|
|
Post by ppp on May 26, 2016 8:33:53 GMT -5
Awesome work! Just tried the android version and it works great, thanks a lot for keeping this great game alive!
|
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Jun 1, 2016 9:38:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Jun 21, 2016 8:39:20 GMT -5
Hi everyone! It's been a month since the new version was released on Google Play, and I'm very glad that a lot of people downloaded the game, without any advertisement from my side (over 100 people on Android, and around 50 on iOS. Not much, but I'm surely expecting more). In the last month, I had very limited time to work on the game, but I'm planning that the level editor will come around the end of August, so get ready for that.  I was thinking about giving the graphics a fresh look, however I'm not really experienced in working with that, so if anybody wants to help upgrading it, drop me a message here on the forum, or you can find my e-mail on the app store pages. I'm also thinking about giving some depth for the game, meaning converting the objects to 3D, and some perspective camera look. Quite similar to the new 30th anniversary Boulder Dash look. (Like this: lh3.ggpht.com/7lXxy0XZkVnLLAprg5INlga66i4d3mVwFVM1KGizv20wnyMdwS7WcvZj01wBiWpTvQ=h310 ) I'm looking for help designing that, someone with experience in Blender (or any similar program like 3Dsmax). If you want to help, drop me a message. I also want to release a quick patch, containing some bug fixes that affect the game, and the ability to adjust the image size of in-game objects (since on some screens, it might look too big). Sincerely, Bence Sipka |
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Aug 19, 2016 10:30:48 GMT -5
Hello everyone! It's been two months since I promised you the update during the summer and here I am, keepeing up to my promise. (I haven't released a small patch, but I hope you can forgive me that) I've worked very hard on this release, so I really hope you will like it. As I mentioned in my previous post, it will contain a level editor, so you will be able to make your own levels, however I did not add an option yet to share it with others, but that feature will come soon. As it is 2016, the game really needed some polishing, so I took the initiative, and made the previously mentioned 3D graphics, and it is included in the release 2.0. (The 2D graphics are still available) In the initial version, you had no option to name your saved demos, but now the game has full software keyboard support, so go finish some levels! The controls on touch screen really needed some sensitivity adjustments, it'll be easier to make a full 180° degree turn. The levels were ordered in ascending alphabetic order, however there were some community levels, that were quite strange for the first time players, so they are now ordered after the original package levels. On some devices the game scaling were quite strange, and the elements were too big, so I added an option to change the scaling. You can now play the levels with tiny and enormous scaling. The application icon were quite odd among the other apps, and growing old from the 2000s, so I decided to retire it in order to try to include more players via the app stores by making a better first impression. I hope you'll like the new one as well. As I worked hard for this release, I decided to make an option for you to be able to support the further developement via an in-app-purchase. This purchase will unlock the 3D graphics for difficulties Easy and upward (you can try it out on Tutorial and Simple), and with it you can create larger levels than 8x8 dimension. I added this purchase because it includes my hard worked contribution for the further developement of the game, and it does not disturb the gameplay in any form. If you value this game, I thank you for your contribution. For further developement, I'm planning to release the game on Steam with greenlight. I already have a working version on Windows (with the old Win32 environment), and want to create Mac OS X and Linux versions as well. If the greenlight on Steam passes, then I'd like to make an online level sharing system, and bring back the older two player levels. (Maybe create more than 2 player levels? Who know? ) The version 2.0 is planned to hit the stores simultaneously, as soon as the review processes end (maybe on Sunday, Monday?). And as always, I appreciate your feedback. Alex (and any of you who have made so many levels) please contact me here via a message, so I can make the 3D View and level editor extension available to you free of charge if you wish, as you made so much contribution over the years. Regards, Bence Sipka P.S. check the new demo Self Ignition on the Unrated level Population explosion, as it contains a rare event of an explosion loop via yam-yams. |
|
|
|
Post by Champ on Aug 27, 2016 14:04:05 GMT -5
I've been playing this game since 2004. It's my happiness when I was young.
