Scram II: Fukushima

[Kernal]

I am currently doing a re-write of scram...

and changing out the starting scenario..

you start off with your cooling systems knocked out and your core hot.

 

any one want to help?

im also thinking of expanding the game. incorporating the robots.

 

this game will be released for free. i dont profit off of death. thank you. or we could sell it and donate funds to red cross, thats up to you guys.

 

but anyways who wants to help?

[Kernal]

to win the game you would have to keep the core from melting down.

and have a successful cold shutdown.

Edited May 17, 2011 by Kernal

[Kernal]

I also want to update the graphics, make a better intro screen, and intro music

 

also ending screens, if you meltdown a picture will show... instead of the flashing text warning...

if you successfully shut down cold, a ticker tape parade?

[Kernal]

Also is there a good windows IDE that i can use to program and compile BASIC programs in for the atari yet?

[Rybags]

Good concept for a game/sequel, but IMO a start from scratch would be the best scenario.

 

Possibly incorporate trading into the game. Have the player build up "defences" such as backup generators, protective water barriers, evacuation pumps and general infrastructure.

 

AFAIK there's no independant dev app for BASIC. Of course you could use any old editor but the problem arises with Control Characters.

[svenski]

I'd agree with Rybags - a new game from scratch. Also, making it donationware with money going to the Red Cross Japan would be great.

[ACML]

I remember playing SCRAM in 1982. Ran in BASIC if I remember. I thought it was pretty cool at the time and I guess I still do. Its one of those games you play for a week or two and forget about it for years.

[+Philsan]

You could use the fast, Atari Basic compatible and compilable Turbo-Basic XL.

[fibrewire]

Also, need a typhoon to hit just as you think your reactor is under control, maybe a radioactive monster drawn to the reactor leaks as well.

[UNIXcoffee928]

What might be even more interesting is a "Balance of Power" type of layout that examines the long-term, far-reaching effects of the meltdowns on other populations, world-wide, examining the repercussions of fallout from damaged reactors.

 

I've watched many hours of Chris Crawford's lectures, on YouTube, and I will tell you that if he were to look at the project, he would very likely give you similar advice if you hounded him, adamantly, for an hour... lol. (The first 59 minutes would be spent with him telling you to not do it at all... ha).

 

He would then likely tell you that it would be a good idea to use an "Inverse Parser" for user-interaction (as prototyped in "Trust & Betrayal"), and may also tell you to take a long peek at the tile-usage & game strategy AI employed in "Eastern Front", since it's for the same limited hardware.

 

Then, he would fully explain the wave physics of the leather Bull-Whip, (he really did do this... ha) menacingly, telling you, in his own, special way, to be creative with this adaptation of his work, and not just do an incremental update... leaving you with the full impression that this Mad Genius Physicist Programmer Philosopher has exactly zero question in his mind about how much damage the whip could potentially do to someone else, and exactly how little harm would come to himself, but all the same, feeling much happier now that he has cheerfully & fully explained the physics of the instrument to you, so that there is an understanding between you, he, and the whip.

 

Am I on the right track, Chris? lol.

 

I have A LOT of respect for Chris Crawford's intelligence, wit, multidisciplinary approach, & theatric delivery. In some ways, he is very much like a living Technical-Nietzsche, miraculously amongst us, yet wholly estranged.

 

I wish that he would write a 12 Volume Encyclopedic Set on the Philosophy of Life, the Universe, and Everything, and then do a World Tour giving lectures (in stadiums) with Douglas Hofstadter, Brenda Laurel, Douglas Engelbart, Alan Kay, Marvin Minsky, Ed Feigenbaum, and a number of other select supporting personalities. We'll get Henry Rollins to MC, it'll be great! ha.

 

Basically, watch his lectures, here, THEN sit down to code this thing up.

[Kernal]

I really like his programming techniques he used in the original game.... so do u have an email address for him...??

[NRV]

Maybe you can contact him through some email address in the sites:

 

http://www.erasmatazz.com/

 

or

 

http://www.storytron.com/

[Kernal]

I think this may be something he would like though.. espeically if we did put in a User interface like you said.. and prehaps... in different outcomes you could use the eastern front type part of the game as a radiation map?

 

I will email him.. any one wanna start by helping me make a title screen with a real image from fukushima to show him and use in a demonstration to him?

[Kernal]

i have emailed him.. i await his responce.

[Rybags]

I think the title would need a bit of a rethink - keep those 'tards from the new Atari at bay.

[fibrewire]

Meh, just call it 'Reactor' or something along those lines.

[Tin_Lunchbox]

Great idea, Kernal. The more you can improve the graphics and include Fukushima nuclear plant details, the better the program will be. And good luck compiling it, there are often complications when you try compiling Atari BASIC.

[Kernal]

well i was thinking along the lines of making it in turbo-basic... as i do have experience compiling with turbo basic.... as i said.. everyone is more then welcome to help... ive been working on some music for this in raster..

[bobotech]

I really hope that you come through with the sequel. My dad was a huge "no-nukes" hippie from the '60s/'70s and we both thoroughly enjoyed playing Scram when we got it for my Atari around 80 or 81.