SyntaxBomb - Indie Coders

General Category => Game Coding Competitions => Topic started by: Qube on January 22, 2019, 21:59:06

Title: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 22, 2019, 21:59:06
OK, the 8-BIT WARS competition is off and so we'll go down the route of discussion ( again ).

PM me when we've a viable competition that pleases 99% of people and we'll go for that one :)
Title: Re: Code a game comp - 8-BIT WARS - Jan 23rd to Mar 31st 2019
Post by: Derron on January 23, 2019, 07:11:12
if I was to suggest a theme I would already choose biased to my likings. And knowing this it means my suggestions will be the opposite as I try to avoid promoting what I like to see. A dilemma ;-)

- [gameplay] sound is the key, a game in which sounds/sfx/music is essential part of the gameplay  :-[
- [visual design] steampunk as visual theme, means handcrafted space ships with big cog wheels, guns with radio bulbs etc.
- [gameplay] a toddler / preschool-playable game (collect some stuff games, hit-to-burst-and-do-not-miss-something games)
- [gameplay] a child-friendly game (build a train track and let a train go, build a garden and let an ant hill do what it likes, ...)
- [gameplay] evolution, a game in which "evolution" (biological, technical, ...) is an essential part of the gameplay
- [visual design] 60s super hero comics: "boom", "kawoom", "expliosion-flame-shape" in a arcade game (or what fits to super heroes)
- [gameplay] any strategy/simulation game (turn based or real time)
Title: Re: Code a game comp - 8-BIT WARS - Jan 23rd to Mar 31st 2019
Post by: round157 on January 23, 2019, 07:19:20
Quote from: Qube on January 22, 2019, 22:08:37
Derron ::) - If you have a competition in mind then post it here....

Yes, Derron is an intelligent member and always has brilliant ideas. If Derron organizes a competition, the competition will be very great and exciting.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Derron on January 23, 2019, 15:02:48
Sorry if I created fuzz with the latest compo. Maybe having a "discussion" engages more people to join as they at least had a chance to hand in their theme vote "somehow". People like a little petting here and there ;-)


@ Qube
Is there a reason to not use the php generator again to mix up some stuff?


@ others
What's your (basic) ideas for themes? Abstract ones are allowing more flexible game ideas:
- "villagers" (simulation games, revenge-action-shooters, puzzlers ...)
- "weather effects" (tornados, even an Arche Noah game would be possible ;-))
- ...
- "mini games" (needs to contain at least X different minigames)

I prefer such things over the technical limitations (which has its friends too! but it limits amount of participants as not everybody enjoys coding some weeks just to not break the limitation rules).


bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 23, 2019, 15:09:10
Quote@ Qube
Is there a reason to not use the php generator again to mix up some stuff?
It was very basic and really only meant for that mix up comp. Very easy to write so no reason someone could whip up something more appropriate if needed.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: BasicBoy on January 23, 2019, 15:29:04
Quote from: Qube on January 22, 2019, 21:59:06
OK, the 8-BIT WARS competition is off and so we'll go down the route of discussion ( again ).

PM me when we've a viable competition that pleases 99% of people and we'll go for that one :)

FWIW, I was perfectly happy with the 8-BIT WARS concept & rules, and was beginning to cobble together something ZX-related.

My little expression of disappointment that the mighty Beeb wasn't one of the options wasn't a criticism (and I'm sure you never took it that way), it was just a self-centred moan!

Even though the 8-BIT WARS compo is now (sadly) off, I think I might carry on with what I've started anyway...


BasicBoy.
--

http://www.proggies.uk/ (http://www.proggies.uk/)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Morpheus on January 23, 2019, 15:49:29
OK I had started to run through a few ideas for the 8bit wars theme. I wasn't going to participate before the theme came up and I really did fancy it  :o

I had already reworked my logo just to get a feel for the Commodore 64 palette and graphical oddities.

Was just about to post a few questions like: Can we have sprites in the border and other "tricks" like that?

So why the change of heart/mind?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 16:40:33
Quote from: Qube on January 22, 2019, 21:59:06
OK, the 8-BIT WARS competition is off and so we'll go down the route of discussion ( again ).

PM me when we've a viable competition that pleases 99% of people and we'll go for that one :)

OMG! I spent half of my working day putting together a game design ready to start work this evening!