|
|
|
|
Post by ppp on Sept 1, 2016 6:55:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the update! I just ordered the in app purchase, even though I won't use the 3D graphics and actually play the mobile game very rarely, still I want to support your great work. One note though - the in-app-purchase option in the game itself should probably have a longer explanation of what the purchase actually entitles the user to. I hope you get it greenlit on Steam, as I'd really love to have a proper modern win32 version of this game. You should also consider creating a website before getting it on steam, as most indie games have. Also consider other social media - getting a twitter, maybe a facebook page, a subreddit and etc, as you'll probably want people to share and spread information about your game easily. |
|
|
|
Post by Jason on Sept 1, 2016 13:15:23 GMT -5
You're my hero. Thank you so so much.  |
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Sept 1, 2016 13:28:01 GMT -5
Thank you, I always appreciate the feedback! If you have Windows 10, then you can try it out, downloading from the Microsoft Store. (Search for "Sapphire Yours", because the buggy Microsoft doesn't list the app for other keywords) (The in-app purchases are now separate for the different platforms, however on Windows it still has some bugy on the Microsoft side, lists it as "no longer available"... I'm contacting support regarding that) Regarding the in-app purchase, I actually did not expect a lot of people to buy it, given the small player base, but I'm really grateful that some of you did. The game is actually part of a bigger project of mine, and I'm currently implementing support for Linux. (Mac OSX is half done, so SY might appear in the Mac Store in the near future ) I was browsing the Steam Greenlight in the past few weeks, and I think the game should have some more features to get accepted. I'm working on the level sharing across the internet, which should give a big community feature boost for the game. I'd still like to upgrade the graphics and tweak little bit, to give a more uniform look (the Wall objects are quite an odd one out of the rest). Before I publish on Steam Greenlight I'll set up some social media accounts (I still don't have Twitter and Reddit), maybe mention it on Retro games subreddit. Regarding the website, I quite lack the experience, but I'm willing to learn about making it for the greater purpose. I can't give you and deadlines, but it would be great to have a next update around December. |
|
|
|
Post by Jason on Sept 1, 2016 13:50:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the update! I just ordered the in app purchase, even though I won't use the 3D graphics and actually play the mobile game very rarely, still I want to support your great work. One note though - the in-app-purchase option in the game itself should probably have a longer explanation of what the purchase actually entitles the user to. I hope you get it greenlit on Steam, as I'd really love to have a proper modern win32 version of this game. You should also consider creating a website before getting it on steam, as most indie games have. Also consider other social media - getting a twitter, maybe a facebook page, a subreddit and etc, as you'll probably want people to share and spread information about your game easily. Yes for definite we need a subreddit. I'm very active on there so I would love to be a part of this community. If they play to update the game. I would love some new 2D art though. |
|
|
|
Post by Jason on Sept 1, 2016 13:53:06 GMT -5
Thank you, I always appreciate the feedback! If you have Windows 10, then you can try it out, downloading from the Microsoft Store. (Search for "Sapphire Yours", because the buggy Microsoft doesn't list the app for other keywords) (The in-app purchases are now separate for the different platforms, however on Windows it still has some bugy on the Microsoft side, lists it as "no longer available"... I'm contacting support regarding that) Regarding the in-app purchase, I actually did not expect a lot of people to buy it, given the small player base, but I'm really grateful that some of you did. The game is actually part of a bigger project of mine, and I'm currently implementing support for Linux. (Mac OSX is half done, so SY might appear in the Mac Store in the near future ) I was browsing the Steam Greenlight in the past few weeks, and I think the game should have some more features to get accepted. I'm working on the level sharing across the internet, which should give a big community feature boost for the game. I'd still like to upgrade the graphics and tweak little bit, to give a more uniform look (the Wall objects are quite an odd one out of the rest). Before I publish on Steam Greenlight I'll set up some social media accounts (I still don't have Twitter and Reddit), maybe mention it on Retro games subreddit. Regarding the website, I quite lack the experience, but I'm willing to learn about making it for the greater purpose. I can't give you and deadlines, but it would be great to have a next update around December. I got it on my laptop and phone just now it works perfectly! I'm really glad this took off. I'll be here to support you in any way I can along in terms of social media and game art (and maybe code but I'm still new to it) with lots of other long time fans of the game and now the remake too. I would totally buy it if you put it up on Steam! |
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Sept 2, 2016 7:16:00 GMT -5
Well you guys should get an award for enthusiasm. In order to start up some social media interaction I think we would need to have some gameplay videos, to give the new users a proper showcase, but I had no time to make them. Regarding the 2D art, I really suck at making that, so if you want to create some new textures, you can contact me here via message, or using my e-mail address, displayed at the store pages. Seeing the artwork that Reinhard put up to his github repository, some of it is quite nice, it could give it a good base, but I think we should keep the old design in some cases (I don't really like the new exit and glass, but the Swamp, Drop, Lorry, the gems and more are nicely done.) And also, I'm thinking about new elements, which I still had no time to add, for example: Custom dispenser (Bag, Bomb, Emerald, Ruby...) Citrine (As in the new version with 2 value) The one time locking door is nice too. Stone walls containing Sapphire, Ruby and other goods. Dark wall containing items? Your ideas are also appreciated. |
|
|
|
Post by ppp on Sept 2, 2016 8:21:55 GMT -5
