PCEngineFans.com - The PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 Community Forum

Tech and Homebrew => Turbo/PCE Game/Tool Development => Topic started by: nodtveidt on March 02, 2007, 09:46:25 PM

Title: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 02, 2007, 09:46:25 PM
For all those looking forward to the release of Mysterious Song, I'm pleased to announce that its release will be rather soon. The engine underwent some code rewrites, new tiles are being added now, and the long-awaited cutscenes are finally coming together. A never-before-seen area is being added as well.

The long delays in the production of the game are mostly my fault, as I've not had a lot of free time over the past months. But things are different now.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: 2X4 on March 03, 2007, 02:00:35 AM
This is great!  It's been a significant dry spell since the last Turbo RPG.  I'm also hoping this will mean we can look forward to your game developement projects as well!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 03, 2007, 03:48:34 AM
I think you guys will be much more pleased with the new tiles lord_cack has made :) .
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: peperocket on March 03, 2007, 05:50:59 AM
Great news !  :clap:
Do you think to release a download, print or commercial version ???
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 03, 2007, 06:18:20 AM
It will be available for download and eventually commercial.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: grahf on March 03, 2007, 10:40:43 AM
Awesome. Im sure a lot of people would love to get their hands on a commercial version.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 03, 2007, 12:30:12 PM
A commercial version will be available in a limited run of 1000 copies. The price will be $20US.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on March 03, 2007, 01:08:25 PM
^^ Awesome.  I'd be all over that.  Will the commercial version be on pressed CDs?  :D (or CDRs?  :cry:)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 03, 2007, 01:09:17 PM
Pressed CDs.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on March 03, 2007, 01:12:44 PM
sweet-o  :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 03, 2007, 01:36:25 PM
Yes, they will be professionally pressed CDs, complete with booklet and cover art. Depending on the time it takes to complete the game, it may even carry a UPC.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 03, 2007, 10:39:41 PM
I think you guys will be much more pleased with the new tiles lord_cack has made :) .

Indeed! :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Black Tiger on March 04, 2007, 04:52:16 AM
Glad to here it. I've been dying to actually play a frozen Utopia game.

Keranu said that a commercial release would come after the download. Any idea of the time frame?

I'd rather wait to play the commercial version.

Any plans to release screenshots of your fabulous super secret double probation hinted at in development PC Engine game anytime soon?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 04, 2007, 06:00:51 AM
While that game is playable, and a lot of the graphics are done, no - no screenshots yet.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 04, 2007, 10:58:19 AM
The super secret game won't see any screenshots until the game is actually released, as far as I know :) . However if you do keep an open eye, you might be able to discover a few hints and secrets about the project. I won't say anything about the secret project, but I think we got a really fun game on our hands.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 04, 2007, 11:47:48 AM
Yeah, I feel that there will be no unveiling of our Super Hyper Mega Conglomerate Secret Spam Spatula game, until it's actual release, or right before it atleast.  But, there should be some hints I believe.  That is all :-$
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on March 05, 2007, 03:01:37 AM
Woo-Hoo!  Nice to hear that M.S. is nearly ready.  I'll keep an eye out for hints for the Super Happy Secret Joy Game Fun.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: radiantgun on March 05, 2007, 08:02:13 AM
Opps it's been that long since I've posted, heard the news about M/Song got to excited and posted it in the wrong post ! Opps (thats an englishman for you !).Glad to hear it's nearly done - well done chaps and any chance of signing any of the releases ? ie mine ! Thought I'd ask !
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 05, 2007, 09:20:34 AM
We could all sign it for you, but it would take awhile to get to your house since we would have to ship it to each member across the world :D .
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 05, 2007, 12:44:47 PM
I have no idea what this game is about.  I hope the music didn't originate in MP3 form (well maybe for testing).  I hope uncompressed audio files were used for the final product, especially since you will be charging.  But I'm sure that's the case.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 05, 2007, 02:54:38 PM
I believe the tracks come from their original source, but I don't have any track files from that project on me right now. I just know that our other project's music is not compressed in any way.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on March 05, 2007, 03:48:20 PM
Somehow I missed this thread. But I am excited. I want a pressed commercial copy. NOW, DAMMIT!!!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Black Tiger on March 05, 2007, 04:08:35 PM
Yeah, I feel that there will be no unveiling of our Super Hyper Mega Conglomerate Secret Spam Spatula game, until it's actual release, or right before it atleast.  But, there should be some hints I believe.  That is all :-$

Yeah, I've gotten an idea about the context from some of the hints(Vasteel 3 right?). But I'm just eager to see what it actually looks like.  :P
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 05, 2007, 05:06:06 PM
I think it's safe for me to say that our secret game is completely original: no sequel, no remake, no rip-off. It's being made from ground up and may have a similarity or two with some other games out there, I think it's mostly a rather unique game. It should also be safe for me to say that this secret game has some really nice and smooth controls, so don't think just because we're homebrew our games will control crappy :) .
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 05, 2007, 05:28:21 PM
Hope it has nice packaging.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 05, 2007, 05:36:31 PM
So do we :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 05, 2007, 08:53:57 PM
I have an idea for Vast--the packaging... actually. Might look pretty nice.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 06, 2007, 04:10:29 AM
Hmmm... maybe the game is called "Vast Amounts of Porn on a Disc"?