How come it's been cancelled? I haven't seen any later messages in the thread before it got culled. Personally, I thought it was a good idea for a competition.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 23, 2019, 17:54:14
QuoteMy little expression of disappointment that the mighty Beeb wasn't one of the options wasn't a criticism (and I'm sure you never took it that way)
Not at all :) - I didn't even include my favourite 8-bit, the Vic-20 as the 8-bit wars were really between the ZX Speccy and C64.

QuoteOMG! I spent half of my working day putting together a game design ready to start work this evening!
Yeah, I spent a couple of evenings on and off working out the comp details.

QuoteHow come it's been cancelled?
I got fed up with trying to get some form of comp going and over the last few comps there's been negativity flowing in about the ideas. So I think it's a good time step away from arranging them and let someone else come up with all the ideas as they'll hopefully make up a much better competition.

So when it's all been sorted, i.e. theme / rules / dates etc, make the needed post and I'll sticky as the next comp.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Steve Elliott on January 23, 2019, 18:45:56
I really wish some people would see a competition as a challenge, rather than meh I don't like that it doesn't fit my skill set.  I'll only enter competitions that allow me to use the skills I currently have, I do not want to even try to develop a new skill - so I'll sabotage any competition that challenges me.  And people will expect a certain type of game, which I also don't like.  You should only offer game styles that I like.  Game style was not mentioned as far as I can see, just a certain Spectrum/C64 look.  Not all games were arcade in style, even the Speccy had a Flight Simulator!
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: round157 on January 23, 2019, 18:53:05
Quote from: Qube on January 23, 2019, 17:54:14

So when it's all been sorted, i.e. theme / rules / dates etc, ........

If the details of the next competition is decided after useful and healthy discussion between members. a lot of entries should appear in the next competition. Good.

Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: STEVIE G on January 23, 2019, 19:03:03
I didn't think the 8-bit wars was a bad idea at all - my only minor point would be that a theme would have given me more focus as I have too many ideas.  Sure, it would have been tricky to mimic the limitations of either system (colours per 8x8 wise) but I'd lie and suggest that I'd coded some fancy machine code to get around this and allow 16 colours  OR just go full monocrome :P

Did I miss more comments in the original thread as it looked like only Derron wasn't entering?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Steve Elliott on January 23, 2019, 19:06:37
Sometimes (sadly) it only takes one constantly negative person.  I've explained my thoughts above.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Matty on January 23, 2019, 19:13:05
May I add my two cents:

I too do not like restricting to 8-bit palette and so on - because I never had an 8 bit computer and started gaming/coding on a PC from about 1989 onwards. So retro means very little to me.

But......to put a positive in here and a suggestion:

I LOVED the mixed themes randomiser thing we did a few months ago (Open World/Arcade, Retro/Strategy, Puzzle/??? etc)

It's very simple...easy to run and so on...simply provide 3 mixed random themes and let people run away with them however they choose.
We had retro games for those who liked them, 3d games from some, and all sorts.

But....that's my two cents.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: STEVIE G on January 23, 2019, 19:23:45
I definitely liked the theme randomizer too - just didn't have enough free time to complete my effort for that one.

Qube, could you post the original themes and others can maybe add to them until everyone is happy with the options and then just go with random again? 
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 23, 2019, 19:26:06
QuoteNot all games were arcade in style, even the Speccy had a Flight Simulator!
Far from it. There was, arcade, puzzle, isometric, flight sims, space sims, sims in general, action, adventure, racing, etc, etc, etc.

There was no force limit of low res ( optional ). The only limit was to use the provided colour palettes and make a game which could easily be recognised as an X computer game. The best one wins the comp and the 8-bit wars. You could get as technical as you want or not. So Derron ( as an example ) could of done a ZX Spectrum version of TV tower in any resolution but used the colour palette. Sure he'd of lost points on the authenticity vote, but could have romped to a win down to playability alone.

Lack of imagination I think.

QuoteSure, it would have been tricky to mimic the limitations of either system (colours per 8x8 wise) but I'd lie and suggest that I'd coded some fancy machine code to get around this and allow 16 colours  OR just go full monocrome :P
The rules did say you didn't have to do all that ;D - It was in there for those who like a challenge + could have won you extra points in the voting.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 23, 2019, 19:32:13
QuoteQube, could you post the original themes and others can maybe add to them until everyone is happy with the options and then just go with random again? 
Here's the original code.


