Topics

[HOW TO CREATE/SAVE SCREEN SHOTS]

Since the FORUM RULES require that two in-game screen shots be posted in your game's production thread I'm creating this topic to give simple instructions on how to post screen shots for your game in production.

Just follow the instructions below...

HOW TO CREATE/SAVE SCREEN SHOTS
To save an "in game" screenshot you need only press F12 and the screenshot will be saved in the game's savegame folder.  Then you just upload it to the web and link to it!
NOTE: If you have access to an image editing program why not take the few extra seconds needed to remove the frame border from around the image?

WHERE TO PUT THE IMAGE
You must use an external website (image host) to upload images to in order to post them on these boards (you cannot post an image from your computer's hard-drive).  There are several websites that allow free image hosting which you can find with a quick google search. Imgur (http://www.imgur.com) is an easy to use option that is recommended.  It has an easy to use interface and allows for external linking (since you must show the image in your thread and not just a link to it)

THE CODE TO POST IMAGE(S)
Just use the code (in the image below) in your message's text to pull in an image/screenshot.[/size]

You do not need to use the height/width parameters in the code.  If you do not use them the image will be sized at 1x (its original size) by default.  You need only use the height/width tags if you want the image to appear in a size that isn't the same as its original aspect.  You only need to specify one of the parameters (height or width) the other will adjust automatically to keep the image's aspect ratio.  For example; if the image is 320x200 and you only add 'width=640' to the img tag (above) the height will automatically become 400.

ACCEPTED IMAGE TYPES
The usable file types are; JPG, GIF & PNG.  PNG is the recommended format.  It has the highest image quality with the lowest file size (like a jpg, but without the lower quality). GIF or JPG are also acceptable but typically have lower quality.
NOTE: Do not use BMP (bitmap) images!  The system will not display them and you will look foolish!!

[Welcome to the Games in Production Forum.]

Welcome to the Games in Production Forum.
YOUR THREAD WILL BE LOCKED IF YOU NEGLECT TO FOLLOW THE RULES

This is the place to promote the game that you're currently working on.  It's a great way for you to get your name out there and for people to see what your game is about (and hopefully become interested in the project!).  It is also a great place to see what others are currently working on.

We all want this forum clean and organized. So, like the subject implies, please "READ BEFORE POSTING!".  This forum is strictly moderated, so read these rules and make sure you understand them before continuing:

The Simple Rules:

1) Your game must actually be 'in production'.
This means you've actually begun working on it.  Don't post anything about an idea you have for a game.  That belongs in Adventure Related Talk & Chat or the Critics Lounge.

2) A minimum of two (in-game) screenshots must be available.
If you aren't far enough to be able to take different screenshots, don't post yet!  We know some of you don't want to show too much of the game, but two screenies isn't too much to ask!  Please note that splash screens and options/menu screens don't count as 1 of the 2.  They must be actual screenshots of 2 (or more) different backgrounds.
Sub-Rule - If you are creating a one-room game you need only post one in-game screenshot (obviously as there wouldn't be another) and in this case you can use a title/splash screen (or the same screen with a GUI showing or something) as the second

3) You must have a clear outline of the story/plot.
You don't have to give anything away, but be clear what the game is about and what the player can expect.

4) ONE thread per game only!
If you are working on more than one game you may have a thread for each but do not put more than one game in a production thread.

5) The subject line must be the title of your game.
Working titles are okay, but if you don't have a title at all, then don't post yet!
It is encouraged to have a brief update after the title, for example:
- MoNKeY WReNCH - DEMO available
- Attack of the Squalmen - need help with scripting
- Tale of a Rotten Weener Shnitzle - 98% complete!
DON'T do this:
- NEW GAME BY ME!!!11!!!111 (and similar crap)

6) Progress/Status Report (optional)
In the first post, tell us what you've got done so far and/or how you're progressing!  For example:
- graphics 90%
- puzzles 45%
- scripting 15%
- music/sound 90%

The DOs & DON'Ts ...

DO edit the original post so newer readers can grab the latest info about your game:
As the game author, you should try to edit the original post for updates, whenever possible, to make sure that new readers of the thread get the latest status. Posting a reply is fine too (and is necessary to bump the thread).