Be sure to have the Super CD logo and whatnot.  Also don't forget the Arcade Card logo and maybe PC-FX logo just for fun.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 06, 2007, 05:02:26 AM
Better throw in a Super Grafx logo too.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 06, 2007, 08:45:10 AM
Yeah, I mean considering this IS a super grafx game. :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on March 06, 2007, 10:17:35 AM
Hey, how about a PC-98 logo?  Then you could distribute it on a shit load of floppies in a stamped tin box with cardboard figurines, an embossed leather map, and bracelets of stupidity.  Wow, I think I could have had a job at Working Designs (or any of the other clowns churning out 'Super Collectors Special Dumb f*ck Editions').
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on March 06, 2007, 10:28:46 AM
WOW! nodtveidt & company kick ass! :)

I'm buying at least 2 copies... :)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 06, 2007, 10:29:05 AM
Be sure to list "Mega Power", even if it is a CD.  Yes, the audio counts, and it must be rated in megabits.  So if the game actually took up 346 MB of CD space, then the package needs to boast: "2768 Mega Power!  Bigger than Street Fighter II!!!!"
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 06, 2007, 11:50:56 AM
Be sure to list "Mega Power", even if it is a CD.  Yes, the audio counts, and it must be rated in megabits.  So if the game actually took up 346 MB of CD space, then the package needs to boast: "2768 Mega Power!  Bigger than Street Fighter II!!!!"
Point taken. Afterall, we have to compete with our evil competitors out there (even if they are over 15 years old)!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: 2X4 on March 06, 2007, 12:27:32 PM
Hey, how about a PC-98 logo?  Then you could distribute it on a shit load of floppies in a stamped tin box with cardboard figurines, an embossed leather map, and bracelets of stupidity.  Wow, I think I could have had a job at Working Designs (or any of the other clowns churning out 'Super Collectors Special Dumb f*ck Editions').

*unable to say anything while lying on the floor pissing myself and gasping for air*
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 06, 2007, 01:22:28 PM
I have no idea what this game is about.  I hope the music didn't originate in MP3 form (well maybe for testing).  I hope uncompressed audio files were used for the final product, especially since you will be charging.  But I'm sure that's the case.
The original music was in module format. I converted these to pure waveforms after applying enhancements, Paranoia Dragon also supplied a lot of enhancements. The audio is crystal clear and FAR superior to the original tracks. For the downloadable version, the music will be in FLAC format with a decoder and batch file ready to go.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 06, 2007, 03:47:17 PM
Yeah, I mean considering this IS a super grafx game. :wink:

Well, to be exact, it's a SuperGrafx PC-FX hybrid. :^o
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: 2X4 on March 07, 2007, 12:43:57 AM
So what machine(s) will this game actually work on?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 07, 2007, 01:27:15 AM
All of our currently scheduled games will run on ordinary SuperCD hardware. We have future plans for SGX-CD games, a couple of ACD games (including a fighting game), and potentially a PC-FX game in the far future.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on March 07, 2007, 04:04:08 AM
All of our currently scheduled games will run on ordinary SuperCD hardware. We have future plans for SGX-CD games, a couple of ACD games (including a fighting game), and potentially a PC-FX game in the far future.

That sounds sweet!  :clap:  Why not go all out and do a SuperGrafx + ACD game?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on March 07, 2007, 04:27:03 AM
All of our currently scheduled games will run on ordinary SuperCD hardware. We have future plans for SGX-CD games, a couple of ACD games (including a fighting game), and potentially a PC-FX game in the far future.

That sounds sweet!  :clap:  Why not go all out and do a SuperGrafx + ACD game?

Maybe because only eight people would actually have the hardware to play such a beast (same with a SGX-CD).  Of course, I would still buy it - thats what Magic Engine's for.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 07, 2007, 04:36:44 AM
Magic Engine doesn't properly handle the SuperGrafx. You would need to use mednafen. And I'm not even sure if mednafen supports ACD + SGX.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on March 07, 2007, 05:33:25 AM
Maybe because only eight people would actually have the hardware to play such a beast.

