Messages

I liked the walking-deaths. Let me repeat it so it sinks in. I liked the walking-deaths. The space quest one pointed out before was one of the funniest ones I had ever witnessed. I didn't have a saved game before that, for some reason, and DID have to start the game over again. Yes, it effectively screwed you, but it made you think smarter. It added en element of fear, that you just don't get anymore.

That said...I need to emphasize the past tense I used. In games of today, I don't think we tolerate this way of creating a game anymore. It's not necessarily because it's bad puzzle design. It's that it's bad puzzle design for us in this time. Just think back to when you were playing those games. The last eighties and early nineties didn't have all these fancy forums, blogs, social-groups, etc...That's not to say that the internet wasn't around, it just wasn't as global or as entertaining. So back then, when you got stuck in your game, you had nothing else to do...so you had the drive to start again, or go to a restore point. Now, you're stuck, you have several other things at your fingertips that will provide instant entertainment.

The walking dead puzzles just don't work with our attention deficit lifestyle. They don't work with the length of games we have today. Place them back in the time they were made, though, and I don't think it was bad design.

-MillsJROSS

All I can say is that creating this website has given me a driving force to actually work on the game, and vice-versa. I've done some work already on the intro, and updated the website with some new information, as well as a new page. I'm hoping this created a vicious circle of creativity. I'm definitely going to make this in spirit to the original. Don't expect the same game, though (otherwise, what would be the point in re-doing it?).

But I need your help. Go on the website...send me some stories. They can be short, they can be long, but I'm thinking of using them in the game documentation. Take a poll (right now there is only one, but that can change very quickly). It gives me a boost of energy whenever I get a response.

I plan to add the original to game to the download section, as well as the unfinished sequel. (I'm on my new computer, and I just can't be bothered to setup my old computer with the old information). So be on the look for downloadable content in the future.

-MillsJROSS

UPDATE(May 13th, 2009) - New Job Position

The main job site (CLICK HERE) has a new position available. Script Reviewer.

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UPDATE(April 29th, 2009) - Late magazine, yay!

The Adventunare Times Volume 1, Issue 4

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UPDATE(March 19th, 2009) - Another magazine, another day/month.

The Adventunare Times Volume 1, Issue 3

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UPDATE(February 19th, 2009) - Added Jobs section check it out.

Jobs

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UPDATE(February 2nd, 2009) - You probably thought I would just go away....well you're wrong. I'm still here, and as it's the beginning of a new month. I bring forth to you a new magazine. I haven't been updating as often, because I've been busy in life, but I'm making arrangements to find the time of day, don't you worry.

The Adventunare Times Volume 1, Issue 2

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UPDATE(January 6th, 2009) - I'm still working on the game, although I haven't updated my diary recently. Additional excitement, I changed the web-site styles. The other website was too restricting. I haven't fully tested browser compatibility issues with this one, but I made sure it worked on my current IE and Firefox. If you have any issues tell me about it, and I'll see if there isn't a fix (other than you getting an updated browser). I also plan on doing a few more tweaks in the future.

The good news is, I don't allow myself to make such big changes UNLESS I have worked on my game. So any change to the website does mean that I have progressed in the actual game, in some fashion or another.

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UPDATE(December 30th, 2008) - That's right...I made a magazine. Be entertained! I command it.

The Adventunare Times Volume 1, Issue 1

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UPDATE(December 8th, 2008) - I just came back from an extended vacation. Which is why you haven't received an update for a tiny while. I'm still alive, and I'm back to work with just as much vigor on the game.

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UPDATE(November, 25th 2008) - Can someone say competition? Check out the website and read the Home message and find out for yourself. Also, I heard mention that there's another download of something available on the website. I went there myself, just to make sure. There was something. But I'll let you find out for yourself.

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UPDATE(November 21st, 2008) - A lot of updates to many of the pages of the website. Check them out. I added a Fan Art section, a new poll, updated diary message, updated home message, and a comments section. Not too shabby, considering I worked on the game, too.

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UPDATE(November 17th, 2008) - One section of the game has been created and a new poll has been added. Not all of the game has been developed, so it's difficult to give you percentages, but there has been consistent, or at least constant, work done. Expect more information in the future.

Also there's a new section called Ask Ace. There's actually a way to get Ace to answer your questions correctly. See if you can figure it out. If you can't, send me a story on the story section, and I'll send you an e-mail back on proper instructions on how to correctly use it to amaze friends and family.

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OK, I'm completely disregarding the rules in this forum. I have not started working on this game. What I have done it launch the website that will be integral to creating the game.

See I'm starting over again. Yes, I'm allowed to do that.

Since I've technically already created this game before, there's already an inherent plot that's been developed.

