#title screen attract mode demo

[castleinthemist]

Attract Mode Issue. 5 - (January 2025)

Happy New Years!! Welcome to another issue of Attract Mode. Let's hop straight into it shall we?

Burggeist Tasked with weighty goal of building a tower to the heavens to save your loved one, Burggeist has a strong reliance of giving you the advantage the higher up you go. While making use of the terrain’s ebbs and flows, as well as your own wandering fort – the Burggeist, both action and strategy has a reliance on verticality.

Attraction: The overall vibe of it is a tonal DrakeNier x Ico/Shadow of the Colossus marriage, while also being an odd hybrid of mechanics through the way action and strategical play manifests that makes it feel compelling to me.

Real Web Legends: Carter's Quest The quickest read on this would be Zelda mixed with Devil May Cry but Carter’s Quest is more than the sum of its apparent parts. Famer boy Carter gets embroiled in a magical journey where multiple factions are vying for the creation of The Perfect Homunculus. Dangerously stylish, highly ambitious in many avenues, chockers full of side-(mini)games and beefy with style, Carter’s Quest immediately shows its appeal in spades.

Attraction: Aside from the obvious inspirations being appealing, the cutscene work is all made by one person and they are an absolute treat. Seriously shooting for the starts with the energy on display in them and making it.

Elation for the Wonderbox 6000

Fastidiously banned from the forum you frequent, for proclaiming too often the game you recall from your youth that no one else has played, Elation for the Wonderbox 6000 opens up with a clear goal for our oddball we are inhabiting in this world, one who is on the hunt for this elusive title they seek. Wander around the house of our resident and chat with the fine friend who lives in the wall and puts up with you – the demo for Elation is staggeringly brief and chooses to end itself by tremendously proclaiming its title.

Attraction:I am a huge fan of claymation in general but I especially love to see it in video games. From the UI encroaching the screen when you talking to NPCs via claymation keyboard, to the mixed media feel of its crunchy 3D and static-generating sky, to the pixelated clay freaks is fantastic.

-

I would like to apologise for the delay of the new years issue, various things got in the way of writing but more importantly...I have a website now! Moving forward I'll be posting Attract Mode there first, as well as various collections of thoughts on games I'm playing in a bit more a concentrated effort that my usual liveblogging on here.

I'll still be posting up Attract Mode on here of course but I'd also really love if folks could pay a visit on occasion. I'll also likely be changing AM to a bi-monthly update rather than monthly. It's getting trickier for me to balance various life stuff and writing and hobby work etc on this but I really do want to keep it going, as much as I can, and improve it where I can too.

[arconinternet]

Power Surge (Arcade, I.C.E., 1988)

I have no idea what's going on. Maybe waiting on the title screen and watching the demo (aka attract mode) will be enlightening. You can play it here.

Controls: 5, 1, arrows, Left Ctrl.

[arnasguzys17arcadeproject]

What is an attract mode?

An attract mode is a mode in which the game will play a looping gameplay demonstration meant to attract players. First seen in arcade titles, it migrated to home consoles as well.

Where could attract mode be used in a game?

Typically, it shows off the games title screen in story (if there's one) high scores, and the 'Game Over' or 'Insert Coin' message on top of a computer controlled gameplay demo. In addition, attract mode is mostly common not only in arcade games but also in other coin - op games for example like pinball machines.

When could attract mode be used in gaming?

It could be used when the game is being played by itself (with varying or degree skill.

Cutscenes to show the games backstory

Lists of high scores

Tutorials explaining how to win/play the game

A table of values for scoring points (often including at least one 'mystery' value in games of the Space Invaders era)

How could an attract mode be used in gaming?

In gaming originally the features of arcade games the goal was to show that the attract mode is to get people walking by to people. It typically shows of the games title screen, high scores, or even 'Game Over'.

Why is an attract mode important?

Attract Mode is important because it allows the game to remain on the title screen for an extended period of time. Afterwards the game would then play a short demonstration video to give players an idea of how the game is played.

[wscarcadeproject]

Attract Modes

An attract mode is a feature of arcade games and some other games which plays a demo gameplay on-screen for as long as no inputs are made on the title screen.

[the-mspfa-200-favourites-project]

Jailbreak^2: Beyond Canon

We’re at the last one. I’ve got to say, this has gotten me so far into flashbacks to the bad old days of the fandom that I’m not really looking forward to this one, especially not since I tried it once before and I. did not enjoy it. But to complete this tour of the Zeitgeist (at least, for now), we must present wearily…Jailbreak^2: Beyond Canon.

