petals open up to reveal a big coin. After which time Cody swoops down (he's really, really big compared to the bugs) and snatches the coin away. Level complete. Each level takes the flower longer to bloom and the bugs become stronger and/or come more frequently.

The creatures defending the flower could be something like ants, with army bugs, drone bugs, worker bugs, etc. The creatures attacking the flower will steal nectar from it (maybe the nectar hardens into the coin at the end?) and you have to attack the thief bugs. If the thief bugs start to take away the nectar they have to go back across the screen to get away from you. You can attack them and retrieve the nectar back all the way until they leave the screen, but you need special nectar bugs to retrieve the stolen nectar and return it to the flower. Defending these bugs will be a priority because the thief bugs will go for the closest source of nectar, even if that means attacking your nectar harvester bugs.

So how do some of these ideas sound?

9110

Living Room / Jay is Games Flash Competition 2: Need Ideas!

« on: January 05, 2007, 12:26 AM »

Jay is Games is having another Flash Development Competition:

Here's the scoop: you, casual gamer / game designer / Flash whiz, design a simple puzzle game in Flash (version 8, AS 2.0).

Yes, the type of entry we're looking for is the same as what we called for during our first competition. And while the entries we received contained various interpretations of "simple puzzle game", all things considered, the simple puzzle idea proved to be an excellent choice. So we're doing it again!!

But there is a catch. This time your game design must incorporate this theme: "grow".

You are, of course, free to interpret that any way you choose; however, the extent to which your game addresses the theme is left up to the competition judges to decide. Entries not meeting this requirement will be disqualified.

For full details Click Here.

Recently I've been talking to mouser and Tinjaw about making games and one of the ideas we've been tossing around seems perfect. A Tower Defense type game could be considered both a puzzle game (where to place towers) and a growth game (upgrade towers). We've been throwing around ideas trying to come up with something a bit more improved on what we've seen so far in the Tower Defense genre, but I'd love to hear any ideas anyone here can come up with for this contest (not limited to Tower Defense ideas) and I'd certainly like help designing the game conceptually so that I can focus most of my time on programming it instead of trying to figure out all the details of a fun working game by myself.

Oh, and Nudone, you've officially been drafted to make the graphics for the game. Especially since some of the ideas we're liking best will be somewhat Cody themed. If you don't like it, take it up with mouser. I tried to fight for your freedom of choice but mouser wouldn't hear any of that.

Please submit your ideas quickly!

The deadline is February 9th!

9111

General Software Discussion / Re: Program to Convert Applications to Run Off USB 3 Flash Drives

« on: January 04, 2007, 11:07 PM »

So what is U3?

9112

General Software Discussion / Re: Program to Convert Applications to Run Off USB 3 Flash Drives

« on: January 04, 2007, 07:35 PM »

When did USB 3 come out?

9113

Living Room / Re: Very Cool Flash Game: Tunnel Rush

« on: January 04, 2007, 07:22 PM »

My high score is 3269. I only tried twice so I don't know how good that is.

9114

General Software Discussion / Re: Remoting Software Questions

« on: January 04, 2007, 05:43 PM »

It is a bit annoying only being able to have one logon user, that's probably the single biggest disadvantage of RDP to a workstation.

Also, you "take over the box" with RDP, sometimes it's nicer to keep the local user logged in, so s/he can see what you're doing. Iirc there's a commandline switch for this, but didn't mess much with it.

I haven't found anything else that matches RDP in speed and ease of use, though - it's king of the hill in this regard.

For RDP across the internet, I'd recommend running through a SSH/SSL tunnel or via VPN.

-f0dder (January 04, 2007, 03:30 PM)

yes, general works ok for testing though hard to do anything.  Just remember you can't usually use your real ip, you have to use loopback 127.0.0.1 (at least that's my experience).

-mouser (January 04, 2007, 02:18 PM)

I just heard about SSH/SSL and tunneling and loopbacks in the IRC channel very recently. I would like more information because the primary method of remoting would be across the intertubes. (It would be nice to be able to continue working on projects on my breaks at work or if I go out of town.)

Thanks!

9115

Living Room / Re: What is the DonationCoder.com Internet Citizens's Club (Cody's Club) ??