<?PHP
date_default_timezone_set('Europe/Belfast');

$themesPT1 = array(
"Roguelike",
"Sim/simulator",
"Adventure",
"Real-Time Strategy (RTS)",
"Puzzle",
"Arcade",
"Remake",
"Retro",
"Low-poly",
"Cards",
"Card Collection",
"Tower Defence",
"Platformer",
"Escape the room",
"God game"
);

$themesPT2 = array(
"Strategy",
"Action",
"Mario",
"Endless",
"Stealth",
"Shooter",
"Match Games",
"Combat",
"First Person Shooters (FPS)",
"Sports",
"Role-Playing (RPG)",
"Educational",
"Hack and slash",
"Open world"
);


srand( time() );

echo "\n";
echo "May 4th to Jun 30th Competition" . "\n";
echo "Generation time : " . date('Y-m-d H:i:s') . "\n";
echo "\n";

echo "Option 1 : " . $themesPT1[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT1 ) - 1 ) ] . " / " . $themesPT2[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT2 ) - 1 ) ] . "\n";
echo "Option 2 : " . $themesPT1[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT1 ) - 1 ) ] . " / " . $themesPT2[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT2 ) - 1 ) ] . "\n";
echo "Option 3 : " . $themesPT1[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT1 ) - 1 ) ] . " / " . $themesPT2[ rand( 0, count( $themesPT2 ) - 1 ) ] . "\n";
echo "\n";
echo "Pick your option and code code code :)" . "\n\n";

?>
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: GW on January 23, 2019, 19:42:16
It sucks to see the competition was pulled, Just because one person is sour-grapes.  It seemed like a good challenge to me and was looking forward to it.   
I'm guessing it also means we'll never have a retro style compo in the future.  Looking forward to the next announcement.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Steve Elliott on January 23, 2019, 19:50:18
I can't put it any clearer.  Derron will only use Blender 3D Rendered graphics, because he cannot draw.  I too found pixel art challenging, but I didn't complain because to challenge oneself is a good thing.  To limit yourself to only a certain type of gameplay also shows a lack of imagination.  Think outside of the box, and what the hell are you thinking when graphics are restricted in colour or resolution and all you think is arcade game?!  Like I previously mentioned, even the ZX Spectrum had a Flight Simulator, as well as many game styles, despite a lack of graphical prowess.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 23, 2019, 19:52:51
Quote from: GW on January 23, 2019, 19:42:16
It sucks to see the competition was pulled, Just because one person is sour-grapes.  It seemed like a good challenge to me and was looking forward to it.   
I'm guessing it also means we'll never have a retro style compo in the future.  Looking forward to the next announcement.
Yes but there comes a time when you have to let the vocal people have a go. This is not a dig at Derron or anything personal but more of a "OK, go for it" thing.

I have asked Derron to take the lead on the next comp as maybe he'll be much better at creating a game competition than I was. I'm up for a good comp so let see what he comes up with :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Derron on January 23, 2019, 22:14:58
I am not doing anything here for the next days. I am pretty p* off by Steve's attitude to me.


@ Steve
I use Blender for rendering.
Photoshop for doing pixelstuff (like in my TVTower game). I just do not like to get artificially restricted.

bye
Ron
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Steve Elliott on January 23, 2019, 22:39:34
What you do personally should not be dictated to every SB competition!

If graphics cannot be 3D rendered and a game style is not something you like, then you selfishly try to sabotage it! A restriction or something out of your comfort zone is a good thing!

Clearly you're so stuck in your own ways you do not want to be challenged or learn a new skill.  That is not how game competitions work.  A challenge is set, then people use their skills and ingenuity to produce something interesting for themselves and the community.  Rather than sulk because it's not ideally what suits their strengths.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 23:42:26
Why not just get a show of hands and see how many people were actually in favour of Qube's idea for the next competition?

If it's just Derron who doesn't want to participate and there are quite a few who publicly confirm they're going to have a go then reinstate it.

I'm firmly in the "up for it" camp despite my fear of working with a restricted palette and not going too mad with game features because I want it to look like it could possibly be running on a 64k machine.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 23:45:16
In fact, what the hell, here's what I drew up roughly this afternoon as a design of the game I was going to do.

Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Morpheus on January 24, 2019, 00:25:11
Quote from: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 23:42:26
Why not just get a show of hands and see how many people were actually in favour of Qube's idea for the next competition?