Already, it’s pulling out all the stops. I’m pretty sure this title screen wasn’t here, but it’s neat…the pumpkins scrolling by, the bopping soundtrack as a youtube embed shows you all the cool characters and critters you’re about to meet…unfortunately, I am haunted by the visions of the past attempt where I bounced off of this so hard last time…so I am wary, even here…also, the title screen kind of felt like one of those demo attract modes you got from older games, so I guess that’s cool?

The previous “Homestuck^2 Sucks” Fanadventures were not as dedicated to the craft of imitating and mocking the actual real Homestuck^2. Sure, one of them had a straight up manifesto of an intro, but from what I could tell from the dialogue underneath all the broken picture links, it wasn’t actually attempting to, like, deliberately copy beat for beat the intro of Homestuck^2. This webcomic is 100% doing that, though.

I already can’t get a vibe on this thing. Is it…wanting me to think that MSPAReader is in the right? Because it does feel that way at the beginning of their Dirk monologue, but then literally right after they say something that could be construed as like a “Yeah that’s right you tell em” moment for some readers, it drops “where we could make ableist jokes and get away with it,” which is not exactly…an endearing statement to make, honestly, if you are being sincere in your monologue…so it has to be insincere, right? But even if it *is* being insincere (which it totally is, or atleast, insincerity blankets this entire thing in a toxic atmosphere in general), it’s really…not a good start to the fanadventure. There’s this anger, not quite as blatant as the last Fanadventure I looked at, sure, but still there, bubbling under the surface.

Yeah this is like. The worst irony poisoned thing I’ve come across so far. At least…at least Cool and New Webcomic had a hook, a premise, you know? I get *why* this would be popular, and still popular, amongst some fans in the fandom, but I am not amongst said group of fans. Yeah this thing is surly, and I feel like it’s infecting ME with it’s surly and grump move. I’ve got to get out of here…

[linuxgamenews]

Murtop - do you have enough coins to beat it this week?

Murtop high octane arcade action game out soon for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Developer hiulit has poured their hard work and effort into creating the game. Due to make its way onto Steam this week. Exciting news for Linux gamers. A new release Murtop is due to release on May 18th. A tribute to old-school 80's games like Dig Dug and Bomberman. In Murtop, you play as a character named Murti, who has a special skill: she can poop bombs. You will need to use this ability to save the world from an invasion of hungry moles that like to eat carrots. The game has 256 levels for Linux players. So you'll have lots of opportunities to challenge yourself. The levels are on a single screen, and you'll have a limited amount of time to complete each one. If you're really good, you might even make it to the "kill screen" at the end. There are five different chiptune tracks that play during Murtop on Linux. Due to keep you pumped up and ready for action. And if you're playing with friends, you can compete to see who can get the highest score. Due to make it onto the local leaderboard.

Murtop Trailer

The thing about Murtop is that it's setup for use in arcade cabinet machines. That means it's ready for an arcade machine that you might find in an arcade or a retro gaming store. Murtop also has a vertical screen with beautiful bezels (that's the frame around the screen) to fill the empty space. It has a 16 color palette to create a retro look and feel. And if you want to make the game look even more like an old-school arcade title on Linux, you can turn on a CRT filter. Due to simulate the way old tube televisions looked. If you just want to watch for a little while, there's an "attract mode" that plays automatically when the game isn't being played. And if you want to really immerse yourself in the game on Linux, you can rotate the screen to play in "TATE mode." Which is how some old arcade titles were meant to be played. In short, Murtop high octane arcade action game due to be fun and challenging. While offering anyone into old-school title. Or experience games from back in the 80s. Due to make its way onto Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Wishlist the game on Steam. Priced at $5.99 USD / £4.99 / 5,99€ with 20% discount first week. You can also try out the free Demo with native support.

[foxherbal424]

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[blazehedgehog]

What's your opinion on the original Sonic Riders?

It’s got a really steep, somewhat unfair learning curve. It has a bunch of frankly unnecessary systems that get in the way and are difficult for newbies to wrap their heads around. Once you learn them, I think the game is actually really, really fun though. More fun than it has any right to be!