DO post any type of promotional material:
Screenshots, promotional material, designer diaries, demo downloads, music samples, requests for help with your game, links to your website, release dates, etc...

DO NOT post requests for C&C:
That's what the Critic's Lounge is for. Please post in there to ask for any type of critisism.

DO NOT make various threads about nothing:
This forum is for promoting your game, not general chat. You can chat inside one of the game's threads, but stay on topic!
NO threads about general crap in here, for example:
- What do you guys think of MI2's GUI?
- Need some cool ideas for my game...
Threads like these go in the Adventure Related Talk & Chat forum.

DO NOT dig up old threads!!
If you're interested in an old thread* about a project don't post asking about the progress.  Send a PM to the game's author.  If the project has been cancelled and/or abandoned there's no point in bumping the thread!

Thanks for understanding!

Good luck and happy game-making!!

* Old Threads are threads that have been inactive for near to over 90 days (3 months).

EXAMPLE FOR HOW YOUR PROMOTION SHOULD LOOK (by Darth Mandarb)

Sierra Online is proud to announce:

Space Quest III - The Pirates of Pestulon

The Story:

Roger is laying undisturbed in the sleepchamber of his escape pod after his second Space Quest adventure. His path crosses a robotic freighter, which has no regard for life forms. The pod is taken onboard, considered nothing more but a piece of trash. After the pod is dumped in the freighter, Roger wakes up!

He soon realizes that staying in this freighter won't help him. And please note that this is a deep thought for Roger! Anyway ... he must escape from the freighter and then, the adventure really begins.

Some screenshots:





Development Progress:

Story: 100%
Scripting: 75%
Graphics: 100%
Sound/Music: 25%

Expected completion date: February 2006

Development Diary:

June 10, 2005
2 new backgrounds completed.  Scripting is moving along nicely.  Shouldn't have trouble meeting the deadline.

WHAT NOT TO DO

I'm making the next Space Quest game.  Continues where space quest 2 left off.




---------


Titles and menu screens do NOT count as the required screenshots!

[Helpful Advice]

Given certain recent events (I'll be polite and not point fingers) I felt the need to post my feelings on the feeding of trolls.  These aren't new feelings.  Just feelings that the [previously mentioned] recent events have sparked my desire to post about it.

It goes something like this;

A troll is a troll is a troll is a troll.  A troll craves only one thing; continued attention no matter the cost. Trolls, in my opinion, add nothing useful to a web-community.  They aren't entertaining, they aren't 'occasional fun', they are nothing but useless and only take away from the communities over-all 'vibe'.

YOU CANNOT HEAL A TROLL.

YOU CANNOT CURE A TROLL.

YOU CANNOT HELP A TROLL.

YOU.CAN.NOT.

If you try to help, criticize, insult, enlighten, etc (anything) you only accomplish feeding the troll.

The methods people seem to need to try:

Helpful Advice:
No matter how logical and/or helpful your advice might be (attitude adjustments, spell-checking, etc) you aren't going to enlighten or change them, you only feed the troll.  It doesn't matter how politely you phrase it, you're feeding the troll.

Insults:
No matter how witty, rude, clever and/or warranted your insults might be you only accomplish feeding the troll.  A troll craves attention and this is the worst kind of troll food.  It's the candy/junk food of troll food.

Noble Defender:
No matter how much you 'defend' them to the others coming down on them, you are not going to make them feel 'accepted' and change their behavior you are only fueling the fire and thus, feeding the troll.

The Informer:
When you try to inform everybody else in the thread that they are only feeding the troll... you feed the troll (thus why I posted this as a separate topic in a vain (IE useless) attempt to stem the tide of trolldom).

There is only one way to make a troll go away;
DON'T FEED THE TROLL (don't reply to the thread)

It is the only way to make the troll go away. 

I will never understand why worthy topics/threads get only 1 page of replies before dying yet people perpetuate a troll thread with page after page of troll-food.  My current theory is that some [maybe most?] people just don't think of something as "trolling" and just take the bait unwittingly.

Now ... I didn't post this just to be a holier than though prick (surprise!). 

I'm actually curious what others' opinions were on the feeding of trolls and why, despite most peoples' hatred of trolls, they continue to take the bait and the cycle repeats itself over and over and over and over...

Greetings y'all.

I put together some mockups for a friend of the family quite a few months back.  He finally came back 'round wanting to pick up where we left off.

