Lige's site

Small icon issues.

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:50:51 +0000

I'm unsure if this has been addressed, however I've yet to find anything about the subject. For the last half hour (if not longer), I've been trying to change my Small icon. I've tried deleting it and uploading minutes later; however, regardless of the method I choose, it seems my previous small icon becomes visible. I thought it was just me, but I've asked another user about it and they've told me they're having the same issue.

Wasn't too sure where to post this, but it's better to make the problem public than to sit quietly; hoping for mind-readers to come along.

Decisions, decisions...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:34:34 +0000

After browsing the site for awhile now, I can honestly say I'm impressed. With the site being less scattered, it's easier for me to lurk, so I'm all good with that. I was expecting the worst, but all seems well thus far. Unexpectedly, motivation seems to have made its way towards me. Obviously the site update has been a major cause of that, however, not too long ago another BYOND member had shown me something they had been working on; so that had a nice boost behind it.

Nevertheless, I'm unsure what to do with this motivation. I could try to shell out a project, demo or library; however those of you who know of me know that hardly anything I work on gets finished. Maybe I'm aiming too big? I tried the "release often" side of things and that didn't work out either. I could always aim for a small game that only takes a day or two to make; then just build onto it?

Overall, it's a bit irritating to have a lot of motivation that's just sitting there. Too bad I can't bake cookies with it and dish'em out.

"Decisions, decisions...", indeed.

Personal and Jail Em! Information

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:10:51 +0000

Index

Jail Em!
Last Post
Done With BYOND

Jail Em!

If you turn your attention to the last post, you'll receive information about the upcoming update. Granted it's taking longer than we thought, do keep in mind it's being taken care of. The current server is down as it wasn't being played anyway, plus the "Fish" medal is now no longer available. I give kudos to those who took the time to get the medal and they will be rewarded in the upcoming update. Nevertheless, my plans for Jail Em! are rather simple. I plan on helping Branks as I always have, however updates won't be a frequent as we had hoped (weekly). Overall, I'd like to thank those who gave the game a chance.

Last Post

This will be my last post. From now on, Branks will be doing the blogging since I'm more or less finished. It seems my previous efforts to keep players interested has failed, so I'll leave it to him to spice up the interest of others. Not only that, but blogging as a whole has become a chore lately rather than something to be excited about. That's not really the only reason. Another being blogs are being dealt away with, so I doubt it'll really matter whether or not this is my last post. Anywho, just keeping everyone who actually reads this that my lack of announcements doesn't mean I died - it simply means I've stopped caring.

Done With BYOND

Alas, we reach this topic. For awhile now, a long while actually, I've been wanting to quit BYOND. At first, a friend of mine asked me to stay to help him out so I did. After that, yet another friend asked me to stay to help him out; again, I did. However, it's come to my attention that the majority of the community is either ungrateful or just plain out not worth the time. Throughout my breaks from BYOND, I expected things to change for the better, but it's usually the opposite. By this, I mean the community tends to worsen.

So what becomes of Jail Em!, some might be asking. I'll be assisting Branks whenever I can, but as I stated earlier - updates won't be as frequent. The game itself is unappreciated, but that's to be expected considering it's still in it's beta stage and lacks some of the key features. I plan on eventually making the game extremely easy for things to be implemented, but that probably won't happen for awhile now that I've become busier than expected...

Anywho, this topic itself isn't about "ragequitting" BYOND or stating how it was better "back in the day". I'm grateful for the five years I've been here. Sure, I've wasted a lot of that time, but I've learned a fair amount as well. I don't consider me leaving as a loss to BYOND, especially since I haven't contributed anything noteworthy excluding Jail Em!. I'll slowly take my leave as my evening addiction to Mafia has become apparent. Whatever other projects I was messing with (Invasion, Bleach, SpearThrow and a couple others I can't think of) are officially canceled. To be completely honest, if I didn't consider Branks a friend, I'd probably take my leave without word, but I figure I might as well help him out whenever I have free time. So for the few of you who actually care, there you go.