Thank you, I always appreciate the feedback! If you have Windows 10, then you can try it out, downloading from the Microsoft Store. (Search for "Sapphire Yours", because the buggy Microsoft doesn't list the app for other keywords) (The in-app purchases are now separate for the different platforms, however on Windows it still has some bugy on the Microsoft side, lists it as "no longer available"... I'm contacting support regarding that) Regarding the in-app purchase, I actually did not expect a lot of people to buy it, given the small player base, but I'm really grateful that some of you did. The game is actually part of a bigger project of mine, and I'm currently implementing support for Linux. (Mac OSX is half done, so SY might appear in the Mac Store in the near future ) I was browsing the Steam Greenlight in the past few weeks, and I think the game should have some more features to get accepted. I'm working on the level sharing across the internet, which should give a big community feature boost for the game. I'd still like to upgrade the graphics and tweak little bit, to give a more uniform look (the Wall objects are quite an odd one out of the rest). Before I publish on Steam Greenlight I'll set up some social media accounts (I still don't have Twitter and Reddit), maybe mention it on Retro games subreddit. Regarding the website, I quite lack the experience, but I'm willing to learn about making it for the greater purpose. I can't give you and deadlines, but it would be great to have a next update around December. Sadly I don't have Win10, and don't plan on upgrading in the near future. That's why I will be waiting for your Steam release. Regarding the graphics I love the simple 2D ones from the original game, but that's probably because I've been playing this game on and off for god knows how many years and am used to them. The website does not need to be something complex, I think something simple such as a standard blog where you could post some info on the front page and maybe your updates, so you don't have to post them on an obscure forum. |
|
|
|
Post by Asti on Sept 20, 2016 5:32:42 GMT -5
Good job. I also wanted to rewrite the game, but now I won't make it. Szép munka! |
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Dec 20, 2016 11:04:18 GMT -5
Hello! It's been a while since I updated you guys about the progress since the last update. During the last 3-4 months I've been preparing some features, to be eligible for Steam Greenlight submission, and later for a Steam release. Some of these are: - Some new 3D models (Stone wall, Sand, and I'm currently working on the Glass element) - And reworks (In case of earth) - New game elements - The citrine (fragile yellow gem, worth 2 Emeralds. It shatters if you drop it, and breaks if something falls on it) - Custom dispenser (Dispensers now can spawn Bombs, Bags, Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys, Citrines, and Swamp Drops) - Stonewall embedding (You can now place Rubys, Sapphires, and Citrines inside stone walls. Previously it was only emeralds) - Community Hub - You can upload and share your levels with other players, and rate them on a 5 star scale. - There is a discussion room, that works like a simple chat room, to be able to discuss your game experiences with others in-game. - Some bug fixes - 2 player levels (finally!), you can play this on the soon to be available desktop version, with keyboard. - Graphics settings - MSAA (multisampling) support on desktop - VSync support on desktop - Swapping between DirectX11 and OpenGL on Windows 7 and newer - Operations system support - Windows 7 and newer - Macintosh - Linux (I've tested on Ubuntu) And what I'm working on until the release: - Game background - I'm thinking about some non-figurative background, for example like you are in a mine/cave or something. Will be dark, and probably some small gems in it, like in a mine. - Game graphic enhancement (Some shiny graphics stuff, to break the monotonity of the objects, like in case of earth) - Demo player controller (backward replaying) I'm thinking about putting the game up on Steam Greenlight around mid-January, hope I can keep my deadlines. If the game does not pass the Greenlight, I'm still planning to share the game with you on itch.io or somewhere other place. Have a happy holidays until then, I'll keep you posted! |
|
|
|
Post by ppp on Dec 22, 2016 13:26:17 GMT -5
I'm very glad to hear that your development is progressing well. The new features sound awesome, can't wait until we get a release. In the meanwhile enjoy your holidays!
|
|
|
|
Post by mrcatmann on Jan 7, 2017 9:13:02 GMT -5
Yay, really?
Somebody is remaking the game of my childhood?
It's really nice.
|
|
|
|
Post by mrcatmann on Jan 7, 2017 9:16:51 GMT -5
So...can I somehow help with the game? Maybe creating graphics, or game's site?
If there is some work, contact me: kittenizator(at)yandex.ru
|
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Jan 7, 2017 14:22:14 GMT -5
Hello! I'm currently busy preparing the game for Greenlight, and I actually made a trailer for it today. I'm requesting your feedback regarding it, because I'd like to provide top quality stuff for the Greenlight. (A little constructive criticism is always encouraging ) The trailer: I wonder what you're opinions on the game background, and the graphics overall. If you have something that bugs your eyes, share with me. Also working on a little landing page/site, if anyone wants some info regarding the game. It is not currently complete, so a few days, and I share it with you. (In my previous post I forgot to mention, but game suspending is also complete) mrcatmann : I'm glad you like it. Thank you for offering but currently I don't require additional workforce. The new graphics are nearly completely done and after I can get the community server up and running, I'm going to update the game in the app stores. |
|
|
|
Post by Sipka on Jan 9, 2017 7:30:01 GMT -5
As promised, I created the landing page for the game where you can get the basic information about it. Here it is: sipkab.github.io/sapphireyours/Let me know what you think. I hope it's okay to include some of your comments as quotes/reviews. |
|
|
|
Post by ppp on Jan 9, 2017 8:43:14 GMT -5
Congrats on your progress! Everything looks good, but I have a couple of points to add:
Regarding graphics - the glass tile looks a bit weird to me, especially at 27 seconds in the trailer, it looks more like a pool of water rather than glass.
Regarding the trailer itself it does a good job showcasing the gameplay, but it does not showcase all of the features of the game such as large amount of levels, a level editor, coop, demo saving/replay and etc. I'm not sure if its needed but maybe consider creating a second trailer focusing on the features?
|
|
