Demolish v1.3 - game released

[InfernalKeith]

Happy to release DEMOLISH v1.3 for the TI 99/4A, in Extended BASIC with 32K memory expansion. This is the "official release" and the game is done, barring any bug discoveries.

 

Demolish title screen

 

In Demolish, you are confronted with a field of multicolored tiles. Your object is to demolish groups of the same color in order to clear one column (and then more in subsequent levels). You earn more points the more tiles you demolish at the same time. Every 100 points, you earn a 'flip' which allows to you flip two tiles to create new color groups and then demolish them.

 

The game was written in TI BASIC and compiled using Harry Wilhelm's compiler. It was coded on Classic99 and has not yet been tested on 'real iron.'

 

In this image, the black tiles have been selected already, and the player is about to hit "C" to blow up the charges and demolish them.

 

The flips do not roll over - once you earn one, if you score another 100 points, you still only have one flip to use. Therefore, you have to start demolishing a section, use your flips wisely to clear more space as you get them, and eventually venture to other areas of the board to clear big patches of tiles and earn more flips to clear your way to the bottom.

 

There's something viscerally satisfying about clearing out a big chunk of tiles, and seeing progress get made as you clear your way to the bottom. I hope you enjoy the game.

 

My high score so far is 9407, on level 4.

 

Strategy tip: keep moving at all times. The timer "slows down" when you're moving and ticks down at an alarming rate when you sit still. This is meant to induce panic.

 

Let me know what you think, or if you discover any bugs.

 

Keith

 

DEMOL13XB.zip

[sometimes99er]

Very nice.

[+Schmitzi]

Hi Keith, thanks, this is a very cool game

[InfernalKeith]

I finally sat down to actually play the game, not just play-test it, and my high score of the night is 6933 on level 3. I got to level 4 once during play-testing, but I dunno if getting much beyond that is gonna be possible. You have to clear so much of the board to earn flips to demolish all those columns. In this last game, I'm pretty sure I ran out of groups anywhere on the playfield I could demolish for more points.

 

If anyone else is playing, post your scores or some screenshots!

[Opry99er]

Just gave this one a play.... very nice!!! Im still learning the finer points, but I like it very much so far!!!

 

Thanks for the cool game, Keith. All of your games have a very InfernalKeith feel to them.... in other words, you have a style all your own.

 

Kudos on the release.

[InfernalKeith]

Thanks Owen, and I'm glad we're both back around these parts at the same time.

 

I upped my high score to 7643 but still can't get off level 3. I'm learning some strategy as I go myself. I'm gonna keep playing for a few more days and then make a playthrough video to show people how the game works, and what I've learned. It's really easy to ALMOST clear three columns, but leave yourself with nothing to work with to get those last couple tiles out of the way.

[InfernalKeith]

Got another of my abandoned projects from years ago back on the workbench right now, but I'm not gonna post anything specific till it's actually up and running. No more 'vaporware' over here.

[Sinphaltimus]

I've been spoiled by the current run and gun gamin culture on the PC. These old school "think a little" games are proving more and more difficult. LOL Can't get past level 1. But still fun, just in a panic the entire game because, well, TIMER! There should be a handicap mode that let's you take as long as you like and records your time to comlpete. Then you just play to beat that time. (kidding of course or is it wishful thinking?) Nice job here.

[InfernalKeith]

I might add that to a future version - a "practice level" with no timer. I could probably just bang that out today but I'm trying to stay focused on the next project. But it might be good to have a chance to peruse a playfield, get into the idea of taking down columns one chunk at a time, and not be in a constant state of frenzy. The novelty of the compiled speed hasn't worn off on me yet, though.

[mizapf]

I've been spoiled by the current run and gun gamin culture on the PC. These old school "think a little" games are proving more and more difficult.

 

Oh, you should look out for Indie games for the PC. I played some of them in the last years, and there's a lot thinking...

 

Antichamber

The Bridge

Braid

FEZ

...

[digdugnate]

 

Oh, you should look out for Indie games for the PC. I played some of them in the last years, and there's a lot thinking...

 

Antichamber

The Bridge

Braid

FEZ

...

I'm partial to FTL, Stardew Valley, and World of Goo as well.