The trick system is really basic, but feels really good. The tension of building up to a big jump off of a ramp and that being tied to how many flips and tricks you can do in the air is great. The drifting takes a while to get used to, but it also feels really good, too, because you build up to a boost if you drift long enough. Tracks are large and varied with lots of shortcuts.

But here’s where it gets over-complicated:

Your hoverboard takes fuel, and if you run out of fuel, you are put at a serious disadvantage. Filling your fuel gauge requires you to master tricks and shortcuts, but if you can’t reliably do that, it’s hard to tank up (there are other ways to refill, but they’re slow and awkward). It’s tuned to where even good players have to be careful how much fuel they burn because it can bite them if they aren’t careful.

There’s an RPG-style level up system for some reason that determines your max speed and fuel tank size. You level up by collecting rings. The problem: if you take any damage for any reason at all, you get dumped down to level 0, which is a problem, because it can take an entire race to work your way up to level 3 (the cap). If you get blasted just once on the final lap of the race, you’re basically screwed with no way to recover, because you’re level 0 against an entire lineup of mostly level 3 racers.

There’s also a class system. This is inherited from Sonic Heroes, where racers are divided up in to Speed, Power and Flight classes. Each has their own mechanics. Speed types can grind rails, Power types can bash down certain on-track obstacles, and Flight can take special shortcut ramps. Understanding these with everything else going on is kind of weird, and not all shortcut routes are actually shorter, so it’s just another layer to learn in the heat of the moment.

There’s a drafting/slipstream system but it’s taken to an extreme here. Instead of just following behind a racer to get a speed boost, racers leave huge surf waves of air behind them. If you enter their wake, you can ramp off the edges of the waves to get fuel and speed, but it’s too easy to get stuck in a wake by accident. If the player isn’t playing well, it’s entirely possible it’s slower to surf their wake, especially if they lead you down a route you didn’t want to take.

Any one of these mechanics by themselves would be enough for a racing game to set itself apart from the pack, but Sonic Riders goes for all four at once, and there’s stuff I didn’t even cover here, like tornado attacks, boosting, and so on. There’s a 2+ minute video tutorial as part of the game’s title screen attract mode.

It’s a lot to learn right out of the gate and outside of that easily-missed video tutorial I don’t think the game tells you how to do anything. When the PC version first hit back in 2005 or 2006, a demo released, and I remember spending like an hour just feeling the game out on the included track.

But once you do, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else, and it’s very fun! For newbies I’d suggest saving up rings from winning Grand Prixes and buying the “Heavy Bike” from the Chao Shop as soon as possible, because lets you ignore the drafting system and focus just on learning tricks and dealing with the fuel gauge.

Unfortunately the two Sonic Riders sequels -- Zero Gravity and Free Riders -- ignore most of what was fun about this first game and play completely differently and significantly worse as a result. Only the first Sonic Riders is worth looking in to, I’d say.

If I had to pick one thing to “fix” Sonic Riders, I’d get rid of the leveling system. Or at least nerf it. It’s similar to what Mario Kart does with coins, where coins increase your top speed and acceleration, but damage doesn’t screw you over in Mario Kart like it does in Sonic Riders. You only drop, like, four coins in Mario Kart, whereas you drop ALL of your rings in Sonic Riders, and you can’t pick them back up once they’re gone.

[arconinternet]

Power Surge (Arcade, I.C.E., 1988)

I have no idea what's going on. Maybe waiting on the title screen (aka 'attract mode') and watching the demo will be enlightening. You can play it in your browser here. Controls: 5, 1, arrows, Ctrl.

[digitalown-blog]

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[linuxgamenews]

Murtop arcade style action out soon and offers a Demo

Murtop is a retro fast-paced arcade game to release on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC with a Demo. The creativity of developer hiulit is highly appreciated for thSteam next month. Have you ever played an arcade game at places like bowling alleys or arcades? Well, imagine playing a game that feels like it is in the 80s, with a lot of action and retro vibe. Where Dig Dug meets Bomberman. That's exactly what Murtop is! And it's due to release on May 18th, 2023. In the game, you play as a character named Murti, who is on a mission to save the world. Due to face off against an invasion of moles that indulge in eating carrots. Murti has a special skill: she can drop bombs to defeat the moles and save the day. There are 256 levels in Murtop, each one with a different challenge to complete. Players take on each level on a single screen, and you have a time limit to finish each one. But keep an eye out for the "kill screen" waiting for you. If you can make it that far! As you play, you'll play along to chiptune music that adds to the setting. And if you do well, your high scores will find their place in a local leaderboard. So you can show off your skills to the Linux community.

