Hi, here's my first go at building a Construct 2 (hybrid game app creation program) memory match template. I decided that I wanted to create many different versions to see which topics get the most popular so that I would spend more time developing the popular ones. So, which theme do you like the most?
Please try them all and let me know what you think. Or, maybe just 1-3 of the most interesting ones to you.
- Memory Match 3
- Memory Match: Roman Numerals
- Memory Match: Color Names
- Memory Match: Colors
- Memory Match: Numbers
- Memory Match: Alphabet
- Memory Match: Letters
- Memory Match: Wildlife
- Memory Match: Cartoon Animals
Results so far:
- Wildlife theme has the highest amount of downloads.
- Colors theme has second highest amount of downloads.
- Color names theme has second lowest amount of downloads.
- Roman numerals theme has the lowest amount of downloads. (Sidenote: These cards took the longest to create also, so good thing I didn't make more)
- My favorite, "Memory Match 3", is getting close to 100 downloads
This information could be good for any of your app that you may want to theme. Seems like people prefer the basics of wildlife and colors, rather than things that require more thinking like color names and roman numerals.. And, I have about 10 different versions that I need to organize.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Showing posts with label phone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label phone. Show all posts
2014-03-06
Published Two New Apps: Flappy Gravity and Gravity Runner
Using Construct 2, I've created two new HTML5 apps which run natively in Windows 8 and Windows Phone. I'd like to encourage you to try the apps. The links go to the store where you can see screenshots of the apps.
Gravity Runner
Gravity has gone crazy. There's only one hope... But, beware, the more times you change gravity, the more your power goes down.
- You are in control of gravity!
- Infinite, randomized levels
- Touch-enabled
Available now:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
Flappy Gravity
Gravity gone wrong! Change gravity with every tap! Avoid the obstacles.
Gravity Runner
Gravity has gone crazy. There's only one hope... But, beware, the more times you change gravity, the more your power goes down.
- You are in control of gravity!
- Infinite, randomized levels
- Touch-enabled
Available now:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
Flappy Gravity
Gravity gone wrong! Change gravity with every tap! Avoid the obstacles.
2014-02-22
Published New App: Wall Ball
I just created a new game using a concept that I haven't seen in any other game. It's almost like a single player pong game with different objectives.
Using the Construct 2 game engine, so that I only have to create the code base once, I've made the game available for Windows 8 and Windows Phone.
Try it out now:
- On Windows 8
- On Windows Phone
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Using the Construct 2 game engine, so that I only have to create the code base once, I've made the game available for Windows 8 and Windows Phone.
Try it out now:
- On Windows 8
- On Windows Phone
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2014-02-18
Published New App: One-Click Saga
Today (and yesterday), I created this "One-Click Saga" game using the Construct 2 game engine. C2 definitely allows great games to be created with ease.
Description:
Three games to master. Flappy's too tired to flap anymore, so he is taking a ride on different airborne vehicles. Rules are the same: tap to save the clone bird's life! But, in each game a tap does something different...
Available Now:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
- HTML5
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Description:
Three games to master. Flappy's too tired to flap anymore, so he is taking a ride on different airborne vehicles. Rules are the same: tap to save the clone bird's life! But, in each game a tap does something different...
Available Now:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
- HTML5
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2014-02-13
Published New App: Flappy Fishes
(YAFBC = Yet Another Flappy Bird Clone)
I really wasn't going to make a copy, but then I did.
Available for:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
- HTML5 (slightly older version)
~ Danial Goodwin ~
I really wasn't going to make a copy, but then I did.
Available for:
- Windows 8
- Windows Phone
- HTML5 (slightly older version)
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2014-02-01
Level Up - WP Dev: How to Remove Debug Information From Windows Phone Emulator
(This post is for developers of the Windows Phone platform.)
Ever find the frame rate counters and other debug information on the Windows Phone emulator more annoying than useful? It always appears there, whether in debug mode or release mode.
What if you want to get a clean screenshot without having to edit the image later? The red and white performance information on the side of the emulator screen is a nice feature, but I haven't needed to use it much in my recent apps.
