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Insectoid, another game from ActionSoft >> Insectoid >> Insectoid near release
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Message started by VernJensen on 30.10.2009 at 04:17:57

Title: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 30.10.2009 at 04:17:57
Well, at the moment, I'm working on the last of two items to get Insectoid ready for Gold Master -- which refers to everything in the software being finished. Gold Master releases are then released to testers, and if no big problems are found, they are then released to the public. I intend to release GM releases to testers today (and may even make it a more public GM release, posting a link here later), and if all goes well, perhaps the game will be released this Monday.

This is of course good news for MM fans, because I will be able to work on the MM Expansion Pack, probably starting a week or two after Insectoid has been released.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Wingy on 30.10.2009 at 07:16:40
This is indeed good news :-)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 30.10.2009 at 09:49:14
Here is the Gold Master, which is the version that will be released to the public, if no major problems are found between now and then:

Windows:
www.actionsoft.com/files/temp/InsectoidInstallerGM1.exe

Mac:
www.actionsoft.com/files/temp/InsectoidMacGM1.zip

Of course, a proper Mac DMG installer will be done later.

Try it out, and post if it works well, or if you have any problems! Note: 1.6 GHz processor or faster recommended.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Catwoman on 31.10.2009 at 03:37:09
Vern,

I had other things to do, but now you've posted this. ;)

This reminds me a lot of the original arcade games I grew up playing. Having fun so far.  I'm afraid this is game my husband will also enjoying playing.  :) And the graphics are awesome!

Only thing I've found in playing it so far is the typo in "Power Cores Requied" -- it's missing the R.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 31.10.2009 at 04:20:39
Good catch, Catwoman. My artist is from the Czech Republic, and English is not his native language, so on occasion a typo slips by. Thanks -- I'll get that fixed!

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Catwoman on 31.10.2009 at 04:53:49
And on the Striker ship, the help file says it takes 6 power cores but the graphic when you hover over the ship says 5.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Catwoman on 31.10.2009 at 04:55:14
And meant to add, it appears it does require 6 since when I attempted to get it with only 5 power cores, it told me I didn't have enough.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 31.10.2009 at 05:11:15
Good catches again. Will get those fixed. Thanks. :-)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Missy on 31.10.2009 at 23:08:11
Hi Vern,

Amazing graphics!   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  

I only had a short time to check it out & I don't know if it's on my end, but the pointer at the beginning of the game is very slow & hard to navigate.

Pls let me know if it's on my end.  Also, is there anyway to transfer some of the movement options to the mouse rather than key board?  ie:  shooting?



Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 01.11.2009 at 01:51:11
Missy --

Nope, there is no mouse control for Insectoid. And what is the speed of your computer's processor? If it's slow, try clicking on the Options menu and choosing a Fullscreen lower resolution in the Graphics panel -- in the Resolution pop-up menu. Try something like 640x480 or 800x600. That might help with the sluggish cursor.

-Vern

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Missy on 01.11.2009 at 02:06:02
Thanks for the tip!

My computer processor is 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 01.11.2009 at 02:35:55
Huh, an Intel 2 GHZ should move the cursor just great! What resolution is the max resolution of your main display?

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Missy on 01.11.2009 at 03:00:10
I bought a larger screen to get a full view, so I use
1024 x 640.  

The views that you suggest leave a larger black banner on both sides of the window.  

I have played many other games with this view and had no problem with the cursor on most & I mean most of them.  hmmmm????  Perhaps they took the 1024 x 640 resolution factor into consideration, as I am sure many Mac users like the full screen view also.  
I mean, what's the point of buying a larger screen only to have all the windows smaller???

Oh well, a slow cursor is no biggy.



Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 01.11.2009 at 05:31:23
Hmm, actually, I'd better clarify: by "slow cursor" do you mean that it redraws only a few times per second (i.e. sort of choppy movement)? This is what I've been assuming you meant.

OR do you mean its movement is quite responsive, but you have to move the physical mouse a large distance to get the cursor to move very far on the screen? (lots of arm movement for very little screen movement)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Wingy on 01.11.2009 at 06:25:52

Missy wrote on 01.11.2009 at 03:00:10:
The views that you suggest leave a larger black banner on both sides of the window.  


There is a feature that stretched the game to fit wide screens. It's in the options. Right now I think there's a little trouble where it doesn't seem to stay after you quit and reopen the game, you'd have to re-check it in the game options. I think Vern will get that fixed though.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by BO PEEP on 01.11.2009 at 06:03:05
Hi Vern.