Murtop Trailer

If you happen to have an arcade cabinet machine, Murtop is due to work perfectly on it. The game has a beautiful vertical screen with special bezels to fill in the empty space. The colors are just like what you would find in the 80s. The graphics are also scale perfectly on Linux, so the game looks just like it would have on an old-school arcade machine. But if you don't have an arcade cabinet, don't worry. You can still enjoy Murtop on your Linux box or Steam Deck. The game engine for development is Godot. Also, if you really want to feel like you're playing an old arcade title, there's even a CRT filter. Which you can turn on to make the look like you're playing on an old TV via Linux. Likewise, there is a Linux Demo available on Steam. Finally, the game even has an "attract mode" just like the old arcade machines did. This means that when you're not playing Murtop, it will still show a demo of the game in action. So you can see what you're in for when you start playing. Also, if you really want to get into the spirit of things, you can even rotate your screen into "TATE mode." Due to play exactly as it, as it should be, with the screen, turned on its side. Murtop is a retro fast-paced arcade game that will transport you back to the 80's. So be sure to Wishlist the game on Steam. Due to release on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC.

[rehunter799]

Free Flash Maker For Mac

Features

Free Flash Magazine Maker is totally free software, there is no loss for you. With Free Flash Magazine Maker you can enjoy powerful function in the procee of create flash magazine.

Like, in a couple of days. And this is the (mostly) answer to why Flash is expensive: its expensive because its intended for 'professional' (thus 'revenue-generating') use. Get the Flash demo and a serious book on Flash's two components (animation and actionscript). Really try it out. If you find yourself not using it in 30 days, then skip it.

1. Customized Viewer Interface

With Free Flash Magazine Maker, you can customize page size, page color, font, font style, font size, fond color, etc.. You can work it in Design setting toolbar, in toolbar interface. your will can edit every tiny detail in flash magazine, change page interface in magazine.

2. Insert logo/URL in interface

Flash Banner Maker for Mac is a free but practical online banner tool for Mac, which helps to create animated and attractive banners on your Macintosh. As Freeware, however, AnvSoft Flash Banner Maker for Mac provides 60+ cool entrance and exit effects for dynamic texts, to help you make stunning flash ads or banners.

Flash Banner Maker for Mac is a practical and easy-to-use online banner tool for Mac, which helps to create animated and attractive banners on your Macintosh. As Freeware, however, AnvSoft Flash Banner Maker for Mac provides 60+ cool entrance and exit effects for dynamic texts, to help you make stunning flash ads or banners. By using a friendly.

Flash Maker Free Download

Free Flash Magazine Maker enables you promote you product by insert logo/URL in interface. When the mouse over the URL or logo hyperlink, it will show advertise information.

3. Flexible Presentation Mode

Book font looks small to read on screen? Don't worry, PDF to Flash Magazine provides full screen mode for users. Besides, zoom in scale can be defined, and different zoom in levels can be used while reading. More considerate digital reading experience to bring to customers by using the wonderful eBook builder.

4. Google Analytics Integrated

You can embed Google Analytics to your published magazine, help to measure and analyze visiting data for each page, better understanding and optimizing your web usage.

5. Free templates download

In Free Flash Magazine Maker, you can either choose template from default integrated samples, or download more published templates from our website. Each template offers a set of pre-designed themes. And more free themes will be published later, you can choose your liked ones to build more elegant publications.

6. Email and Social Share Function

With Email and social share button enabled in Free Flash Magazine Maker, anybody who read your books online can easy connect Email account and social network to share your magazines with their friends or clients, via Email, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Del.icio.us, Digg, etc.

7. Various output model

Free Flash Maker For Mac Computer

With Free Flash Magazine Maker , there have many output model to choice, HTML allows you to upload to a website to be viewed online (with title, keywords and other metadata defined); EXE (with setting title, icon and open window size) and Zip allow you to send to your user by email to be viewed on their computer.

8. Mobile Devices Support

Besides PC and Mac users can view your published Flash magazines, mobile devices like iPhone, iPad and Android holders also support to view the eBook with ease. Imaging that your clients and business partners sit in a chair reading your ‘real-book’ digital magazine in electronic devices, enjoy the pleasure time!