I'm up for it!  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: DragonEgg on January 24, 2019, 02:03:19
Not that i will contribute (to busy)

How about a 2d/3d maze, monster mash.

In any style.Retro,Modern

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: STEVIE G on January 24, 2019, 06:33:35
Quote from: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 23:45:16
In fact, what the hell, here's what I drew up roughly this afternoon as a design of the game I was going to do.

Spy Hunter would be a remake  ;)

One of my ideas was similar - although side scroller (and driving a Van obviously)  :P

EDIT:  I'd be up for the original 8 bit wars too.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 24, 2019, 06:58:25
Quote from: STEVIE G on January 24, 2019, 06:33:35
Quote from: Xerra on January 23, 2019, 23:45:16
In fact, what the hell, here's what I drew up roughly this afternoon as a design of the game I was going to do.

Spy Hunter would be a remake  ;)

I'm covered under the sequel banner which I confirmed would be ok with Qube in the original thread. I wouldn't have been using the name Spy Hunter either. Just in case there's still some remnant of U.S Gold out there who could sue my arse :-)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 24, 2019, 06:59:36
Quote from: DragonEgg on January 24, 2019, 02:03:19
Not that i will contribute (to busy)

How about a 2d/3d maze, monster mash.

In any style.Retro,Modern

We had the A-maze-ing themed compo a couple of competitions back. A game of that style could have been done then.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: iWasAdam on January 24, 2019, 07:11:24
The coffin lid opens....  :o

Personally I thought the spectrum vs c64 was a great idea.And  (Like many people here) was settling down and thinking about how to approach it.

So... Qube, Why not just reinstate the compo as decided?

Maybe clarify slightly:
spectrum palette 2 colors per 8x8 block
c64 palette 2/4 colors per block
I would make the sound both 3 channel basic sound (no samples of harpsichords, etc) - Spectrum did have 3 channel sound from the 128 onwards and 1 channel beeps is too much of a limitation (imho)

I've added the atari and amstrad64 palettes

Maybe pick a palette, maybe only use 2 colors per 8x8 block. fix max resolution to 320, 256 as that would fit the best 8 bit?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: round157 on January 24, 2019, 07:43:34
My Suggestion: Make a Derivative from the Top 10 Arcade Games Of The 1970's
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the following list, these 10 classic games are the best games released to and played in arcades between 1970 and 1979. These are the games that made a significant impact on popular culture and the video gaming medium, helping to influence bigger, better games of the future!

1. Space Invaders
2. Pong
3. Asteroids
4. Galaxian
5. Computer Space
6. Breakout
7. Lunar Lander
8. Sea Wolf
9. Tank
10. Death Race

Entrant is allowed to select one game from the above 10 classic games. Not only duplicate. Entrant is required to develop a derivative based on the selected classic game. Entrant's finished game(entry) is needed to be very creative and very entertaining.

Watch this video if you don't know some of these classic games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km8bc_oBRgk
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: STEVIE G on January 24, 2019, 08:07:35
Quote from: round157 on January 24, 2019, 07:43:34
My Suggestion: Make a Derivative from the Top 10 Arcade Games Of The 1970's
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the following list, these 10 classic games are the best games released to and played in arcades between 1970 and 1979. These are the games that made a significant impact on popular culture and the video gaming medium, helping to influence bigger, better games of the future!

1. Space Invaders
2. Pong
3. Asteroids
4. Galaxian
5. Computer Space
6. Breakout
7. Lunar Lander
8. Sea Wolf
9. Tank
10. Death Race

Entrant is allowed to select one game from the above 10 classic games. Not only duplicate. Entrant is required to develop a derivative based on the selected classic game. Entrant's finished game(entry) is needed to be very creative and very fascinating.

Watch this video if you don't know some of these classic games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km8bc_oBRgk

+1 for this idea too.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: DaiHard on January 24, 2019, 08:58:20
For what it's worth, I'm also disappointed that the competition is off - though whether I'd have had time to get a decent entry together would be moot. I think if Qube takes the time to devise a competition we should go with it, but then I'm a newcoming part-timer...

I must say I'd missed the subtlety that you didn't have to obey the rules! That does give a bit more freedom, especially if you're not really trying to win.