For those not knowledgeable in forum lore. Ace Quest was released six years ago when AGS was still DOS based. Was it a good game, was it a bad game? The answer is yes. But more importantly during the creation of Ace Quest, I pimped the hell out of the game. Which is why you still (very rarely) see "Play Ace Quest!!111!" on a few messages. In six years I've learned one thing...pimping is fun, and I don't intend to stop. So I officially release Ace Quests official website (It's a work in progress). Which will be the launching pad used to create the game. If you have time, go the "The Story" section and submit your own story. While a general plot exists...I'm letting you guys give me ideas for free!

acequest

Now I don't really expect to be releasing screen shots, because I've decided to go with a skeleton approach to creating the game. That is, I'll create the rooms before the graphics, and then either take my hand at it, or force someone else to take their hand in it. Either way, it won't be done until the game is mostly programmed. At which time, I'll promptly put on my pimp hat, and go amongst the masses.

-MillsJROSS

To the topic's point...I confidently think the winner will be Obama. It's easy for me to say one day before voting, with polls that strongly favor Obama, however, I've strongly felt this election was in the bag after the third presidential debate.

I've drunk deep from the kool-aid and I strongly support Barack Obama as viable candidate for president. I admittedly stand firmly to the center left. I'm a sheep or a lemming, whichever animal analogy works better for you. I was never going to vote for McCain, regardless of his running mate. I'm completely and utterly biased, and I'm loving this election.

That said...I constantly read news, and educate myself in this election. I don't just listen to the "liberal" media, but I read conservative articles and listen to conservative radio.

Is it fair that we only get two parties? No. However, the Florida ballot has 13 candidates for president, so it's not exactly fair to say we only get two choices. It is fair to say that the Democrats and Republicans get 99.9% of the media coverage, though...and it's highly unlikely that a third party candidate will win until that changes. I don't necessarily disagree with having two major parties. Especially when you consider both parties platforms are general and bland enough to encompass opposing views within their own parties. However, if anyone is against the two party system, it means much more to vote for someone like Barr or Nader, than to not vote at all.

As to the discussion of the popular vote. I'm on the fence with this one. With the federal government having as much control as it does, I think it makes sense to go with the popular vote. However, if there ever is a successful push to put more power back into the states, than, I do feel the electoral college makes sense. Regardless of either one...the real gripe I have about voting is how difficult it is to vote. We live in the age of the internet, we have on-line banking. We have the ability to make a secure, easy-to-use, way of registering and voting for local, state, and federal elections all from home. The reason it hasn't been done is the disparity between registered republicans and democrats. Roughly 40% of voters are registered Democrat, 30% Republican, and 30% Independent. So from the start of the election, Democrats have about a 10% advantage from the start of an election. That said, many Independents tend to be on the moderate right side of the political spectrum. Which is why we see close races. As a person in the computer industry, I just feel it's sad that we haven't  taken a central effort to try and develop a on-line system for voting.

Back to this election. I think Obama has run on a more unifying message than I've seen from the other side (in this election). Could he be all hot air? Sure. Could he really have a liberal agenda? Probably, but as a liberal that doesn't scare me. The reason I'm mainly attracted to him as a candidate, though, is that he exudes intelligence. He seems to make decisions after taking into account the short run, the long run, and other outside factors. Will he prevent a crisis from happening? Maybe, but not all of them (I don't think anyone will do that). However, I feel that when one comes our way, he'll be better able manage how to get out of it. Will he strengthen our economy? I think so. I think one of his strengths will be his ability to choose good, smart people to help make decisions he might not have the knowledge to make. I think his campaign is an indication of the well run machine he would bring to the office.

I will say, that as far as elections go, this has been a tame election. John McCain has come off as negative, yes, but most of that is because he can't afford not to. There's evidence to support that negative ads are more prone to change minds than positive ads. With the difference in the campaign funds, it's only natural that the majority of his ads are negative, where Obama can afford to spend money on positive ads. To his credit, he has avoided Reverend Wright. And while the Ayers association doesn't resonate with me, I don't completely discount it. I just feel that John McCain has stronger associations (Keating Five, Gordon Libby, etc...).

Regardless of how you vote, make sure you're informed. I think everyone should vote. If not for president, than at least for some of the local and state issues that are in this ballot. Democrat, Republican, or Independent...we're all in this together, and we need to be able to disagree without villainizing each other.

-MillsJROSS

cooties are not made up...three out  every ten girls contract this unusual disease, and many never fully recover. Without proper vaccinations, this disease spreads quickly to boys, who often are left with a very weak immune system and girly ideas that never go away. Being aware and prepared is your best line of defense.

