DEMO POST - NEWGROUNDS.COM

I haven’t posted for a little while, I've been busy…
One of the projects due for hand in this December is a Flash game; my creation is called “CLICK”. Its simple really, the user clicks on the correct symbol, as indicated in the upper left corner of the screen.

It’s a game designed to test the player’s reactions and observational skills. I’m still in mid production with it, but I thought I’d push a demo out there to see what people made of the concept. I got some great reactions along with some positive reviews. (even had a few people ask me to e-mail them with the final version of the game, as they liked playing it that much, which is a nice feeling)

Play the DEMO by clicking on the above "PLAY THIS GAME" image, which will take you to newgrounds.com where you can launch the game. If you do play please leave your comments and feedback, this is a work in progress and I’m wide open to hearing your thoughts / suggestions...

INSPIRATION SURROUNDS US

Inspiration surrounds us in everyday objects. I have chosen two hardware interfaces to look at and examine. These two objects have found their way into my hands on a lot recently… if you know what I mean.

1. Xbox 360 Wireless Control Pad

On first impressions this current game pad from Microsoft looks very similar to the first Xbox pad before it, but with some slight alterations. Most game pads seem to have evolved into this sort of boomerang shape, smoothing out over the years from boxy hard edge devices that kind of hurt your hands over long periods of gaming, to smooth polished devices that are a pleasure to hold in comparison.

This pad is divided up into two main sections, the right hand side and the left hand side. On the right your thumb, index finger and middle finger have the X,Y,A,B buttons, Right Stick, RB Right Trigger and Start button all in range. On the left you have the D-Pad, Left Stick, LB, Left Trigger and Select buttons all with-in scope.

Having owned many different console’s in the past thus using a wide range of diverse game pads it didn’t take me long to get familiar with the 360’s pad layout. I use it on daily basis now and I find it feels very natural to interact with. The wireless feature works great and it’s a first for video games.

2. Nintendo DS Lite

Nintendo’s DS had been out for 12 months or so and had gone un-noticed by myself… that was until Nintendo re-designed the whole system and re-launched it as the ‘DS Lite’… put it this way… I certainly noticed it then!

On first impressions I was amazed at how small and slim it felt in my hands.

The whole system is smoothed off and is very neat. It reminded me more of an I-Pod instead of a next generation Game Boy. Personal I’d prefer the ‘power button’ and the ‘volume controller’ to swap positions on the device.
My reasons are that the volume slider would be in a more ideal position to alter when playing games and that the power button would be tucked out of the way, making it less likely for the user to switch it off accidentally, which has happened a few times with myself.

Also I noticed that there are minimal icons on the system itself, e.g. – One of the DS’s big selling points and major game play factors for most of its titles is the touch screen (bottom screen) that is operated by the stylus pen. If I had been totally oblivious to the DS and had just picked one up for the first time, I’d be clueless about the fact that the bottom screen is different to the top screen… maybe a ‘touch screen’ icon would help?

MY FIRST RENDER

Since the start of the multimedia course I’ve avoided 3DSM for a number of reasons, but now it seems like it’s now or never… so now it is then.

Here is my first render of a weird blob like character, it’s not much but I am finally getting to know the lay of the land when it comes to 3DSM’s interface. I need to devote more time to the program really, no more running away and hiding from it.

GAME CITY 2007

Since last Thursday (25^th) until this Sunday evening (28^th) Nottingham has been host to Game City, a four day festival hosting a boat load of different video game related events and displays. Firstly I regret not going to as many as I could have, but I did end up a good number of shows and events including an exhibition put on by our very own Andy Love showcasing some interesting level design for the Unreal FPS game.

I also went along to a talk by Alexey Pajitnov, the creative mastermind behind probably the most played game in the world… Tetris! It was very interesting, talking about the mechanics behind Tetris and other puzzle games alike. I managed to ask him a few questions as well… he’s a big World of Warcraft fan so it seems and a really nice chap.

Nottingham's Market Square hosted a big tent with various consoles running inside, to be honest I wasn’t that impressed with the titles “on play”. The only game running that stood out for me was Guitar Hero, it’s been out for a while but this was my first exposure to the addictive button bashing, rhythmic frenzy that is Guitar Hero, such such fun!

I made some good contacts and swapped MSN addys with some guys from De Montfort University, Leicester, who were stewarding some of the events and are also studying games design, always good to know people in the field.