I suppose so, but if something was going to be SGX+CD, might as well.

I'd bet that nearly 100% of folks who are hardcore enough to have a SGX+CD system would also have an Arcade Card.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 07, 2007, 07:21:05 AM
I have a game idea I would like to make for SGX+ACD. Me and malducci were thinking about making a little test demo for it.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on March 07, 2007, 08:03:30 AM
I have a game idea I would like to make for SGX+ACD. Me and malducci were thinking about making a little test demo for it.
I have been developing a title for SGX+ACD. It is a vertical shooter + puzzle hybrid in the vein of Sapphire + Blodia. Everyone will love it! :)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on March 07, 2007, 08:52:43 AM
Magic Engine doesn't properly handle the SuperGrafx. You would need to use mednafen. And I'm not even sure if mednafen supports ACD + SGX.

Thanks for the heads up nod.  When and if such a bad-ass game is released, Mr Michel would surely add proper support to Magic Engine (eventually).  At least that's what I'm going to keep telling myself.

Must .... resist .... urge .... to buy .... SuperGrafx .... and .... SuperCD-ROM2 .... combo.   ](*,)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on March 07, 2007, 09:37:18 AM
I have a game idea I would like to make for SGX+ACD. Me and malducci were thinking about making a little test demo for it.
I have been developing a title for SGX+ACD. It is a vertical shooter + puzzle hybrid in the vein of Sapphire + Blodia. Everyone will love it! :)
More info plz.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: td741 on March 07, 2007, 12:33:18 PM
I have a game idea I would like to make for SGX+ACD. Me and malducci were thinking about making a little test demo for it.

Well...  I've got both so if you need someone to test...  I can test MemoryBase 128 and mouse support as well. :P
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 07, 2007, 12:44:38 PM
I too can play SGX ACD games, don't have the memory base or mouse though, but I don't have any plans to implment those in any of my own FU games.  And I can't think of any or our games that would.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 08, 2007, 05:26:18 PM
Right now, Mysterious Song is 3256 MEGABITS OF PURE RPG POOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEERRRRRRR!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: vestcoat on March 09, 2007, 08:09:28 AM
This all sounds awesome, but how are you going to release Mysterious Song on a commercially pressed CD?  Mindrec scoured the Earth and was unable to find single place on the planet that could press Meteor Blaster, that's why it's on a screen printed CDr.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 09, 2007, 08:10:50 AM
Nod found a place, though, I can't remember the details. 
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 09, 2007, 11:32:40 AM
Nod can do anything. Including scouring the Earth more thorougly than Mindrec could. :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: GUTS on March 09, 2007, 06:00:52 PM
You guys actually found a place that could press Duo cds?  Thats pretty cool, you should share it with Mindrec so they don't have to release those 2 games they're working on on crappy CDRs.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 09, 2007, 08:10:50 PM
We're good friends with Mindrec, so, I'm sure Nod has already shared.  Personally, I was a beta tester for Meteor Blaster DX, & in general gave alot of input on it.  But also, FraG has helped us with some stuff, & is even right now helping a few of us with an interesting side project that me, Keranu, & Malducci are working on that ya'll will enjoy.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: malducci on March 10, 2007, 04:07:39 AM
Magic Engine doesn't properly handle the SuperGrafx. You would need to use mednafen. And I'm not even sure if mednafen supports ACD + SGX.

 Oh yeah - it does  :mrgreen: 

 Mednafen needs a frontend for all the non tech savy type or users who hate to use the command prompt (I have all CUEs and PCEs associated with it so it's as simple as double clicking the file to load the game).

Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 10, 2007, 06:55:36 AM
I just called my local EB and asked if they had gotten in any new TurboGrafx games.  They were confused as to what I was talking about so I guess this game hasn't come out yet.  :(
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 10, 2007, 07:20:10 AM
The game is going to be a TRU exclusive at first, so EB won't get it right away 8-[
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 10, 2007, 11:24:34 AM
Tru Value Hardware?  I called them up and they don't seem to take preorders.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 10, 2007, 01:30:11 PM
You guys actually found a place that could press Duo cds?  Thats pretty cool, you should share it with Mindrec so they don't have to release those 2 games they're working on on crappy CDRs.
This lead is not 100% positive yet, so I haven't mentioned it to bt until I know for sure...after he spent all that time, I don't want to give him a false positive about it. Besides, if this doesn't work out, then what I'm going to do is simply buy a replicator and produce CDROMs in-house. Very expensive but well worth the price of admission. So, we won't know if this lead is gold until the first pressing happens.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on March 11, 2007, 12:57:17 PM
Any sort of mailing list one can be placed on, to be contacted about developements and releases?