That's more or less all I had to say. Enjoy yourselves.

Jail Em! - Poll/Update Information

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 20:41:32 +0000

Index

Introduction
Poll
Update Information

Introduction

The point of this post is to allow players to decide what type of movement Jail Em! will use. On top of that, I plan on providing some more information regarding the upcoming update. The poll will most likely not close as current and future feedback is both desired and appreciated.

Poll

Branks and I have decided to allow the players to decide whether Jail Em! continues to use pixel movement or if it should revert to tile-based movement. We're fine with pixel movement, but we aren't sure if players would feel more comfortable using tile movement. Anywho, we appreciate your feedback on this matter as it's to benefit your gameplay experience.

Update Information

Fix Bugs: The remaining bugs (see: previous post) will be fixed.
Additional Map: Branks has finished the second map so that'll be added in which will give the voting system a purpose.
Fav. Class: The basics are already complete, as noticed on the scoreboard. I'll be adding in what remains.
Faction Customization: We're going to add in the ability to allow players to customize each faction. As stated previously, you'll unlock visuals based on your wins and medals.
Cup of Water: Apparently this Criminal-only item will be making a return, along with its medals.
Spectate: It seems I forgot to add in the spectate ability. Kinda makes being a spectator a bit boring when lacking the ability to spectate.
Additional Medals: A few more medals will be making their way into the game. Two will be directed at the Fav. Class feature, and I think I'll be adding in a "top player" medal. How the latter will work will be based on who scored the most points during the round.
Interface to HUD: I plan on changing the in-game game from interface based to HUD based. This is just so I have less to do when the flash client is released. It'll look more or less the same.

Update will be released soon enough. If you have any suggestions, feel free to notify myself or Branks.

Jail Em! - v1.1 beta (fix 1)

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:38:35 +0000

Index

Introduction
Fixed
What Remains to be Fixed
What is to Come
Further Information

Introduction

The release notes for the initial release can be found here. As today is a busy day for me, I don't have enough time to fix all the bugs that we came across. Out of the seven that were reported, five were fixed. On top of that, MDC sent me the log for other bugs that I'll have to work with. The ones in the logs aren't too much to handle. Anywho, here's a list of what was fixed, what's to be fixed and what's to come.

Fixed

Taser bug: Should be fixed now, so Officers are fully functional now.
Spectator HUD: HUD would disappear for spectators which was an issue.
Overlapping music: Opening song would play immediately after a round, which now waits for the winning/losing sound to be completed.
HUD disappearing: Apparently the HUD would disappear during gameplay for now reason. I have yet to experience this bug, but I made some modifications so it shouldn't be an issue.
Medal Spam: Medal achievements would be announced twice or more which shouldn't be an issue anymore.
Radar: I can't seem to get this bug to re-appear, but I was told the radar sometimes disappears. I did what I could, so if this problem continues let me know.

What Remains to be Fixed

Broken Boxes: When on pressure plates, broken boxes still keep the jail door open.
HUD Updating: HUD sometimes doesn't update properly. Unsure what's causing it, but it doesn't seem to affect gameplay.
Others: I don't have time to search through to logs, but two other bugs showed up. Nothing game-breaking, but they do exist.

What is to Come

Cup of Water: Apparently people want to see this feature make a return, so I'll work on adding it back in.
Favorite Class: As it's already on the hub, we're going to add a system that'll keep track of which class you pick the most, thus being dubbed as your "Fav. Class". By default, it's "Undecided".
Unlockables: It's been requested that unlockable items be presented, so items will be unlocked based on your wins, favorite class and medals.
Character Customization: Following the Unlockables noted above, some of the unlockable items will be features for your character. Whether it be a perk, hair/facial hair or an outfit for a unique look.
Additional Game Modes: We have a few game modes jotted down, so there's a good chance the current game mode will be dubbed "Classic" once these are added in.