To round everything off myself and my girlfriend (Claire) managed to get our names on the guest list for a Microsoft party. Free beer, some freebies and I got my arse kicked on Gears of War (after spending 3 rounds out of 5 teaching my n00b opponent how to play, typical, I should have just PoWnEd him from the off) I had an awesome night and Claire won herself an Xbox 360 Elite in a prize draw… WOW!

I’m already looking forward to next years Game City and I really want to get involved, something that I am aiming to achieve.

YU SUZUKI

Recently I was asked to choose someone in my prospective industry that I admire and value, and then compose a short blog presentation about him / her.

Yu Suzuki works for AM-2 (Sega Amusement Machine Research and Development Department 2) He first worked for Sega as a programmer and then quickly moved onto the role of a producer, working on such classic titles as Space Harrier (1985), Out Run (1986), After Burner II (1987) plus many more… In 1993 Suzuki directed his first game, Virtua Fighter, a 3D computer graphics fighting game, which became enormously popular and spawned a whole series of sequels.

My favourite game series that Suzuki has created is the infamous Shenmue (1999). Original planned to be set over 16 releases (we are currently on number 2 btw) it follows the story of Ryo Hazuki who is on a quest to find his father’s killer. In this frustrating world where “ever game must fit into a category” (FPS, RPG, RTS…etc) Shenmue mostly falls into the RPG genera, but it’s not just an RPG, it’s a world that transcends games. Suzuki describes his own concept denoted as "FREE" (Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment)

The majority of the game play mode is spent moving around the atmospheric, life-like eastern locations in a third-person 'chase cam' mode (talking to people, searching for things, solving puzzles, and so forth), it is interspersed with many 'mini-games', including forklift and motorcycle races, bar fights, chases down crowded alleys, full versions of old Sega arcade games such as 'Space Harrier' and 'Hang On' (both originally programmed by Yu Suzuki himself), dart games, and 'free fighting' sequences. Despite all of these user interactions and the fact that the whole project cost 70 million USD the game has a simple control interface, so even children can pick up and play.

My favourite aspect of the game is something called “QTE” (Quick Time Events). During QTE sequences, a button will flash on screen briefly and the player must press the relevant button or combination of buttons to trigger Ryo's actions. The story (thus also the game) can take on a different direction depending on the players success in QTE events. It made me wonder to myself when playing…“where would I be now if I had succeeded in that last QTE”… not unlike real life maybe?

If I ever accomplish a back catalogue of work like the mighty Yu Suzuki I will be a very happy man indeed.

PLAY TIME

Second year studies are slowly starting back up again at NTU and I’m yet to have my first ‘Games’ lecture and seminar, which I’m much looking forward too. I’m still working on my text adventure… slowly… but for now I thought I’d post about what I’ve been devoting most of my “play time” too. I use to PC game a lot and still do from time to time, but I’ve recently been playing Microsoft’s 360 console and Nintendo’s DS Lite (mine's black)

Ghost Recon Advanced War Fighter (GRAW) – Ubisoft

Although this game is getting on a bit in terms of shelf life (I picked my copy up for £8) it’s an amazing game and one of the first benchmarks in “next gen” gaming. It’s a 3^rd and 1^st person tactical shooter with some great movement controls that allows the player to move and use cover in a very realistic way. Apparently the soldier’s outfits, communications kit and weaponry are based on actually items in development for the US. (maybe it’s an insight into what we might see being used in Afghanistan and Iraq before all that comes to a close?) The AI is pretty tough, moving for cover when needed, attacking in numbers, flanking… etc. Graphics are outstanding with dazzling dynamic lighting really setting the visuals off. The controls take time to get familiar with, but once I'd mastered the basics I was hooked for about 6 hours in my first sitting. I’m a big fan of army related tactical shooters and this is easily the best I’ve played. Watch the review below…

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass – Nintendo (DS)

I’m just a Zelda fan boy and I wanted to plug this game! Although it isn’t out till this Friday (19^th) I wanted to post a review I’d seen to reinforce the how much I’m looking forward to its release. From what I have seen it looks like it’s taken the DS to a whole new level of interaction with the touchpad and stylus controls. Watch below...

