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DarkBASIC Professional Discussion / - DBPro Coding Challenges -

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Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 1st Jan 2006 13:53 Edited at: 1st Jan 2006 14:27
it is harder - hence the word challenge... it also means you cant simply copy and paste the code. You not only need to download the extra media, but you need to create a folder, save the source and project... its just a lot of faff to get around the problem of a beginner not wanting to learn how to make media free code. Its a worthwhile skill to learn and it isn't that hard.

If you wanna start a media challenge thread, go for it... Good luck. I'm personally sticking here..

EDIT: I also see that you've already used 1 "bonk" to stop it from falling off the first page. I would avoid doing that otherwise it'll start to attract the lesser-spotted padlock. Very rare creature, although I have noticed its breeding rate has increased recently. I think this may be due to an increased level of prey. You should also be carefull as the mythical noob-slap tends to follow in the shadows of the padlock, often pouncing on repeat bonkers.

Segan
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 02:02
Wohoo! The challenge got put into the newsletter!
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 03:26
Dunno when the deadline is or if I'm still on track with the current comp, but I made a suckey little "racing" game

DarkBasic Pro Guy
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 06:55
dealine 7th, I am changing it to no media. Thanks for letting me know on the n00b-slap nic, (I kinda knew about that)

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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 07:30
Unfortunately I put my code in the "Code" textbox below and didn't know it wasn't working



Yes I know it is pitiful!

Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 11:36
hehe - no probs...

I'm currently speaking with the guys from supanames about my site, having a slight techie issue with .htaccess file. I'm having issues using the php_autoprepend_file feature. I wanted to make all calls prepend an autoinclude file which connects to the database and also validates the file you're trying to access, for example, I want all files to be access via index.php so I can do access control and monitor file access. Thing is, whenever I enable the feature (which I copy and paste from a site that I know works) I only get Internal Server errors, so I'm guessing they've set something up on the server that I dont know about.

I'll try to take a look through the entries so far tonight. The deadlien is indeed, the 7th. It was extended due to a combination of christmas and me being away.

Segan
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 20:56
Hey Nicholas, I know this is probably some "wishful thinking," but it'd be pretty cool to be able to upload code for the competition strait into the website. That way there wouldn't have to be someone compiling everything, and the website can become more of a part of the actual competition.

I don't know... Just a thought!
Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 2nd Jan 2006 23:34
The problem with that is moderation, there would still need to be someone to accept it as "ok" code... I'll think about how it could be done though

Zotoaster
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2006 00:35
I wonder if I'll have enough time to remake my entry with my cool new physics functions..

Atleast this is a start.


Segan
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2006 02:55
@Nicholas: Well, it is just a thought... Unless it's easy to accomplish I think it would be best to just keep going the way these competitions are going, I mean this has worked for nearly a year, right?
Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 3rd Jan 2006 08:05
well its been done in batches. Once in July and once recently. Ric did the first collation and Peter did the most recent one. They then send them to me and I put them in.
I agree, it would be easier if maybe the challenge setter could put them in, however it would require some form of admin access to my site which I am still developing in what little spare time I have. Its certainly an option. I cant leave it open to the public as it will simply get spammed to hell (thats why my guestbook on my old site is now shut down).

Remember all, you have till midday on saturday!!

Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 5th Jan 2006 15:33
Anymore for anymore? Remember, saturday midday deadline. You still have plenty of time to put an entry together.

To recap, its any kind of racing game. I'm thinking fun. It would be nice if it had physics which resemble realtity (eg acceleration, braking, turning, maybe skidding?) The car doesn't have to topple or anything. It could be a good excuse to play with ODE! It doesn't have to be 3D, you could make something like Micro Machines. A good example of one of my favourite "fun" racing games is Generally.



Image All
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Posted: 5th Jan 2006 21:14
I don't know what this is supposed to be, but you're a lone ball on a racetrack and you're going too fast to possible turn around... o_O



Ric
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Posted: 5th Jan 2006 22:23
Hey that's not bad! I love the command 'Gosub DEATH'!

Expect some kind of last minute entry from me - been really tied up with other stuff so I haven't actually started yet, but I'll throw something together on Saturday morning if I get up early enough!

KimoSabi
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 01:51
Hey guys - haven't been here for.... *thinks of a good time unit*. 10's of forum pages lol. Im kinda lazy and blind so would someone mind telling me what the current challange is? I have been stuck on a game called World of Warcraft, im sure you have heard of it. I had a great Christmas and New Year - how about you guys? Mainly I stopped posting in the forum and working with DBPro because my computer got fried so I lost all of my work, plus didn't have a computer for a few months .