It's possible. And, you only have to change one word.
How To:
1. Open App.xaml.cs.
2. Find the line that says `Application.Current.Host.Settings.EnableFrameRateCounter = true;`.
3. Change `true` to `false`.
That's it!
Now, you can get the full/real experience that end users would get when using your app, emulator style.
Feel free to share this with other WP devs that you know.
Source: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windowsphone/develop/gg588380(v=vs.105).aspx
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Ever find the frame rate counters and other debug information on the Windows Phone emulator more annoying than useful? It always appears there, whether in debug mode or release mode.
What if you want to get a clean screenshot without having to edit the image later? The red and white performance information on the side of the emulator screen is a nice feature, but I haven't needed to use it much in my recent apps.
It's possible. And, you only have to change one word.
How To:
1. Open App.xaml.cs.
2. Find the line that says `Application.Current.Host.Settings.EnableFrameRateCounter = true;`.
3. Change `true` to `false`.
That's it!
Now, you can get the full/real experience that end users would get when using your app, emulator style.
Feel free to share this with other WP devs that you know.
 |
| By default, the emulator has debug information on it. |
Source: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windowsphone/develop/gg588380(v=vs.105).aspx
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2014-01-14
Level Up: Paint.NET: Create Large Image From Small Image Source
In trying to create a logo for my newest game, I had a few images that were 32x32 pixels. So, my first thought for the logo was just a mash up with all of them. And, that looked something horrific, like:
And, if that were scaled up to the size I needed, it would be even more pixelated, which I did not want for this game. So, I thought for a few seconds to determine what I were to do if I weren't lazy. Using my design background and my like for being minimal, I've decided to just create an image of my own that wouldn't be pixelated. If I were to just blow up an 32x32 image to 1000x1000, here's what it would look like:
Solution, in order to capture the essence of the game in just a single simple icon, I determined that the bomb disguised as a coin would best represent most of the game. Hopefully, it would also provide a little bit of intrigue to get users to click on it.
Final image, using only my own circles, lines, and rounded rectangles. Oh, and the practical use of Gaussian Blur for the level up! =]
Btw, you can play the free beta version at Simply Advanced Games. Coinqueror is coming soon for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
 |
| A mashup of small pixelated icons |
 |
| This is worse than pixelation |
Final image, using only my own circles, lines, and rounded rectangles. Oh, and the practical use of Gaussian Blur for the level up! =]
Btw, you can play the free beta version at Simply Advanced Games. Coinqueror is coming soon for Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2014-01-11
Construct 2: Reporting Bugs for Windows Phone 8
For the past few WP8 apps I've been creating using Construct 2, I've been manually making the necessary bug fixes myself. Today I've decided to properly report three of these bugs to the developers of Construct 2. My last bug report that I sent to them a few weeks ago was fixed. And, I expect the same with these bugs, especially, since I described them almost like I fixed it for them. ;)
The three errors reported:
- WP8 Export: Fullscreen not being set
- WP8 Export: App title not carrying over to WP8
- Windows Phone 8 Export, no apostrophes allowed
In the meantime, until these errors are fixed, you can visit the links to see how I solved the problems manually. If the links don't work, then that most likely means that the bug has been fixed and the bug report post has moved to a different place.
UPDATE: Each of these reported bugs have now been fixed! Construct 2, release 157
~ Danial Goodwin ~
The three errors reported:
- WP8 Export: Fullscreen not being set
- WP8 Export: App title not carrying over to WP8
- Windows Phone 8 Export, no apostrophes allowed
In the meantime, until these errors are fixed, you can visit the links to see how I solved the problems manually. If the links don't work, then that most likely means that the bug has been fixed and the bug report post has moved to a different place.
UPDATE: Each of these reported bugs have now been fixed! Construct 2, release 157
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-12-19
Construct 2: Landscape Bug Fixed for Windows Phone 8 Export
A few days ago, I submitted a thorough bug report for Windows Phone 8 apps made from Construct 2 not going to landscape mode when it's supposed to. But, thanks to the great developers of C2, this bug has now been quickly fixed for the current beta release r155. So, this saves you C2 developers an extra step.
