I have done a lot of work to screeb, changed and added a lot only I havent uploaded a release yet, but decided to move onto something different for a while.  One of the main problems I hit when working on Two Suns a long time ago was that I couldnt code a connection between C++ and a decent SQL Database.  So I have been working on that the last few days and I had some success tonight. Have been able to connect to and get data from SQL Server. This is a big deal for me, as it means I can now write the last library required for Two Suns.

Once I get the database library written I can start designing the data scheme that Two Suns will use to maintain everything including the universe, user accounts, items, and so on.

This means that I can then put all the pieces together with the database as the backbone, Direct X graphics engine, networking, threading, AI systems, and start building the tools needed to make the world.  Who knows how long this will take, seeing as I am also studying and working full time, but its possible I might get something working this lifetime.

Well thats where I am at… looking forward to getting the database library done.

Second line of business is that this will be my last update of screeb for a while, I am guessing that College will take up a lot of my time this year, and thats what I am going to focus on. Although I will try to get some more stuff done when I have time.

Third on the list is that I got the kids addicted to UT2k4 as I got it running on all the netbooks. We are now having network gib parties, and Im not always winning.. Damn kids are getting old enough to beat their old man, its not a good sign. Ill have hairy ear holes soon!! shit!!

That leads me to the last item on the shitlist. Its my berfdee this week, I really am getting old I guess. Better just accept it.

Screeb is going to get an AI workover and should become a lot more interesting. Currently I am working on the graphics engine, just tidying up things and optimizing some of the functions as well as spending some time commenting things as it is quite complex. Once this is done I hope to get back to the AI side of things.

So Happy New year and I look forward to what is to come.

I have added orbits, asteroids, and even a sun. Its getting crowded on a small screen, but is fun to watch on the large screens. Am looking forward to v1.6 as I have some grand plans for personalities and its going to be fun, but for now you can see the latest version Click Here!

Once I have the code rework done I am going to start adding “Needs” to the AI so the ships will have to gather energy to stay alive. This should make for some very interesting behavior like ships attacking other ships and stealing energy, or fleeing and hiding if they are low on energy or health. I have also started adding in asteroids and planets. These will introduce a new steering behavior called orbit.

I have some fantastic ideas but not enough time to get them done. Got some time off work over Christmas so I look forward to getting a lot more done then.

PS. I hope you like the new site banner at the top, made that a week or two ago.. its cool.

One of the coolest things I added this version are the swarmers. These are small ships that group together. At this point they dont do much more than that, although they do try not to crash head long into the larger ships, and they all scatter if one of them gets shot, but I have plans for the future for them.

I also added a ship that wanders around and repairs the screen craters, got a new particle effect working with this guy too.

Ok the last but possibly the coolest things I added were animated rotating bitmaps. This allows me to animate anything now. So I added better looking health pods, and the police cruiser now drops mines instead of shooting lazers. The mines will zap the closest ship with a new effect weapon, electricity!! Its cool looking, and it kills.

So that is about it for the main fun things, if you want to read more and even download it for free, Click Here!

What I am talking about here is a Guy called Marc from 4SS (See my URL). I met Marc many years ago in a programming chat room on IRC, and have haunted him ever since. Although both our programming skills have grown and changed directions over the years, he has always been way too quick with answers to any technical questions I throw at him. Im thinking he is at least partly machine.  This guy has helped me with problems ranging from low level C++ programming, .NET coding, to problems with DNS and Web Hosting, hardware, and is always willing to share his knowledge.

I guess the point of this post is in support of 4SS ( Stands 4 Short and Simple) and Marc. I would and do recommend Marc and his company to anyone and everyone. So if you need software, web design, web hosting, or anything else, I reccomend you talk to Marc at 4SS.

This is not an advertizement, just host your site with 4SS you bastards.. dont make me slap you!