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Rocks'n'Diamonds: Older News
2009-07-14
·
Special edition "R'n'D jue" version 3.2.6.1 released!
After the update of Rocks'n'Diamonds to version 3.2.6.1, "R'n'D jue"
is now also updated to the same latest version of the game engine! More
information and download links can be found here:
As the previous version (R'n'D jue 3.2.6.0) had the same crash bug as R'n'D 3.2.6.0, while the last stable version (R'n'D jue 3.2.5) had some major limitations and bugs, it is highly recommended to upgrade to the latest version to play this special version of R'n'D!
2009-06-17
·
Emerald Mine Club level collection updated!
For all fans of the Emerald Mine Club level collection, there is an update
available that adds the following 13 new EMC disks (and updates many of the
existing disks):
+ Bond Mine 17.5 - Xmas Mine 2
+ Crystal Caverns 4 (No. 21)
+ Den Mine 13
+ Down Under Mine 20
+ Einstein Mine 23
+ Emerald Dash 6
+ Into Aladdin's Caves 3
+ Into The Dusty Mines 2
+ Ruppelmine 7
+ Snel Mine 1 (Almathera)
+ Super Freak Mine Prof
+ Tough and Deadly Mine
+ Tutorial 1 NL
All in all, the collection now contains 50962 levels in 576 sets (with 43511
unique levels). With this update, the EMC collection seems to be complete now,
containing all EMC disks that were ever made publicly available.
As an addition to the already existing graphical title screens of many EMC
disks, text messages were added to many sets that were contained on the
original EMC disks (displayed as title messages just as it looked like when
booting those disks on the Amiga), which contain hints, credits or correction
notes.
For best results, use the latest R'n'D version 3.2.6.1 for playing the EMC
level collection!
The updated level collection package is available
here
or at the
"Levels & Artwork" section!
2009-06-15
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.6.1 released!
This new version of R'n'D fixes the crash bug mentioned in the previous entry.
In fact, there was no need to change R'n'D itself at all, but to use a patched
version of the SDL library, which contains a crash bug in the current official
version as of today (which is already fixed in the code repository, but hasn't
found its way into the current official version yet).
In addition to replacing the SDL library with a patched version in the R'n'D
package for Windows, there was also an additional fix to extend
backwards compatibility with existing levels, especially Zelda and Zelda II.
For details, see the ChangeLog
file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
2009-02-16
·
Critical bug in Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.6.0! Please downgrade to version 3.2.4!
Many people encountered a critical bug that apparently has crept into
the current version 3.2.6.0 and that crashes the game.
Unfortunately, there's no time to find and fix that bug and release a new
version at the moment.
Therefore, to play without problems, please switch back to the last stable
version 3.2.4 for now. A fixed version 3.2.6.1 will be provided as
soon as possible.
For "R'n'D jue", please switch back to the last stable version
3.2.5.
Please see the Download section for
updated (downgraded) links!
Sorry for the inconvenience!
2008-11-30
·
Special edition "R'n'D jue" version 3.2.6.0 released!
After the update of Rocks'n'Diamonds to version 3.2.6.0, "R'n'D jue"
is now also updated to the same latest version of the game engine! More
information and download links can be found here:
2008-11-08
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.6.0 released!
This new version of R'n'D contains several new, smaller features and will be
needed as the base for upcoming new and updated level sets; in particular,
there will be an update to the EMC level collection soon which will use some
of the new features mentioned below. The new version also fixes some program
bugs, so it is recommended to upgrade to the new version. (For details about
the current version number and the new versioning scheme, please read the
corresponding
pre-release announcement in the R'n'D forum.)
