Bluster V1.00 Beta-1 - now available for download

[RickJ]

Bluster  is a game organizer and launcher.  Games are grouped into categories, select a game and a preview document is displayed and it's theme song is played.  Click the PLAY button to launch the game.   The current  feature list is as follows:

• View html preview document
  
• Play theme song or sound
  
• Launch game
  
• Launch game's setup programs
  
• Supports AGS made games
  
• Limited support for non-AGS games
  
• Run from CD or hard disk installation
  
• Install individual game, category, or entire collection from CD to hard disk
  
• Open browser on link to game website

Download current version at ....
http://gaia-spa.com/download/Bluster.zip


Project Status
11-14-03
* Release V1.00 Beta-1

11-08-03:
* Releast V0.04 for alpha test

11-04-03:
* Request for beta testers
* Changed name of application to "Bluster - The BluSoft Game Launcher"

10-25-03:
* GameBlaster is currently in production and is expected to be released before November 25, 2003.  Check back for updates.

[Minimi]

You are not making this with AGS, aren't you? My guess is Visual Basic, because it seems familiar, but I could ofcourse be totally wrong It's a nice idea, of having a menu of all ags-games. But the thing that bothers me is the name, because there are tons of programs under that name. About 6 or 7 years ago, for example, we got our first cd-burner, and started making copies for others, and made lots of money in that time. It was called Gameblast. Later I found there is something similar to Twilight wich is also called Gameblast. There is a website where you can play free games, that's called Gameblaster. And I think there are much more.

So I suggest, think of another name maybee? Some more questions here.

1. Who writes (will be going to write) the html info files?
2. Can you import games to the list, by searching the exe file of the game on your pc?

[Czar]

Hey, this looks great.
But does that really work....?

[RickJ]

You are not making this with AGS, aren't you? My guess is Visual Basic, because it seems familiar, but I could ofcourse be totally wrong

It's written Borland in C++ using their cross platform CLX components making a port to linux possile at some point.

It's a nice idea, of having a menu of all ags-games.

But the thing that bothers me is the name, because there are tons of programs under that name. About 6 or 7 years ago, for example, we got our first cd-burner, and started making copies for others, and made lots of money in that time. It was called Gameblast. Later I found there is something similar to Twilight wich is also called Gameblast. There is a website where you can play free games, that's called Gameblaster. And I think there are much more.

So I suggest, think of another name maybee? Some more questions here.

I agree that the name is somewhat unoriginal, I'm open to suggestions.

1. Who writes (will be going to write) the html info files?

Ideally the game author would create the preview document.   It's not very much work and a template will be provided.  Plain text files are also supported.

2. Can you import games to the list, by searching the exe file of the game on your pc.

A Category is synomous with a directory.  Games are sub-directories of a Category directory.   To add a game to the list  simply create a sub-directory and copy the game files there.

Hey, this looks great.

Thanks

But does that really work....?

 yes

[Bluke4x4]

It'd be cool if you called it the AGS Library. Or has that already been used?

[Duzz]

Whatever it's called, I'd find it very useful.
Would there be an option for folders to seperate different categories? eg for hour games, RoN, or Mags Games, etc?

edit: sorry, I didn't see your first reply for some reason

[RickJ]

Duzz:  You will be able to create as many categories as you like, name them whatever you want, and whatever games you wish into each of the categories.  

[Hinders]

sounds cool!
When will it be released?

[TerranRich]

GameBlaster is currently in production and is expected to be released before November 25, 2003. Check back for updates.

Read

[RickJ]

Only some cleanup and minor repairs left to do.  Any one interested in being a beta tester please reply to this thread.  I should have something ready by next weekend.

I need testers running Win98, WinME, win2000, NT, or XP. Thanks.  

[adanzis]

I can beta-test.  The only other beta test i've done before is on the upcoming LSL3 point-click.  E-mail me adanzis@loyola.edu if want my help. - Alan

[Minimi]

I can beta test for you, on windows 95 and XP
Just private message me, or mail me at peterNOSPAM@w8ff.com

(without the nospam ofcourse )

[RickJ]

Thanks guys, I'll let you know in a couple of days, maybe by the weekend.  

[Scummbuddy]

I really like the name change,it fits in with your title. I should get back to you soon on the other matter on icons and splash screens,especially now with a new name.

[RickJ]

Scumm,

That would be great.  I could really use some button icons.  I have an acceptable splash screen, just some 3d lettering, but if you come up with something cool I'll find a way to use it.  Just let me know.

I'm implementing the "Play from CD" thing at the moment.    It's done except for properly handling the category paths, when runing frm CD.

Cheers

[Hinders]

I want to beta test
I have: win 2000, win 98SE and if it works: win 3.11
I could also test it on my friends win me

[jannar85]

Looking good. I can beta test. XP and 98SE here, plus DOS (like that matters, ha!)
I can beta test on longhorn as well. Just got it.

[AGA]

jannar85: no you didn't. Longhorn isn't due out for more than a year. You either mean Windows 2003 Server, or you've got a supposed leaked copy.

[jannar85]

jannar85: no you didn't. Longhorn isn't due out for more than a year. You either mean Windows 2003 Server, or you've got a supposed leaked copy.

Leaked. Longhorn 4051. The latest leak.

[AGA]

Compatibility with an available in a year or more operation system isn't really necessary, is it?