I noticed you recommend at least  1.6 GHz or higher (processor)for your new game. I have a G4 with only 1GHz .I am hoping to treat myself to a new MAC at christmas but would like to purchase Insectoid now . Can you advise me .

Bo Peep

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Missy on 02.11.2009 at 21:48:18

VernJensen wrote on 01.11.2009 at 05:31:23:
Hmm, actually, I'd better clarify: by "slow cursor" do you mean that it redraws only a few times per second (i.e. sort of choppy movement)? This is what I've been assuming you meant.

OR do you mean its movement is quite responsive, but you have to move the physical mouse a large distance to get the cursor to move very far on the screen? (lots of arm movement for very little screen movement)


Hi Vern,

Yes the latter.  "lots of arm movement for very little screen movement."  But that is only for the pointer, and if it is only on my computer and not on others, then don't worry about it.



Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 03.11.2009 at 00:23:21
Bo Peep --

The game *will* run on a 1.0 GHz computer, but won't run very well on some levels -- the game will get "choppy" with things jumping around instead of going smoothly, particularly when lots of bullets are fired at you at one.

I recommend downloading the game once it is released and trying it out for yourself to see how it runs. Be sure to try the additional 30-second preview levels too. Levels like "Hold Cold" run particularly badly on older processor speeds. That way, at least you know what you're buying before you buy it. But once you upgrade, it should run perfectly smooth. :-)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Semi-Native on 03.11.2009 at 00:38:04
Wow, incredible graphics! I don't usually like this kind of game, but this one is really fun. Congratulations, Vern!

[smiley=beer.gif]

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 03.11.2009 at 01:03:15
Good to hear. Thanks. :-)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Wingy on 03.11.2009 at 09:55:02
So Vern! Whenever Insectoid is released in the next few days, what shall become of the forums? There is going to be a forums for Insectoid, yes?

I think it'd be best if there was another forums for Insectoid, and you'd select Midnight Mansion forums or Insectoid forums when you click the forums button on the main page. =D

Dividing this forum up would be too complicated I'd think, seeing we have so many subforums. I'm not a big fan of have *ever* single mansion have a subforum, because we have so many mansions. But it's okay. =P

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Missy on 03.11.2009 at 10:32:29

Anthony wrote on 03.11.2009 at 09:55:02:
Dividing this forum up would be too complicated I'd think, seeing we have so many subforums. I'm not a big fan of have *ever* single mansion have a subforum, because we have so many mansions. But it's okay. =P



Good Point Wingy!

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by brell on 03.11.2009 at 16:31:41

Missy wrote on 03.11.2009 at 10:32:29:

Anthony wrote on 03.11.2009 at 09:55:02:
Dividing this forum up would be too complicated I'd think, seeing we have so many subforums. I'm not a big fan of have *ever* single mansion have a subforum, because we have so many mansions. But it's okay. =P



Good Point Wingy!


Hmmm....?

[link]http://www.actionsoft.com/forums/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1221076499/0[/link]

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by aquaMat on 03.11.2009 at 19:07:04
Congrats, Vern....on having your Insectoid game finished !! (It has put your attention away from the MM Expansion for long enough anyway  :D  ;)  ;) .....!).

Usually I'm not a fan of those kind of games....but it looks very interesting.

As for Wingy's comment:

I do think (too) that we should NOT mix up the MM forums with a forum for another game, not even if Vern designed it.  Also I'm sure Insectoid "deserves" a forum of its own, rather than a sub-forum here or something.

I could also envisage that it'll be an entirely or at least partly different "clientele" that will become Insectoid hardcore fans, than our average MM fiend here....  and while they (as everybody else) are of course always welcome here, they should be because of their interest in MM and Insectoid can be discussed in its own pages.

My 2 euro cents worth, only.   8-)   :)


PS:  Vern, I didn't forget that you asked me to send you Trigger Island Re.  I'd just thought that I "give you a bit more time" in that important final phase of Insectoid..... but I'll send it to you within the next 2 days por so.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 04.11.2009 at 02:04:48
No worries folks, I'll be doing separate forums. But this means, for one thing, that if I ever upgrade forum software, I'll have to do it *twice*, once for each separate forum. And upgrading THIS forum software is a royal, huge pain. Took me 2-3 days last time I did it. Should be easier now -- doable in 4-8 hours, but it's still very un-fun.