Just for clarity, was the "2 colours per 8x8 block"  2 colours in ADDITION to background, or just foreground + background? That really IS pretty restrictive (but not impossible!  :D )

Best wishes,

D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 24, 2019, 16:21:47
QuoteJust for clarity, was the "2 colours per 8x8 block"  2 colours in ADDITION to background, or just foreground + background? That really IS pretty restrictive (but not impossible!  :D )
Yup by default the zx spectrum could only do 2 colours in an 8x8 block ( as in foreground and background ) although later down the line this limit was worked around with some clever coding geniuses. Also this requirement was an optional extra for those who are more tech savvy with their coding and could gain them a few extra points during voting. Totally optional but there if they fancied a challenge.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Brucey on January 24, 2019, 16:48:00
Shouldn't the title read "The Great Debacle" ?

I can't seem to find the original posts about the 8-bit wars anywhere...
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 24, 2019, 17:06:02
Quote from: Brucey on January 24, 2019, 16:48:00
Shouldn't the title read "The Great Debacle" ?
That would have been more apt :P

Quote from: Brucey on January 24, 2019, 16:48:00
I can't seem to find the original posts about the 8-bit wars anywhere...
It doesn't exist anymore. We're waiting for a clear competition theme to appear in this thread :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Coder Apprentice on January 24, 2019, 21:18:59
Alien Encounter   
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 24, 2019, 21:32:48
Quote from: round157 on January 24, 2019, 07:43:34
1. Space Invaders
2. Pong
3. Asteroids
4. Galaxian
5. Computer Space
6. Breakout
7. Lunar Lander
8. Sea Wolf
9. Tank
10. Death Race

I was about to whine and moan that this list could not be accurate as it didn't contain Pacman. However, that game came out in May, 1980, which explains that.

I'm also in the camp that thinks this is not a bad idea for a competition either.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 24, 2019, 21:34:53
Quote from: iWasAdam on January 24, 2019, 07:11:24
The coffin lid opens....  :o

Also, welcome back iWasAdam. Been a while since you last posted. Glad to see this competition has woke you from your slumber :-)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 25, 2019, 05:16:20
Quote from: iWasAdam on January 24, 2019, 07:11:24
The coffin lid opens....  :o
Took a day for the cobwebs to clear but I think I recognise you ;D - Glad you came back.

Quote from: iWasAdam on January 24, 2019, 07:11:24
So... Qube, Why not just reinstate the compo as decided?
For the sake of forum harmony shall we just reinstate the 8-bit wars comp?. I'll tweak it a little to allow more 8-bit fun stuff and then we can get down to some serious game creating.

iWasAdam will produce something awesome, Derron will surprise us with a unique entry, Xerra will create the ultimate 8-bit memory, BasicBoy will create a super cool new experience, Stevie G will once again demonstrate his superior coding and my entry will kick everyone arse ;D - Then a new member will come along and bury us all :P

So, everyone happy to move along, go with the flow and get on with it? :)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 25, 2019, 06:59:21
Quote from: Qube on January 25, 2019, 05:16:20
Then a new member will come along and bury us all :P

Isn't that what Basicboy did with Maisie bones? I'm not bitter, honest 8-)

I'm cool with going ahead on 8 bit or the arcade classic remake. Both good ideas. I'll have a think for a couple of days if we do run 8bit again then probably go with my original idea anyway.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: STEVIE G on January 25, 2019, 07:15:43
I'm in - possibly a chance to complete my retro trilogy  ;D
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: iWasAdam on January 25, 2019, 07:42:33
OK so we liked the concept. lets get it (finally) settled (for the sake of sanity)

sound 3 channels + 1 noise. No samples of harpsichords, recordings, etc. We're talking basic beeps, sqarewaves, etc. think 8 bit lo-fi

4 machines, palettes and resolutions - pick one
Higher resolution up to 640 x 480 if wanted - but original resolution preferred.

Max of 4 colors per 8x8 block (see though is a color) per sprite - no sprite doubling. kudos for 2 colors

bbc micro - 320 x 256
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/bbcmicro-palette.png)

sinclair spectrum - 256 x 192
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/screenshot-2019-01-25-at-07.24.21.png)

Commodore 64 - 320 x 200
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/screenshot-2019-01-25-at-07.24.40.png)

Atari 400/800 - 320, 192 (previous palette was wrong!)
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/screenshot-2019-01-25-at-12.07.27.png)

Qube?
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: round157 on January 25, 2019, 07:48:06
Quote from: Xerra on January 24, 2019, 21:32:48

I was about to whine and moan that this list could not be accurate as it didn't contain Pacman. However, that game came out in May, 1980, which explains that.