TEXT-BASED ADVENTURE GAME

To keep myself occupied on the creative front I have been looking into creating my own text-based adventure game. I came across a great program whilst searching the net that constructs your text-based game for you, minimal programming talents are required and it’s simple to use.
Check it out at www.adrift.org.uk

I’ve spent the last few days trying to come up with a suitable narrative to base a text adventure game on, but after coming up with nothing but generic fantasy themed stories I came to the conclusion that conjuring up exciting, gripping narratives isn’t one of my ’skillz’. (also made me realize why 95% of MMORPGs are fantasy based, the narrative writes itself).

Without a narrative, a text-based adventure would simply be a series of puzzles. However, the reverse is true; without at least the odd puzzle, there isn't much to do except wander around, waiting for the story to expose itself. So I decided to put the story telling aside for the moment and focus on the puzzles that would make up my text adventure. This method of writing the game has proven to be much more manageable, focusing on the gameplay first then building a narrative around that. I have posted a quick screen shot of what my text adventure looks like so far, no exciting 3D graphics here...
this is old skool!

My finished game will be posted up here for download as soon as I have completed it, watch this space.

ASTEROID STORM

* game my take a few seconds to load *
* there is audio *

* also available to play HERE @ “newgrounds.com” *

This game is the result of my spare time over the summer months.
Produced using Flash it’s a side scrolling space game inspired by such titles as ‘Zero Wing’ (Toaplan) and ‘R-Type’ (Irem).

There are 3 stages with-in the game which I have designed to progress in difficulty as the player advances. (stage 3 is my favourite)
I’ve also added a little sub story, mostly to support the game’s object and end goal, but also to attempt to draw the player in a little more and add to the overall feel.

My friend (Edd) produced the music which I think really sets this game going.
I also had some great help from my tutors, which without I’d still be sat here scratching my head.

See what you think… it’s my first game and my first valid project using Actionscript… I do have to say that I’m pretty proud with the end results, it makes me hungry for more! Please DO leave a comment letting me know what you think, you are my public after all...

ZELDA

A quick update about my game progress and also an excuse to show you a Flash game gem that I stumbled across whilst browsing the net.

My game is coming along nicely, adding the finishing touches and piecing the last parts together. Also a good friend of mine from Leeds has done some great 8-bit music for it, which really gives off the feel of an old 80's Sega game!

Until my game reaches this domain check out this funny take on the Zelda style games, just click the link below to play. I’ve really enjoyed playing through some of the Nintendo Zelda Classics on my DS this summer...
IT WAS RESEARCH!

The Legend of Zelda: The Lampshade of No Real Significance - Get the lamp to the temple...

I'm looking forward to this for the DS...

SLOW SUMMER PROGRESS

As the title of this post suggests, I’m making slow, slow progress with my summer project. I'm keeping up contact with various tutors via e-mail, mostly crying out for help with my Flash game that I’m struggling along with.

This is all I can offer at the moment, a few screen shots of what I’m working on, a side scrolling space game. It’s as basic as you can imagine, working under the generic title “Asteroid Storm”.

More to follow…

GAMES

It has been longer than normal since my last post (like anyone but myself reads this damn blog anyway!) I have moved out of my overcrowded accommodation in Nottingham before I butchered everyone there with the dirty kitchen knife - (‘nuff said)

I’m back north for the summer, seeking work and hoping to get some cash saved up for this coming September, when I’ll be moving in with my wonderful girlfriend Claire - (big smiles all round)

My end of year presentation went better than expected; it gave me a chance to reflect on a rough first year and also to make goals and targets for my second. As predicted my chosen pathway is Games Design, I’d be lying to myself if I chose any other and BOY am I looking forward to it!

Since moving back home I have been working through a very interesting text book, Gary Rosenweig – “Flash MX, Actionscript for Fun & Games”.
My summer project is video game developed with actionscript programming, it’s going slow thus far, but I’m enjoying every frustrating second of it. I’ll post my progress here as and when.

Here is a little gem for my fellow game geeks out there; it’s a short comic strip in homage to probably my favourite video game series of all time
(oh when will the 3^rd be coming out?!) only the enthusiasts will understand this one…

DEADLINE

Deadline, says it all really…. I think I’m ready.

Click HERE to download my notes/Idents diary that I have kept throughout.

I will be handing in a printed hard copy of this and also a digital version on a CDR, along with the rest of my project files and also my final E4 products.

