Download the Computer Game!

[Chris_Sav]

True, side works off the side cushion, but not the top. You can even play the 'Millward Drive' at a ball behind the ten hole off the spot!

Got a problem with focus and the mouse. If a window overlaps the game, eg checking email and you move the mouse cursor back over the game, it disappears. have to click on the game to regain focus.

Sav

[Martin Leach]

I'm just working on the side off the top cush - should increase with pace as you say. I've also cut the side effect down a little.

The windows focus issue has been taxing my brain for a week! I can't get the window to automatically refresh when the mouse enters it. This one might take some time!

Sav, did you get the .dll problem sorted?

I'm dreaming about these s*dding little balls now!

[Chris_Sav]

Re DLL's, no, think I downloaded the wrong directx version, have another which defintely says Windoze 2000 and I'll try it tomorrow.

Sav.

[Martin Leach]

Sav, Nigel...

You have mail!

I think it's getting pretty close now. I've finished the 'side' routines (I hope!!), and added messages for fouls etc to the main screen.

I've also added shadows under the balls, but I'm not sure about how well that works. What do you think?

I'm going to finish up by adding the rules of the game somewhere, and I'm quite keen to add some promo stuff for the real game. When it goes on general release (after everyone here has had first go), it would be good for people to find out where to play for real. Maybe add links to AEBBA website, these boards etc.

I'm hoping to get it finished for the weekend. In the mean time, here's a new screenshot for everyone...



Anyway - better get on with something else for a while. These collision equations have frazzled my brain!

[Chris_Sav]

Had a quick go and congratulations Martin, I think it's excellent. It's far nearer the real game than I imagined anyone would get.

Glorious day, so I'm going to treat the vintage BSA to a run to a suitable venue, will have anotherlook later.

Sav.

[Martin Leach]

Thanks for the nice words, Chris.

Do you think it would be ok to include the rules from the AEBBA website - are they copyright?

[FeedTheGoat]

Sorry I haven't given feedback sooner Martin, great game though! From what I have read above, all the problems I found seem to have been sorted, apart from one thing:

There seems to be a slight lack of consistency on shots - e.g. the break shot seems to change angle slightly even if you do not move the angle at all. It's not big problem or anything, as still achieved really nice scores, but it does make the one-up a bit tricky sometimes.

I only have the original version, but even that seems very good. I have managed a 10k score and 7k break splitting, and was achieving 1,700 a minute!

So am looking forward to playing the new version, with spin and higher kicking cushions!

Thanks very much for the trial, it's easily the best bar billiards game on PC.

Chris

[Martin Leach]

Hi Chris (the goat!)

The break shot is now a little more consistent, but it will alter very slightly with pace. The one up is much more realistic now you can put right hand side on the cue ball.

I'm going to have to put up a symbol for 10k on the scoreboard - coin? crown? any ideas?

[NigelS]

Hi Martin,

I think all the changes have worked well and agree that the one up is more realistic now you can put right hand side on the cue ball.

I think it is a good thing that the angle varies on the break shot slightly with pace. This way the break is not a doddle and you will miss unless you get the speed right.

I think the shadows on the balls also look good. Also notice sides works better off the top cush - more pace, more side, excellent.

Don't know if you gave anymore thought the the reappearing cursor as I still think you can play three breaks shots very quick without moving the cursor. I know you want to get this version out, but will there be options for different length games, playing Jersey (off the spot) rules, option of giving players equal breaks or playing best of 2 (or best of 3). Just a few ideas for the future!

Anyway great game Martin. I can see a few high break challenges when a few more people have access to it.

[vinny]

Oh Martin, what have you started. I told you they'd love it.

[Martin Leach]

Hi Vinny - you were right!!!

Nigel - I have a few plans along the lines you suggest, but I think I'll leave them for the next version - I'd like to put network options in too so people could play over the internet, but that might take a while to sort out! In the meantime I think a few high score comps might be in order - I might add a routine to encode the scores/breaks so no one could cheat (as if!!)

Cheers,

Martin.

[Martin Leach]

Ok chaps - it's finished. I've edited the top post in the thread and put the link in there.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Martin.

Hi there Martin,

Downloaded the game however can't seem to play it!

It starts up fine, but I try shooting and the ball fails to move. The comment on the right hand side says "Ball obstructing D".

Is this my fault, or a bug?

However great job you are doing, keep it up!

[Martin Leach]

Hold down the mouse button til the power gets up, then release it , and the ball will leave the D ok

That is what I have been doing. The power bar does go up and you see the invisable ball, however the shot doesn't take place and says "Ball obstructing D".

Is there software you need such as flash etc?

[Martin Leach]

Hmm - not sure what is causing this. The only thing I can think is that you need directX 8 (at least) installed. It's been tested on over 20PCs and none had anything like this happen. Anyone else having this problem?

directx 9.0c is my version.

It still doesn't work, have tried downloading and restarting. Still nothing has changed.

[Martin Leach]

That's the same version as I'm running. What operating system are you on?

XP

[Martin Leach]

Well this is a weird one. send me a message with the following details about your PC, and I'll write a quick diagnostic routine to see if I can get to the bottom of it.

Memory installed
Graphics card
XP service pack number

If anyone else has had anything happen, let me know the above details too.

Thanks

[Chris_Sav]

JG

Suggest you do a couple of alt/printscreen screen captures and paste into whatever paint programme you use, Save as a jpeg and email to the Prof.

1160 break

Sav

[Martin Leach]

You have a long way to go, Sav.
My best so far - 7,120 (then again I have been at it for hours!)

Who's going to be first to score 10K, and how is that recorded?. It's no good claiming the 10K without knowing what happens about the scoreboard!

[Chris_Sav]

!!!

Having trouble with the Oxford! who set this table up?? someones been tweaking the legs before the away team arrived.

Sav

[Martin Leach]

You'll be needing a little right hand side on the cue ball then.

I reckon it is because I have no sound card :'(

Games are affected too, I suppose I should buy one.

It isn't cheap getting a new PC is it!!

[Martin Leach]

Ah!! :)

I'll send you a version with no sound Johnny - I'll work on it for tomorrow.

[Chris_Sav]

sithlord said:

I reckon it is because I have no sound card :'(

Games are affected too, I suppose I should buy one.

It isn't cheap getting a new PC is it!!

Isn't sound on your mobo?? I don't have a sound card

pegged 3k grrrrr

Sav

It is annoying as I soo wanted to play it :(

If you don't know me, I am the I LOVE BAR BILLIARDS FOREVER person!!

;D

[Martin Leach]

Don't worry Johnny - I'll sort it out for you, even if I need to change the controls - give me a while to work on it.

I wish I had sound Sav, I have the M2N SLI-Deluxe ASUS wireless edition motherboard.

Got plenty of power and RAM :P ::) 8-) 8-)

There is no on board sound, I have tried with games and music and no sound. Even in the sound devices menu there are NO options.