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.4:
- fixed crash bug when scrolling with cursor keys in editor
- fixed X11 crash bug when scaling images with width/height less than 32
- fixed X11 crash bug when blitting masked title screens over background
- fixed growing steel wall to also leave behind steel wall
- fixed custom element change conditions where a player element is used
- fixed bug with player relocation while the player switches an element
- fixed problems with re-mapping players on playfield to input devices
- fixed wrong behaviour of player option "no centering when relocating"
- added condition "deadly when " for custom elements
- added possibility to reanimate player immediately after his death
- added "element used as action parameter" to element change actions
- added optional initial inventory for players (pre-collected elements)
- added change page actions "set player inventory" and "set CE artwork"
- added switch for EM style dynamite "[ ] explodes with chain reaction"
- moved "level settings" and "editor settings" to two tabbed screens
- added level setting to start a level with always the same random seed
- added CE action "set random seed" to re-initialize random seed in game
For details, see the ChangeLog
file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
2007-10-05
·
Special edition "R'n'D jue" released!
"R'n'D jue", created in cooperation with Jürgen Bonhagen,
is a special edition of Rocks'n'Diamonds with completely different
graphics and sounds and a collection of outstanding level sets
specifically designed for those who like to play puzzle and thinking
games!
In addition to Jürgen's own level sets, "R'n'D jue" also
contains a selection of level sets from the Contribution level
collection that offer a similar level of puzzle game fun and fit well
with the new artwork. See a detailed description of all features of
"R'n'D jue", along with a lot of screenshots, on
Jürgen Bonhagen's web site!
"R'n'D jue" can be installed as a complete replacement of the
classic Rocks'n'Diamonds package. Most additional level sets from the
Levels & Artwork section that can
be played with Rocks'n'Diamonds can also be played with "R'n'D jue"!
Especially the many level sets of the Emerald Mine Club level
collection are now playable with completely new, high resolution and
high quality artwork that was specifically created also with this level
collection in mind! It is also possible to install "R'n'D jue" and
Rocks'n'Diamonds side by side, as they behave as two completely independent
games, which makes it very easy to play different kind of level sets in a
different graphical enviromnent!
If you just want to play Jürgen's level sets with the classic
Rocks'n'Diamonds, but without installing "R'n'D jue", you can find
all level sets shipped with "R'n'D jue" as a separate level
collection package on
Jürgen Bonhagen's web site, just as before, or on the
Levels & Artwork page!
"R'n'D jue" for Windows, Unix and Mac OS X is now available
for download from the Download section
and also from
Jürgen Bonhagen's web site!
2007-10-01
·
"Zelda II" by Alan Bond released!
The new one-level set "Zelda II", created by Alan Bond, is a
total remake of "Zelda" that was released about one year ago. It is
quite fascinating to see what can be created by clever use of ordinary custom
elements with (extraordinary) custom artwork! "Zelda II" looks and
feels like a completely different kind of game and contains techniques that
were thought to be impossible using the existing possibilities of R'n'D level
and artwork design! This is especially true for the inventory system,
which allows collecting and changing between different weapons which
all have their own ammunition. Another outstanding feature are dozens of
people and creatures to "talk" to, using a special message system
that circumvents the limited number of message envelopes to give valuable
hints that may be needed to solve the game. Further enhancements were done
to the shooting and combat system and also to the health system
that works in true RPG fashion now. All these features, combined with
impressive graphics, sounds and music, result in about three hours
of challenging game play that will let you forget that it's all just a
single R'n'D level!
To play "Zelda II", the latest version 3.2.4 of Rocks'n'Diamonds is
required, which can be downloaded from the
Download section.
"Zelda II" is now available from the
"Levels & Artwork" section!
2007-09-13
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.4 re-released!
Important update:
The just released Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.4 contained a bug that could crash the
game under certain conditions. This bug was fixed and the download package was
updated accordingly.
If you already downloaded the new 3.2.4 package, please download it
again from the Download section to get
the fixed version!
2007-09-13
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.4 released!
This new version of R'n'D contains several new, smaller features and will be
needed as the base for upcoming new and updated level sets; in particular,
there will be an update to the EMC level collection soon which will use some
of the new features mentioned below. The new version also fixes some program
bugs, so it is recommended to upgrade to the new version.
