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!
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.
So as you may know, it’s my concern that all of you are prepared in the case of a Velociraptor attack. Therefore I’ve been inspired by a certain issue of xkcd to create a real-life scenario and tell you the results because after all, this IS a matter of life and death.
A velociraptor smells you from a distance of 100 meters and begins to accelerate at 10m/s^s from rest to a maximum speed of 25m/s. You’re standing still on some roller-blades and hear the raptor approaching. You immediately begin to accelerate at 4m/s^2 to your maximum, adrenaline powered speed of 8m/s thinking you might be able to save yourself.
There are two doors between you and the raptor. The raptor has to run 60 meters to stop and open the first door and another 40 meters to the second door. Knowing Velociraptors take five minutes to open the first door in their path and half the time for every subsequent door, how long do you have to live before you are devoured?
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.”
Don’t deny it, no matter how hard someone pegged a block of it at your face or how many times you’ve slipped on it while wiping the snow off your car in the morning, its about to happen all over again soon because Winter’s coming fast. What is it I’m referring to? Nothing other than ice, of course!
That’s right, ice! That lovable, handy combination of H, 2 and O frozen at a temperature of 273K for your enjoyment. Ice is a part of our every day lives as it is commonly used for simple tasks such as freezing a finger you lost in your tech class while operating a jigsaw. Okay, not all people are as daring and curious as that one kid it always happens to each year but there’s more!
For my Radio Broadcasting class, I had to throw together a fifteen-minute radio play with a group, meaning writing a unique script, recording it and then editing it. After recording, I decided to bring the project files home because I wasn’t a fan of the editor we were using at school and worked on editing it by myself. Five hours later? Here’s the result, enjoy! I played the narrator, guard and generic screaming passengers.
So I saw a little blue birdie following a man around in the city… (click image for larger size) Twitter’s something we can take with us wherever we are that will let our friends know what we’re up to, so that’s how I based this image. Comments?
I know, I know, its only been about a week or so since the last update to Z-Updater, you’re all probably thinking I’m crazy or something. Well you see the thing is… perhaps. Anyway, because of the title, you’re probably thinking this new version does some crazy thing which makes setting things up three times as fast and much easier. You’re right!
Forget the need to edit source code, in v1.6 all you have to do is set three variables in an ini file and Z-Updater is ready to go! It almost can’t get easier! So if you’re looking for a fast but excellent software updater, you’ve found it right here. Head on here to download!
Yes, the source is still included for those of you who like to mock my sloppy coding.
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!)
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.
Don’t deny it, no matter how hard someone pegged a block of it at your face or how many times you’ve slipped on it while wiping the snow off your car in the morning, its about to happen all over again soon because Winter’s coming fast. What is it I’m referring to? Nothing other than ice, of course!
