Rookie Mage - Start the Fire (iPhone Game)

Unity is so much fun!

2010-05-29T08:08:00.003+08:00

I am doing more stuff with Unity. I hope I can get something useful out of it. My first impression is it is very highly polished. I am viewing lots of online video and the one that suited me well is from

http://infiniteammo.ca/blog/tag/tutorial/

I think I am in love with Aquaria Sound track too! I am now a fan of

Alec Holowka.

Refreshing Rookie Mage

2010-05-01T23:09:00.002+08:00

It is about time to revamp rookieMage, it has been quite a while, I was waiting for the next wave of enthusiasm. Connect my iPod touch and found that I need 3.1.3 and after some googling I found my link.

http://developer.apple.com/iphone/download.action?path=/iphone/iphone_sdk_3.1.3__final/iphone_sdk_3.1.3_with_xcode_3.2.1__snow_leopard__10m2003a.dmg

So iphone sdk 3.2 is for iPad and its of no use for me at this moment. I hope I can clean up my bad user interface.

Xcode Make Snapshot

2010-03-30T06:28:00.002+08:00

Silly me, I never know the Make Snapshot in Xcode can actually see file diff. Yeah, rookie!

Versions - the painless SVN (locally)

2010-02-21T09:13:00.002+08:00

I have been trying to setup my SVN server on Leopard/Snow Leopard. Aiyo, in fact in version you can do it locally by a painless way.

1) Create new local repository.

2) Then import your file to your version repository.

3) Do a check out for a working copy and you are done. Make some changes and comit them!

Grab and Skitch are good capture tools. =)

iPad

2010-02-21T09:12:00.002+08:00

Yes, it will be perfect for ebook reading. Above image from mrbrown.com.

Manage Subversion in Leopard

2010-02-21T08:00:00.002+08:00

src: http://mrnovell.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/how-to-manage-your-own-subversion-repository-in-leopard/

I modified slightly for my own use. Put it here so that if something happen to the website, I can still read it.

How To: Manage Your Own Subversion Repository In Leopard

Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard ships with Subversion 1.4.4 pre-installed. It also ships with Apache2 pre-installed. It does not, however, ship with a pre-installed subversion repository configuration.

So let's say you want to create your own subversion repository host on your Leopard box your own source code management goodness?

You could go to the subversion homepage and download the free svn book and sort through the instructions trying to figure out how they apply to you... Or you could follow these simple directions which I've laid out for you.

Make a Repository

The first thing you need to do is to make a repository. Actually, for my needs, I had to make multiple repositories, so these instructions will set everything up to make that work. It really only changes two steps anyway, so it isn't a big deal.

Now I decided to make my repository collection root directory be in /Users/Shared/, but you can really make it be anything you want, including the ever popular /usr/local. Just be sure to replace /Users/Shared/ with your directory of choice whenever necessary.

Anyway, I opened Terminal and entered the following commands:

$ sudo mkdir /Users/Shared/svn
$ sudo mkdir /Users/Shared/svn/reposname
$ sudo svnadmin create /Users/Shared/svn/reposname
$ sudo chown -R www:www /Users/Shared/svn/reposname

Note that you can create multiple repositories by following these directions but replacing every instance of reposname with the name of the repository you want to use. Thus, if you have multiple repositories, you will have multiple directoris in /Users/Shared/svn

Make Access

Most directions do this later, but I'm going to do it now because I think you are smarter than that.

You might want to create a passowrd file, unless you want full public access to your repository. For our purposes, simple http basic authentication is fine, but remember that the password is only weakly encoded and the traffic isn't encoded at all, so a snooper could get to the information if you access your computer outside of your own computer.

So if you do want to use authentication, create the password using the following command, substituting username for a user name of your choice, and following the directions for password creation:

$ sudo htpasswd -cm /etc/apache2/svn-auth-file usernamels

To add other users to the file, just ditch the c switch in the -cm options to htpasswd. The c stood for create, and since the file has been created you don't want it anymore.

Note that you can put the svn-auth-file anywhere you want, but this seemed like a good place for it in my mind. (Just remember where you hid it from yourself if you put it anywhere else.

Apache Configuration

Navigate to /etc/apache2/other and use your favorite command line text editor as root to make a file named anything you want (I chose svn.conf, but you could name it foobar_banana.conf and it would still work!):

$ cd /etc/apache2/other
$ sudo nano svn.conf (I use nano instead of vim because what is the key to vim???)

Now that you are editing this file as root, you want to make it contain the following bits, and save:

LoadModule dav_svn_module /usr/libexec/apache2/mod_dav_svn.so

DAV svn

SVNParentPath /Users/Shared/svn

AuthType Basic
AuthName "Subversion repository"
AuthUserFile /etc/apache2/svn-auth-file
Require valid-user

Note that you can leave off all the authentication related stuff if you didn't want authentication on your repository. Also note that you need to fix the SVNParentPath and the AuthUserFile if you varied from my directions.