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.3:
- added file loader for native Diamond Caves II levels and level packages
- added new elements for newly supported Diamond Caves II levels
- added graphic configuration directives for control of game panel
- added new setup option to select game speed (from very slow to very fast)
- added new setup option to select scroll delay value (from 0 to 8)
- improved handling of title screen images and title text messages
- improved handling of title and menu screen fading definitions
- extended (R'n'D based) EMC graphics engine that can display long animations
- fixed broken editor copy and paste for custom elements between levels
For details, see the ChangeLog
file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
2007-02-27
·
The Rocks'n'Diamonds Manual finally released!
In the last years, Rocks'n'Diamonds was getting more and more complex,
but there was only very few documentation available for it. Many people
asked for a manual that would explain things that are hidden or less
self-explaining.
Finally, Francesco S. Carta took a lot of time and
effort and created
The Rocks'n'Diamonds Manual!
This great new manual currently consists of the following four parts:
-
The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
This part was really needed, and it hopefully answers most questions
that are asked again and again in the forum
and by personal mail (including the famous "How does snapping
work?" question).
-
The Program Manual
This is the main part of the manual and describes the installation of
the game, gives an overview of the menu structure (and especially
describes the various options in the setup menu), the tape recorder,
where your levels are installed and how to create your own level sets.
-
The Elements Reference
This is a description of most game elements and how they interact
with other elements, grouped by element type. In many cases this is
more helpful than the single element descriptions in the level editor.
-
The Editor Tutorial
This detailed description of the level editor not only shows how to
use the various "drawing" functions (including information about the
not-so-obvious aspects of some of the tools), but also explains in
detail how to edit element properties, including a section about
custom element programming, which makes it possible to create
completely new game elements with unique, new features.
All four parts are also accessible from the
manual's start page.
Francesco has done a great job with the creation of this manual!
Thanks a lot for contributing this outstanding work to the R'n'D project!
Also available from the Documentation section!
2007-01-05
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.3 released!
This release is mainly a bugfix release. It also contains some improvements
on program startup performance.
For details, see the ChangeLog
file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
2006-08-29
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.2 "Zelda Special Edition" released!
The release of the outstanding one-level set
"Zelda" by Alan Bond -- with a playing
time that can easily reach over one hour -- again showed the limitations of
tape reloading, which takes far too long for very long tapes. This required
the invention of a new technique, which uses internal game engine snapshots
and allows for instant reloading of the last played or saved tape
without any delay. Besides that, this new version contains two major
bugfixes and is therefore considered a recommended upgrade.
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.1:
- instant tape reloading for the last saved tape using "quick save/load"
- fixed bug that prevented solving levels without exit (like in Sokoban)
- fixed bug with quick loading tapes in fullscreen with EMC game engine
Now available from the Download section!
And don't miss "Zelda" from the
"Levels & Artwork" section!
2006-08-21
·
Emerald Mine Club level collection released!
After many years of work, which involved collecting of old floppy disk images,
writing level and artwork converters and the integration of a completely new,
highly compatible game engine, the result is finally available now:
A total rework of the already existing, huge Emerald Mine Club level
collection! The main intention was to try as hard as possible to keep the
spirit of the original game play, original graphics (ECS or AGA)
and original sounds and music of this series of games for the classic
Amiga computer.
The resulting level collection released today contains 50337 single levels
in 564 level sets -- probably more than anybody could play in a life. ;-)
But if you played these games on your Amiga in the past, it is most likely
that you will find nearly all EMC disks you played in this collection for a
nostalgic experience. In any case, you will find many very good level sets
with their original graphics! If you never played these games, you will find
that the graphics have a lower resolution than the normal R'n'D graphics.
For those who prefer to play these level sets with higher quality graphics,
it is planned to release an artwork specifically created for the EMC level
collection in the future.