I think what I'll do is just offer FTP access to anyone who wants to perform a forum upgrade here for the MM forums. So anyone who is technically inclined can have access to the MM forums directory and go at it. (I would of course recommend making a complete backup first.)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Toybox on 05.11.2009 at 14:12:21
Um, I tried to change a key ("space" to be replaced with "<>" right next to the shift key on my German keyboard) and a little console window appeared out of nowhere to signal some error. I could close this window and resume playing (but still with the "space" key) with no trouble at all though.

 [smiley=bath.gif]

Great game btw  8-)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by VernJensen on 05.11.2009 at 14:45:06
It sounds like on your German keyboard, you found the equivalent of ~ on the American keyboard, which brings up the console window.

If you try the official 1.0.0 release (released today), you should find it asks you for a password if you push this key, since I don't want most players mucking around in the console. If it's a problem, I could add another control to the Keyboard settings dialog for "Show Console" so you can set it to a different key, allowing you to use <> for something else. As it is right now, you can't use that key for a game control. Think I should change this?

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Toybox on 05.11.2009 at 18:55:37
I don't really mind not using that one; having to avoid one single obscure key is not a big restriction  ;D It was just the console popping up suddenly was very scary!. I will try another pair of neighbouring keys!

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by aquaMat on 05.11.2009 at 20:43:38
Wow, Vern.....   [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

that was SUPER-FAST.  I check my mails this morning and what do I see..... your new site is up + running and Insectoid is released !!!

Congratulations.....and mucho successo with it !

(I just DL'd the demo...... have to check if it's my kind of game at all....but I'm really looking forward to check out the graphics !)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Alan Falcon on 09.11.2009 at 01:28:14
My High Score for Hard Mode is currently 638187.  Who else has downloaded and registered the game?  What's your high score?  I'm curious!

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Semi-Native on 09.11.2009 at 02:05:51
I've bought the game and love it, even though I don't usually like this kind of game. Hard mode? Hardly! I'm working on Easy mode right now and haven't really payed much attention to my scores. I'll wait until I get better at it.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Matari on 09.11.2009 at 04:15:34
Just downloaded the demo of Insectoid - like it very much.  Can't afford it until I get paid on 1st December, but will be buying it then.  Well done! :)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by sherryl199 on 09.11.2009 at 10:24:01
Ditto Semi-Native's comments - this is not traditionally "my" kind of game, but I really like it. I'm on the easy version but getting close to the next level. Now we need to figure out how to convince all of the "Over 40's" to give it a try.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Matari on 09.11.2009 at 17:08:01
Hi Sherry, I am over 40 and will be buying it... :)

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Alan Falcon on 13.11.2009 at 07:17:06
I usually enjoy reading what other people think of games I like...

http://www.thetanooki.com/2009/11/10/insectoid-actionsofts-new-galaga-esque-shooter-now-available/

Haven't found many reviews of Insectoid, but here's a review of the demo at least.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by aquaMat on 13.11.2009 at 23:49:03
Hi Vern,

just thought I let you know that 2 days ago I tried to play the demo version of Insectoid (which I had downloaded on the first day of release).

However, on my Mac PPC G5 Dual 2 GHz (w/ 2.5 GB RAM and running OS 10.4.11) it simply did NOT work.

After installing properly I clicked on the appl. (demo/game icon) and it tried to start / load.....meaning the logo appeared in the dock and it behaved as if it was starting but did not continue to do so. After - say - 1 minute suddenly my tube screen switched off (!!). First I thought it was just going black in order to show an intro sequence or something, but no, it really went into Stand By (as if I had put the Mac + monitor into sleep mode). There even appeared the usual writing on it, saying there was no signal or something. This always appears when I switch the computer off, and leave t he monitor in StanbdBy (which I always do).

After I had waited for 5 or 7 minutes, I decided I wanted to have my screen back....so without sight and real orientation I hit cmd-Q, trying to get the half-started Insectoid to quit. That worked and as soon as Insectoid was terminated the vision re-appeared to my monitor.

You'll understand that I haven't tried it a sceond time !!?

Hasn't anybody else reported problems like that ???

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Wingy on 14.11.2009 at 03:26:31
I would guess some incompatibility issue with your monitor and Insectoid? I wouldn't imagine it having to do with the Mac itself.

Title: Re: Insectoid near release
Post by Freddy on 27.12.2009 at 20:28:39
This Topic was moved here from Speaker's Corner by Freddy.

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