[funsayflutter]

Flutter Buttons with example

Hello, Flutter Dev’s today we will discuss Flutter Buttons with example. As everybody knows that Button is the basic and famous element in building any application. Buttons are the most useful and powerful element used in every application. Jumping from one page to another, submitting the user information, performing actions and functionality are the basic functions that button does. Here Flutter Buttons have the same functions with different types. Flutter has introduced different types of buttons with amazing UI and their specific uses.

Following are the Flutter Button types:

Flutter Flat Button:

                It is a basic level button in a Flutter. The flat word itself says that it’s a flat button without any kind of decoration. This makes it really very basic. Generally, a flat button is used in a dialog box or toolbar where it can be used with some other widgets. In addition, it has two important and required properties. One property is the child property and another is onPressed(). Where the child property shows that the flat button contains another widget or component in it. And onPressed() property lets the user know what action is processed. Talking about the decoration Flat buttons has no color and the text in it has black color. The button color can be changed as per the requirement of the application. import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter Flat button Demo'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { String _value=""; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), ); } }

Flutter Raised Buttons:

                Raised Button is a material-designed button that is rich in its looks. It is nothing but the same as the Flat button but has many differences. It has an elevation that increases when the button is in action. However it is rich in looks, we can change its color, shape, behavior, the color of the button. In addition, we can change it when it is in disabled mode and the animation time for the button. The most important thing for the Raised button is that if we do not specify any callback function then the button is in a disabled state. It has following callback functions: - onPressed(): When the button is pressed the onPressed() comes in action. - onLongPress(): This function fires the event after holding the button for several seconds. In short, after a long press. 3) import 'package:flutter/cupertino.dart'; import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { // This widget is the root of your application. @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter RaisedButton Demo'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { String _value=''; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), ); } }

Flutter Floating Buttons:

                Float Buttons are the circular buttons at the bottom of the screen in any application. The floating button is also famous as the Floating Action Button. This button is much popular among applications. Floating buttons contain Icons that express the behavior of the action that the button will fire. For example, the Floating button can act as a navigator like a google Maps navigation button. Another instance is the adding and subtracting button on the screen. Flutter says to have at least one Floating Action button on a single page. Following are the types of Floating Action Button: - FloatingActionButton: It is the basic Floating action button with one child widget inside it. It is a must to have the child widget. - FloatingActionButton.extended: As the name suggests that it is an extended version of the Floating Action Button. It is extended due to extra parameters like label with the child widget. In addition, this makes the Floating Action button more attractive. 3) import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter Floating Button'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { String _value=''; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), floatingActionButton: FloatingActionButton( onPressed: (){ setState(() { _value = "Floating Button Clicked"; }); }, tooltip: 'Demo Floating Button', child: Icon(Icons.add), ), // floatingActionButton: FloatingActionButton.extended( // onPressed: (){ // setState(() { // _value = "Floating Extend Button Clicked"; // }); // }, label: Text('Extended'),icon: Icon(Icons.add_outlined),) ); } }

Flutter Drop Down Button:

                The dropdown button works as simple as a dropdown widget in Flutter. It creates a great visual appearance on the screen, where the user can select the element from the given dropdown. Flutter uses a material design that gives an awesome look and feel of widgets. So for dropdown, this material design for a dropdown button contains a dropdown box showing the selected item from the dropdown list and an arrow button. This arrow button will open the dropdown list on its click event. import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() => runApp(MaterialApp( home: MyApp(), )); class MyApp extends StatefulWidget { @override _MyAppState createState() => _MyAppState(); } class _MyAppState extends State { List _colorItems = ; List _dropdownMenuItems; ListItem _itemSelected; void initState() { super.initState(); _dropdownMenuItems = buildDropDownMenuItems(_colorItems); _itemSelected = _dropdownMenuItems.value; } List buildDropDownMenuItems(List listItems) { List items = List(); for (ListItem listItem in listItems) { items.add( DropdownMenuItem( child: Text(listItem.name), value: listItem, ), ); } return items; } @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text("Dropdown Button"), ), body: Column( children: , ), ); } } class ListItem { int value; String name; ListItem(this.value, this.name); }

Flutter Icon Button:

Icon buttons are simply the material-designed button. Which has the picture printed on them. As designed by material, so it has a cool look and feel. This button is simple like an Icon widget. But the icon is on the top of the button. That is why a user can click on it to perform an action. import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { // This widget is the root of your application. @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter Icon Button'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { int countNumber = 0; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), ); } }