Further Information

Hub: Link!
Host: Winning

Jail Em! - v1.1 beta released

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:05:19 +0000

This blog won't be nearly as long as my previous posts tend to be.

Anyway, I finally debugged as much as I could on my own, so while Branks is finishing up the main maps I've decided to release a beta of version 1.1. This version contains two maps (one being the lobby), and a limited time medal dubbed "Fish" which is gained by testing the beta version. Not only that, but the beta will give you a chance to get use to the gameplay. I'm unsure when the official maps will be finished, but if bugs are found, they will be fixed this weekend. The beta will feature just about everything excluding a few environment additions (such as the heavy door).
(see: Version 1.1 info)

Hub: Link!
Host: Yusuke13
MSN/Email: lige91(at)hotmail(dot)com

Note: It will be hosted soon, Yusuke13 is putting up the server.

Jail Em! - Upcoming Update (v1.1)

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:46:54 +0000

Index

Introduction
Added
Removed
Fixed
Further Information

Introduction

Although I was aiming for release before 2012, that didn't happen as planned. It's not a huge deal as it has given me time to add in additional features. The update hasn't be released publicly as Branks is doing the finishing touches on the map. In the meantime I've created a test map and I've been testing it, mainly searching for bugs to avoid releasing an infested updated.

Added

New Maps: We've tossed out the older maps, and we're now working on larger maps. This is because gameplay has changed a bit, plus the previous maps were too bland.
Action: Criminals can now fight back. Because of this, this also means Officers can be knocked out. Keep in mind that while Criminals only have their fists, Officers have their batons. As such, Criminals will do less damage so it's not recommended that you go one on one with an Officer; it is suggested that you jump him.
Radar: Allows you to see the general location of your fellow officers/criminals as well as the opposing team members that have been spotted by someone on your team.
Cameras: Security Cameras are now in place. If you get within range, you'll be considered spotted (Criminals only). The best thing you can do is avoid them altogether, or if you get caught - pray you're running in the right direction.
New Doors: While we've kept the original door, we decided to add in two more door types to encourage teamwork. Granted, teamwork isn't forced upon the player, but things would be a lot easier on your faction if used. For example, one of the new doors is a Jail Cell door. However, to open it, you have to stand on the nearby pressure plate. Once you step off, it closes. That's where teamwork comes to play. Another example would be the Heavy Door, which can't be bashed down nor lock picked. To open this door, you must find and pull the switch that goes to the door. As said, we don't want to force teamwork on players, so these doors just lead to alternate/shorter routes.
Additional Props: This was to make the game feel less bland. We have tables and monitors for example. Few others have been added, but it's mainly for visual affect.
HUD Additions: We've added several new items to the HUD. Each have their own functions, however do note that three of them are for your personal settings. (see: previous post).
Voting System: The voting system now works perfectly, allowing you to select which map you want to play on. Selecting a faction is done in a similar manner.
In-game Guide: A guide has been added into the game. It covers a lot of the basics, and goes over the macros.
More Sound: We've added another sound, which becomes active when the round starts. So far, I prefer it over a quiet game plus it has a good beat.
Facial Hair: Not really a big thing, however we decided to add in additional features to ensure each character has the possibility of being unique. Not only that, but it'll be easier for each teammate to identify one another during gameplay.
Additional Medals: I've only come up with one new one, but more are in the process of being created. Currently the only new one is "Riot, Anyone?" for the Criminals.
Ratio Added: Added Ratio into the scoreboard. I may add in something else to play off of this. Right now I'm in the lead with Wins, however Branks has me beat via Ratio so it seems a bit more fair. Any ideas as to how I should further this would be interesting.

Removed

Interface based HUD: It wasn't appealing, plus it caused a lot of problems.
Maps: The first original map was bland and the only one being played. The second map was just boring, overall.
Text-based overlays: We've taken out the text overlays "KO" and "STUNNED" and replaced them with icon_states

Fixed

Auto-Host Bug: The original auto-host wasn't working properly so it's been replaced. So far it works fine, but I'll continue to test it tonight to ensure it works.
Reset Bug: Playing off of the Auto-Host bug, this bug refused to reset when not enough players were online.
Bugged Box Blockade: When being attacked from behind a box, the Criminals were still taking damage. That's been fixed.

