Shumps on PC computer?

[codergames]

...and that AI element makes this game pretty useless for score competition as it's a disadvantage to not have the exact same starting point for each game your start.

Agreed, that's why you get only 1 point for destroying an invader.

[ShmupSamurai]

Hey, I'm working on a couple shmups too but that doesn't mean I should try to force sell them on my fellow shmupers.

Also codergames, 3D, realism, and better graphics does NOT impress in the world of SHMUPS(unless someone mentions Scramble Eggs, ANYTHINg is better than that*shudder*)

Another thing-you should really take a look at the competition BEFORE you atempt to sell your product.

[doctorx0079]

codergames is probably forced to use that installer for some reason. It's part of the API or package he used, and now he's trying to force it on shmups.org members. Also I wonder if codergames lurked at all before posting. It is a good idea to lurk on a message board and just read other peoples' posts for a few weeks or so before posting. Instead of just jumping in with no context and shouting at complete strangers.

[Ed Oscuro]

Them Vulgus critters seems pretty smart ta me. Can't get away from 'em! Owned by 1984 tc!

aint got shit on zaviga brah

[Ixmucane2]

For a simple application like a shmup an installer with no useful install-time feature...

My shmup is not simple. Each invader is being assigned a different behavioral artificial intelligence. Invaders make decisions on their own. This is something that hasn't been achieved ever before. In usual shmups you go around and destroy stuff that shoot at you. In my game its the invaders that come up with different tactics of destroying you. They can get angry, they can synchronize the attack. There are dumber and smarter invaders and each time you play the same level different invaders will be smarter than the others, which gives you an unique experience, although its the same level. This is not that noticeable in first levels, as those levels are intended to gradually introduce player.

On top of everything there are very sophisticated physics calculations. Unlike other shmups where you just fly and shoot, objects in my game behave according to the physics laws which makes whole game-play more real and fun.

I don't think any of the above takes place, or has any reason to take place, in the install program: your game is still a "simple application" that doesn't need an installer because, however sophisticated the internal rules and AI might be, it is expected to have no special system integration or complex prerequisites and to interact only with a mostly fixed set of clearly owned files, partly coming with the game and read-only and partly created in fixed or known locations (saved games, replays, configuration data).

Does the install program do more than copying files to the install location? If it does, is it something useful? Are you somehow forced by tools to use an installer, as doctorx0079 suggests?

P.S. I'll refrain from discussing my doubts about the fun value and actual sophistication of the described AI and simulation until I try the game, which won't happen if I'm forced to run an installer.

[codergames]

It uses registry to store information, obviously. That's what the installer script does, that part is not in the game. I've seen no reason to program that part in the game. That's what the installer serves for. It just creates few keys setting few values, that's it. And its much easier and faster to use installer script to do that, writing few lines of script, than programming the same thing. I'm not forcing anyone to install and play the game. Its a matter of choice.

[worstplayer]

Re: unique AI. Believe it or not, many shmups have AI. The difference is that instead of actively trying to frustrate the player with kamikaze attacks and whatnot, it tries to prevent such situations. They don't shoot if you're too close, they avoid spawning in positions where you can't dodge them, they try to stay above player etc. I think everyone who makes shmups tried adding asshole AI at some point (I certainly did), but removed it because IT WAS NOT FUN.
Back to the topic of this thread, play Geometry Wars. And notice how AI (director AI, not individual enemies) avoids creating impossible situations.

Re: installer. As everyone else said, the demo of your game is exceptionally user unfriendly. Installer, phoning home, browser hijacking AND you can only play it once. That's Ubisoft-grade bullshit. Not cool, dude, not cool.

[Jockel]

play Geometry Wars

Worst advice ever to promote good game design.

[worstplayer]

play Geometry Wars

Worst advice ever to promote good game design.

I didn't say it's perfect, but AI in GW does exactly what AI should do (except snakes. fuck snakes).

[codergames]

@worstplayer: Actually, you only described one invader type in my game called "Kamikazer". Each type has a distinct behavior and a few variations. Commenting on something you haven't played is not giving any credibility to your advices.

[worstplayer]

Yeah, I played it only once, because the demo won't let me play again after finishing it, and that's the only behavior I noticed (probably because it's the most dangerous one, the rest just sort of bumped into each other).

[codergames]

Well, there are some promo videos and a trailer. Of course, to make a video of everything makes no sense, some things should be left as a surprise

[doctorx0079]

the demo won't let me play again after finishing it

wait a minute, WUT

you have to pay to play the demo stages again?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubris

[codergames]

No, but if you want to play levels that come after the 14th level, which is the end of the demo, you must. And that's where the good stuff begins. The demo is only having 14 introduction levels. But, I think that the worstplayer played the demo for too long, managing to pass all the demo levels.

[Jockel]

14 introduction levels, wtf. FOURTEEN.

[worstplayer]

No, but if you want to play levels that come after the 14th level, which is the end of the demo, you must. And that's where the good stuff begins. The demo is only having 14 introduction levels. But, I think that the worstplayer played the demo for too long, managing to pass all the demo levels.

If you beat the demo and try to start a new game, it sends you directly to "buy full version" screen. Don't know if it's a bug or intentional, but that's what it does. You may want to fix it.

[Alec44]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am1e275Q1ZU

Versus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0zbyabc72w

Sorry but your game is probably great, with impressive 3d graphics stuff but It has loose the fight here !

FUN ! that's the word but I know, taito is such a legendary studio !
I prefer funny colored basic 2d graphics instead of annoying grey 3d stuff, sorry but this is my feeling !


One day a woman wanted to sell me a book for childrens ("oh, mister it has been tested in schools etc.."), but i didn't purchased it, crappy drawings, no story, hugly characters, no way but i said this to her :
I know this is hard sometimes to sell home made stuff, you'll probably find your audience oneday and be able to defend your creations.....

And then she smiles at me......

[codergames]

I'm not Taito nor a company, just an indie game dev. Demo is just fine, no time to fix anything, plus there's nothing to fix. If you pay for the game, your score will continue from where you are right now. If you restart the demo, the score and your progress will be lost. I couldn't find any other solution.