Beautifully Estranged

You asked for it, and here it is!

Okay, so it’s not like anyone really asked for it, but here it is anyway.

flacIt 1.5

There are a lot of us out there – the old-school computer guys and gamers who remember the good times, who remember what it was like to have a computer running DOS in the days when CRT monitors and clicky-clacky PS2 keyboards ruled the computer universe – those of us who are ConSOUL, and will always be old-school. And maybe, just maybe, you’re one too. Here’s a test to see how old-school you are. Keep track of your score, and see where you fit in at the bottom of the post.

ConSOUL Test - 1z j00 0Ld-sch00L?

1. Could you read the above text: +1

2. Not only could you read the above text, but you
   fluently speak l33t: +2

3. You still own and use one or more CRT monitors: +1

4. Your favorite font families are Rastor and Courier: +1

5. You got mad when you found out your new computer
   didn't have an actual PC Speaker: +1

6. You remember the 5-1/4" Floppy Disk: +1

7. Whenever you get a new computer, you always crank out the
   extra cash for the 3-1/2" Floppy Disk Drive: +2

8. You have (and regularly use) a Floppy Disk Drive Emulator: +2

9. You still have a bunch of unused 3-1/2" floppies, which
   you refuse to throw out, just in case: +1

10. You bought the Retro Duo NES/SNES System to play your old games: +1

11. You still own, maintain, and play an original NES, SNES, or Atari: +3

12. You have no idea what NES or SNES stands for: -2

13. You can't get enough Pong: +1

14. Most of the games you play require DOSBox: +1

15. You still use a computer that solely runs DOS: +2

16. You quickly get bored of Windows OS (whichever version),
    and install DOS instead: +4

17. You use a keyboard that mimics the old IBM Keyboards: +1

18. You still use an original IBM Keyboard: +2

19. You know how to program batch files: +2 

20. You refuse to use anything but a PS2 wired mouse: +1

Check Your Score:
So, how did you do? Here’s the score chart:
0 – 10 points: n00b! Why did you even bother? You’re such a child!

11 – 15 points: Weirdo: you just don’t really fit in anywhere. You can’t have your Dew and brew it too!

16 – 20 points: Mild Nostalgic: You miss when things were easy, responsibilities were less, and computers were simple.

21 – 25 points: Nostalgic: You fondly remember the good old days, and frequently wish things were still the same.

26 – 30 points: You have conSOUL! You gave your soul to the console a long time ago, and have never regretted it!

I’ve started working again on my “Invaded Space” game. Yes, it is another Space Invaders clone, but WAIT! Mine is different (yeah, you’ve heard that before, too).

I’m planning for Invaded Space to have an awesome retro-like look to it, and have a bunch of levels and variance. It’s going to be a mix between Space Invaders and Galaga. Hopefully it will be more fast-paced, and a lot of fun to play.

I’m utilizing my Top2D engine for XNA, which I am currently developing and using simultaneously in two different projects. It has a lot of useful functions that XNA should have, but doesn’t.

Also, instead of the tyical space shooter where the player is a spaceship, the player in my game controls a land rover with a mounted cannon. The rover runs back and forth over the ground, shooting at the aliens as they sweep in and attack.

I’ve made a lot of progress in the development, but my time for this project is very limited. I’m also still working on Panic, as well as RPgin.

Unfortunately, priority of school comes before any of these

First of all, the south does not know how to handle snow. The State Patrol in South Carolina highly suggested that people stay off of the roads. So, taking their advice, we have been locked in on campus. Today was supposed to be the day Zak and I went and played games online at my sister’s house. Not anymore.

So… what did we do? 9 of us trekked to iHOP to eat a late breakfast/brunch (all you can eat pancakes). Now, we’re sitting around doing not much of anything, making northernist comments about how southern people can’t handle snow.

How much snow? Enough to cancel almost everything going on. How much? Less than an inch.