Here's the rub;

The development files were on my laptop; which blew up a few months ago.  I was able to hook up the laptop HD to my current rig and was able to get the mockups!  But not the development files  The PSD folder in the directory was kaput!  I have scoured the web, my hard-drive, the fonts directory on the laptop HD, and my sanity all to no avail.  I cannot remember the font I used.

That's where you, the good people of AGS, come in!

Here's the font:



If any of you recognize it and/or find it on the web I'd be eternally grateful!  I might even bake you some cookies (shouldn't they be called bakies?)

Anyway... thanks for any/all help!

[no]

Greetings.

A few months back my girlfriend and I were chatting about our pasts and she mentioned that, as a child, she always really wanted an "Easy Bake" oven but she never had one (her parents thought they weren't safe).  I thought nothing of it for awhile until yesterday I thought it'd be a cool "sentimental" gift to get her for Christmas (not the only thing of course, just a secondary "cutesy" type thing to make her love me even more).

I set out to search the web (using Google, eBay, etc) and I found loads of Easy Bake Ovens!

Here's the boggle...

I have no idea which one is the one she would be referring to.  I would assume it was one from the early/mid 1980s (of which I found several) but I don't know which is the "official" one (if there was an official one).  So I was wondering if any of you were familiar with these from decades past and could offer any insight as to which one to purchase.

Here are a couple of the ones I found:

> 1983 Kenner/Betty Crocker Easy Bake Oven
> 1983 Kenner Easy Bake Oven

I have this old memory of TV commercials for this thing and I don't find either of these (the links above) ringin' any memory bells.

So ... if anybody can point me in the right direction I'd be very appreciative!

Thanks!

[WARNING - POSSIBLE AVATAR SPOILERS - READ AT YOUR OWN RISK]

WARNING - POSSIBLE AVATAR SPOILERS - READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

Last night movies changed forever for me.  I saw Avatar.  James Cameron may not have made a movie since Titanic but a 12 year gap had no effect on the man's movie-making talents.  I dare say he's better than ever.  This movie is fantastic.

I want to start with the 3D technology before getting into the movie itself.  The first few previews were traditional (non-3D) and then the screen said "Please put on your 3D glasses now".  Now... I have been reading about the 3D tech for Avatar for years and was really anticipating seeing what it had to offer.  The next two previews were in 3D and I must admit, I was very underwhelmed and disappointed. 

Then Avatar began...

The previews were, I'm guessing, "dumbed" down a bit because it wasn't thrilling.  But the 3D in the actual feature was mind-blowing.  This new 3D technology cannot be adequately explained in words.  You have to have your ass in the seat with those [dorky] glasses on to truly appreciate it.  James Cameron has (in typical James Cameron fashion) truly revolutionized the industry.  This is the new way to make movies.  I can honestly say that I will put on those glasses for every movie I see if they look/feel like this!  I will admit that when there was a lot of camera motion coupled with fast action on the screen the 3D gets a little lost, but if the camera motion was more steady, and the action on the screen mid to slow it was simply amazing.  There was a part, in the Pandora jungle, where there were bugs flying around.  The focus was not on the bugs, they were just adding to the immersion.  I actually, entirely sub-consciously, swatted at one of the bugs in my peripheral vision.  I then promptly realized what I had done and looked around to see if anybody had noticed, and saw 4 other people swatting at nothing.

It's that good.

Now I want to talk about the CGI.  James Cameron said he had written this script in 1995, but knew back then the tech wasn't available to allow him to make this movie and he wanted to wait until it was.  Well ... he waited long enough.  The CGI has finally reached a point (and this is truly the first time I can say this) that I was unable to distinguish the live-action and the CG.  It was so seamlessly integrated.  Being a technophile I spent a good portion of my time in the seat studying the special effects that I probably missed out on the great story (more on that in a bit).  There is a scene where Jake Sully and Ney'tiri have a kiss ... this CG was simply, mind-blowingly, amazing.  Most of the movie-goers probably just thought it was a kiss.  But the CG characters; their lips, teeth, eyes, cheeks ... it was almost not CG. 

It's that good.

