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Program Announcements / Firewall: Your Computer's First Defense - RTS - new demo released

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Xander
21
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Location: In college...yeah!
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 01:02 Edited at: 17th Nov 2004 02:09
I am finally finished with version 3.3 of Firewall, most of it is graphical updates. I have redone the entire GUI, I hope you find it more pleasing to the eye and easier to use. I think it certainly looks better. I have also added some better chipset graphics and cool plasma effects, it makes the game look much less plain. Here are a few shrunk down screenshots, click on the links to see the full size pics:





http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New1.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New2.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New3.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New4.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New5.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New6.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New7.jpg
http://www.stormwave.net/bolt/New8.jpg

Go to my website to download the demo (14.8 MB):
http://www.freewebs.com/boltsoftware

If you have any comments, please let me know. Also, if you guys are tired of hearing about Firewall updates, just yell at me, I'll shut up.

Thanks

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Retro Addict
20
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Location: Georgia, USA
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 01:36
Xander, NOBODY is tired of hearing about Firewall updates. This game shows what DB (and you) are capable of. Keep up the excellent work! Sign me up for a copy of the commerical release!

PC Specs: AMD 1800+ 512M DDR, Radeon 128meg DDR - DB v1.13

To DB or not to DB............duh DB!
dark coder
22
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Location: Japan
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 02:07
ok i just pled it for like 30 mins, damn brill game managed to get a runtime error 7 tho, but i cant seem to kill the enemy :p even with 1 virus and on difficulty 1


Xander
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Location: In college...yeah!
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 02:10 Edited at: 17th Nov 2004 02:14
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the comments.

@ dark coder: oh no...not those runtime errors again. I thought this one would be pretty bug free. Well, I'll go play it and see if I can reproduce the bug. When did the error happen? Right in the middle of playing? Thanks for the report

People who have played the previous versions: what do you think of the new GUI? Is it easy enough to understand and not too ugly?

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
dark coder
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Location: Japan
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 02:44
yes it was a 1 on 1 i was green and he was yellow, and he had around 1700+ tiles and i had 500 ish :p, and yes right in the middle or playing

ome change you could do is for the ones that loft the poles forget the names , but the expesivest one 60points is very similar to the ring one apart from the health there isnt much af an upgrade, if it could shoot at the poles that would make it alot better imo


CPU
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Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 09:29
nice

Q1. More music? or just the one song still?

Q2. Is the arena changed at all except for new graphics?

Q3. New beta version with this major update or do I still got to play with the old one and the new demo?

Keep it up!

CPU

[center]K-OS Battlefields
IS
///---///---///---UNDER CONSTRUCTION---\\\---\\\---\\\
[center]
Xander
21
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Location: In college...yeah!
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 09:50
A1: Sorry, no more music yet. I did not compose the music, someone else did. I suppose I can ask him for a couple more tracks, but I feel bad doing it. I'll try.

A2: The arena is a little faster than before, and I fixed the aiming process. You can shoot whenever you want, you don't have to have a robot in your site to shoot. However, if you do, the homing ammo will lock on to it.

A3: For you beta testers: I am just fixing up some campaign stuff, give me a couple days. I have had quite a few tests lately, not quite as much time as I want for Firewall. Thanks for your concern.

Xander

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Indian Homie G
20
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Location: San Jose, CA
Posted: 17th Nov 2004 13:36
Downloading new version now..... can't wait to play!

Is this open source?

AMD Athlon XP 3000+, S3 Deltachrome s8, 512 PC3200 RAM, 160 GB HD
DarkSin
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Posted: 17th Nov 2004 14:26 Edited at: 17th Nov 2004 14:27
Nope


Benjamin
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Posted: 18th Nov 2004 09:35
Wow Xander, its looking even better, which I didn't think was possible .

I can't exactly remember how the other music went but I wanna take a shot at doing the music if thats ok with you. I wrote a little something to send to you to ask you if its the right kind of feel. If it is then, if you want, I'll work on something properly with that feel.

Uh, I've e-mailed you the example. Hope it doesnt clog up your yahoo inbox .

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Xander
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Posted: 18th Nov 2004 13:24 Edited at: 19th Nov 2004 04:07
@ Indian Homie G : no, this is defenitely not open source, sorry. Actually, someday it will be a published game, I have connections with publishers that are waiting for a full version.

@ Benjamin: wow, thanks. Don't worry about clogging my inbox, I have 100 mb. I will check out the music and email you back. Thank you so much.

