Downfall - diary of a game...

[s2325]

Yes, sure http://amiga.lychesis.net/colors/16/index.html

[bippym]

I think the scoring could change. Say for example each platform that is passed without actually landing on it could give a x2, x3 bonus etc

Just my tuppence

[wilshy]

Originally Posted by Predseda

Aga version is planned, I think it could have landscapes easily. This one is 16 cols only, it would be probably ugly.

Not to mention a static background with your player falling and the screen scrolling down, would just look odd in my opinion.

[Predseda]

Originally Posted by s2325

Yes, sure http://amiga.lychesis.net/colors/16/index.html

Of course - if the sprites would have independent pallette, it would be doable well.

But Wilshy is probably right. It needs slowly scrolling repeating background instead of static picture, like the original atari DF.

[DJCruicky]

Originally Posted by Predseda

I have a problem, maybe it is only my feeling: the copperlist is in overscan, but the main game area is only 320 pixels wide. So if the platworm is next to left or right area border, player is not able to jump to the side, although copper creates an illusion that there is still enough space.

The overscan copper effect is nice and I like it, but I am not sure if it doesnt confuse player much. Maybe 1px wide black vertical lines where I drawn those red ones would solve it? Or it is not necessary? What do you think?

Graham just needs to set the copper background to one of the 16 colours that is not 0.
Does mean you predseda will have to retouch some of your art work, because of swopping this colour . Sorry if that does not make sense.

[Graham Humphrey]

Originally Posted by Ze Emulatron

I don't know if you want to load your levels from text files and allow users to modify them but this is my example of AmigaBASIC code for reading in text from file, I use a slight variation on this for reading in highscores in my next game. You might be able to modify it to use in Blitz Basic if you want to load your levels from text files and allow users to modify them.

Thanks for that - thing is it's a lot of data to read in. I think it's quicker and easier for the game to read the data as it goes along rather than having to open a separate file to read in all the data into an array. If anybody wants to have a go at making a level, use the existing source code or contact me and I'll do the work of actually putting it in the game.

Originally Posted by Predseda

I have a problem, maybe it is only my feeling: the copperlist is in overscan, but the main game area is only 320 pixels wide. So if the platworm is next to left or right area border, player is not able to jump to the side, although copper creates an illusion that there is still enough space.

The overscan copper effect is nice and I like it, but I am not sure if it doesnt confuse player much. Maybe 1px wide black vertical lines where I drawn those red ones would solve it? Or it is not necessary? What do you think?

It's not an overscan effect at all - a DJCrucicky says, it's because colour zero gets modified and that happens to extend to the borders. I'm not sure it's physically possible to do what you suggest but personally I don't think it's much of an issue anyway.

Originally Posted by frikilokooo

This will have landscapes in the background?It would be nice if it had static landscapes like Pang maybe landscapes of our cities,scanned and retouched with Dpaint

I agree with Wilshy's comment:

Originally Posted by wilshy

Not to mention a static background with your player falling and the screen scrolling down, would just look odd in my opinion.

IF we do an AGA version then I'd definitely want a parallax-scrolling background. A static backdrop would be a bit rubbish. But on AGA, a 16-colour main display plus a separate 16-colour background could be a nice effect.

Originally Posted by bippym

I think the scoring could change. Say for example each platform that is passed without actually landing on it could give a x2, x3 bonus etc

Just my tuppence

Perhaps! I'm still looking at tweaking the scoring system. Watch, as they say, this space.

[mihcael]

Time for a new WIP!!!

[Predseda]

Tommorow as usual, I hope

[Graham Humphrey]

Another week, another WIP...

I've not done as much as I hoped this week but there's still a few new things in here.

Predseda's been busy with the graphics and come up with a Game Over logo and a nice new score panel as well as some extra objects and platforms. All of these are now in the game although obviously you won't see all the platform graphics still.

You score points at a higher rate if you are towards the top or bottom of the screen than you do if you're in the middle (slightly more at the bottom than the top but not by much).

I've implemented the changes suggested by DJCruicky and dazzleman so thanks for that guys!

Finally, I've constructed a new full (60 rows) level. It's not very good and a bit too easy but it's a start. I did initially intend to do a second full level to make sure the levels 'link' correctly but I ran out of time this week, fingers crossed it'll get in next week (if anyone wants to design their own levels feel free). I might start work on the two-player mode too if you all behave yourselves

A few of the old niggles still remain but the actual game is making good progress I think.

[Predseda]

Simply great! All the known bugs now seem to be fixed, player is not buried to platform anymore. Only with one exception - if he falls down through the bottom and is caught by just appearing platform, he gets buried up to the belly But the sprites dont flicker anymore and I am overall happy with this update.

Damn, there is one pick-up. It should be a candle, but it looks weird. We will have to replace it, it is really ugly.

EDIT: it happened me once I landed on a fruit and it acted as a platform.

EDIT2: I found somtg disturbing. If I click mouse during playing and then after game is over i press the joy button to quit to WB, it causes some random crashes of the system.

