The Chronicles of Spellborn

The Chronicles of Spellborn was a bold try to do something completely out of line from UO, Everquest or World of Warcraft. The studio from Netherlands licensed the Unreal 2.5 engine and created their own story, their own environment, their own world! Main focus was put on the fighting system, which features a complex looking but very special and good kind of active and live fighting, with skill-based tiers. Moving, jumping, attacking from behind gets more interactive and it encourages to test your skill-tiers, similar to Guild Wars, because of the alignment and limitations in the slots.
Unfortunately TCOS could not fully keep up to the (and my) expectations. It was polished but too little content was available. Some people also argued that the quest descriptions were missing concrete directions. I liked that, as it was no following arrows and points but really reading the quests, the logs, the text. As the quest and discussion system also features some kind of answer selection, sometimes you can change your stand and the mood of NPCs to you. Something I also like.

So, just head over to the official website and download the game. It is worth at least a quick look and maybe the community will bring Spellborn back to live, somehow like Ryzom.

Pictures taken from the official Website: http://spellborn.acclaim.com/

So, I was testing some texturing and of course wanted to test the mipmapping possibilities. Here I tripped over some “problems” you have to avoid by going another way.
In a probably classical way you could use glu to build the mipmaps

gluBuild2DMipmaps(GL_TEXTURE_2D, 3, sizeX, sizeY, GL_RGB, GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, data);

You hand it the width and height and the texture data and it creates all your needed mipmaps. Problem solved! Unfortunately Android only provides a very small GLU implementation with some helper functions and does not provide you that functionality. Therefore, you would have to go another way.
A possibility on an Android system could be to test for version 1.1 of your GL and use the according hint, as 1.1. adds automatic mipmap generation

gl.glBindTexture(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, textureID);
gl.glTexParameterf(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL10.GL_TEXTURE_MAG_FILTER, GL10.GL_LINEAR);
gl.glTexParameterf(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL10.GL_TEXTURE_MIN_FILTER, GL10.GL_LINEAR_MIPMAP_NEAREST);
if(gl instanceof GL11) {
  gl.glTexParameterf(GL11.GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL11.GL_GENERATE_MIPMAP, GL11.GL_TRUE);
  GLUtils.texImage2D(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, 0, bitmap, 0);
} else {
  buildMipmap(gl, bitmap);
}

For the emulator this might work but not every mobile device running Android must have a GL11 instance. Therefore, this solution can work but does not necessarily have to.
Mike Miller had a similar problem/idea and suggested the following functionality

private void buildMipmap(GL10 gl, Bitmap bitmap) {
  //
  int level = 0;
  //
  int height = bitmap.getHeight();
  int width = bitmap.getWidth();

  //
  int[] textures = new int[1];
  gl.glGenTextures(1, textures, 0);
  textureID = textures[0];

  //
  gl.glBindTexture(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, textureId);

  //
  while(height >= 1 || width >= 1) {
    //First of all, generate the texture from our bitmap and set it to the according level
    GLUtils.texImage2D(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, level, bitmap, 0);

    //
    if(height == 1 || width == 1) {
      break;
    }

    //Increase the mipmap level
    level++;

    //
    height /= 2;
    width /= 2;
    Bitmap bitmap2 = Bitmap.createScaledBitmap(bitmap, width, height, true);

    //Clean up
    bitmap.recycle();
    bitmap = bitmap2;
  }

  return textureID;
}

The code is pretty straight forward. It just creates always the mottled bitmap and adds it using GLUtils to the according level, beginning from 0 to whatever level the size 1 for width or height will be.
Unfortunately again, this did not work for me. I tried this in an existing code I had, a special plain project just for mipmap testing, with different AVDs and with different circumstances. Nothing worked! As soon as I added another layer the texture stayed white. I am aware that as soon as you set the texture parameters for mipmapping

gl.glTexParameterf(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL10.GL_TEXTURE_MAG_FILTER, GL10.GL_LINEAR);
gl.glTexParameterf(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL10.GL_TEXTURE_MIN_FILTER, GL10.GL_LINEAR_MIPMAP_NEAREST);

it wants all layers. The function posted by Mike provides these but still it did not work for me. I had no idea why it did not work, because that it is a common solution, trivial and eventually should work. (Nevertheless, I solved it. Read at the end of this post why it did not work for me.)
I do not remember why I tried the following, but after many hours and lost hair I replaced the line of GLUtils.texImage2D(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, level, bmp, 0); with the following, actually resembling what GLUUtils should provide, but based on an older SDK version