Further Information

Hub: Here
Aimed Release Date: Tuesday, 01/03/2012
Email/MSN: lige91(at)hotmail(dot)com

Jail Em! - More Information

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 01:43:41 +0000

Index

Introduction
Interface and HUD
Radar
Bots

Introduction

The purpose of this post is to continue off of my previous post and to shine some light on Jail Em as I explain some of the things that have changed. Granted not too much information will be provided, but I will try to expand on each idea rather than keep everything to myself. Anywho, I've provided images to assist my explanation of the sections listed.

Interface and HUD

As I mentioned in the previous post, the majority of the interface has not changed. If anything, I kept the basic outline while adding in a few things here and there. In the screenshot to the left, you can see the way the game normally looks, although the interface is about 20% larger in length to provide a space for the output. I might as well explain what each item shown on the hud does. Obviously the letter J indicates that it's the macro for the usage of the Fork. Currently the criminal-based commands are still in development, hence why they only have one item displayed. The green square with other colored squares is a radar display. I wouldn't have added it into the photo, but I might as well discuss it in this post (see: Radar). In the center, those of you who aren't new to Jail Em will recognize that these are new. Despite being placeholders, they have their own functions. The sound settings is used to toggle whether or not you want to hear any of the sounds. The blue rectangle was my attempt at making a window; this basically toggles where the output is displayed (located on the right); so far you can have it on your screen while shortening the length of the interface or expand the interface and give the output it's own area. Last, but not least, is the question mark which takes the player to the in-game guide. I decided to make a rough draft of the Controls section of the guide and add its image here. That's pretty much about it. I tried keeping the HUD and interface user-friendly as well as simple. Any feedback on it would be appreciated.

Radar

Since I mentioned it above, I might as well go into detail. We decided that since players were extremely difficult to find, we should try to fix this. Since Officers have to stop the Criminal, it gave the Criminals a huge edge when it came to smaller rounds. So a radar idea was implemented to assist sides. However, we started thinking that we should make it so only friendlies are constantly shown on your map (in blue) while the enemy (red) are only displayed when they are spotted by you or an ally. The enemy will always be displayed if they are spotted, however once they are out of your sight, they will disappear from your radar. Considering the maps are going to be fairly larger and a lot of extra gameplay elements (teamwork will be hinted towards but not mandatory) have been added, this feature will benefit all.

Bots

I highly doubt this one will make it into the upcoming update for several reasons. For one, I want this coming update to focus on multiplayer. For two, I already have a lot of new gameplay elements and systems created, I'd rather weed out whatever bugs appear before trying to add in bots. However, I thought it was worth noting that I am working on bots at the moment. Since the majority of this update is nearly finished (with a few things left to go), I figured I might as well get the bot system and ai out if the way. When and if bugs do appear, then I'll try to fix them while sliding the bots into the mix for those who'd rather play offline.

Jail Em! - Are you interested?

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:20:58 +0000

Index

Introduction
Updates Coming Soon
Suggestions
Future Plans

Introduction

Before I continue with the introduction, for those who are interested in wanting to know more about this game should turn their attention to any number of our past blogs.

Late August, Branks and I had begun development on a project we came to name Jail Em!. As we began brainstorming for ideas, we got to work almost immediately despite our busy schedules. Weekends were usually dedicated to the game, and as we worked, our motivation continued to grow. After a month of working on the game, we released version 0.9 on September 29th. I had updated it not too long after that as bugs were found almost immediately, and even after the release of 1.0 bugs had made their way through.

Jail Em! is a game of competition and team work. Before the round begins, you're to choose which faction to play as. Do you escape with your fellow criminals, seeking the freedom you once lost? Or do you make use of your profession as an officer, chasing down and preventing escape at any means necessary? The choice is yours.