Now ... the movie.  Almost three hours in length (and I could tell he had far more material that was removed to get the movie under 3 hours; perhaps he learned his lesson with Titanic) you don't notice the length.  Now, I have to admit, I'm still in a bit of awe of the over-all experience so eventually I might find some things to complain about (as I always do with most movies) but at this point.  I'm in love.

Sam Worthington is Jake Sully, the lead.  Sam, at this point, would be a virtually unknown actor had it not been for his role in Terminator: Salvation (which was shot long after Avatar's production; meaning Jim picked Sam before seeing him in Terminator).  I was nervous about him in the lead role as I just wasn't sure he had the chops to carry the film.  I was wrong.  He has the chops.  I felt the same thing about Leonardo DiCaprio when learning he was cast as the lead in Titanic. I knew the kid had talent (Gilbert Grape) but wasn't sure he could carry a lead.  James Cameron proved, again, that he knows what he's doing and I wouldn't be surprised if Sam's career sky-rockets (his next role as Persius in the retelling of Clash of the Titans) after this role. 

Having said that; Zoe Saldana, as Ney'tiri was incredible.  I had a crush on her because of her role as Uhura in the new Star Trek.  I am now in love with her.  Now, normally, this wouldn't be much cause for surprise from an actress in a lead role in a movie.  The reason it's remarkable (and surprising to me) is because Zoe Saldana is not in this movie.  Her Avatar is.  Totally motion-capped and computer animated.  It was outstanding.  She breathed so much life into the character.  This was the first time that I actually had an emotional connection to non-real characters on the screen.  I wasn't sure it was possible with CG human characters ... but this was CG aliens and still, the performances coupled with the technology ... it's hard to describe, but I was involved.  I thought this connection and emotional involvement with CG was impossible.  I was wrong.

I want to make a prediction here; I'm going to predict that Ms. Saldana will be nominated for an Oscar (yes, an Oscar) for this role.  And I dare say, she deserves it.

Plot Spoilers Ahead...

The movie was paced perfectly.  Three precisely sectioned acts seamlessly sewn together.  Now I will say that it bordered on being a little preachy at parts (but wasn't, just came close) about environmental issues ("their world is green, ours is no longer") but it works perfectly in the context of the film.  Jake's conversion to the Na'vi way of life and his eventual betrayal of his own people is done so perfectly that you don't realize until you're sitting around later talking about it that you supported his decision to fight the humans.  It's done that well.  You want him to fight them (granted the humans aren't painted in an appealing light, they are painted as corporate greedy pigs and military tyrants but still).  This goes back to my comment about how the CG characters have reached a point where you get involved with them.

The world of Pandora is breath-taking.  There was no part of it that made me think, "stupid CG backdrops" (and I am very picky about such things).  There is almost nothing on Pandora that looks like earth.  It's a bio-luminescent planet that is so full and realized in a way that has never been equaled in sci-fi before.  James Cameron has not set the bar, he has shattered it.  This movie will change Hollywood.

The battle sequences are simply amazing.  I have said for years that James Cameron has an amazing ability to put together action sequences that are so perfectly constructed that you don't get lost in them but lose none of the intensity.  Hacks like Michael Bay rely on large explosions and hectic camera moves to confuse you into a sense of action but you're most often left with that, "what just happened" feeling.  Cameron delivers all that intensity, but you don't wonder what just happened, you are part of the action.

I posted it on my facebook (so some of you have read it) but, as the title of the this thread suggests, I want to personally thank James Cameron.  It is movies like this that make me realize why I love movies.  It's story-telling at it's best, production at it's best, design at it's best, acting at it's best, pushing technology at it's best... it is, in short, what movie-making should be about.

It's that good.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron, for reminding me that magic does still exist.

[What is MindWinder]

Greetings my dear friends!

Some of you are "in the know" about a little web-experiment I've been working on for the last year or so called "MindWinder" (wind rhymes with mind)


What is MindWinder?

MindWinder is an idea I had about a year ago ... it is, in a nutshell, a digital-art contest/competition website.  But it's ever so much more than just that!

The entire site is a point based "community"!  The more you participate, the more points you earn.  The more points you earn, the more you can achieve/do on the site.  You can earn points by entering contests, rating entries, winning contests (1-3 place), referring new members (only if they register), etc.  There's a "rewards" system as well where you can donate some of your points to members, and the like.