I don't load up this forum too often and I would rather not miss a commercial release of this game.

When will a commercial release probably be available?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 11, 2007, 01:36:19 PM
No mailing list, but you can check out our website directly for the latest news. That way, you don't have to dig through message boards to get some info.

www.frozenutopia.com (http://www.frozenutopia.com/)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 12, 2007, 01:40:58 PM
Perhaps we SHOULD set up a mailing list, but...considering the fact that website updates are extremely scarce, what's the chance of a mailing list working out either? [-( #-o
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on March 12, 2007, 04:13:53 PM
A mailing list could also give you an idea how many folks are interested in the project.

I can load this thread or the Frozen Utopia site from time to time to stay informed. I'm interested in a copy, so you can mark one as sold, haha.

A mailing list, specifically for updates on the release would be nice. The mailings don't have to be frequent, I'm looking for an e-mail when the download is made available, when to expect the CD release (preorder?), and when the CD is available for purchase.

I am hoping for an actual CD release. The CD-R of Meteor Blaster has gave me issues with my Duo, whereas Implode never has.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 12, 2007, 04:25:29 PM
That's right, I forgot that the Duo does not like CDRs.  My TG-CD loves 'em, though.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on March 13, 2007, 02:54:30 PM
That's why the TG-CD can beat up the wimpy TurboDuo.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on March 14, 2007, 01:55:22 PM
It would depend upon the TG-CD.

I owned a TG-CD at one point. Worked well for some time, however eventually it started taking a very.... very.... very long time loading things. I sold it to someone else when it started giving me problems, may have been repaired since then. All I could figure is it was either the lens wearing out, or it was overheating.

Interesting that meteor blaster would only work in a TG-CD, and not a Duo. I don't recall reading about that anywhere.


About that mailing list, if you decide to put one together, add me to it.

When you say the game is nearing completion, what quarter of the year does that mean the release may happen?

Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 14, 2007, 02:23:21 PM
Some TurboDuos will read CDRs.   A friend of mine in Pittsburgh has one that does, but another friend of mine locally has one that can't.  I always point this out when he says that he is better than me.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: vestcoat on March 15, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
It depends on the CDr.  My Duo played all music CDrs and 3 different game back-ups fine.  I had 2 other back-ups that it would never even recognize.  Then I loaded Meteor Blaster one day and it did a totally aggro face-plant and died.

MrFulci, my Duo locked up after I made it through the game select screen, watched the Meteor Blaster intro and then hit RUN on the title screen.  How about you?
I'm just curious if it happened in the same spot.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on March 15, 2007, 01:11:12 PM
I've never had any problems reading cd-rs with my Duo. I even used an old, very dirty and very scratched Dracula X disc a couple of times. Worked great. Although I regret using that. It had been under my desk for a year or so, hehe. The laser's dying now though, but I got one of those replacements at hand.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 15, 2007, 01:26:36 PM
Why doesn't my laser die in my regular TurboGrafx-CD?  It loads everything quick (for the Turbo) and fine.  Every once in a blue moon it will "forget" to load during a game.  A small bump to the Turbo will make it do a reseek and then everything is fine.  Should I throw away my TG-CD and get a Duo so I can have a dying laser?  I feel like I'm missing out.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on March 15, 2007, 01:45:57 PM
Why doesn't my laser die in my regular TurboGrafx-CD?  It loads everything quick (for the Turbo) and fine.  Every once in a blue moon it will "forget" to load during a game.  A small bump to the Turbo will make it do a reseek and then everything is fine.  Should I throw away my TG-CD and get a Duo so I can have a dying laser?  I feel like I'm missing out.
I've had an experience similar to Joe. My TG-CD has been solid over the years, and I've put far more hours on it than my DUO (US). This topic has come up in the past, and CDR's/original discs play better on my TG-CD than my DUO.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on March 15, 2007, 03:06:40 PM
Why doesn't my laser die in my regular TurboGrafx-CD?  It loads everything quick (for the Turbo) and fine.  Every once in a blue moon it will "forget" to load during a game.  A small bump to the Turbo will make it do a reseek and then everything is fine.  Should I throw away my TG-CD and get a Duo so I can have a dying laser?  I feel like I'm missing out.

I get the same thing with my PCE Duo.  It will read okay most times, but oooonce in a while, I have to tap the Duo lightly to get it going.

I also notice that my Duo is really sensitive to CDR brands.  Some brands will make a light "scuffing"-type noise as they spin, and others will be okay.