Updates Coming Soon

As Branks mentioned, Jail Em! is being updated. I don't want to reveal too much before the actual update (mainly because I wouldn't have anything to blog about if I did that), but I figured I might as well address some of the larger issues that I'm working on. First and foremost, the source was messy and rushed as we gave ourselves a release date. Granted it wasn't too messy, but as I spotted most of the issues, I would have to reprogram certain parts which I know would've broken even more things. Overall, the game had to be revamped, thus I've been reprogramming the entire thing. Good news is, the majority has been reprogrammed and additional features/fixes have been implemented. Overall, this update is to fix the bugs that were presented in the past, as well as address issues some players had with the game and implement a few suggestions.

To start, we've taken out the way voting works. The game was extremely "mob" based. Everything that happened in the game focused on "mob". This caused a lot of problems, especially with the auto-host (thanks to Ryuk25 for point it out). It's worth noting that I'm working on a system that will basically run the server once it's hosted. Just about everything that happens is because of it. All the player decisions only affect their own vars, and the system takes care of the rest. It was also pointed out (by the same person) that it was hard to gather enough players to start a round. As of now, the game will allow rounds to start once each faction has atleast one participant. Granted the original system was suppose to allow the same thing, but again it was bugged.

Another problem we faced was the fact that criminals could still be beaten while taking cover behind boxes, as well as be cornered in their own spawn point. Both these problems have been fixed. The box will take the hit before the player (assuming it's not broken). The spawn point problem wasn't necessarily a bug, it was just a flaw in my programming as I hadn't thought of officers cornering the criminals. This problem has been fixed as spawn points are now chosen based on what area is currently the safest.

The final things I'll discuss is the interface and guide. Nothing big has changed, and that's because I wanted to focus more on the map itself. Rather than having nifty images with "Jail Em!" text flashing, I wanted to keep the players attention on the game itself. The left the basics the same, the map is on top and the output is on the bottom. However, I took out the interface based voting "system". An option has been provided where you can actually make the interface just the map with the output on the screen, but it's completely optional. I know some people prefer it and others find it ugly so allow it to be an option was the middle ground. Another huge issue was the constant "how2play?" question. Despite the message, "Need help? Click here for the guide!", it didn't stop. If anything, it was a lazy way of doing things. So, I fixed that as well by adding in an in-game guide. With it in-game, you can access it at any point. Whether you're waiting for the round to start, or about to score a point.

Gameplay has taken a huge turn for the better. I would love to sit here and just go on and on about the gameplay, but alas that would ruin the surprise. Hopefully this has grabbed your attention. Keep your eyes peeled as the update isn't too far away. Before we release, I'll be sure to make a post about the update with more detail. If necessary, images with be provided. Overall the game has been completely reprogrammed and I'm constantly testing it to ensure game-breaking bugs don't surface. Branks is working on more artwork, especially since I made some placeholders earlier this morning. Despite being a casual game, I do hope you guys try it out once it's released.

Suggestions

Although I should wait until the update is already out to ensure the suggestions aren't repeats of things currently being added, I've decided to take a few suggestions. I've already browsed the comments in the majority of our previous posts as well as the hub comments. Granted, if you want to suggest something then I'll be sure to take it into consideration. However, what I want to know is if I should add in more medals, as well as add in a win/loss ratio. The latter will most likely happen and medals might be updated since the gameplay has improved a lot. Although I have a list written down of the medals to add in (most probably won't make the cut), I would love to see what you guys come up with. If you're interested in contributing an idea for a medal, just use the template below.

Medal Name:
How to obtain:
Description (Optional):

Future Plans

Once Tom reveals what is and isn't compatible with the flash client, I plan on making the necessary adjustments to get Jail Em! out there. I've already tried advertising it outside of BYOND and will continue to do so, however the flash client will make it a bit easier. Other than that, I do plan on continuing updating the game. Assuming bugs do make their way through, the game will be fixed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Suggestions that won't make it in this coming update will most likely make it in future updates so don't be discouraged if your suggestion has been put on the back burner. It's worth noting that depending on the suggestion, it may be added in during a weekly fix.