EDIT:

I was considering modifying the shield texture for the robots in the game, I was thinking of adding a more lightning like appearance to the shields, right now they are more fuzzy or cloudy. What do you guys think of the shield textures?

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
walaber
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posted: 19th Nov 2004 11:16
this game is a prime example of how good an indie game can be.

I wish you luck with eventually getting this game published, as it certainly deserves to follow in Star Wraith's and Tito's footsteps!

Go Go Gadget DBPRO!

Athlon XP 2400+ || DDR-SDRAM 1GB || Nvidia GeForce 4 Ti4200 AGP 8x 128MB
dark coder
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Posted: 19th Nov 2004 23:55
and 2 more suggestions, make it so you can make your peices attack/post or hack things you choose as its really annoying when your claw is chasing a basic poster when there are other to be attacked

and my second suggestion is to say when you have reached the unit cap as when you place them it usually starts teleporting peices there that you dont want.


Xander
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Posted: 20th Nov 2004 02:08 Edited at: 20th Nov 2004 02:16
@ Walaber: Thank you so much for the support, I just hope Firewall turns out to be how I expect...

@ Dark Coder: Thank you for the feedback, here are answers to your questions...

1. You can tell your wreckers exactly who you want them to attack. Simply select the wreckers you want to do the attacking, then right click (or left click, if you chose mouse mode 2) on the enemy robot you want the selected robots to attack. They will attack them, no matter what. However, I still need to make it so you can tell your hackers and posters exactly what to do. Thanks for the suggestion.

2. Yeah, I sort of forgot about that. Thanks, I will make it make a noise and say that the max units has been reached instead.

---------------------

So what about the shield textures on the robots? Should I modify them to make them more lightning-like instead of cloudy? I want to know what everyone thinks about them. Thanks.

--------------------

Here's a nice screenshot (Yes, a drain base did that...)


Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Benjamin
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Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 01:03
Xander did you get my last e-mail with the finished techno tune?

Anyway I had to reinstall windows twice to realise the problem with my pc was the firewall(not the game, lol) I was using, so I got a new firewall and everything works great(which means I can play firewall now, yay!)

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Xander
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Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 02:46
Yeah, I got the email. Sorry I didn't reply, I'll get to that...

Someone on my forum reported a runtime error 31 after the initial loading screen. Did anyone else get this?

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
MikeS
Retired Moderator
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Location: United States
Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 03:26
Yes, I have gotten the runtime error.

1.8 ghz | 9800 radeon | 1536 ram | Windows XP SP2



A book? I hate book. Book is stupid.
(Formerly known as Yellow)
Xander
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Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 04:18 Edited at: 22nd Nov 2004 04:23
Dang...Did you view the introduction, or skip it? And was this the latest download, v3.31?

EDIT: Well, I just can't seem to get that error...I guess I will just finish up some updates and release a new demo...

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Benjamin
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Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 06:18 Edited at: 22nd Nov 2004 06:20
I don't get that error BUT...I got a 'RUNTIME ERROR 7'(or was it 9 ) when I won a match/round/whatever.

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Xander
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Posted: 22nd Nov 2004 23:43
Well, I have completed a new demo, and played a few games from the exe, and I didn't run into any run time errors. There were multiple bugs in the previous version, some really annoying ones too. There was also a bad positioning bug on the robot buttons on the GUI, no one reported it, but I fixed it. There is also a few more music tracks, thanks to Benjamin. However, he is not finished with them, so they are not completed yet, but I wanted to get this update out with more music as soon as possible.

Here are some new screenshots, you can click on them for the full pictures. I think they are pretty cool...





You can get the new from my website, just click on my sig below...

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Benjamin
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Posted: 23rd Nov 2004 02:40
Gah, I really do need to fix that music . Oh yeah and uh, how come the techno tune starts about half way through a battle?

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Xander
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Posted: 23rd Nov 2004 03:26
Music starts halfway through a battle? Oops...I will have to look into that...

I didn't think the music was that bad...but I will recompile and upload if you want new stuff in it. I guess you want your best stuff out there, I understand how that is. Sorry if you didn't want these tracks released, I guess I could have waited.

You guys don't think it is that bad, do you?

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Gamefreak
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Posted: 23rd Nov 2004 04:03
Nice game! One question though, would you mind sharing how to do beam effects and things? I need to make a forcefield and some electrical beams for my game, and have no idea how.
Xander
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Posted: 23rd Nov 2004 09:06
Thanks, I am glad you like the game.