And I noticed that my Duo is much more CDR-friendly than my Super CD-ROM.  On the SCDROM, sometimes it will literally make painful grinding noises - that's never happened on the Duo.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on March 15, 2007, 03:52:07 PM
I've read conflicting things over the years about the TG-CD add-on. Some have said it is more heavy duty than the Duo, others say they're both on the same level.

I'm limited in my exposure to the TG-CD. I've only toyed around with one. Mine worked well for a while, then began to have very long load times.

My Duo I've owned since it was new. I've had no issues with it with other games. I've even put it through some extra long playing times when I first purchased Exile some time ago (Beat the game in one sitting).

Vestcoat, Meteor blaster is the first game to refuse to work for me. I place the disc in there, it searches for a period of time, then reads "please check disc" or whatever the message is when you put the wrong type of media into a Duo.

I don't fool around with other, ummmmmm, bootle.... no, "back-ups". So I have no idea if it is the CD-R brand, or just CD-R's in general.

Could be the brand, as I have encountered issues with certain cheap DVD-R's.


Hoping this new homebrew game is on an actual CD!

So, what qaurter does it look like the release will happen?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on March 15, 2007, 04:20:17 PM
Why doesn't my laser die in my regular TurboGrafx-CD?  It loads everything quick (for the Turbo) and fine.  Every once in a blue moon it will "forget" to load during a game.  A small bump to the Turbo will make it do a reseek and then everything is fine.  Should I throw away my TG-CD and get a Duo so I can have a dying laser?  I feel like I'm missing out.

Another reason the TG-CD trounces the Duo.

Quote
I've had an experience similar to Joe. My TG-CD has been solid over the years, and I've put far more hours on it than my DUO (US). This topic has come up in the past, and CDR's/original discs play better on my TG-CD than my DUO.

Seriously though, I personally believe the TG-CD decks are more robust, durable, reliable, etc, etc, than their Duo counterparts. This has been my own personal experience as well and the prime reason I steer clear of Duos. The f*cking things just last forever. I've owned two or three over the years putting hundreds (thousands?) of hours on each. The worst problem I've ever had was the CD unit "forgetting" to load, as Joe put it. It seems like ever other week another poor bastard has a dying Duo on his hands, though.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on March 15, 2007, 08:41:51 PM
Believe me, we're going to make every attempt possible to make real pressed cd's of all our games....well, probably not any remakes we do, but, original games yeah.  Release, not sure.  I think we're still waiting on some tilesets, & I think some palettes for the cinemas.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on March 16, 2007, 01:33:19 AM
Yeah, lc is still plugging away at the tilesets, and so far they kick ass. The first cinema is completed, and the next three are designed but unfinished (missing animations). I don't know if he's started on the final cinema or not (it's REALLY long) but so far so good...the first cinema looks pretty good and the second one will turn out nicely too.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Black Tiger on March 16, 2007, 03:18:16 PM
I used to tap my Turbo/PCE CD systems when they got lost, but now I just open the CD door, wait for the disc to stop spinning and then close the door.

Works every time.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 16, 2007, 06:28:22 PM
But that takes longer.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Black Tiger on March 17, 2007, 12:55:19 PM
But that takes longer.

Yeah, but I don't like the idea of my CD bouncing as it spins.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on March 17, 2007, 03:30:50 PM
So you're saying I shouldn't use the sledgehammer?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on March 17, 2007, 06:51:50 PM
So you're saying I shouldn't use the sledgehammer?

Most definitely not!  Immediately switch to a dead blow rubber mallet - you don't want to risk scratching the case.   :lol:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on May 07, 2007, 03:04:24 PM
What is the current status of this release?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 07, 2007, 04:07:31 PM
Tiles are still coming together, cinemas are finilazing, and some more programming. The game is so close to completition, but it just hasn't reached that final step yet and I have no idea when that step could be. The good news is that I think once one game is finally out, it won't be much long for the other games to get released.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on May 07, 2007, 05:54:26 PM
I sooooo can't wait.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on May 07, 2007, 06:40:21 PM
All my work on the project is frozen right now and has been for a few days. My monitor died a few days ago and so I've not been able to do any work (been using my wife's computer). Once I get a new monitor, I'll be back to work on my part of the project so we can get it out there.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on May 08, 2007, 09:08:05 AM
I love projects that are "almost done" for months or even years.  It seems everyone (myself included) severely underestimates the amount of time required to finish that last 5%.  I'm not bitching though; this grasshopper has patience.  Mysterious Song will be released when it's released, and not a moment sooner.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 08, 2007, 12:20:39 PM
I love projects that are "almost done" for months or even years.  It seems everyone (myself included) severely underestimates the amount of time required to finish that last 5%.
Ain't that the truth! The first 90% of a game can be made in less time than the last 10% takes!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on May 08, 2007, 04:47:03 PM
I think that last 10% of a project, should be considered truthfully more like 70%, so basically, 30% of the game is done! :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 08, 2007, 05:26:58 PM
Good point!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Joe Redifer on May 08, 2007, 05:43:23 PM
I can certainly understand.  I have been working on some music for a video I shot, and I created about 80% of the tune last night in a couple of hours.  Now I am trying to work on a little segment in the tune to make it sound better and whatnot, and it is taking forever.  Not sure why.   
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on May 10, 2007, 06:35:41 PM
An update: I picked up a new monitor tonight (a 19" widescreen, resolution is a weird 1440x900 pixels) and immediately went back to work on Mysterious Song. There's quite a laundry list of tasks to be completed right now, most are small tweaks here and there but some are pretty major. For example, check out this pretty major bug:

