In the time since we released War of the Solstice a couple of years ago, development has been focussed on the next part in the Midnight Trilogy - The Icemark - which will be a faithful remake of the classic Doomdark's Revenge.
Progress has been a bit stop/start, but is currently picking up pace again. Here is a summary of where things are at:
Icemark terrain was formed and location types created (except pits which are still to do).
Colour profiling set up for the different times of day in The Icemark.
Tunnel system created allowing characters to move around under The Icemark.
New characters and armies added: Tarithel, Shareth, Dwarves, Giants, Icelords.
Mists added.
Map of Icemark added.
Wayne has already put down many completely new pieces of music for The Icemark, as well as numerous additional audio effects. There are some very special pieces in the mix.
Focus will shift next onto character selection mechanism, and once that's done I think it will be time to move onto the backend gameplay.
Stay tuned for further updates which you can also get on the social channels - see the links.
Well together with 3112 like-minded ZXSpectrum fans, I contributed to the kickstarter development and production of the ZX Spectrum Next: "a new machine, fully compatible with the original computer, and packed with improvements and expansions". In the 30 days since the campaigns launch, £723,390 was pledged beating the funding target of £250,000 within the first few days!
"Spectrum Next is an expanded and updated version of the ZX Spectrum, fully compatible (software and hardware) with the original. You can play any games, demos, use original hardware, you name it. And it also runs new software created more recently to make use of expanded hardware, including new graphics modes and faster processor speeds."
I opted for the "ZX Next Accelerated" model for which the specifications are:
The following additional stretch goals were also unlocked as a result of the funding success:
Looking forward to unwrapping a new ZX Spectrum and seeing what development potential lies within!
I spent some time recently exploring what potential Unity might offer for Midnight related development. Not being so familiar with the game engine it was a bit of an eye opener to see what assets are up for purchase in the Asset Store. A quick search came up with the following interesting assets which caught my eye… 🙂
Map Magic Terrain generator / Winter ground pack
Time of Day / Fir Trees
Cave System / Knights
Elves / Dwarfs