I have no problem sharing how I do stuff, here is an explanation of how the beam effects are done. They are quite simple:
-first make an object in your modeler of two plains crossed at a 90 degree angle. Make them 100 units long (DB units...)
-Now create a beam texture for them, I can give you one if you have trouble with textures...
-When you want the beam to show up simply place it at the average between the two points you want ((x1+x2)/2,(y1+y2)/2,(z1+z2)/2)
-Now use the point object command and point it at one of the points, it doesn't matter which one (also make sure you have set object rotation zyx)
-Now scale the object to the right length, using the distance between the two points (sqrt((x1-x2)^2+(y1-y2)^2+(z1-z2)^2)). Make sure the object is 100 units long so it is easy to scale using the distance.

That is a simple explanation, if you are having trouble with a specific part, just let me know.

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Gamefreak
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Posted: 23rd Nov 2004 10:21
Thanks, I'll try to make a texture. It is an interesting method. By the way, I think your effects (beams, explosions) are really realistical and high in graphic quality.
Guyver Unit 1
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Posted: 24th Nov 2004 21:34
This is friggin awesome but when i got much units it lags pretty much
but thats allright
by tha way dont you got any cheats like unlimited points dont you just love cheats coz all the pro game makers got them consider it too

~im not good at expressing things but who cares, im a god in my mind so Bio-booster Armor!!!.....? o i forgot only in my mind~
Benjamin
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Posted: 24th Nov 2004 22:04
The british call it full stops, the americans call it periods, you can call it a dots, just consider using some in a while will ya!

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Guyver Unit 1
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Posted: 24th Nov 2004 22:16
yeah sure
but are there any cheats

~im not good at expressing things but who cares, im a god in my mind so Bio-booster Armor!!!.....? o i forgot only in my mind~
Benjamin
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Posted: 25th Nov 2004 02:30
No idea, cheats make games boring anywho.

AKA teh great Pet Rat.
Peace sells...but who's buying??
Xander
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Location: In college...yeah!
Posted: 26th Nov 2004 09:25
There is just a cheat the lets you win a battle...but it is usually only good for in campaign mode, to skip a battle. Hold down C and W to automatically win.

I should add some cheats for unlimited points and stuff. Surprisingly, a lot of people ask for that stuff.

I am still working on the game, almost done with the next beta. I am home right now, not in college, so I won't but uploading anything else until Sunday night when I go back.

I'm glad you like my game Guyver, thanks for the feedback!

If you try the game, please post any thoughts on it!

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Mx5 kris
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Posted: 26th Nov 2004 14:34
Really like the game. If you get a chance add maybe something that protects stuff with a forceshield and moves.

I am a person with the intelligence of a google bot.
dark coder
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Posted: 27th Nov 2004 01:43
i remember one bug now, with the mousewheel, seems the wheel distance keeps increacing you just put a limit on the height if that makes sence, scroll it back for 1 min then scroll down ull find it takes 1 min of scrolling down till the camera actually moves down.


CPU
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Location: Carlsbad, CA
Posted: 27th Nov 2004 10:00 Edited at: 28th Nov 2004 00:48
Nice new demo... One thing I noticed, I'm not compleatly sure but i think you did somthing to the players automation AI, cause the basic posters seem a lot dumber than they were before, and i don't like babysitting 10-15 posters... I also noticed the alignment problem, I just didn't get around to posting it, being gone for thanksgiving and all. One more thing to add, it would be real cool if there were hazards of some sort in the arena, as it is it's somewhat bland.
Well thats my two cents,
keep up the good work,

CPU

[center]K-OS Battlefields
IS
///---///---///---UNDER CONSTRUCTION---\\\---\\\---\\\
[center]
Tifu
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Posted: 27th Nov 2004 21:28
It's awesome... I completely suck at it, but it is awesome

Xander
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Posted: 29th Nov 2004 11:22
Wow, thanks everyone, feedback means a lot to me.

@ Dark Coder: Oh yeah, the mouse scroll bug...forgot about that. I will fix it for the next demo. Thanks for reminding me

About the robot moving automation: I accidentily turned it off before releasing the demo. Simply go to the options screen and turn it back on. Sorry about that...

@ CPU: Thanks a lot for the reports. Yeah, I really should add some hazards in the arena like some turrets or pits or something. Thanks for reminding me.

