So, a large fraction of today was spent downloading. What did I download? Well:

-> Visual C++ Express 2005
-> Windows Platform SDK
-> DirectX 9.0 SDK (October 2005)

Doesn't sound like much, but between dealing with installation issues and getting the cumbersome 'Windows Genuine Authentication' to cooperate, it look a portion of the day. But now everything is installed, and ready to go. Too bad I'm too tired tonight to actually start coding. I've been off on a codeless-spree for the last couple of weeks, and after installing this shiny new software I'm excited to dig back into some code again. :)

First, a bit of background info. Normally if I were to tackle a 3D project -- which I seldom do, anyways -- I'd use Delphi and OpenGL, because that's the combination I'm most comfortable with. I'm pretty knowledgable with C++, but I've never gone outside my comfort zone and written a game with it before. So here's my Sinister Plan(tm):

Bombard myself with new stuff. I'm going to start on this new game project, and will in doing so improve my C++ skills, and make it my first game written with the language. A good step towards the commercial industry. Additionally, I'll be learning DirectX along the way, learning lower-level hardware graphics than OpenGL exposed me to. The GD.NET forums are going to be indispensable during this; I'm definitely going to need several helping hands along the way. ;) The general idea is to write a game and learn a whole heap of material along the way. The tricky part is remaining dedicated and seeing it through to completion; a stage I often waver at. I'll have to make it work out this time around!

I don't expect anything out of you, dear readers, at this stage. All you guys can see is me bubbling off nonsense about "what if" realities. So I'll get coding, use my time, and start showing what I'm able to create. When the screenshots and demos start rolling in, then I'll need the feedback. :) Good night!