Development Has Begun

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:17:15 +0000

Index

Introduction
Jail Em!
Bleach Fangame
Closing Comments

Introduction

As days have gone by, I've made my way through a few posts; both forum and blog alike. With my lack of motivation when it came to programming, I eventually lost interest in BYOND checked in rarely. Upon talking with a few friends, I had realized I've been on BYOND for nearly five (5) years with nothing to show for it. I have Spear Throw which is a joke, and Jail Em! which is currently down. I look at other developers and notice they have multiple demos, libraries and/or games in their name. With my duration on BYOND and my lack of contribution, I've decided to make my "return", so to speak. With that, here's what I'm working on.

Jail Em!

With Jail Em! being down for over a month, Branks and I have decided to give this game a nice update. The update will be rather nice as I plan on taking out a lot of systems that are useless or painfully annoying to add in a better way to keep thing functioning. Considering I've been making small demos for myself, I already have an idea as to how I'm going to fix up the interface. We're also throwing away the current maps, mainly because new gameplay elements have made their way into the game. A more detailed version of the update (or a post of what's to come) will be blogged about sometime this weekend, if not Monday. The game needs to be revived as it has a lot of potential.

Bleach Fangame

I've had the urge to make a fangame, specifically Bleach. Granted it will not be a MMO-styled game, I plan on making it a single player game so I have something enjoyable to play to kill time. However, I do want to expand on it and eventually make it multiplayer. Not much information is being provided because I doubt anyone is interested in reading about about how fun and original my fangame will be. Granted, those I have informed have been more or less hyped for it. So far, my only issue is artwork. I plan on using the old bases provided by Branks, as well as most of the artwork. Sadly, the clothing lacks the necessary states to be used during gameplay (it only has the movement states). I'm also lacking a few necessary sprites that are crucial to finishing the project. Here's my attempt at making a hollow... Again, I just need a few icons for the first release to happen. If anyone is willing to contribute, I would really appreciate it. Here's an ad if it's really necessary.

Project Name
Bleach Game (Untitled)

Description
A single player game based on the popular anime, Bleach. The player selects an character of his choice from the series as their "battler". Upon selection, they are to face off against hordes of Hollows. Difficulty settings, several maps and unlockable characters will be provided. Upon failure/success, the players score will be uploaded to the hub.

Project Goal
To make a fun Bleach game for fellow Bleach fans. If the project turns out well, I plan on turning it into a co-op version of the game (allowing several players to team up against the vicious hollows).

Skills Needed
Pixel Artist: I need a pixel artist who can finish the remainder of the shinigami outfit (I can provide both the base and movement state of the outfit). I also need two-three (2-3) hollow sprites. I desire a few other things, but what I listed is what it required for the first release.

Compensation
I cannot give money as compensation, but I'm willing to offer my services in return as well as give credit for your contribution.

Team Members
Lige - Programming, Interface design, Level design

Previous Work
Spear Throw - Released/downloadable
Jail Em! - Released/down for update
Suukou Faita - Canceled
Invasion - On hold

Contact Information
Email/MSN: lige91@hotmail.com

I should also note that if the artwork is provided, the project shouldn't take too long to release considering I've been working on it for awhile. It's also worth mentioning it uses recyclable systems. Again, if you're interested, I'd highly appreciate it.

Closing Comments

I plan on creating several small projects as part of my contribution to BYOND
Jail Em! deserves my attention, so it shall be upated.
Anime/Manga is something I enjoy, so I want to create at least one small project on an anime of my choosing (Bleach).
I'd like to take the time to thank Yusuke13. If he hadn't asked me to help him with programming, I don't think I would've found a jump start to my sudden motivation.
Last, but not least, BYOND. Mainly for providing a great and simple tool for those who find development to be a hobby.
Any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.