« on: January 04, 2007, 05:08 PM »

tinjaw: Send me $5 and I will send you the names of five other people who also want to know. You just ask them to send you $5 and send them five names. You make lots money fast with this proven work at home plan.

I implemented this plan with several nice Nigerians who were kind enough to offer me some excellent money-making opportunities.  Should be able to retire shortly!

-cranioscopical (January 04, 2007, 04:29 PM)

As one of my friends used to say: "That's hilariating!"

9116

General Software Discussion / Re: Good programs for helping you manage what programs start with windows?

« on: January 04, 2007, 01:46 PM »

just to refine this - the original poster was most interested in adding a new program to start with windows.

-mouser (July 19, 2006, 07:17 AM)

How much simpler can it be than to drag the shortcut to the StartUp folder in the start menu?

9117

General Software Discussion / Re: Remoting Software Questions

« on: January 04, 2007, 01:41 PM »

I keep trying to get someone on DC to do a big review of these tools, but the tasks has driven both of them insane (Josh + Ken).. 

-mouser (January 04, 2007, 01:22 PM)

That actually explains a lot!

Hmm...    Has anyone tried to remote from a computer you're remoting to? Or trying to have the remote computer remote back to the one you're sitting at? 

9118

Skrommel's Software / Re: Where is "DelEmpty" tool? Link point to wrong software

« on: January 04, 2007, 01:25 PM »

Good evening, Gentlemen.

All your links are belong to us!

Skrommel: For great justice fix every link!

9119

Find And Run Robot / Re: FARR and X1 (or other desk. Search tools)

« on: January 04, 2007, 01:21 PM »

What's a mouffetard? Sounds funny! 

9120

General Software Discussion / Re: Remoting Software Questions

« on: January 04, 2007, 01:16 PM »

mwb1100: If your information is correct, then it sounds like it's exactly what I'm looking for. I'd want to log in as myself (only have one user account anyway--like I said, nobody uses it but me) so it should all be fine.

jgpaiva: VNC doesn't need to be installed on the PC I'm remoting to? How does it connect? Is there an install-free, USB version of VNC?

9121

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Friday, January 12: ClipMate @ Bits du Jour

« on: January 04, 2007, 11:31 AM »

Remind me again in a week!

9122

General Software Discussion / Re: Remoting Software Questions

« on: January 04, 2007, 11:27 AM »

What do you mean about the session ending for the local user? Does that mean all files and programs opened would be closed and it would log the local user off?

If it messes with the keyboard and mouse controls or just goes to a "switch user account" screen, that shouldn't be a problem. Nobody uses my computer but me. But I do leave programs and files open when I leave that I might not want closed out.

I figured RD was like VNC except that it was included in every version of WinXP Pro. That way, like you said, any computer with Windows RD could access my computer.

9123

General Software Discussion / Remoting Software Questions

« on: January 04, 2007, 10:28 AM »

I haven't had a chance to look very far into this, but I just decided that I might like to set up a remote connection to my home computer so I can access it from elsewhere. Has anyone here used the Microsoft Remote Desktop software? Is it easy to get set up? Is there a quick guide somewhere on how to set it up properly?

Thanks!

9124

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Game du Jour

« on: January 04, 2007, 10:20 AM »

I just got back from whining on smf form (again) about the search function failures.

-mouser (January 04, 2007, 10:08 AM)

Didn't App make a Firefox plugin that searched this site using Google? (Where'd that thread go? I can't find it.) Why not just replace the SMF search to use the Google search code?

9125

Accessibility Game Contest / Re: Bulbaceous Balls

« on: January 04, 2007, 12:32 AM »

Hi XIX,

I just have to relate a somewhat humorous experience a few folks just had in the DonationCoder IRC Channel because of the timing of this post:

<Deozaan> So I just did a search for Torsion, which Tinjaw mentioned earlier was a good IDE for Torque. One of the first results was Testicular Torsion a very painful sounding medical condition.
<hamradio> lol
<MouserBot> [DC Forum] Bulbaceous Balls - Accessibility Game Contest - by XIX - https://www.donation...65.msg47911#msg47911
<Deozaan> Talking about Testicular Torsion and then the next DC post is called Bulbacious Balls?