-MillsJROSS

No, at the moment, I am not directly affected but this crisis. However, I'm in a good situation in life where I'm not looking to buy anything large, and I'm not depending on student loans. However, it's hard to say how this would affect me in six months, or a year. I do think this bail out was necessary. The economy is not my area of study, but it seemed when I got actual news on this issue, and not just an injection of fear, it seemed there was real fear, and the thought that something had to be done. There may be some long-term side affects of this, like a weakening of the dollar. But only history will show whether or not the decision lead to anything productive.

I think there is enough blame for many people, and I do think that this could have been prevented. The government is part of the problem, but  the government can be part of the solution, as well. And all of us are connected economically enough that we will all rise and fall together.

-MillsJROSS

If there isn't a promise of another trilogy after this one...I'm not sure you've sold me. But I'll replay the old ones and see what I think of this news then. I'd suggest making a skeleton of your game first and then trying to get art.

-MillsJROSS

I don't like the idea of capping it off at 20 people. While I agree that past appearances to Mittens haven't been in huge droves, many of the people who formerly couldn't make it are in a better position in their lives to take a Mittens vacation. We need to find out how many people would be interested. How many are almost 100% sure they'd make it. How many people think they really want to go, but they might have to assess the cost or other factors. How many people are interested, don't think they'll be able to make it, but with a "you never know" attitude. Once we have that number then we assess what we can get. It might very well be the magic number 20, but I think we should do more than assume that it will be.

As far as vehicles. I can tote around four additional people in my car.

I don't care if we have one large house or several small ones. What I do want is to be isolated enough where we don't bother other people, or aren't bothered by other people. Close enough to some authentic Florida touristy things like St. Augustine. There are tons of really great gardens and parks in Florida. Obviously, we need a beer fountain, but that almost goes without saying.

I loved the randomness of our vacationing in France, but part of that was due to no one really living near the area. In this case we have more intimate knowledge of our surrounding area, so I expect some sort of planning to be done. I'll contact a great friend in Miami, who may know some really good vacations spots, and see if they know anything. I also had a friend who had access to a mansion in Naples, but Naples is very much in the middle of nowhere, and while the house is very nice, I think it would only fit about 15 of us (and I haven't been actively a friend with them in some time).

This website might help in the search, Grundi.

homaway

-MillsJROSS

My moustache has enabled me to save kingdoms, win over the love of princesses, and jump with manly sound affects. You wanted to know who has the best moustache. Game over!

-MillsJROSS

Mittens Rant, begin:

This was easily one of the top five Mittens events I've been to. It truly is one of the happiest, carefree, and enjoyable moments in my life, and I have a pretty good life...well...um...still Mittens is pretty awesome. I'd talk about France/Paris and how exciting it was to be there, but really we could have had mittens in a sewer pipe (Miami), and I would still have had a somewhat good time. So onward to the people, in no particular order, other than alphabetical.

AGA - Who reads five books during mittens?! In between reading, sleeping, and a bit of drinking...wait where were you?

Chrille - We didn't get too much one on one, but it was still very much a pleasure meeting you. You're far less scary than your games...even with a bald head.

CJ - What can one say but, amour and fromage

Creed Malay - Can't wait to meet you again, we didn't get any one on one time, but orgies will do that to a person.

custard - An Ace Quest fan...what's wrong with you?

Darth Mandarb - We need to do a gloves event...seriously. I think there's many Space Questy things to be gleaned from you.

Disco - Best trampoliner...ever

Dominika - You took my sweet suite, and I still managed to enjoy your company.

DutchMarco - One of my favorite mitten moments was your story about your friend who died...how morbid. You have a wonderful sense of humor, and I couldn't imagine being funny in another language, it's hard enough doing it one. Can't wait to see you next year.

Esseb - My feet still hurt from the 18 quarters we walked, but you made it worth it.

Finkenstein - [insert penis joke] [insert ass out of pants joke] [insertion] (giggle)

FruitTree - You gave me head...well a balloon with a (very) convincing picture of my head...that goes a long way in my book.

Goldmund - I owe you dinner...flirt with me a bit and we'll add a movie.

Grundislav - Gloves...you know the drill.

JetXL - I didn't take out the pack of gum I saved from last Mittens, but I guarantee it's still in mint condition.

Layabout - You were a very convincing Frenchman, but we need to work on your Australian...I didn't hear Crikey one time.

Lorena - I didn't understand anything you said either...other than "NACHO!"

miez - I'm still amazed at the board game, and the model, and the art work. In general...I'm amazed. You amaze me.

MillsJROSS - Where'd your hair go?

m0ds - It was nice to see you outside of you shell this Mittens. The movie was fun to make...thanks for allowing me some freedom with my lines.

MrColossal - We will communicate more often, but right now my voice is a little hoarse.