Flutter Inkwell Button:

                This material-designed button is specially designed for the touch response of the user. Inkwell button is generally used for adding splash ripple effect. This creates a great look and feel. Even the gesture feedback is so good. import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter Inkwell Btn'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { int _volNumber = 10; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), ); } }

Flutter PopupMenu Button:

                This button is on the Menu Bar of the screen. It is also designed my material which shows the pop-up list after clicking the three dots at the corner of the menu bar. This button contains text and an image. And about behavior, the list disappears as soon as you select an option from the list. import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp());} class MyApp extends StatefulWidget { @override _MyAppState createState() => _MyAppState(); } class _MyAppState extends State { ColorList _selectedOption = options; void _select(ColorList option) { setState(() { _selectedOption = option; }); } @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( home: Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: const Text('Popup Menu Btn'), actions: , ), body: Padding( padding: const EdgeInsets.all(10.0), child: ColorCard(option: _selectedOption), ), ), ); } } class ColorList { const ColorList({this.code, this.value}); final int code; final String value; } const List options = const ; class ColorCard extends StatelessWidget { const ColorCard({Key key, this.option}) : super(key: key); final ColorList option; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Card( child: Container( width: 400, height: 100, child:Text(option.value, style: TextStyle(fontSize: 40)), ), ); } }

Flutter Outline Button:

                The outline button is as same as the flat button of flutter. But the difference is the border that the Outline button has. The border of This button is completely dependent on the shape property of the button. It can be either a rounded rectangle, square, circle, or any other shape that is customized. import 'package:flutter/cupertino.dart'; import 'package:flutter/material.dart'; void main() { runApp(MyApp()); } class MyApp extends StatelessWidget { @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return MaterialApp( title: 'Flutter Demo', theme: ThemeData( primarySwatch: Colors.blue, ), home: MyHomePage(title: 'Flutter Flat button Demo'), ); } } class MyHomePage extends StatefulWidget { MyHomePage({Key key, this.title}) : super(key: key); final String title; @override _MyHomePageState createState() => _MyHomePageState(); } class _MyHomePageState extends State { String _value=""; @override Widget build(BuildContext context) { return Scaffold( appBar: AppBar( title: Text(widget.title), ), body: Center( child: Column( mainAxisAlignment: MainAxisAlignment.center, children: , ), ), ); } }

Read the full article

[linuxgamenews]

Hamster Playground introduces new modes and its renamed

Hamster Playground with an update and game Demo due to release on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the creativity and effort of developer We Dig Games. Which is now available to test abd play on Steam. We Dig Games are back in your inbox with an update about Hamster Maze. Or to be precise Hamster Playground. The developer has changed the title of their game! “Why?”, you may ask. Well, they did it because they made the game even more appealing and attractive to the players. So, they need a title to reflect that. Hamster Maze was, in essence, a game about racing in the labyrinths. Since the gameplay expands to a more broad scope by adding more arena's and activities. Five gameplay modes are going to be available upon launch. So Hamster Maze has been transformed into something much bigger, Hamster Playground. Changing into a whole Playground. The hamster house is still in the game. So it’s still a core gameplay component that enables you to customise and train your hamsters. Getting them ready to be pitted against their opponents.

Hamster Playground Trailer

The developer decided to reveal the rebranding now. While using Steam Next Fest as an opportunity to let you take a peek behind the curtain. The Hamster Playground Demo is available right now. This is a Windows PC build but works well on Linux via Proton. Which looks quite good for a Unity 3D Demo. Give it a go, check out how the mazes work and have a taste of a brand new mode, drag racing on skateboards. Obviously, hamster house is in the demo as well. Have a look around, customise its looks. While you’re at it, make sure to check out the dressing room and make your hamsters truly yours! Unfortunately, there is a bit of bad news with this update. Adding new modes means that the Hamster Playground launch has a delay. As of this moment there is no exact release date. But We Dig Games is planning to make the game available in the third quarter of 2022. Still offering all the goodies. Such Single-player, Online PvP, Shared/Split Screen PvP, Steam Achievements, and Full controller support. In essence:

The launch has been moved from Q1 to Q3 2022;

5 game modes to enjoy at launch;

Compete against AI-driven hamsters as well as other players – both locally and online;

Customise your hamsters – over 100 cosmetic items available upon launch;

Hamster Playground is going to release on Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. But you can try the Demo available now on Steam. It plays well via Proton. It's actually worth a look, since it is free to try.