(http://www.nodtveidt.net/msr-broke-shit.html)

So there's still plenty to do but it's coming together. Note that this screenshot in particular uses the old tileset that is currently being replaced...one of the things on the "big list".
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on May 11, 2007, 05:51:52 PM
You mean....

That's not a feature?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on May 11, 2007, 07:14:30 PM
You mean....

That's not a feature?
:lol: ](*,) :dance: :-k
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on May 11, 2007, 11:53:22 PM
For example, check out this pretty major bug:

(http://www.nodtveidt.net/msr-broke-shit.html)

Nat's right: that is most certainly *not* a bug. I, for one, am glad that the castle guards have been programmed with an advanced AI (indeed, they will use whatever it takes to thwart a player's progress... ).
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 12, 2007, 02:29:08 PM
Yes very good point, Steve! This is the first RPG where enemies actually cover up text on the screen to prevent you from learning!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on May 16, 2007, 04:16:18 PM
Now that my CDROM unit is working, I can attempt to test this game on actual hardware. Here's hoping for the best. :)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 25, 2007, 05:39:33 PM
Alright everyone, LISTEN UP! To repost what nodtveidt has announced on the Frozen Utopia forums (http://forum.frozenutopia.com//index.php?topic=7.msg4571#msg4571), the deadline for Mysterious Song will be November 9th, 2007. We are very close to completition and have a relation with a pressing company, so it's possible we could get it out before then, but it won't go beyond that date.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on May 25, 2007, 07:22:44 PM
the deadline for Mysterious Song will be November 9th, 2007. We are very close to completition and have a relation with a pressing company, so it's possible we could get it out before then, but it won't go beyond that date.

I'm marking my calendar and holding you to that.

I have close ties with some folks you don't want to meet.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on May 25, 2007, 07:33:15 PM
Hehe  :mrgreen: .

To fill you in on the progress of the game's development, there are three main things left to do: programming, some tile work, and beta testing. We're finally starting to break that annoying 90% barrier!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on May 25, 2007, 08:49:50 PM
Let me know if you want another tester.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on May 26, 2007, 08:39:16 AM
Alright everyone, LISTEN UP! To repost what nodtveidt has announced on the Frozen Utopia forums (http://forum.frozenutopia.com//index.php?topic=7.msg4571#msg4571), the deadline for Mysterious Song will be November 9th, 2007. We are very close to completition and have a relation with a pressing company, so it's possible we could get it out before then, but it won't go beyond that date.
Even if it comes out in 2009, I'll be delighted. :)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on May 26, 2007, 11:51:35 AM
the deadline for Mysterious Song will be November 9th, 2007. We are very close to completition and have a relation with a pressing company, so it's possible we could get it out before then, but it won't go beyond that date.

I'm marking my calendar and holding you to that.

I have close ties with some folks you don't want to meet.

I've met them, they're not so tough :dance:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on June 08, 2007, 08:12:35 PM
An update on the deadline:

The deadline for the final binary build has been set for June 30th, after which the game goes into beta status and hitches a ride on the beta testers' machines. Beta testing will take place during July and August. The game goes to pressing in September and will take approximately 23 days to complete. 1000 official copies will be pressed and the game is tentatively priced to sell for $30 each. Of course, our financial advisor has suggested a few bonus items if anyone would be interested, namely T-shirts, baseball caps, full-sized posters, and of course, agreeing with the idea of autographed versions of the game. Also, each game will be individually numbered on the inlay card, so you'll know which copy you got, and each will come with a hand-signed official Certificate Of Authenticity.

There are still a few beta testing positions available to the right people. An official sign-up form will be available in a few days to apply for the position. Also, our financial advisor has suggested a pre-order system as well. The pre-order form will not require any money, it will be there mainly to gauge interest in the purchase of the game.