[Graham Humphrey]

Yes, I'm aware of that one, that's been there a while. It's a bit irritating but not game-breaking thankfully.

There's still a couple of little bugs in there - the fruit still has a problem with appearing in platforms but that's been reduced, at least - but I'm hoping I can fix them soon and in any case, because they're quite minor it doesn't stop me focusing on adding new features to the game.

[Predseda]

I read your code now. If I understand correctly, only the data for Level 1 are now used? Not Level 0?

[Graham Humphrey]

Yeah level 0 was my test level and I commented it out so it doesn't get compiled.

[s2325]

Thank you again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc0BOjsTJ64

[Predseda]

You are fast

Now, if I could suggest a major improvement: the main game engine seems to be working, but in my opinion there should by much more fruits, that would keep player moving and force him to risk. I just love fruity games (like Parasol Stars or Super Methane Bros) and I think in the current state player just can keep himself in the middle of the playfield for 20 mins without any challenge, even if the scrolling will constantly accelerate. Fruits could reduce the scrolling speed for few seconds.

Just my suggestion.

[Graham Humphrey]

Cheers s2325, I appreciate the promotion

Not sure about reducing the scrolling speed with extra fruit - problem is I'm not sure we could actually reduce the speed. Currently it moves at one pixel per frame and I'm not certain you can scroll by fractions of pixels on non-AGA systems. And if you scrolled every other frame it would look jerky.

Anyway, the Jaguar version works like this. I don't want to make it too reliant on pickups. Speaking of which I need to add some additional score bonuses (or otherwise) at some point.

[Predseda]

Of course I though slowing the game after it is already accelerated, not in level 1. I am looking forward to 2 players game then.

[s2325]

My version of title screen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNaIWy-LV2o

[Predseda]

nice

[mihcael]

Originally Posted by Graham Humphrey

... I don't want to make it too reliant on pickups. Speaking of which I need to add some additional score bonuses (or otherwise) at some point.

I think the game is desperate for some power-ups, i think they should be stackable and last about 10 seconds each

• Sneakers - Speed
• Wings - you fall at half the rate
• Freeze Gun - you can freeze opponent in 2player

And i also got caught out by the copper background bigger then the playing area thing, thats annoying.

[amigapd]

Similar to Tank Wars - perhaps there should their be power-downgrades

- lead weight - fall faster
-poisioned cheese - move left and right slower

Glad to see the game is making significant progress

[Predseda]

Originally Posted by mihcael

thats annoying.

But looks nice

[Graham Humphrey]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll have a look and see what I can do with powerups and things sometime this week. No promises in the short-term though - my number one priority is to get a new level (or levels) in the game and get the levels all 'joining up' correctly.

[Siggy999]

Looking quite slick!

I was doing some prototyping and doing some tools for something in blitz last week (to try and get more hands on with it) after looking over this, I might just continue with it and see how it comes out.

Anyways - it's looking quite nice! Very smooth!

[Predseda]

Originally Posted by mihcael

• Freeze Gun - you can freeze opponent in 2player

I also think that if one player could push the other, it could be a great fun. Still nobody to provide some nice track?

[amigapd]

Could there be some baddies patrolling certain platforms as the levels progress just to add some variety

Could some of the platforms in later levels decrease in size like burning candles so you have less area to aim for and have to move off quickly before that platform completely disappears?

Just some random thoughts and don't know if they would add or destroy the game play.

Also I love the main character - does he have a name as he could be used in future projects.

[Predseda]

Graham denied enemies so they will probably not be there, although I could imagine some that would patrol some platforms, yes.

Shrinking platforms could be also nice, I think they shouldn't be difficult to implement as platforms are sprites and they use color collision detection. So we could use a platform animation with transparency... who knows. Maybe in Downfall 2?

The main character doesn't have any name. I thought about one, but he still remains unnamed. He is something between mouse, coala bear and maybe elephant a bit? There is also 2nd player character already drawn:



He has big eyes, huge legs, tentacles on his head and doesn't have any arms. Maybe he could be related to Nebulus, I dont know.

Both will appear in bigger form in the title screen, which is already created.

[s2325]

Maybe enemies should stole fruits if you are not fast enough or make holes in platforms falling.

[Lonewolf10]

Cool game. Simple and addictive


Regards,
Lonewolf10

[Graham Humphrey]

Thanks for all your comments!

I'm a bit wary about adding too many features as I don't want to (a) once again get into a position where the game will never get finished because there's an infinite list of stuff to add; and (b) I don't want to detract from the basic concept too much (less is more sometimes).

Saying that though, a few powerups will probably make it in as it would add a bit of variety and keep you on your toes a bit (especially in two-player mode).

I spent a bit of time last night constructing a second level (the first bit of work I've done on the game all week) so first and foremost I'm looking to get that done.

Oh, and yes, I do like the main character too - I'm sure that we could use him in future games, Dizzy-style...