ByteBuffer bytebuf = ByteBuffer.allocateDirect(bmp.getHeight() * bmp.getWidth() * 4);
bytebuf.order(ByteOrder.nativeOrder());
IntBuffer pixelbuf = bytebuf.asIntBuffer();

for(int y = 0; y < bmp.getHeight(); y++)
  for(int x = 0; x < bmp.getWidth(); x++) {
    pixelbuf.put(bmp.getPixel(x, y));
  }
pixelbuf.position(0);
bytebuf.position(0);

gl.glTexImage2D(GL10.GL_TEXTURE_2D, level, GL10.GL_RGBA, bmp.getWidth(), bmp.getHeight(), 0, GL10.GL_RGBA, GL10.GL_UNSIGNED_BYTE, pixelbuf);

This basic self-implementation of what should be done by GLUtils works for me. But please note that it is just a working example and does is neither optimized nor necessarily the finite solution to this task.

I also figured out why the GLUtils did not work for me: It was only in the Emulator and it was only on one of my machines. And especially that machine it did not work on has a very basic, cheap, old graphics card. But for a whole overview and if you step into the same trap, I posted everything so you know what could be a reason and how to solve it.

So, now after all these tests I have done I have three implementations that work for me. On the one hand side, the use of GL11 and the self-implementation of a mipmap building method in two ways. In conclusion after all these tests and also minor performance tests I did, use one of the suggested methods from above or let me know of other possibilities. I would start with the GL11 test and then go over to the implementations. GLUtils should always work. Hope this helps…

Platte die du bist im Rechner,
Geheiligt werde dein Speicher,
Deine Bits kommen,
Dein Raid geschehe,
wie im Router so im Desktop.
Unser täglich Video gib uns heute.
Und vergib uns unsere Crashs,
wie auch wir vergeben unseren Controllern.
Und führe uns nicht in ScanDisks,
sondern erlöse uns von Defrags.
Denn dein ist das Bit und das Byte
und die Error in Ewigkeit > /dev/null

How? This cannot be possible. This must be a joke. Please be joking. In reality they finished Duke Nukem 4 Ever and will release it. Broussard told everyone that they hit a milestone. This must be marketing.

Update 5

Somehow the Duke still lives (of course)! Scott Miller posted at his Facebook site that the current state is more of a pause than the death of the Duke (who can never die as we all know ^^’). Also some new images emerged with the post. I think they are great and have to still believe that I will see the Duke again.

Update 4

Now, some new footage popped up. Actually it is no new footage but the full segment not shown on the Jace Hall show, when he visited 3DRealms and had the chance to play it. I think it looks actually good and somehow finished. The idea with the controlling tentacles look good and the weapons are awesome as always. I really hope we will see this game in some time…

Update 3

After more and more news about how 3DRealms possibly refused 30 Millions and Take 2’s action of suing 3DRealms for 12 Millions and Source Code as well as Assets the first, more or less official statement has been made by the remaining executives at 3DRealms. It seems that 3DRealms still exists as a company but had to let go of all their developers in the beginning of May. Everything stated can be interpreted in many ways but I still have hope. It was also reported that Miller, Broussard and other Executives will give a full official statement some time later. So let’s hope everything gets at least clarified.