Well for those of you who don't know (assuming most if not all) Nicholas Thompson and I kinda know eachother now. Over the summer he taught me a WHOLE bunch of web creation related stuff (PHP & Database Stuff) and has helped me ALOT (thanks again). I am now working with DBPro more and I heard that this Thread made it into the magazine? I suppose since I stopped posting and since it says "Ric" as the starter of the thread I probably wasn't mentioned huh lol. Anyways it feels great to be back and nice to see new people posting.

I, thanks to the help of Nicholas, have learned alot more about programming and should be able to come up with better programs now. I currently have a few programs on download.com the better ones are Computer Analyzer (http://www.godlywingsentertainment.com/comp/new/ComputerAnalyzer.zip)
That is the link to the updated version on my computer analyzer although if you want to, and please do, leave a review you can do so at:
http://www.download.com/Computer-Analyzer/3000-2086_4-10415886.html?tag=lst-0-1
You can also view my Ultimate Pong:3D which is an AWESOME version of Pong. (http://www.download.com/Ultimate-Pong-3D/3000-2099_4-10439805.html?tag=lst-0-1)

And I am proud to say the following stats:
Computer Analyzer has been downloaded 12246 times
Ultimate Pong:3D has been downloaded 1675 times

Another note with the computer analyzer - it will not produce very good stats with slow computers, I am working on that currently and may need some help (*hint* *hint* Nicholas lol)

Well TTYL,
Nicholas H.

P.S.
Yes I realize my name is also Nicholas lol.

My Website:

DarkBasic Pro Guy
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 03:33
current challenge racing game, deadline jan 7th

Zotoaster
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 06:34
Ok, you may think the physics on this may be slightly crappier than my last, but they're not, ok, I'll admit there's no particles, or sliding on steep ground, or ground tilting, but the ground tilting in my last one was crap anyway. but doesn't matter, what matters is that this uses real physics to control this car, not fake make up ones like my last entry, so here you are, a better car. (No AI)



Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 09:56
I really must remember to bring DBPro into work one day. My machines graphics chip is pants (Intel 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV... See, even it doesn't know what it exactly is!!), but I really am interested to see what people have done here!

Ric
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 12:29 Edited at: 6th Jan 2006 12:31
@Kimo:

Quote: "since it says "Ric" as the starter of the thread I probably wasn't mentioned huh lol"


No, but I've mentioned many times in this thread that these challenges are the result of a team effort - the concept and the rules were discussed and agreed by a number of people, including yourself. Since it started, even more people have contributed to keeping it alive by making databases, tutorials etc. I think the article was designed to draw attention to the challenges, not make anyone famous!

BTW, if we're arguing about taking credit - I can't help noticing that
Quote: "my Ultimate Pong:3D which is an AWESOME version of Pong"
looks strangely identical to my entry to the artificial intelligence challenge nearly a year ago. I noticed you have published it on CNET and are distributing it as your own creation - but simply changing a few of the colours doesn't make it yours! I'm sure if you ask for permission, and credit the author (aka me), he'll have no problem with this!

KimoSabi
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 13:39
@Ric

Yes, It was originally from you - and im sorry I forgot to mention you in the forum here. But if you downloaded the game and looked into the credits you will realize it says:
[And a special thanks to]
Ric

So I gave you in game credit - although I have to say I added alot more than just colors lol.

BTW Did anyone check out my Computer Analyzer? That is my most "famous" creation .

To school now ,
Nicholas H.

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Zotoaster
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 17:25 Edited at: 6th Jan 2006 17:30
Made my physics slightly better, now, slide around, blah blah blah, very realistic.



Darkbasic MADPSP
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 17:29
Cool sounds cool btw someone has been faking my e-mail recently

Experienced DB http://www.greatgames3d.com (work in progress site)
Ric
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 18:41
Nice work Zoto - now that is what I call a physics based approach! I think some of the variables may need tweaking, but that is a nice engine. It seems a little over-skiddy, and it doesn't like to turn until you're going so fast you're off the map. Bit more like a boat than a car ..... hmmmmm ...... that gives me an idea for my entry .....

Darkbasic MADPSP
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 18:48
Shame we're not allowed media i need some help with a racing game thanks to zotoaster for the physics on it

Experienced DB http://www.greatgames3d.com (work in progress site)
KimoSabi
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 20:07
Haha,

Very cool Zo - If I may I would suggest you have whole different "control" for if the speed is 0, that way you will be able to stop, turn, go. Or make the map ALOT bigger or the speed a little slower . Im not going to enter this competition because it ends tomorrow and... im a little rusty with DBPro right now so, i'll wait for the next one.

DBPro is cool,
Nicholas H.