Registration is 100% FREE and will always be free.  You will never have to pay a single dollar/euro/whatever to be a member and to take part in site activities!  And here's the best part ... it's FREE to be a part of the community but you can actually win money!! *

There is much more than just digital-art contests as well!  There will be a "fun & games" section too with some online games to play (to start just some fun little java type games but I'm working on some custom-made games as well).  Also there will be "fun" events such as raffles and lotteries and the like.  The first raffle is called the "Ten Times Raffle" where you 'bet' some of your points (you choose the amount) if you're selected (random selection) you win 10x the points you bet!  Stuff like that.  There will be random "prize" give-aways each month (ps3 or xbox360 games, dvds, etc.)

There is also a plan to eventually have an online "store" on the site where you don't have to spend money, but your site points, in order to "pay" for items in the store.

* not all contests have monetary reward for winning, some are just points based.

So why am I telling you this?

Excellent question!  I have FINALLY reached a point where I'm ready to get some people BETA testing this sucker for me!  I thought, what better place to find some beta testers than the AGS community?!!?

So ... this is an open call for BETA testers!  If anybody is interested just leave a reply to this thread and I'll add you to the list and notify you by PM if/when you're selected to be a BETA tester!  I have a set number I want to reach so it's possible (depending on the replies to thsi post) that EVERYbody who volunteers will get the job!

What am I looking for in a BETA tester?

Basically I just want people to use the site and try to break it!  Find errors, bugs, typos, etc.  I have created a forums on the site specifically (for now) for tracking BETA testing results!

Why would you want to BETA test?

Well to help me out I would hope!!   Also, I am trying to create a fun little corner of the web for people to use and have a good time.  So you might actually enjoy it.  All BETA testers will receive a special "title" under their names on the site (you know those little labels that make everybody feel special?).  And lastly, at the end of BETA testing I will be choosing the "Best BETA Tester" who will receive a very nice little prize (keeping it a surprise for now!)

If anybody is interested please let me know and I'll provide you with the link to use to get into the BETA version of the site!

Thanks and I look forward to seeing how this goes!

[This is one of the most amazing photos I've ever laid eyes on.]

I know some of you care about this kind of thing ... but I came across this earlier and was completely blown away.

This is one of the most amazing photos I've ever laid eyes on.

That's the Phoenix lander descending to Mars.  That's a photo of something from earth descending on another planet.  Simply incredible.

Does anybody else find this as amazing as I do?  Thought it might be an interesting topic to discuss.

Or not.

I am not sure how many of you are members (or even know) of Pixel Joint but I need to vent here...

I am sick and frickin' tired of Pixel Joint.

The attitudes there are just lousy and pathetic.  I'm all for constructive criticism but the arrogance and flagrantly insulting attitudes there are so beyond pathetic it makes me nauseous.  I know we tend to have some elitism here at AGS (a little bit is inevitable) but the elitist pricks over there at PJ just plain ruin the place.

What the hell difference does it make if I want to use 5 shades of red instead of 2?  But holy fu**ing hell "you used 5 similar shades of red this piece isn't pixel art and shouldn't be allowed in the gallery!!"  I see it time and again over there.

Now I know it's not "my" site and I don't make the rules.  I get that.  I can understand (though I don't agree) with their definitions of what is "pixel" art.  I don't even mind that restriction.  What I cannot tolerate, and will not put up with, are the smug, elitist, and arrogant attitudes that come across over there.

I know I've seen some of you AGSers over there ... have any of you noticed the ridiculous way they treat people?

Mash I've seen you posting over there.  You don't get the abuse, mostly just drooling, but I wonder if you've noticed the piss-poor attitudes towards others?

My most recent piece (which I thought was rather nice) is receiving several comments on it ... and only 1 or 2 mention anything I want to hear.  The rest are just bitchin' and moanin' about "too many colors".  Who the hell are they to tell me how many colors I can or cannot use.  It's just plain ignorant and arrogant.

[/rant]

I wonder what people think about stuff like this?  I mean, there's nothing I can do about it ... I just wonder what others think/have noticed about it.

[Restrictions:]

Okay ladies and germs!

This time around we're going to Sprite the ...