  Pacman was an innovative video game at that time.

Quote
I'm also in the camp that thinks this is not a bad idea for a competition either.

  Since there are ten classic game choices, perhaps a large number of members are intending to create their creative entries.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: round157 on January 25, 2019, 07:50:27
Quote from: STEVIE G on January 24, 2019, 08:07:35

+1 for this idea too.

Yes. You have superior skills in game creation and will create a professional game in this type of competition.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: TomToad on January 25, 2019, 10:29:41
My thoughts.  Anytime you have a contest that has technical requirements or within a specific genre, there will be someone that will not want to participate.  Whether it be 8 bit, adventure, arcade, retro, 3D, etc... there will be those who like it and those who don't.  You will never please 100% of the people.

I think that from here on out, contests should alternate between technical and topic.  For example, this contest could be 8 bit wars.  Those who don't like the theme could take it as a challenge, or just wait for the next contest. 

The next one would just be limited by topic, for example "planes."  You could do a flight simulator, a WWI dogfight, airport traffic control simulation, the sky's the limit as long as it fits the topic.  This will give everyone a chance to use their best skills to create a game.

After that, another technical contest to once again challenge anyone that wants one.  And so on
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Matty on January 25, 2019, 11:45:10
Interesting when you said "planes" in your example I thought mathematical surfaces not aircraft...I wonder if an interpretation like that would be allowed? ;-)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: iWasAdam on January 25, 2019, 12:10:15
oops, my bad.  >:(
Atari palette was wrong. Here's the corrected version:
(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/screenshot-2019-01-25-at-12.07.27.png)  :P

Other entry correct...
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: iWasAdam on January 25, 2019, 12:12:56
And (if someone is really serious)  :o
Here' is a version of the PETSCII font. to be used ONLY - no bitmapped sprites!  :P

(https://vjointeractive.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/petscii8x8_font.png)
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 25, 2019, 16:53:01
Anyone who's after the c64 font will find it with the other Commodore machines in this archive. Licence info is included in the Zip.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Xerra on January 25, 2019, 17:06:41
So, Qube, just to check, assuming the 8bit contest does go ahead after all.

I'm thinking of going for the 320 * 200 screen resolution of the C64 and using the original font for any drawn text. The only consideration with this is that the window area is pretty small so I thought that I'd have everything drawn for that resolution then literally double the size of the images and fonts to work for a window size of 640 * 400 while still looking just like a C64 game. The pixels are going to look pretty chunky doing this but then so would Vice if you put a C64 game into full screen on a modern monitor or telly.

This screen size would not allow for multiple colours within a 8*8 char graphic (16 * 16 now) I'm assuming, as I can't remember off-hand, so I'd probably just work with simple colouring in the background graphics but I'd have anything classed as a sprite (moving objects) using any of the C64 palette colours that I wanted. Pretty sure the C64 worked that way from memory. I'd be using objects for the background in this game but that wouldn't be possible very easily, if at all, on a real C64 so I don't want to cheat it.

In short, as long as it looks like a game that would be possible to run on the C64 (no particle effects or any bollocks like that) then I'm assuming I'm within the rules?

If I go with my current idea then it would be a spiritual sequel to Spy Hunter but with a different name, and a few changes, but no dramatic big expanded features like massive maps because of what the memory limitations a proper C64 game would have. I'm not going to try and claim that this is a multi-load or anything like that.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Steve Elliott on January 25, 2019, 17:24:49
Personally I think we're getting too much into the graphic limitations here.

Why not just produce the 'look and feel' of an 8-bit computer game?  Without whining about lack of colour clash or 2 more colours over the original.
Title: Re: Next competition ideas ( the great debate )
Post by: Qube on January 25, 2019, 17:35:02
A tweaked version on the 8-bit wars will be launched tonight sometime. There will be no forced resolution or tech limits beyond the colour palette ( because it MUST look like an X computer ). As before any tech limits will be optional extras to allow those more tech savvy coders to push themselves if they so wish ( for a few extra voting points ).

To clarify, no forced resolution, no forced hardware limits like attribute clash or 4 colours per 8 x 8 blocks. Those are just optional extras if those who can do it fancy a bit of extra fun.