Update 2

Voodoo Extreme got their hands on 28 Hi-Res Screenshots of the “probable” game. The screens also contain a set of Story Tables/World Chart offering what Duke Nukem Forever could have been. The video below already showed our favourite “Stadium” level (but I liked “L.A. Rumble” more ^^’) and it seems that this would have been the entry into the game, as Duke plays his “historical documents” as a game, in the game. I am sorry, but again I need a moment…*morphingtoweepingwillow*

Update

One of the 3DRealms Animators Bryan Brewer, who worked on Duke Nukem Forever, released a Reel of his work done for the game. If this is the real deal, and this is actual gameplay footage with some story hints and everything, this would have been exactly everything a Duke3D BNC-Net gamer could have wished for. I am sorry, but I need a moment…*cryingoutloud*

Tomorrow Telltale Games will release its interpretation of new Tales of Monkey Island. Based on its known Engine, with a new Storyline split into 5 episodes of enormous fun (at least I hope… and I am pretty sure about it). I will post more about it during the week as I pre-ordered it, of course. But for now, a small trailer…

Bow Street Runner – Crime Scene

The wonderful created game gives you the ability to search around, look at evidence, talk to people and try to chit-chat them into giving you clues. “Bow Street Runner” uses real actors playing their parts very well and are staged into the pre-rendered backgrounds you can traverse (basically like Myst, but with far more fluent and accurate controls).
In addition to simple pixel hunting there are extremely well designed action puzzles as you have to pick a lock with specific movements with your mouse or listen to a moving conversation with a jar.
While playing through the game you get the opportunity to try yourself on some mini games as well as you can achieve higher ranks with the Runners as you progress. These can be fasten up as there are special bonus achievements (e.g. save someones life).
As it is a Shockwave game you do not have the chance to save your progress but at the end of every episode you get a special progress code that gets saved onto your computer (probably through a cookie). Additionally you can send this code to your E-Mail address. And as the episodes have a moderate length it is no big negative point.

Bow Street Runner – Suicide?

I have to say the five episodes adventure impressed me. It is made in tradition to old games like Bad Mojo, Tex Murphy, Phantasmagoria, Gabriel Knight and others that were gaming hits in the mid 90s (I liked them!). But in contrary to some bad examples that just made you click yourself through pre-rendered or pre-filmed scenes this one motivates through its distinct art style, historical correctness and the interesting twist between detective work and action riddle solving.

I recommend you go over to the “Bow Street Runner” site and get a picture of what I presented you here about the game. This is a wonderful example of how it should be done to motivate the player and to make a very well furbished game. I hope there will be more games of such caliber as I think these are great games especially to speed up the online game distribution. “You don’t know Jack!” is another example of a wonderful idea predestined for Flash games.

PS: Here is an engine that could be used or extended for such projects ^^’ (No, I would never self-advertise)

Today Telltale finally revealed the new brand: StrongBad! For all those of you who do not not StrongBad go and visit Homestarrunner to get your E-Mails answered!
I am a very big fan of StrongBad and “LIMOZEEN”, watching it every week! Therefore I am pretty excited (as you can tell, otherwise I wouldn’t post it ^^’). I recommend you to watch this episode about StrongBad in an Anime-Style if you do not know StrongBad at all as it is one of my favorites.

Not much is known at the moment I am writing this but the title will be fabulous Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People (SBCG4AP) and it will be some kind of classic adventure, like the Sam and Max Seasons but evolving around StrongBadia and its habitants. So a 3D Point’n'Click Adventure as we like it. Matt and Mike Chapman (the geniuses) will be involved in the development.
There will be five episodes released monthly starting June, downloadable through the WiiWare system by an unknown price. The game will feature WiiConnect24 (in what way nobody knows… but jesus!).

I hope we will be able to play other characters as StrongMad or do Crank Calls and use the Teen Girl Squad ^^’.

*update*
Telltale Games released the first Trailer with ACTUAL GAMEPLAY FOOTAGE and Images right on http://www.telltalegames.com/strongbad or watch it here..right NOW!

As delicacy a video of LimoZEEN Live in Atlanta after the jump!

Here I am! Here it is! My full body portrait!

I take requests for life-size poster prints through the comments. Costs vary by service and postal rate to your location.

PS: Even if this happens to be my Mii Character I ensure (and many friends will too) that this is very accurate. If you think this is a hoax, rest assured IT IS NOT!