This is it folks...the home stretch. :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on June 08, 2007, 10:18:00 PM
Please get these forms to me ASAP via first-class-priority-express e-mail.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Monster Bonce on June 09, 2007, 03:46:48 AM
I'd be no use to you as a beta tester but I would be happy to pre-order. Is there somewhere I can go to sign up?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: termis on June 09, 2007, 05:59:54 AM
Let us all know once you get that pre-order form somewhere.  I'd for sure put one in.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 09, 2007, 07:53:29 AM
Hi, I'm Nodtveidt's financial advisor (and wife :wink:). I'm glad you all are expressing an interest in this game, as I have been driven nuts over the past year with it!  :lol: I will be posting a poll here in order to get a feel for how many people are interested in MSR, as well as how many copies they would be interested in purchasing. If you all would help me out, I'd greatly appreciate it, as it will help me make some calculations over on my side. Also, if anyone is interested in Frozen Utopia or MSR promotional merchadise (tshirts, caps, etc), please let me know as well. Thanks everyone!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on June 09, 2007, 11:14:24 AM
Hi, I'm Nodtveidt's financial advisor (and wife :wink:).

Hey, a girl! Are you hot?  :wink:

I'd buy at least one t-shirt and one hat should they be made available. Possibly more than one hat, I'm a hat guy.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 09, 2007, 11:40:29 AM
Hi, I'm Nodtveidt's financial advisor (and wife :wink:).

Hey, a girl! Are you hot?  :wink:

I'd buy at least one t-shirt and one hat should they be made available. Possibly more than one hat, I'm a hat guy.

I came here because Nodt told me that people were mature and wouldn't ask me for pics and here you are asking me if I'm hot!  ](*,)

The answer is yes btw!  :lol:

I had thought of hats and shirts. I also thought of posters for the truly geeky, like Keranu.  :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on June 09, 2007, 12:15:16 PM
A t-shirt would be cool. I like t-shirts. Black t-shirts. :)

Not size XXL though, which seems to be the only size in the world when you want to buy t-shirts with some print on them. :P M please.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 09, 2007, 12:17:51 PM
I like black tshirts too. And don't worry, we'll have a M for you.  :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on June 09, 2007, 12:19:35 PM
A new screenshot for y'all...

(http://www.frozenutopia.com/images/msong-8.html)

Thanks to malducci's new image tool, the battle backgrounds have become much nicer. This particular image uses 50 unique colors. This also features Keranu's updated enemy sprites.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nat on June 09, 2007, 12:48:06 PM
Hi, I'm Nodtveidt's financial advisor (and wife :wink:).


Hey, a girl! Are you hot?  :wink:

I'd buy at least one t-shirt and one hat should they be made available. Possibly more than one hat, I'm a hat guy.


I came here because Nodt told me that people were mature and wouldn't ask me for pics and here you are asking me if I'm hot!  ](*,)

The answer is yes btw!  :lol:


Your husband lied to you. Maturity is completely absent on these here forums.  :twisted:

Quote
I had thought of hats and shirts. I also thought of posters for the truly geeky, like Keranu.  :wink:


To be honest, I'd probably buy at least one of every piece of promo stuff you guys decided to do. And here's another vote for some sizes smaller than XXL for the shirts.

A new screenshot for y'all...

(http://www.frozenutopia.com/images/msong-8.html)

Thanks to malducci's new image tool, the battle backgrounds have become much nicer. This particular image uses 50 unique colors. This also features Keranu's updated enemy sprites.


Looking good, man. I can't wait.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Turbo D on June 09, 2007, 01:11:49 PM
ya, its seriously looking good. I'd definitely buy a shirt or hat to support frozen neutopia  :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: nodtveidt on June 09, 2007, 05:06:07 PM
Well, Equuskia really outdid herself this time. She even found teddy bears in t-shirts with the Frozen Utopia logo printed on the shirt. :)
(http://www.rhiannon.digitalblackie.com/fu/teddybear.html)

A second prototype burn was made this evening to test new changes to the game code and graphics. Much improvement over the first prototype burn, but there's also a few problems lingering that haven't been addressed yet. But fear not...all will be fixed by the time the game goes to beta. :dance:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Necromancer on June 09, 2007, 07:04:40 PM
I came here because Nodt told me that people were mature and wouldn't ask me for pics and here you are asking me if I'm hot!  ](*,)

Nod was sorely mistaken.  Maturity is something of a bad word on this forum, and I'm going to ask for pictures..... of Mysterious Song, Neutopia III, screen shots from any secret projects F.U. is working on, and pics of Nod chained to his computer and working on M.S. (this one is probably the most important).  :)

Another vote here for some promo gear - especially a poster.  I guess that I'm geeky like Keranu, but not as hard core.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on June 09, 2007, 09:33:23 PM
We should have shirts featuring the Frozen Utopians!  You can get one that has all of us.........or, you can get ones that feature one member, so people can sport a picture of their favorite Frozen Utopian!  Ha!  OR maybe characiture's(sp?) of us on shirts or hats, or mugs, or calculators!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: MrFulci on June 09, 2007, 11:27:52 PM
Nice to read this will receive release soon!

