Andrew Natoli

Spherack v3.2.068 is now available for download! This build features a brand new map, mp_alley, as pictured to the left. As you can probably tell, it’s built with a brand-new tileset and everything, and also is the first map to feature interactive scenery as part of my mission to make gameplay even more exciting than it already is.

Also in build 68, I’ve fixed mp_gray, which you may know for lagging or even crashing the game. This was due to an issue the game’s physics engine had with the slopes in the level, so I’ve removed them, meaning the map works once more for all!

Lastly on the list of exciting things that happened this build: I’ve updated the server’s default settings to make it easier for newer server-owners to launch their own games. The default score limit is now 20 (compared to 100) and the auto-rotation of modes and maps is also enabled by default.

So what are you waiting for? Pull a few friends aside, and grab the new version!

Click Here to Download!

At long last, an update to Spherack is finally available to get the game working again for everyone. The problem we had that knocked the game offline for a few months was the original back-end to how the server-list worked was way more advanced than we needed it to be, considering the game no longer has a chat lobby. I rolled the game back to use the original system, run through HTTP rather than connecting to a glitchy, central server. We did indeed, however, once have many problems with the old system too, but building the other one taught me ways to work around and fix these issues.

So in short, everything looks the same, acts the same, but works a little differently. Simple benefit is, you can see what servers are online and you don’t have to worry about your own servers getting booted off the list for unexplained reasons.

Lastly, because people weren’t in favor of using an installer to download the game, I’ve made it available to download only through a ZIP file. I also rewrote some of the filenames and locations for a few files, which means anyone who has a copy of the game installed already will have to remove it from their system and download this release, because it won’t be available through auto-update. To download the game, click here.

Enjoy!

It’s been a while since the last update regarding Spherack Online and my games as a whole, so I figure it’s about that time I let you in on what I’ve been up to.

Between school, work and music rehearsals, I’ve been working on the “Spherack Reloaded Engine.” (pending title, perhaps?) This is in short, the backbone to Spherack Online 3 but without all of the networking material that makes the game online multiplayer capable.

Instead, this is designed as a base to power single-player shooters. I still haven’t decided however, whether or not I’ll be releasing the engine to the public or keeping it private for my own use. Maybe if someone or enough people beg (ask kindly) I’ll put it out there. For now though, if you’re a follower of mine on Twitter or at least follow the Spherack Online account, you may notice I said I’ve also been working on “AI.”

That’s for you to learn about my next update here

Stay posted!

To try again to build the ever-so-not-existing hype for Spherack 3, I’ve put together another quick promo video for Spherack Reloaded. (Actually the real reason is because I was bored but… you should still play the game!)

It’s time to dust off that old “Spherack Reloaded” icon on your desktops, because its back (again!) I had to update a few addresses the game and server used and pushed out an update which is now available, so everyone should be able to play again now. Don’t hesitate or anything… really guys. Donations are always appreciated to keep things going.

payments@imapcsite.com

After months of waiting, you can finally download and play the latest version of Spherack Online: Version 3.1! This release includes over 36 major feature additions, changes and bug fixes including the implimentation of a new menu system, server browser and also weapons.

That’s right, one of the major features you’ve all been waiting for have arrived! (I’ve stopped procrastinating) Rather than just killing each other with one gun, you can now choose between the Thompson, a Shotgun, and the Grenade Launcher over the area of now, five maps.

What are you waiting for? Go over to the game page and download it now!

Though the recent Build 061 addition of a brand new server browser and chat system was the biggest and most important updates in Spherack 3’s history, it was probably the worst. Why? Did it not help users out when finding their friends in games and chat before-hand? Well, it did… but not for all users. On top of demanding a lot of system resources to power its cosmetic aspects, half the game’s population ran into severe, inexplicable crashes.

So now, a few months later, with time to actually work on the game again, I’m including a brand new menu & server browser as part of the game’s big 3.1 Update. I can’t say I’ll be retaining the chat system just yet, but I can say it’s faster and far less glitchy to use.

If you’re interested in catching some previews, follow me on Twitter!

Well I’m pretty excited to announce these past couple of days with school out of the way I’ve been hard at work here and there trying to get Spherack back on its feet. I’m finally starting to get to those highly requested features that will really turn the tides of gameplay. I’ve started by upgrading the cosmetics a little bit… Rather than appearing completely flat, players and landscapes now give drop-shadows behind them to give more depth. It actually supplies for a very nice visual effect while in-game and can be turned off through the new options menu.

Yes, an actual options menu, and I mean IN-GAME options! Rather than instantly quitting the game when you hit the escape key, you’ll open up this window from which you’ll have quite a few choices I think you’ll all like. As I said, you’ll be able to adjust the in-game settings, and you’ll also be able to change your team in-game and switch weapons. New weapons! They’re coming! I’ve already got a rocket launcher made up and its filled with awesome!A variety in weaponry is sure to bring a fresh approach to gameplay as some have their advantages as well as disadvantages. Choose what works best for you and suits your interests.

There’s a lot of things to come in the future update. When it will come I can’t say, but for now stop by my new bug tracker at http://flyspray.AndrewNatoli.com to browse and submit your own feature requests and bug reports! I’d love to hear your ideas on what I should add and change, so why keep them to yourselves?

I might go about posting some screenshots from the upcoming build soon. I apologize for the lack of progress the past few months but hope you’re excited for what’s to come!

I’ve just finished designing a new multiplayer network for D+Pad Games and Spherack Reloaded. The update involves the addition of my server to the mix of connections going on but adds reliability to the server list and allows us to bring users more data before having them connect to a multiplayer game. For example, you’ll be able to find out who’s in the server, what map is being played and also there will be a player lobby available for users to chat and meet up before joining. Though this new project means I’ll be delaying work on a new game I have in mind, it really doesn’t hurt to expand with what I’ve already got, right? Click on the image to see the diagram full-size, as well as the previous set up!

So you’re this guy living in a world where nobody will hire you and you’re running low on money. In short, you’ve got nothing to live for except for your favourite food, Clam Chowder. Then the idea hits you; you’ll create jobs for the unemployed workforce and sell your own clam chowder at the same time!

You venture off into the middle of no-where, which ironically everyone visits all the time and open up your own chowder stand by the shore. The question is, how long can a one man shop supply the entire community before everyone moves on?

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