...Hence, this Log.
Items of interest:
1. Who am I?
2. What am I doing?
1. I am (at least, as far as I know) a jack-of-most-trades programmer/modeler/designer/tester/scavenger. I do most of the work on my projects: ideas, design, programming, 2d and 3d graphics creation, and testing. I use online resources for sound and music. I am a Christian, a bit of a grammar Nazi, and an avid game player. I am currently in college, where I study computer science, make games, and play Nethack.
I have in the past placed 5th in the 4E5 competition here. More on this later.
I have produced a number (more than a dozen) of games using Game Maker - which, I have found, is generally regarded as a child's development tool. I hope to prove otherwise.
2. At the moment, I am working on a pair of projects semiconcurrently: an entry for a game contest and a sequel to Lions of the Atlantic, my 4E5 contest entry.
The former is called The Pass. It is a very fast-paced arcade-style RTS.
* Combat normally occurs within a minute (versus AI) and the game is normally over within 30 minutes.
* The game centers around your hero, who can lead units into battle, attack, and cast spells. The viewpoint is locked to your hero's position; only your hero can gather resources or command troops. In other words, if you happen to be out of town when the enemy marches in, you're in trouble.
* The goal of the game is to destroy your enemy's Base Flag - sort of like Defense of the Ancients or the various sidescrolling RTS games out there (Cortex Command). You create units with gathered resources; make them follow your hero; attack with them; and eventually overpower the enemy.
* The game features a persistent hero "RPG-lite" mechanic. Your hero gains experience from battles; this can be applied towards upgrades in stats and spells. There are 3 nations to choose from (Egypt, Greece, and China); 3 classes (Swordsman, Archer, Knight); and 3 gods per nation. Spells work similarly to Age of Mythology - you have a fixed mana pool for each game, and can cast known spells from that pool.
* The focus of the game is on fast-paced multiplayer gameplay, although it also features reasonably competent singleplayer AI.
The Pass is currently in feature-complete, content-complete stage (AKA late beta) and is set to release before April 29. If I beat my competition (which should be easy, really) I get $1000.
My other project is codenamed LotA II. It is a "naval trading/combat simulator" set in the Caribbean (think Pirates! etc.)
It will feature the same type of gameplay as the original, but with some added sections (third-person adventure/fighting). It is currently in the early preproduction/concept stages - but I do have some stuff to show off anyway.
My basic human model, with "Rich merchant" clothing, untextured. It has animated eyes, mouth, and a full skeletal rig. Time to create: 2 days. Polygons: 4000.
A very early test-rendering of a ship model and my ocean setup. Uses Game Maker; features reflection and animated water. The ship model is 1300 polygons.
I also have a map of the Caribbean which I am currently converting into some 200-odd land patch models for third-person exploration.
But enough about me...