That's right!  Sprite up your interpretation of the employee of the month.  We've all had that job where there was that one guy/gal that was a total kiss-up and was always getting the employee of the month.  Or the totally dedicated quiet guy that hardly spoke but always got so much done he would get employee of the month.  Or the geeky person that was fanatically devoted to doing their job to the best of their ability!

Whatever your interpretation is, sprite it up!

Restrictions:
Colors: no limit
Size: no limit (but should be something usuable in an AGS game)
Animation: not required, but will score extra points

Have at thee and happy spriting!

It was when I was a young teenager, during the darkest years of my life when everything seemed bleak and pointless, that I found an outlet that gave me a way to leave behind my tortured reality and escape to another world.  That outlet was a series of books called The Wheel of Time.  Such creativity and incredible story telling I had rarely come across before.  I cannot even beging to explain how these books helped me.  They got me through those years ...  I won't go so far as to say they saved my life, but I wouldn't say it was far off from it.  When things got really bad, I would hide in my bedroom closet with a flashlight and dive into the books.

My forum nickname is partially inspired by these books (Mandarb is the name of a character in them).

They were penned by a man named Robert Jordan.

A few years back I had the extreme privelege to meet him at a book signing where he verified/acknowledge some of my work I had done for a Wheel of Time website.  It is a hi-light of my life and something I will never forget.

On September 16, 2007 Mr. Jordan died.

The world has lost an amazing story teller ... the Light has gone out.

"May you shelter in the palm of the Creator's hand, and may the last embrace of the mother welcome you home."

I don't have the words to express the loss I feel.

So long Mr. Jordan ... may you ride forever on the winds of time.

[Dressed down for dressing down]

I am following this story with a little interest ... but it does raise an interesting question in my mind.

On July 3rd (3 July for the rest of the world) Kyla Ebbert was asked to get off a Southwest Airlines flight because her outfit was "too skimpy and revealing".  Here is an article about it (with video showing the outfit):
>> Dressed down for dressing down

Here's a pic:


I watched the video.  The young woman's apparral isn't horrible, but the skirt is pretty darn short and if she moves her legs at all (while sitting) those walking the isles would get a nice show.  She claims they wouldn't, but it's simple geometry, they would.  In the pic above she has pulled the skirt down a bit, using the long shirt to cover her mid-section.  She played all innocent, but I'd be willing to bet that the skirt was actually much higher than she claims.  (just speculation on my part)

I thought nothing much of it, figuring it was just some male, middle aged, love-scorned, and bitter flight attendant coming down on some young hottie.

Then it happened again.

On September 11 (11 September) a young woman named Setara Qassim was asked to "cover up" on a Southwest Airlines flight.  Here is a link to the story showing the outfit (again):
>> Some jet-setters wonder if their outfits will fly

Here's a pic:


This outfit is still a tad revealing, though not like the other one.

I don't know.  A part of me says, "good for Southwest airlines" for finally pointing out how slutty and inappropriate the fashionable "style" has become these last few years.  Then another part of me says, "these women should be able to wear whatever they want"

The first story I really do think the skirt was inappropriate.  It's essentially just underwear and if I were on that flight with my kids (if I had any) I wouldn't want them seeing this young woman's crotch (I would gladly look of course).  The second outfit wasn't so bad I guess. It is a tad revealing I suppose.  I think it's just made more obvious because she has large breasts?

I don't know ... I was just wondering what others think about this type of issue?

Are women/men these days dressing inappropriately?
Does Southwest have the right to enforce a "dress code" on their flights?
Should we, as a global society, "reel" this in?

Am I the only one who cares enough to post about it

[HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!!]

To my fellow Statesmen, a rousing Happy Thanksgiving!

To the rest of the world, the same!  Even though you don't celebrate our holiday you can still give thanks on this day!

What am I thankful for?

- my family
- my friends
- my job
- the breath I'm taking right now

I just wanted to share!  If anybody else wishes to partake in my Thanksgiving tradition feel free to do so.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y'ALL!!

[color=555555]If you aren't interested in sharing what you're thankful for that's fine.  Or if you think it's a stupid American holiday that's fine too.  However, I would be "thankful" if you didn't bring that negativity into this thread.  Please be respectful.[/color]

So the Tigers blew it ...

I've been waiting and anticipating this for 22 years.  The Detroit Tigers finally making it back to the World Series.  I've been walking on clouds since they won the ALCS (actually since they beat the Yanks).