Restart Apache

Now restart Apache. This can be done in the Sharing panel of the System Preferences application. Just click to turn off, and then back on, Web Sharing.

Now, if you didn't make a mistake, you should be ready! Try going to http://localhost/svn/reposname (where you need to put the repository name you chose earlier instead of reposname!) and see what happens.

If you are lucky you'll see revision 0 of your repository. But most people are human and will have made a typo that results in an error. For hints on what created the error, trying checking out /var/log/system.log and /var/log/apache2/error_log for hints as to what you did wrong. (And as a bonus, the Console application works great for monitoring thes logs as they are writen to!)

Where From Here?

And now you are ready to use your repository. At this point I figure you already know how to use SVN and don't need my help anymore. But if you need to know how to use SVN, just refer to their book, which tells you everything you need to know, including how to make your server better!

Keyboarding binding in Xcode

2010-02-08T11:11:00.004+08:00

Sometimes you just need time to sit down and think of ways to improve your workflow.

Isn't it frustrating to type 'End' key and the editor run to end of the page? I wanted it be at the end of the line!

Use this.

An example key binding file for partial Windows emulation.

/* ~/Library/KeyBindings/DefaultKeyBinding.dict */
{
  "^\010"    = "deleteWordBackward:";
  "\UF729"   = "moveToBeginningOfLine:";
  "^\UF729"  = "moveToBeginningOfDocument:";
  "$\UF729"  = "moveToBeginningOfLineAndModifySelection:";
  "^$\UF729" = "moveToBeginningOfDocumentAndModifySelection:";
  "\UF72B"   = "moveToEndOfLine:";
  "^\UF72B"  = "moveToEndOfDocument:";
  "$\UF72B"  = "moveToEndOfLineAndModifySelection:";
  "^$\UF72B" = "moveToEndOfDocumentAndModifySelection:";
  "^\UF702"  = "moveWordLeft:";
  "^\UF703"  = "moveWordRight:";
  "\UF72C"   = "pageUp:";
  "\UF72D"   = "pageDown:";
  "^z"       = "undo:";
  "$\UF728"  = "cut:";
  "$\UF746"  = "paste:";
  "^\UF746"  = "copy:";
  "$\UF700"  = "moveUpAndModifySelection:";
  "$\UF701"  = "moveDownAndModifySelection:";
  "$\UF702"  = "moveLeftAndModifySelection:";
  "$\UF703"  = "moveRightAndModifySelection:";
  "^$\UF702" = "moveWordLeftAndModifySelection:";
  "^$\UF703" = "moveWordRightAndModifySelection:";

}

Source from http://www.erasetotheleft.com/post/mac-os-x-key-bindings/

Thx!

Rookie Mage rank at 326?

2009-12-24T12:50:00.001+08:00

Not too bad if it is true.

Ouch, I heard you!

2009-12-24T12:35:00.005+08:00

Rookie Mage has been released free and the download soar to hundreds(pathetically, that is the highest rookie mage was downloaded :( ). Anyway it is christmas and we should be happy. He scored an average of 2 one of the reason being lousy control. Okay guys, thanks for those who bother to download and review it. I heard you.

I am working on my new game and will update rookie mage with better control next time. I can't do a leader board because my web server is really low in latency. The reason for using a swipe instead of a virtual joy pad is because I personally like the act of throwing fires but when the customer don't like it, it really sucks. It will really work if rookie will stay in position or move using a joypad, gravitational control and touch as fire as suggested.

Ok, i heard you. Thank you!

Make Firefox Swee by using Personas For Firefox

2009-10-30T23:08:00.003+08:00

This skinning app for firefox makes your firefox pretty.
Never know Mozilla Lab has so many cool application.

Get Personas.

Another tips I learn recently is if your firefox is slow, you can use firefox profile manager to create a new profile and your firefox is back to basic! Everything is gone, but its fast!

Learning Blender from Video Stream

2009-10-29T23:16:00.002+08:00

I am following the interesting post of Blender Video using Creative Common License.
So it is perfectly legal to view blender video without going through the Blender e-shop.

Of cos if you can afford, please donate to the Blender Institute (If not now, maybe next time when Blender helps you earn money) .

Some useful online resources are from
http://www.vimeo.com/groups/22395/videos/1184944
http://blendergroupie.blip.tv/#729604
http://blendercookie.com/

Wow, the blender communities are so wonderful! Remember that if you scratch my back, I will scratch yours!

Durian blender is Singapore inspired?

2009-10-27T20:08:00.004+08:00

First of all, the fruit durian is quite well like in Singapore. We have our explanade that looks like a durian.

Today, blender institute revealed the name of the next movie, Sintel (Sound so Singtel, a major telecom company in Singapore).

Coincident? Ton love us!