In terms of other Frozen Utopia "Stuff", the only items I can envision myself purchasing would be a pen, and possibly a mug.

A pen can be pretty cheap to produce, with only a logo or some text.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 10, 2007, 01:23:50 AM
I came here because Nodt told me that people were mature and wouldn't ask me for pics and here you are asking me if I'm hot!  ](*,)

Nod was sorely mistaken.  Maturity is something of a bad word on this forum, and I'm going to ask for pictures..... of Mysterious Song, Neutopia III, screen shots from any secret projects F.U. is working on, and pics of Nod chained to his computer and working on M.S. (this one is probably the most important).  :)

Another vote here for some promo gear - especially a poster.  I guess that I'm geeky like Keranu, but not as hard core.

I feel misled now. I'm going to have to settle that one with him later  :twisted:

As for pics of him chained to his computer, that would make an awesome poster. Nod, only illuminated by the bright glow of his monitor, working tiredlessly on MS. That would just kick ass.

As for the secret project, it's  :-$. No screenies from me.  [-X

I do like the idea of a poster or tshirt with the FUers. Keranu already has his cartoon!  :dance:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 10, 2007, 02:20:18 AM
Is this what you had in mind ParanoiaDragon?  :mrgreen:

(http://www.rhiannon.digitalblackie.com/fu/keranutee.html)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: FM-77 on June 10, 2007, 03:11:47 AM
We can make Frozen Utopia action figures. Nod, Keranu, PD and Seldane fighting for love, dreams and justice...Sailor Moon!!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Turbo D on June 10, 2007, 08:54:26 AM
I would buy an action figure, you guys can get down with my ninja turtles action figures  :dance:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: malducci on June 10, 2007, 10:37:13 AM
Is this what you had in mind ParanoiaDragon?  :mrgreen:

(http://www.rhiannon.digitalblackie.com/fu/keranutee.html)


Keranu + Guy Kazama? Why does he have that leg roll from the eighties?
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Keranu on June 10, 2007, 05:18:28 PM
Haha, this thread is totally awesome! Thanks for the t-shirt preview, Nod's wife!  :mrgreen:

Malducci, that drawing of me (designed by me personally years ago) is from the staff page (http://www.lazerdorks.org/staff/index.html) on my site ;) . It makes for a pretty damn good teeeee shirt!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on June 10, 2007, 07:26:36 PM
Is this what you had in mind ParanoiaDragon?  :mrgreen:

(http://www.rhiannon.digitalblackie.com/fu/keranutee.html)


That's awesome, here's my picture btw
(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2512/parafc1.th.html) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/parafc1.jpg/)

And here's my logo
(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/6325/pd5fq3.th.html) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/pd5fq3.jpg/)

Try those on for size :D  I have a dragon mode of me as well, somewhere around here, but, couldn't find it.  A guy over at the Allspark drew that up, & some friends of his colored it.
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 11, 2007, 01:25:20 AM
give me the actual images and I'll make you a great shirt  :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: esteban on June 13, 2007, 04:52:41 PM
Put me on record: I'll buy two copies. Of course, I'm much more excited about Neutopia III. I'll buy 4 copies that that (3 gifts to Neutopia fans)!
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on June 13, 2007, 06:36:55 PM
give me the actual images and I'll make you a great shirt  :wink:

I sent you the pictures, where's me shirt :D
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 14, 2007, 12:18:57 AM
give me the actual images and I'll make you a great shirt  :wink:

I sent you the pictures, where's me shirt :D

Nodt's gonna make you your shirt because I couldn't upload one of the images to the site I was using. But I have not forgotten!  :wink:
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: Equuskia on June 14, 2007, 09:35:31 AM
Here it is:

(http://www.rhiannon.digitalblackie.com/fu/pdshirt.html)
Title: Re: Mysterious Song: Release Is Pending
Post by: ParanoiaDragon on June 14, 2007, 06:37:13 PM
Nice! :D  Although, I think I personally prefer the logo in the back & a little smaller, & my robot mode in front, but, either way, gives me a good idea what it'd look like!  Which reminds me, my friend is still working on my Transformer outfit, for when we go see the movie, so I'll take pictures ofcoarse!  Though, we won't be able to make it a transforming outfit in time for the movie, but, it'll be more show accurate this way(G1 Soundwave).