My E4 identities package/final products are listed & hosted below...

> E4 Cat Food (eSting)
> E4 Record Deck (eSting)
> E4 Tetris (eSting)

> E4 Music Web Site

> E4 Summer Web Banner
> E4 Mathematics Web Banner 01
> E4 Mathematics Web Banner 02

I came across this drawing (artist unknown) I believe it depicts what I have felt like recently, especially over the last three months. I like it.

Project complete!
I hope you like what I’ve churned out...

WEB BANNER 002

Here is the second two web banners that I have produced as part of my idents project. The concept is based around what I call “E4 Math”… don’t understand? its simple!

*example
E4 + Computer + MP3 player = E4 Podcasts
E4 + Microphone + DAB Radio = E4 Radio

… the list goes on… yadda, yadda, yadda!

There is no audio for these banners, silent web banners. I have also used the standard size of 468 x 60 pixels, a landscape banner, this size is a common template, thus designed to fit into most website’s allocated ad spaces.

*I have yet to find a way of embedding working flash movies (.swf)*
*Click the images to start the web banner animation*

WEB BANNER – AUDIO

I’ve finished my first E4 web banner… well, almost. There is still the matter of the ‘mute’ button, which I have added to give the user the choice to turn off the audio if they feel they want to. I have it working as a button, but the actual function of it muting the sound I have yet to accomplish and apply. It’s fair to say I’m having some trouble with it! So for now the 'mute' button doesn't work.

That aside, I have also added the audio in question to fit the animation. I have tried to keep the soundtrack subtle and ambient, so that it doesn’t annoy the user to much, but at the same time grabs their attention and draws them into the advertisement.

Cool Edit Pro was used to record, edit and cut-up the different audio samples so that they could then be layered in Flash to fit alongside the visuals.

*I have yet to find a way of embedding working flash movies (.swf)*
* Click the image to start the web banner animation*

E4 IDENT WEBSITE (FINISHED)

Click the image link below to download and view my E4 Music website.
(.zip compressed)

I tried to consider many important aspects when designing the website. Such as easy accessibility, low page loading times, clear navigation, the different viewing resolutions that it will be viewed at and also being easily updateable.

All of the page designs were produced in Photoshop and then pieced together using Dreamweaver. The final product is a no-nonsense, basic, html website that does the job every time, anywhere…

The downside is that it isn’t a very “modern” website, i.e. isn’t Flash, CSS…etc, which is where I have tried to make up for lost ground with respectable page designs.

*click the image below to download my E4 Music website*
*comments and feedback are GREATLY encouraged*

WEB BANNERS

For the last part of my ident project I have decided to produce some web based adverts / banners. These web banners will promote E4 and their identity, yet again to keep in-fitting with my Estings and E4 Website.

Working on these banners has brought me back to using Flash, which I feel I’m still at a basic level with... and yet again, as always Photoshop, which is where I feel right at home!

I’ve been researching into the standard sizes for banners and found that they have been formulated by the Internet Advertising Bureau. In the example below I have used a 160px by 600px, an established banner size.

*I have yet to find a way of embedding working flash movies (.swf)*
*click the image to start the web banner animation*

3D STUDIO MAX

After a 3D animation lecture last week I managed to get my hands on
3D Studio Max. Here is what I produced. It took me a good while as this program is all new to me, but it was all very intriguing...

MY ESTINGS

Here are my 3 estings that I entered into the competition. To be honest I have been holding out on posting them all up together as I’m not 100% about the ‘DJ/Record’ ident and the ‘Tetris’ ident.

But OH WELL here they are…

"E4 Cat Food"



"E4 Record Deck"



"E4 Tetris"

...reactions…etc?

ONWARDS!

I’ve been progressing with my E4 Music website, slowly but surly…

My design is based around a vinyl record. The first page the user comes across will be the .WELCOME page, the sleeve of the record. Then the user comes to the menu page .INDEX where the record has come out of its sleeve. Its pretty visually clear where the websites goes from there, but more to follow soon… still a LOT to do. Its a steep learning curve for me...

LOGO DESIGN

Of late I’ve been trying to come up with some logo designs for the two new E4 based radio stations, E4 Radio & Pure4. Seen as how I’ve been sticking to the logo branding that is already in place, I decided to see what I could conjure up by playing around with various fonts along side the current logos.

This is what I came up with…