Time for an update!

Architectural Upgrades:

On an older post, I mentioned that I was re-working the engine’s design so it works with Windows NT’s architecture (every user on the same computer have their own save files). The latest versions take advantage of this on the saves and some of the settings, which also allowed some form of cross compatibility between the Standalone version (the version with the installer) and the Gamejolt client. I have done some under the hood changes to allow more settings to be stored outside of the game’s files. One of them, is the Full screen settings. Why? Because in the current versions it saves them in the game’s .ini file. In the upcoming version, this will allow better customisation for every user in the same computer. Plus your settings are the same whenever you downloaded the game from both versions availiable here.

A second upgrade was to transfer both the save files and the settings on one folder for easier management. Next versions will use the Saved Games folder (which was introduced on Windows Vista). Now, if you want to continue where you left off from the demo, I will release a tool, which will move the save files to the new location, at the same time when the game update with save transfer tool is available. Unfortunately, the settings cannot be transferred due to technical issues.

Northbridge Improvements:

There is a new function: Snapshot mode for the Auto Backup.

The snapshot mode is an experimental mode which allows more frequent backups (if you save a lot). How it works is simple: the Northbridge Engine monitors the save folder, so when you save, it automatically creates a backup. It does need some tweaking, but it might be useful.

Into the final stretch:

I only have to do a few more things to do before I release the Disc 1 update. It certainly took longer that I expected. Over the last months, the engine and the game have improved, gaining new features, sorted out problems and it got nicer graphics. It was certainly an interesting piece of software engineering for me and (for most of you, me included) it was an interesting game at least. I had setbacks, but as long as I see that you enjoy it, I keep pushing. Thank you all for your patience and feedback. I hope that the next major update keeps this or improves it for the better (and you enjoy it of course). When it will be released? If everything goes well, then the spring release I said on an older post is confirmed.

Unfortunately two of the features I planned may not make it in the next update (mouse support due to technical issues and the eManual due to licensing issues with the authoring tool.) I’ll try to bring them, but I make no promises.

I still have to deal for the second part. But it might take less time to bring it in (I hope that it does).

That is all for now. See you on the next post.