[Predseda]

Great news. A am also for finishing the game as the original is, but then, maybe, there could be an enhanced version in the future, something like Downfall plus, with a lot of new features? If only you would have a time to tweak. Smtg like DJCruicky did with his Alien Fish Finger? Just an idea.

I am curious about new level, I think it is an important step to join two levels together. If this works (including correct score counting, platform style change and possible scrolling acceleration), it should allow the game development to process quickly. I will try to construct a level too. You could use the data from level 0 anyway.

[Predseda]

If you want names, suggest any.

Originally I though this one would be Matthew and the 2nd one could be Jake, but I think there is a lot of better names.

I updated the website, listed all those changes and updates in WIPs there.

[mihcael]

Originally Posted by Predseda

If you want names, suggest any.

Judo and
Scally

[seuden]

Originally Posted by mihcael

Judo and
Scally

I like.

[Predseda]

Looking at the video of Man Goes Down on Atari 2600 (from Graham's 1st post) does anyone know how the system of collectable fruits work there? There is some kind of table or chart after the game over with some statistics or so. Some special award for collecting all the kinds?

[gimbal]

Chucky and Bobcat


Not without reason. Chucky - looks like a mouse, which for some reason made me think about "chuck e cheese" from Sam & Max, which in turn made my thing about Chucky from Child's Play fame. Makes perfect sense right!?

Bobcat - his head bobs up and down which initially make me go for 'bob', but that is just waaay to easy. I thought of Boppin but that reference is too obscure. Eventually I settled on Bobcat because it looks nothing like a bobcat, but I've always enjoyed Bobcat Goldthwait's work (egad what a name!)

[amigapd]

Originally Posted by Predseda

does anyone know how the system of collectable fruits work there?

Rather than fruit what about using letters like in Bubble Bobble - collect EXTRA for extra life or SLOW to slow the scrolling speed down?

I understand that Graham wants to keep it simple so that a game does get completed and released - but perhaps there could be a list of things going into the first release and then things to work on for a Downfall Deluxe?

[Anakirob]

Is this game supposed to be KS1.3 compatible? If so then you are going to need to use "Slice's" instead of "Display's", as DisplayLib only seems to work on WB>2.0, or at least it did for both me and those I discussed it with. Has anyone tested? It would be awesome if this were a 512kB 1.3 game and would earn you massive street cred wherever classic Amiga fanatics are found

Also, if you're only using 16 colours then why not make it a 5 bitplane display and then you can use the extra bitplane for one extra colour in which to put the background copper without those annoying borders?

Some collision between players would be cool. I can imagine the feeling of satisfaction seeing the other player fall off a platform as I rush into him, or miss a crucial jump as I bounce on his head. No need for the weaponry or 'moves' that others have suggested here. I agree that simple is good. Special items with special abilities will not be as good as they sound. Just points and maybe an extra life or two is all you need, and will make coding that part so much easier.

But I wonder what will happen when one player loses all lives in two player mode? It kinda sucks playing a two player game solo after one player has finished. Prehaps he could continue with score reset to zero and the game ends only when both players have fully died on the same level. And how to impliment that? Prehaps simply not drawing the platforms for the next level leaving nothing between the players and certain death?

Now for my fancy feature requests, everyone else has made them so now it's my turn. I would like a choice of MANY characters, not just a mouse and a grey thing (I want to be a lego man, or maybe an emu). Would not make much difference to the gameplay, but it adds a nice personal touch and a little colour to the HS table if the player is walking on the spot next to the entry.

I guess that is as much a request to Predseda. (I really wanna be a lego man in this, or a SWOS player) Also I think giving them names makes them less rather than more identifiable. If you must give them names then give them something silly like Skullkitchen or prehaps something with a title like The Underwhelming Phalangot. Giving them cute names just makes me WANT them to plummet to their deaths. But of all the names mentioned Matt and Jake are my favorite, simple and unassuming.

And speaking of highscore tables: I like ones that have more than one stat, or prehaps more than one table, like: score, level/distance, fruits collected, % of time spent in mid-air.

And I want to etch-a-sketch my name rather than select it from the alphabet. And trust me, that feature will actually be EASIER to impliment than a keyboard and ascii routine. Just blitting a dot that moves where the joystick points and saving shapes. Is loading shapes not easier than loading text in Blitz?

[Graham Humphrey]

Thanks for the suggestions Rob (and everyone else).

Originally Posted by Anakirob

Is this game supposed to be KS1.3 compatible? If so then you are going to need to use "Slice's" instead of "Display's", as DisplayLib only seems to work on WB>2.0, or at least it did for both me and those I discussed it with. Has anyone tested?

It worked for me on KS1.3 - and judging by s2325's latest video, it worked for him too. I tried it with 512K Chip RAM + 512K Slow RAM on WinUAE.

I'll address all the other points from everybody later when I get more time - also I've got a second level all up and running now so that's one of the most important parts of the game sorted. It should now be easy to design the other levels and to integrate them into the game. I haven't done anything else this week due to a lack of time but I'll upload the new version with level two in tonight

[s2325]

Yes, I'm using A500 settings.