Nacho - I want to be a Nacho man.

Quintaros - You complete me...in a completely straight heterosexual way, with amazing sex on the side.

Radiant - I didn't say it when we were playing the game...but the sex change was for you.

scotch - You should drink more often...you're more amusing that way.

The Ivy - I held up a sign that said Mittens in an airport for an hour waiting for you...you didn't even notice...everyone else did. I promise not to stop making puns...frankly, it's not in me to stop.

Tony The Pony - RIP

Alright, wonderful time. Not much more to say. See you guys next year.

-MillsJROSS

I got lucky and unlucky on the way back.

After leaving Jess, Eric, and Erin behind I made my way to the terminal, and the Delta booth. I got there forty minutes before the flight, and the lady informed me, too bad, booking has stopped. But thirty seconds later, she said, hold on, the plane's been delayed a half hour, go right on ahead.

So that flight went uneventfully, but in Atlanta, my connecting flight got canceled. So I had to wait there for another 24 hours for another flight. However, I did get a free hotel and two free meals out of it, so it wasn't awful.

Right now I have to get to work, I'll post some retrospection later.

-MillsJROSS

What about people who are members of the American Goat Society? Surely that must factor in.

As far as organization is concerned, maybe should hold some sort of morning/afternoon power meeting. Or, we could just all hold hands, and we'll never have to worry about a thing.

-MillsJROSS

I get in at 6 something in the morning at Paris on the 15th, and I believe Eric and Jess are going to be in around the same time. And then the Ivy is coming, me thinks.

Then departing we're leaving the 23rd, afternoonish...and we're probably getting a hotel somewhere on the night of the 22nd.  Leaving the day for some site seeing.

I believe that's what's happening. Hope that helps.

I saw the video, and it just didn't sit well with me.  There are far too many businesses that make money through the current model of the internet. This includes major corporations, such as Google, where a free internet can only add revenue. I'm not arguing that other major corporations aren't trying to create a new model, I'm arguing that there are far too many people that the new internet would leave behind, that I'm sure there not just going to sit idly by and let it happen.

Radio was mentioned, but I don't think radio is nearly on the same scale as the internet. This isn't the same scenario, and I don't think the outcome will be the same either.

We should always strive for net neutrality, but I don't think we need to have a pressing fear that big business is going to take our internet freedom(s) away. Nor should we have the fear that AGS is going to disapear. That's rubbish.

-MillsJROSS

Nikolas has got it right. Amazon can lower their prices because they're bigger. They can offer hard copies, because they do so much business that they probably have lower shipping rates.

It's still the same product in the end, it's just amazon gives you some plastic and carboard to go with it.

That said...armed with the knowledge that amazon is cheaper, it's in your best interest to buy from them.

-MillsJROSS

But don't you realise, if you spend even one minute alone with a woman, it can't end in any other way than with a night of steamy passion.

A whole minute with a woman? I don't see that happening.

-MillsJROSS

I'm still catching up with the DVD's, thanks to someone at work who turned me on to the show. I'm in love with it...I almost want to see the old ones, now, but I've been told their pretty cheesy.

-MillsJROSS

Alright...I think we need to consolidate some of our traveling arrangements. Its much easier to get a flight to CDG airport...and then from there, a group of us can take a train, or rent a car, and travel on to Paris and then from Paris East to Vireaux...our destination. So we should all agree to get to CDG at a certain time and commute together to the destination. Anyone up for that?

-MillsJROSS

You need an intermediate library to handle the differences in DOM implementations, and still you insist that they're not a problem?

I don't think I insisted they weren't a problem. They are a problem, but they have little to do with the JavaScript language itself. The functions provided to manipulate the DOM have nothing to do with JavaScript inconsistency but browser inconsistencies. It's like if HTML isn't rendered correctly blaming it on HTML, rather than the browser.

That said, there are many languages that I use libraries for...I'm not really sure how this makes them less of a language. I don't want to deal with browser problems, so I use a library that handles things for me. Just like I don't want to handle character arrays, so I have a handy library that abstracts everything into handy strings in C++. That said, I have a deep understanding of character strings and browser bugs.

Anyone who's ever taken part in a team effort or coded for an open source project would see this "freedom" as a weakness. Personally I prefer stricter style rules (and love Python).

Anyone? Really? That's a fairly big blanket statement. I'm assuming any team your working on is defining internal standards. As long as your adhering to some guide or process, I don't really see the problem here. My team, or just me, can decide how we want our code to look, and form our own consistent style.

I haven't programmed in Python, and so haven't really developed any feelings for it, but it's on my list of things to do. And, I too, might come to love that language, but right now I'm just appreciating JavaScript, and I enjoy some of the freedom of expression it allows me to do.

-Justin