Get Construct 2
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Get Construct 2
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-12-15
C2: [Bug Fix] Windows Phone Export Doesn't Go Full-Screen or Landscape Mode
So, in my quest to create 100 Windows apps, I'm finding more solutions to bugs/issues/problems with the export of Windows Phone from Construct 2.
Problem: No Fullscreen. Here's how to fix it:
1. After you have exported the app from Construct 2, open MainPage.xaml
2. Find the line that says:
shell:SystemTray.IsVisible="True"
And, change it to:
shell:SystemTray.IsVisible="False"
Problem: No Landscape Mode. Here's how to fix it:
1. After you have exported the app from Construct 2, open MainPage.xaml
2. Find the line that says:
SupportedOrientations="Portrait" Orientation="Portrait"
And, change it to:
SupportedOrientations="Landscape" Orientation="Landscape"
That should do it! =]
UPDATE: The landscape mode problem has now been fixed! (2013-12-19)
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Problem: No Fullscreen. Here's how to fix it:
1. After you have exported the app from Construct 2, open MainPage.xaml
2. Find the line that says:
shell:SystemTray.IsVisible="True"
And, change it to:
shell:SystemTray.IsVisible="False"
Problem: No Landscape Mode. Here's how to fix it:
1. After you have exported the app from Construct 2, open MainPage.xaml
2. Find the line that says:
SupportedOrientations="Portrait" Orientation="Portrait"
And, change it to:
SupportedOrientations="Landscape" Orientation="Landscape"
That should do it! =]
UPDATE: The landscape mode problem has now been fixed! (2013-12-19)
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Error: The Windows Phone Emulator wasn't able to ensure the virtual machine was running
Here's just another problem that I experienced while trying to create a Windows Phone app. It didn't come up last night for my last app. So, I figured out that I was running too many things at once for my 4GB RAM laptop. Or, should I say, Windows was running too many things? The one differentiating factor between last night and tonight was that tonight there was a "Windows Maintenance in progress". But, it wasn't too bad. I just closed out every other program I had open, including the Dropbox sync and I was able to continue opening the Windows Phone WXGA emulator so that I could take screenshots for the store.
Here's the full error report:
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Here's the full error report:
[Window Title]Windows Phone Emulator
[Content]The Windows Phone Emulator wasn't able to ensure the virtual machine was running:
Something happened while starting a virtual machine: 'Emulator WXGA.danial' could not initialize. (Virtual machine ID C3F3456A-1234-ASDF-87GH-ABD23456GG90)
Not enough memory in the system to start the virtual machine Emulator WXGA.danial with ram size 1024 megabytes. (Virtual machine ID C3F3456A-1234-ASDF-87GH-ABD23456GG90)
[Close]
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-12-14
Construct 2: Exporting To Windows Phone Part 2
So, part 1 of issues isn't enough. The next issue happened when trying to create screenshots for the Windows Phone upload. A screenshot size of 768x1280 is required. Unfortunately, my Windows Phone 8 (Lumia Nokia 820) only takes screenshots at 480x800. Also, I'd rather not scale up the images that much, making them possibly pixelated and not as pleasant for viewers with devices of high fidelity. So, I learned that the default emulator also captures screenshots at 480x800.
Here's what I missed:
- I should have chosen the WXGA emulator, not the WVGA emulator. Just a slight difference there.
Now, everything's all good. I should have anymore hiccups as I publish this Windows Phone app made with Construct 2.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Here's what I missed:
- I should have chosen the WXGA emulator, not the WVGA emulator. Just a slight difference there.
Now, everything's all good. I should have anymore hiccups as I publish this Windows Phone app made with Construct 2.
 |
| I found a use for the 480x800 screenshot I took. ;) |
~ Danial Goodwin ~
Construct 2: Exporting to Windows Phone
Windows Phone app certification requires games to have "Back" button functionality. E.g. Main menu should exit app and other pages should either go back within the game for navigation or bring up a pause popup.