My Website:

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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 21:18 Edited at: 7th Jan 2006 04:09
Got some help with my entry to make the lava move



Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 23:15
Quote: "Shame we're not allowed media"


Why is it a shame? This is a programming challenge thread. When I judge these, I really wont be looking at what it looks like. I'll be judging things like programming technique, physics... Everything that makes it a good program - a good entry.

Too many people are bothered about making games look good using textures and pixel shaders and they end up losing sight of what a good game is. I know I sound like a broken record - but imho some of the best games released in the last 30 years have probably looked the "worst" (some probably dont even USE textures! )

Darkbasic MADPSP
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Posted: 6th Jan 2006 23:26 Edited at: 6th Jan 2006 23:29
ok i did a syntax check on my project and edit some stuff
sorry the matrix is tiny


Experienced DB http://www.greatgames3d.com (work in progress site)
Ric
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 00:11
Right then - just starting my entry. As I know I won't be getting up very early tomorrow, I'll have to rely to some extent on bolting together any old bits of code I have lying around that I think may be useful - so don't be surprised if there is a 'deja vu' element!

Tinkergirl
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 01:36
Will it have fluffy tree technology?
Ric
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 02:22
Lol! That may be a stretch too far!

Ric
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 04:16 Edited at: 7th Jan 2006 04:16
Well, it's a real hash of a program, but here it is. It's a boat racing game - although as there's no opposition or clock, it could just as easily be a leasurely boat trip game!

Use the up and down arrow keys to control the power of the boat, and the mouse to steer it.

Features:

-A track (which is a trench dug out of a terrain) - which I made by drawing the track on paper and converting it to a data string.
-Some water, with dynamic wavey physics stuff.
-A boat, which behaves in a reasonably boat like manner to the controls and also to the slope of the waves.
-Some underwater shadow mapping - not related to this challenge, just a remnant from the previous couple of challenges!


Shortcomings:

-many, including no collision detection .... so beware of floating through mountains!





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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 04:51
How about just making the boat bounce off of the mountains?


RiiDii
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 08:51
OKay, I will submit my final entry. As a last little addon, I've added the incedible "choing-choing-choing" technology made famous by Speed Racer (for those that are too young to remember Speed Racer, a) don't worry, you'll get the idea, and b) go rent the videos). Press the space bar to get the car to jump. Press "f" to launch only the right two choing-choings in order to flip you car over (this is the real reason I added choing-choing-choing technology).

Of course this also has the 4 wheel physics as well, which still needs some work, but it's fairly good.




Open MMORPG: It's your game!
Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 11:06
well I have to go to a market in london this morning, so i might not be able to get to it at midday, however I hope to get to do this before 2pm. I like the look of the boat racer. Riidii's sounds good on physics too...

I'm looking forward to trying these! Its probably best for time that I'm on my Mac right now...

Darkbasic MADPSP
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 11:26
These are all good nice work all not forgetting ric but nobody likes my entry

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DarkBasic Pro Guy
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 11:56 Edited at: 7th Jan 2006 11:57
here is my err bad entry. I can't seem to get the camera and object positioned on matrix. I copied a couple of things from zotoasters entry any help I would love



Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 14:42
right just got back from Borough Market (in London)... Its damn fantastic there! Got some sausages (Wild Boar and Apple & Mutton and Mint), some cheese (Cajun cheese and Ginger cheese), some chocolate brownie and some real ale (Nimbus Blonde, Bittery and Twisted & Bewitched).

Anywho - gonna start "marking" these now...

KimoSabi
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 16:04
Sounds like fun .

By the sounds of it your working on your racing project right now? If so could you please go on MSN - your never on lol.

BTW I decided to do a racing game and it is currently in the making

Thanks,
Nicholas H.

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Ric
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 16:05
Mmmm .... Wild Boar sausages .....

Darkbasic MADPSP
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 16:07
lol

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Zotoaster
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 16:53
Here's another entry of mine:



KimoSabi
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 17:01 Edited at: 7th Jan 2006 18:21
very very cool Zotoaster

[EDIT]
Well here is my entry, it's not much but I didn't have alot of time .

The "ending" distance is 20000
<hint> don't run into solid objects </hint>


Also I must give credit for the "lava" code

[EDIT]
And a screenshot:


My Website:

Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 17:38
ok - realised I had to tidy the pile of crap that had surrounded my PC. Starting NOW.. Lol

DarkBasic Pro Guy
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 18:12
unless I get the camera and car on the matrix terrain I will not have an OFFICIAL entry.

Zotoaster
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 18:32
Added a dashboard and a cool look to the car (got the idea from kimosabi)



Nicholas Thompson
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 18:58 Edited at: 8th Jan 2006 16:42
Ok, sorry for the 6 hour delay... I have surveyed the entries - DAMN there were a lot of pages to this challenge.. Soem good entries too!!