This collection also contains some sets which re-use levels from other sets
of the same collection, in a different combination or with different artwork
(examples are the "Recycled Mines" or the "PacMine Deluxe" level sets) as an
early form of "level set mash-ups", so don't be surprised to find some levels
more than once in this collection. (In fact, the overall number of 50337
single levels contains "only" 41657 unique levels.) To make life easier
for those who don't want to dig through all those hundreds of level sets, it is
planned to release a "best of" selection of those level sets which you
think should belong to such a set -- therefore, please let me know which sets
you would like to see in such a compilation!
Even though this level collection is quite complete, there are still a few EMC
disks that are missing in this package. As far as I know, only the following
disks are missing now:
+ Aladdin Mine 1 - 4
+ Demo Mine V6
+ Den Mine 13
+ Down Under Mine 20
+ (Into The) Dusty Mine 1 + 2
+ Einstein Mine 23
+ Emerald Dash 6
+ RuppelMine 7
+ Super Freak Professional
+ Tough & Deadly
If you should have them around or find them on the web, I would be happy to
add them to this collection and close the last gaps. :-)
Important note: Due to a level time bug in version 3.2.0 that affects
the EMC levels, you should update Rocks'n'Diamonds to the new version 3.2.1
(released yesterday) to play the EMC levels!
This new level collection package is available now at the
"Levels & Artwork" section!
2006-08-20
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.1 released!
The new game version mainly contains bugfixes for the upcoming EMC level
collection and for playing the level set "Snake Bite", but also adds some
useful new features, like better fullscreen support and wheel mouse support.
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.0:
- fixed level time for EMC levels (needed for the upcoming EMC collection)
- fixed bug when playing "Snake Bite" (introduced with version 3.2.0)
- added selection of fullscreen mode to better match screen aspect ratio
- added key shortcut "Alt + Enter" to toggle fullscreen mode at any time
- added support for mouse scroll wheel for all scrollbar gadgets
- added support for horizontal mouse wheel scrolling by holding "Shift"
- added support for single step mouse wheel scrolling by holding "Alt"
- improved down-scaling of images for better editor and preview graphics
- moved user data folder on Mac OS X from Unix style to "Documents" folder
- moved output file "stderr.txt" on Windows to user data folder
- added Windows message box to direct to "stderr.txt" after error aborts
Now available from the Download section!
2006-07-16
·
Rocks'n'Diamonds 3.2.0 released!
This new version finally finishes the new, native game engine to play
original Emerald Mine and Emerald Mine Club levels exactly like
in the original Amiga games. This additional new engine is highly
compatible with the original game and can be optionally selected in the
level editor. But it's main purpose is to play those thousands of original
Emerald Mine Club levels with original game play, original
graphics (ECS or AGA) and original sounds. A new, huge level
collection with hundreds of original Emerald Mine Club level sets will soon be
available for this new engine!
Besides this new game engine, the new version 3.2.0 contains a whole lot of
great new custom element features, like custom element actions to
trigger various actions on custom element change events -- just play around
with all the new features in the level editor to explore all the new
possibilities, or soon have a look at stunning new level sets that
make use of these new features (so far only released in the
forum.
Finally, the new version contains a great number of bugfixes (and probably
also a lot of new bugs ;-) ).
Most important changes since last release version 3.1.2:
- finished new native game engine for Emerald Mine (Club) levels
- added all new elements from EMC engine also to R'n'D engine
- added selection between ECS and AGA graphics for EMC levels to setup
- added multi-player support for EMC game engine (with up to four players)
- added player switching (visual and quick) to R'n'D and EM game engine
- added key shortcut settings for switching player focus to setup menu
- added custom element actions for CE change page in level editor
- added "CE value" and "CE score" counters for custom elements
- added cascaded element lists to element list in level editor
- added dynamic element list with all elements used in current level
- added special Supaplex animations for Murphy being bored and sleeping
- added setup option to display element token name in level editor
- added up to five title screens for each level set to show after loading
- added credits pages to the "credits" section that were really missing
- lots of bugfixes and internal engine changes (see ChangeLog file)
Get it from the Download section now!
Really Old News
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