I got my first computer in ‘89, a AMIGA 500! My first very own computer which I loved and used year over year (and I still have it). I will never forget the classic Demo IRAQ by Animators which is one of my absolute favourites as I still follow the scene through the decades. Just got me more into computers as well as games like Giana Sisters, Silkworm, Maniac Mansion and many more. That’s why I am a big fan of all those emulators for different system out there.

Probably the most successful is the Nintendo Wii. Wait? What, the “New-Gen” Wii Console? Yes, this Nintendo Wii! With it’s Wii-Shop Channel it offers you the ability to download-to-own all those great old games from the NES, SNES, Turbografx, MegaDrive and many more. “The Legend of Zelda”, “Super Metroid”, The “Castlevania” Series, “Altered Beast”, “Golden Axe” to name some. Actually as I think the games are pretty expensive (5€ for the cheapest games, up to 10€) measured by their age, I already have spent to much money and time on them and probably will much more ^^’.
For those who do not own a Wii or want to play other old games I collected some common known good emulators.

ScummVM
To those who remember the SCUMM System I would point out the ScummVM Project. And to all you others: Damn scumbags ^^’! Read and learn!
Scumm was LucasArts’ (LucasFilm at that time) Adventure Scripting Engine. Fabulous games as Maniac Mansion, Monkey Island and Indiana Jones are based on it! Written also by Ron Gilbert, who just announced his new project, it was one surety for the success of LucasFilms at that time (besides Gilbert and Schafer). So who loved those old skool games and many more back then (Beneath a Steel Sky, Flight of the Amazon Queen to name a few), go ahead and download ScummVM.
ScummVM is a Virtual Machine that emulates all old gaming frameworks (mainly SCUMM but many have been implemented like Sierras AIG …) to allow you to play all those original Adventures that gave us so much fun. It is available for several platforms on the market, not only the PC but UNIX, MacOS X, NDS, Symbian, Amiga and so on.

PicoDrive
Another great emulator for PDAs and Symbian Phones is PicoDrive. It emulates an old Sega MegaDrive/Genesis System to allow you to play classics like Sonic – The Hedgehog or Golden Axe.
The Cyclone 68000 based emulator for WM PDAs is just one example of those many many emulators for nearly every system that was ever build. But especially on a good Symbian Phone this is just fun. To play Ghouls’n'Ghosts or Sonic or Streets of Rage (The Original) is sometimes better than playing through graphically great but boring nowadays games.

PCSX2
A more modern approach for emulation is PCSX2, a Playstation 2 emulator for Windows PCs. Playstation 2? you might ask. Yes, the PS2! The PS2 that still is being sold by Sony Computer Entertainment to compensate the PS3 sales. And as such the emulator works better every new release but has the flaw that it needs an original PS2 BIOS, and those are solely copyrighted to Sony. Therefore the emulator is somewhat legal but delivered without a PS2 BIOS. But today’s computer generation probably know enough possibilities to find these, but I am so not encouraging this ^^#.
As said the emulator works good. Not perfect, but good. An overview of the games that are playable, PCSX2 has put up a compatibility chart. There are many games like Final Fantasy or Metal Gear that are nearly flawlessly playable. But one requirement is a very good computer as the emulator and it’s plugins need a good load of CPU Power!

WinUAE and TBL Demos
As introduction I told you about my old Amiga500 and the Demos I loved to watch. I still love the Scene and it’s outcome. One of my favourite groups throughout the years are TBL, The Black Lotus.
Those magicians at the keyboard have created more masterpieces than Kubrick or Spielberg. And even if they made some PC Demos over the years, there best works are on the Amiga System. Silkcut, Starstruck, Ocean Machine or Little Nell to point my favourites out (more on pouet.net). They fascinate by teasing out even the last crunch of the System, the last breath it can bare.
To watch those Demos you must have a Amiga System or you must stick with the screen caps. But there is one alternative: The WinUAE! The Amiga Emulator is commonly known to play most TBL Demos at a decent speed rate. Besides Demos you can also play games like those old Cinemaware classics. So this is probably a good solution to feel this old AmigaOS feeling.

Again THX to all Site- and Emulator-Makers for their time and effort to give us this fun (and images). For a very good overview of all those Emulators around have a look at AEP Emu.