Kimosabi:
Quote: "Interesting racing game - i like the tail, water and block dodging. I found the mouse a little too sensitive though. The camera angling also tended to make it a lot harder. Good entry though!"


Zotoaster:
Quote: "Very nice physics! Makes it extra nice to see them handcoded, not ODE (not that ODE is bad). Its a shame there wasn't enough time to develop a track. The car looks good too - the square wheels are a good touch imho, it helps you see how fast the wheels are turning, especially from a 3rd person point of view. 300 lines of functions and 160 lines of other code - Very modular "


Riidii:
Quote: "Interesting physics used here. Looks like you are trying to base it on "per wheel" physics rather than the whole car as one rigid body. On testing, the car tended to sink into the floor. With tweaking that could turn into a pretty find game, jumping over hills and dodging rocks and people or something? Maybe checkpoint based?"


Ric:
Quote: "Boat racing - very origional! Excelently done. I like the simplicity of the drift of the boat and using the power to force it in the direction you want to go. Nice track too - could easily be combined with a "track editor" and made into a very diverse game. Would be VERY good fun in network or splitscreen. Shame collision was missing.. Suggestions; The mouse was strange - maybe too sensitive? I found that it could have done with further movement. I also found it felt like a much better game if I changed the sync rate to 100 (sync rate 50 gave me 32fps whereas 100 gave 64fps which was much better. Sync rate 0 gave me 324fps which was a touch mental ). Maybe thats a possibility - timer based movement?"


DBMad:
Quote: "Good start - I can see its probably better suited for a media based project (hence the remarked out resource loading lines ). Although there are no signs of skidding physics or anything - this could be a simple a fun racer if further developed."


Image All:
Quote: "Its always the quiet ones you have to keep an eye on... I've never heard your name on the forums before, but this is an EXCELENT entry. There are a lot of concepts here I like. I really like the idea of raising lava. Not only would this be a really good way of doing some kind of time-limited game (something like the lava rises at 1 unit per second and ever lap it drops by 5 units. You have to do as many laps as possible before dying?) but also, the higher it gets, the less "off track space" you have I thought it was quite good fun. even without any physics or car.
I would consider taking this further - maybe make a higher "res" track with a clear road and off road area. Implement some simple physics for sliding to make it harder (maybe even jumps? ). It would be an excelent project to show how fun a media-less game can be. Just looking at the code - Could it be compressed to 20 lines? You could stand a very good chance of winning the monthly 20 line challenge if it could be!"


Digger:
Quote: "Nice entry. I had to tweak the code to get it to load, I'll put the fixed code in the database. Basically, you were doing stuff to array's but using an incorrect range, for exameple:

As you can see, thats incorrect due to array limits. For some reason, your version of DBP didn't pick it up. I use 5.9 - it must be stricter on these things?
Anywho - the entry itself is good! I like the smooth terrain you have used - nicely coded with usefull remarks in the code to show what happens at certain points. I also like the way the car tilts to the terrain."


SvenB:
Quote: "Good entry again! Looking at the code - I see you have actually made quite an effort to think ahead - it looks like almost everything is in place for it to be multiplayer! Looks like there is a good understanding of physics in there too."



Now the hard bit... Choosing a winner!! This is really tough as there are some EXCELENT entries in there (well I personally think they're all great entries considering the restrictions these challenges put in place). But here they are:

In First:


In Second:


In Third:



VERY well done to all.. Although this was a long challenge, the christmas period effectively made it a short one and yet there were so many entries, updates and pages to go through to "mark" it!

I look forward to hearing what the new challenge is

EDIT: The square wheels comment has been made null and void by the latest update that I missed by Zotoaster where the wheels became square!! Zoto - which one do you want entered into the database?

EDIT 2: I have attached the source code of the above entries http://forum.thegamecreators.com/xt/xt_apollo_download.php?i=752542

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Zotoaster
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 19:03
Woohoo!

Some great entries there guys. Well done to everyone.

Umm, I'll have my most recent one entered please.

Time to start thinking of a challenge, I'll be back to you tomorrow with it.

Ric
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 19:52 Edited at: 7th Jan 2006 19:55
Well done Zoto - and good entries all round.

@Nick: yeah - I'm increaingly wary of using the mouse as a form of control method, as I've discovered what works fine on one pc may not on another - I think it's all to do with your mouse settings in windows, and I guess that's why commercial games often have a mouse callibration option. Anyhoo, good reviews!

Tinkergirl
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Posted: 7th Jan 2006 19:53
Congrats Zotoaster, and all the entrants! Looking forward to your challenge, Zotoaster.

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