Durian blender project pre order

2009-10-17T11:42:00.005+08:00

haha, I just supported the development of Blender for Durian Project.
Be cool! http://durian.blender.org/

I was browsing the SVN log of blender and gosh, the developers are really good. I am looking forward towards Blender 2.5(interface overhaul).

Well, I have been using blender a few times(I learned and dropped it several times, u see). Then I went to Carrara, Silo, Modo and realized my $$$ cannot copped with their latest release. With Blender, they are always there! Freedom to see the code, freedom to use it, freedom to install it everywhere. I even has a Pocket Blender in my WinMobile(not usable due to my Quarter screen).

I just love freedom.

Troubleshooting Cocos2d Exception Throw

2009-10-09T11:34:00.002+08:00

1) Add objc_exception_throw as a breakpoint

2) When error comes after you run in “Debug“(remember debug), take a look at debugger, it show “Rough1Tree.png” in your function, problem found!

Future Games

2009-09-22T06:45:00.003+08:00

Working on my new game. Rookie seems to be too fast phase for most people, but I love it. I felt like a Jedi knight using light saber hitting those enemies. The new game should be more relax and maybe like spider, an insect inspired game where u don't need to rush for time.

Rookie Mage inverted

2009-09-20T10:18:00.003+08:00

I kind of love this concept of Rookie Mage inverted. I laugh at it whenever I see it in my 71squared.com ads.

If I have got lots of time, I would...

2009-09-20T10:06:00.004+08:00

1) Read all the tutorials at psdtut
2) Learn all the techniques in video-copilot
3) Read all the books in safari
4) Read more books at pragmatic bookself
5) View all the video in lynda.com
6) Read all the books in my local library
7) View all the movie trailers in apple site
8) Read all the encyclopedia cdrom that I have
9) Learn more about Modo
10) Learn to use less computer time and get a life outside the computer screen :)

Simpler Programming Language

2009-09-20T10:00:00.003+08:00

Over the years of programming, I still love programming Visual Basic compared to other language; I am more of a graphic guy. I don't understand why do people create advance language that require so many steps instead of a simple command.

To me, Python seems to be a better language than all the new languages. I love things that are simple. Why bother with all the extra syntax that even user don't want to know.

Mad about Electronic Encyclopedia

2009-09-20T09:51:00.004+08:00

I have a fascination about DVD/CD-rom Encyclopedia. Ever since the first Grolier encyclopedia came to the cd-rom, I started collect all kinds of plastic media. Although the impulse no longer linger, I really think it is kind of cool to shrink world knowledge into a small media which don't take up the bookshelf. The web access is not as cheap as it is now so having your own library become a possibility.

There is a saying you could put the gigantic Libray Of Congress into electronic bit and zero. Now with Blu-ray getting more popular, everyone can own a big piece of knowledge. I love technology.

Rookie Mage Lite version is out now

2009-09-20T08:53:00.003+08:00

Cool, it has been 1mth wait for this lite version. Rookie nearly dozed off waiting for the release during a meditation practise.

Inspiring independent companies

2009-09-13T22:50:00.002+08:00

I love supporting independent companies. The first independent company I knew was introversion.co.uk. I even bought their uplink game source code. I was attracted to uplink because of the hacking simulation. Their game felt a lot like the movie War Game. There is a game call darwinia which felt nostagia.

The 2nd independent company I knew was from maker of world of goo. 2dboy made very nice and addictive game. I love reading stories on making of independent company, if you happen to know one, please let me know. Thanks!

Team of two=success

2009-09-12T09:01:00.002+08:00

Google microsoft apple hp...

Rookie Mage = Star war Jawa?

2009-09-12T08:54:00.003+08:00

I remembered rookie looks like one star war character, but I could not recall the name. In a recent review from Appgirl, I found that name jawa!
There is a photo I found in wikipedia, and I don't really it looks appealing. I still love rookie cartoony feel.

Here is another cool image from http://www.td8733.com/Jawas.html. I like this Jawa, which happen to be a small boy.

Getting App Rank

2009-09-05T16:07:00.002+08:00

Here is a nice script from some kind people to retrieve App Ranking.

http://blog.weatherangel.com/2009/07/app-store-adds-new-countries/

Rookie Mage is in the App Store

2009-08-29T11:11:00.003+08:00

I am so excited to announce that Rookie Mage will be available from 30 August 2009.
iTunes Link http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=326956797&mt=8

Video from youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLXyMHc1014&feature=player_embedded

Better promo image

2009-08-26T21:50:00.002+08:00

There goes. A nicer promo poster for Rookie Mage, the awesome iPhone game.

Hello world, start the FIRE!

2009-08-25T10:26:00.003+08:00

This blog is the official blog for Rookie Mage, a product of love from Rookie Studio.

Why use blogspot when you have a website?
Errhhh, actually I love redundancy and the site that I am hosting is kind of slow when lots of users visit it. One day if it fails, we still have this!