Now they have lost ... I can't help but blame it on the young pitching staff and the rediculous errors they caused.  You know, I don't mind when my team gets beat ... but the Cardinals didn't beat the Tigers ... the Tigers beat themselves with a LOT of sloppy playing.  I know there's a method to how they rotate their pitching staff, but I just don't get why they didn't put Kenny Rogers back in and let him bring it back to Detroit.

Very sad.  I'm depressed.

Did anybody else watch?  I know there are some Michiganders on these forums aren't there?  Am I the only one that cared?

Bah ... just wanted to vent my disappointment.

[tHe AnIMaTioN cHalLenGe]

tHe AnIMaTioN cHalLenGe
29 September - 6 October



Okay ... here's the deal.

You must take this briefcase and open it.  But here's the catch ... What's Inside??

There must be something "suprising" inside.  What's inside??  That's up to you.  The more fantastic the better!

Think "outside the briefcase" and be creative!

Limitations
Size: 320 x 240
Colors: No Limit

If anybody picks what I'm thinking of, you'll automatically win!

GO!!!

[Bird's Eye Retro Racers]

24 SEPTEMBER - O1 OCTOBER

This week's topic is ...
Bird's Eye Retro Racers

That's right!  Create a sprite in the style of your favorite classic racing game.  Doesn't have to be a car/truck.  Think space ships, motorcycles, horses ... you name it!  If it races, sprite it!!

Parameters:
Colors: 25 MAX
Size: 100x100 MAX
Style: must be top down perspective (animated is a HUGE plus!!)

Example

ImageReady acting up again, hence the funky background

Now ... go forth and be Spriteful!!

After a severe bout w/ a creative block ... I've started pixelling again (thank god!).

I sat down this morning and decided to put a Y-wing in ISO and this was the result:



I feel a bit rusty, and want to throw some pixels around before creating more backgrounds for Amulet of Kings.

I feel pretty happy with the over-all shape and colors.  Some areas of concern for me are the ends of the nacelles (both ends).  They were the hardest part to accomplish (due to the 'rounded' nature). And the front part of the fuselage (cockpit area) breaks the ISO lines too.

Opinions?  Comments?  Suggestions?

[I own both these games.]

Now before anybody blows up on me ... I own both these games.

I just recently found them in an old storage box and wanted to re-play them.  However, neither of them will work.  I think 15 years in storage just killed the disks (yeah, they're on 3" disks).

So here's what I'm asking ... does anybody have them?  And if so, would you be willing to e-mail them to me?  I really want to replay them.  They are small enough (file size) that emailing them is practical

I was able to find them on eBay, but don't really want to re-buy them (with no guarantee they're going to work anyway).  If anybody has them, and is willing, let me know in this thread and I'll give you my email address to use.

It's not illegal because I own them right?  If this IS illegal, allow me to apologize in advance.

[Voting:]

Voting:
Voting will take place on the 1st and 2nd of February.

Please give one vote in each of the following categories:

Best Idea - The underlying idea to the background. Doesn't neccesserily have to coincide perfectly with the theme of the week, just strike you as interesting/amusing/inspiring; a place you'd really enjoy visiting within a game.

Best Design - The style of the picture, architectural, landscape design, best mood, most evocative etc.

Best Functionality - How well it would work when adding sprites, including appropriate walking distances, good angle for character sprites, clever walkway solutions, easily understood exits etc.

Best Technique - How well the ideas are executed in form of rendering.

Hello AGSers!

I wasn't gonna post in here about this, but then it hit me that some of you might find it useful.

So I present my latest project ...

(click the image for the link!)

It's a "free online font community!" where you can download fonts.  BUT I decided to take it one step further!  You can actually type in the font of your choice to preview it on the site!!  Personally I think it's just cool as hell (my twin brother made the flash).

Anyway, I just thought I'd share!

I figured some people might want a free font site for finding fonts for their games, websites, etc.  I know there's a bunch out there, but ... well ... I tried something different (at least, it's something I've not seen before!)

There's only about 600 or so fonts on there now ... but we're adding more and more on a regular basis!

I'd appreciate it you guys could take a peek, and let me know what you think!  Layout, ease of use, etc.

Thanks!

For those who missed the link above:

http://www.twin-fonts.com