So, using the plugin + strategy mentioned here, I was able to bring the Windows Phone app up to standards for publishing. There is a great function/event/action that can be called to intercept the back button presses so that the developer can do whatever.
Also, I didn't use the entire strategy mentioned at the above link, but that's the method I would recommend others to take. I took the harder method just for learning how the plugin worked and involves moving a lot of code around manually and breaks some of the functionalities in the plugin so that only `Back` works. But, eventually, I think I will share the specifics for learning about the C2 plugins.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
So, using the plugin + strategy mentioned here, I was able to bring the Windows Phone app up to standards for publishing. There is a great function/event/action that can be called to intercept the back button presses so that the developer can do whatever.
Also, I didn't use the entire strategy mentioned at the above link, but that's the method I would recommend others to take. I took the harder method just for learning how the plugin worked and involves moving a lot of code around manually and breaks some of the functionalities in the plugin so that only `Back` works. But, eventually, I think I will share the specifics for learning about the C2 plugins.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-12-13
Bug Fix: Windows Phone Not Detected, Can't Connect To Windows Phone Developer Registration
The Problem:
"Status: Unable to connect to a phone. For Windows Phone 7 phones make sure the Zune software is running and the Zune recognizes your phone. For Windows Phone 8 phones make sure that the Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport (IpOverUsbSvc) service is running."
The Solution:
- What worked for me was just using a regular USB cable and plugging it in directly to the computer rather than going through an USB hub.
- For many other, what works is ensuring that "Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport" (IpOverUsbSvc) is running. How to do that? Here's an easiest way: Go into start, search "Administrative Tools" -> Click "Services", then find and double-click on "Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport", and find the start or maybe even the reset button.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
"Status: Unable to connect to a phone. For Windows Phone 7 phones make sure the Zune software is running and the Zune recognizes your phone. For Windows Phone 8 phones make sure that the Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport (IpOverUsbSvc) service is running."
The Solution:
- What worked for me was just using a regular USB cable and plugging it in directly to the computer rather than going through an USB hub.
- For many other, what works is ensuring that "Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport" (IpOverUsbSvc) is running. How to do that? Here's an easiest way: Go into start, search "Administrative Tools" -> Click "Services", then find and double-click on "Windows Phone IP Over USB Transport", and find the start or maybe even the reset button.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
C2: Bug Fix for Windows Phone Orientation
Currently, in Construct 2 r152, there is a bug that always puts the Windows Phone 8 export in portrait mode. This can be changed after exporting and viewing in Visual Studios. Open MainPage.xaml, find the line that says orientation or portrait and change that value to landscape, or whatever you would like.
~ Danial Goodwin ~
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-12-12
Creating Windows Apps With Construct 2
Intro:
I plan on creating 100 games with Construct 2. I'll be writing about all/most of my experiences of using the program. Originally, I was thinking about creating a separate blog for just this endeavor, but I already have too many blog concurrently. So, posts in this blog with be tagged "construct 2" and "c2" when they are related to this.
Goals for each game:
- I must learn something for every game I create.
- I must feel reasonably good about them. Though, they also may not be my best work.
- These games should be publishable.
- At first, the games will only be published to the Windows 8 Store and Windows Phone Store.
Why only Windows?
Mainly because it's currently the best platform to publish to. The Windows platforms may not have the largest market share, but they still do have millions upon millions of users. Soon, just about ever computer will be running Windows 8, and they will need apps to download, my apps. ;)
After goals:
After accumulating all the knowledge that comes from creating 100 different games. I mostly likely will update the most popular ones with more levels/features. Then, we'll see. =]
~ Danial Goodwin ~
I plan on creating 100 games with Construct 2. I'll be writing about all/most of my experiences of using the program. Originally, I was thinking about creating a separate blog for just this endeavor, but I already have too many blog concurrently. So, posts in this blog with be tagged "construct 2" and "c2" when they are related to this.
Goals for each game:
- I must learn something for every game I create.
- I must feel reasonably good about them. Though, they also may not be my best work.
- These games should be publishable.