@ Tifu: Don't worry, you'll get better at it once you find the millions of weaknesses in my pathetic AI I'm glad you like the game.

I'm back from Thanksgiving break now, hopefully I can finish up this game and get it out to the public soon! Thanks for all the help that you have all given me

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Xander
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Posted: 30th Nov 2004 07:31
Dang, I just can't seem to fix the mouse wheel scrolling bug thing. Here is some code to show how I did it, I just can't seem to get the limit set so you can't go above it...try it and see if you fix it up...thanks to anyone who figures it out, I'll put you in the credits.



Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
dark coder
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Posted: 30th Nov 2004 07:54
pretty simple i guess,




Xander
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Posted: 1st Dec 2004 00:48
No, that does not fix the problem. You see, try scrolling over 2000. Keep going...now try coming back down. It takes time to scroll back down below 2000 because the computer it still storing the higher values in the mousemovez() command, even though we are not putting them into the height variable, so you can't see them.

I still can't figure it out...anyone?

I suppose I could create a variable that stores the difference between height and mousemovez() and then subtracts that value to keep it below 2000...but I was hoping there was an eaiser way. I can't think too hard right now, I am afraid my head will combust. Not enough sleep...

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Dom
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Posted: 1st Dec 2004 01:37
Can I just ask. How long have you been developing this now?

MAIN GAMES PRESENTS: Catz
Turn Based War Game
Xander
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Posted: 1st Dec 2004 01:58
Ask anything you want. I have been working on Firewall since April 17, 2003. But it seems like it has been forever. Yet it seems like yesterday...sometimes I confuse myself. Must take a nap...

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
dark coder
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Posted: 1st Dec 2004 08:07
oh ic your problem, stupid me i forgot the number increments continuasly



should work knowing me theres a typo in there


Xander
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Posted: 1st Dec 2004 09:31 Edited at: 2nd Dec 2004 02:04
Wow, thanks DC. I did not think of that, even after my nap But you did make a typo...you accidentily put oldheight=height after you defined height, you should put it before. Here is the working code:



Thanks again, your going in the credits (do you want me to put dark coder in, or your real name?)

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Dom
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Posted: 2nd Dec 2004 02:02
...Wish I could program a game like that *SIGHS*

MAIN GAMES PRESENTS: Catz
Turn Based War Game
Xander
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Posted: 2nd Dec 2004 02:06
@ Saberdude: Thanks, I think that was a compliment... You CAN make a game like this, it just takes time and patience. Work on one part at a time, don't try to do it all at once. You should have seen how pathetic it was a couple months after I started it

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
CPU
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Posted: 4th Dec 2004 05:19 Edited at: 4th Dec 2004 05:21
did you list ALL the beta testers or just some? caus if you listed them all then i got an e-mail addressed to me with the instructions for downloading the beta version (not the one with the updated menus, don't know if you've updated that one yet). I also gave you the smoke texture so you wouldn't have to use the tank demo smoke in case you don't remember...

[edit] plus an e-mail to you with all my crazy bugs and ideas...[/edit]
CPU

[center]K-OS Battlefields
IS
///---///---///---UNDER CONSTRUCTION---\\\---\\\---\\\
[center]
Xander
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Posted: 4th Dec 2004 05:30
Yeah, I keep forgetting to update the manual, now I feel bad about that, sorry

Your name is Paul R., right? I have you for special effects assistance on my manual, I don't know when I put that in, I haven't released a beta for a while...but I do need to put everyone in there under 'beta testing'. That was really stupid of me not to, sorry everyone. I will add a couple more people in under the forum section too...

If you think you should be in the credits, but don't see your name in there, just yell at me and make sure to tell me what name you want in there. Thanks.

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Ian T
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Posted: 4th Dec 2004 12:20
Excuse me if it's terribly obvious, but where's the link on the website

Xander
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Posted: 4th Dec 2004 12:38 Edited at: 4th Dec 2004 12:39
The link for the download? Go to my website:

http://www.freewebs.com/boltsoftware

Click on "download" on the menu on the left, then click on the blue link on the page.

Xander Moser - Bolt Software - Firewall
Ian T
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Posted: 5th Dec 2004 03:35
Oh I see-- the site doesn't work in Firefox-- first one I've ever found, very odd indeed. Well I'm downloading now

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Benjamin
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Posted: 5th Dec 2004 08:26
Well apparently your wrong Mouse, because it works fine for me.

Raven: That said, I DO say 'that said' a lot. 'Nuf said.

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