- At first, the games will only be published to the Windows 8 Store and Windows Phone Store.
Why only Windows?
Mainly because it's currently the best platform to publish to. The Windows platforms may not have the largest market share, but they still do have millions upon millions of users. Soon, just about ever computer will be running Windows 8, and they will need apps to download, my apps. ;)
After goals:
After accumulating all the knowledge that comes from creating 100 different games. I mostly likely will update the most popular ones with more levels/features. Then, we'll see. =]
~ Danial Goodwin ~
2013-09-22
Microsoft's App Studio
Today, I wrote two blog posts regarding a new product from Microsoft that allows anybody to easily and quickly create and publish Windows Phone apps.
Learn about it: What Is Microsoft’s App Studio?
Learn more about it: How To Edit App Studio Code
~ Simply Advanced ~
Learn about it: What Is Microsoft’s App Studio?
~ Simply Advanced ~
2013-08-27
Topic: Electronics Prices
When you buy a product, would you want to know the exact date it was going to break and stop working?
How about this, I'll give you a product for $50 cheaper and give you the exact date it will fail. Nothing to worry about at all. The device will work 100% for until the expiry date. You know when exactly to buy the replacement. If you are satisfied with my product, then I will give you another one with the same condition or probably better.
Do you know of another product like this one? Where you know the exact date it will break or stop working?
Well, it is kind of like a phone contract? You know it will stop working in exactly two years as per the contract.
Ex: Buy a laptop. It could last one year or five years depending on use, care, and lucky quality of device. What if you can get a guarantee that it would work for two years exactly, but then you would have to replace it?
This laptop could be cheaper because manufacturers know people will need to buy a new one, thus more revenue. And the specs will be better in the replacement too. Conclusion? This deal is good for people who have a hard time keeping care of their items. It is a worse deal for people who know how to maintain their products.
~ Simply Advanced ~
How about this, I'll give you a product for $50 cheaper and give you the exact date it will fail. Nothing to worry about at all. The device will work 100% for until the expiry date. You know when exactly to buy the replacement. If you are satisfied with my product, then I will give you another one with the same condition or probably better.
Do you know of another product like this one? Where you know the exact date it will break or stop working?
Well, it is kind of like a phone contract? You know it will stop working in exactly two years as per the contract.
Ex: Buy a laptop. It could last one year or five years depending on use, care, and lucky quality of device. What if you can get a guarantee that it would work for two years exactly, but then you would have to replace it?
This laptop could be cheaper because manufacturers know people will need to buy a new one, thus more revenue. And the specs will be better in the replacement too. Conclusion? This deal is good for people who have a hard time keeping care of their items. It is a worse deal for people who know how to maintain their products.
~ Simply Advanced ~
2013-03-10
1989: Transportable Cellular Phone System
"There's nothing else to buy."
"Only $799"
New technology of the past. The corded transportable cellular phone system.
http://www.wimp.com/remembercellphones/
~ Simply Advanced ~
"Only $799"
New technology of the past. The corded transportable cellular phone system.
http://www.wimp.com/remembercellphones/
~ Simply Advanced ~
2013-01-24
Electronics-Free Zone
I just read an interesting article on Lifehacker about having an electronics-free zone in a home. Even though I am one for having technology and electronics everywhere, I really like the idea of having absolutely no electronic devices or outlets in at least one room at home.
http://lifehacker.com/5977939
And to expand on the idea, perhaps this mentality can added to restaurants, airplanes, workplaces, and Tuesdays 11-2pm. Just throwing ideas out there. That way people have clear their minds by not having to worry about a phone going off or having an email to answer. By clearing your mind, you could potentially achieve a higher level of thinking and creativity.
~ Simply Advanced ~
http://lifehacker.com/5977939
And to expand on the idea, perhaps this mentality can added to restaurants, airplanes, workplaces, and Tuesdays 11-2pm. Just throwing ideas out there. That way people have clear their minds by not having to worry about a phone going off or having an email to answer. By clearing your mind, you could potentially achieve a higher level of thinking and creativity.
~ Simply Advanced ~
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