[randomisedgaming]

Tomb Raider Sega Saturn, how does the unfinished PAL version compared, with the NTSC release.

In recent years there's been a lot of discussion around the Saturn version of Tomb Raider regarding which was the best release. As is the case with these type of discussions, facts often get ignored by people putting out myths and rumours. Often it's the case someone talking about something they know nothing about or using a ten year old memory as their source.

After, slicer1000 started a topic on version changes over at the Sega Saturn UK website, he had a number of people mention Tomb Raider to him. Some claiming many differences between versions, others none. Following this slicer1000 asked me to look into this and so I have and these are the early results so far we've found. Which have turned out to be very interesting and for us it's opened a real can of worms on the console versions of Tomb Raider.

We've seen other people talk and video about the different Saturn versions of Tomb Raider before. However, most seem not to have dug that deep into the issue and missed many of the changes between them.

The original PAL European UK cover for Tomb Raider on Sega Saturn

First a short history lesson, Core Design agreed a deal with Sega of Europe to release the PAL Sega Saturn version of Tomb Raider ahead of both the PC and PlayStation release. This deal, meant Core Design had to badly rush the Sega Saturn release, which many of the development staff of Core were against. This decision badly impacted on the Saturn version as that version had to be rushed to market as a result, corners cut, bugs not fixed, engine optimisation never occurred on the Saturn code.

Some of the telling signs that this may have been the case, include the fact that the handstand move added in by animator Toby Gard, seen in the PlayStation and PC builds of the game, isn't present. Another is the lack of sound options seen on the main menu. Neither are present in any version of the Saturn release either PAL or NTSC. While Randomised Gaming hasn't tested the Satakore release, it seems doubtful in this case it would have any extra bug fixes over the normal NTSC/J version. As by the time it came out in Japan, Core Design and Victor had just released the Japanese version of Tomb Raider II. Most likely the Satakore release was Victor the Japanese publisher trying to earn some extra cash by re-releasing the original Saturn game around the same time the sequel arrived on PlayStation.

While without being a fly on the wall at Core Design in 1996, we will never quite know the whole story. It's been over twenty years since the team made the original and even their memories might be a bit foggy. It would be great, if someone could get the developers together again for a full interview, but so far that hasn't happen.

The Japanese cover for Tomb Raiders, the name change is meant to reflect the fact that Lara Croft and Jacqueline Natla are the raiders in the game.

With that in mind, I was surprised in the amount of changes between the European PAL and the Japanese NTSC/J Saturn version. While we can't say anything for certain on the American NTSC/U version due to not having a copy, it's likely somewhere between the two.

So the first thing any PAL Saturn gamer will notice, after booting up the Japanese NTSC/J version aside from the localisation changes such as the title screen and name change to Tomb Raiders. Is that memory cartridge support has been added to this version. To the untrained eyes these might be the only changes you spot in the game.

On the in-game performance front the game speed of the NTSC/J version at 60hz is just about the same as the PAL version when being forced into 60hz. By default the PAL version is roughly about 17.5% slower at 50hz. While we need to run some more tests the NTSC/J version only seemed to be a single frame faster, than the PAL code forced into 60hz, but this could be down to a frame drop on our capture unit. In short it appears at 60hz the PAL and NTSC/J versions both run at the same game speed on Sega Saturn.

The rather bland Japanese title screen image.

Tomb Raider was designed to run at 30fps and while the Saturn version can't quite hold a stable 30fps it got pretty close in our non-combat comparison with the PC version. Being about eight frames behind, in a twenty five second run comparison video at 60hz. This is just based on one test so far, but we plan to do more and provide the details in a superior attack video at a later date.

(Note, we should stress that attract/demo mode sections should not be used for frame rate tests, as these sections are often videos or unique sections designed to showcase the best of the game. Often there can have a bit of underhand trickery going on with them, as they are designed to be shown to consumers in shops.)

While the Saturn game engine doesn't appear to have been improved much for the NTSC/J version, there are numerous art changes and bug fixes. That have occurred, the first one I'm going to highlight is the added loading image of Lara in a dress included after selecting the gym, it appears after the FMV intro to the house.

A rare chance to see Lara in her non adventure attire, not seen in the PAL Saturn version.

Next up we have a clear, art bug fix seen in the music room, in the PAL version there is an incorrect over lapping set of strings, incorrect placed upside down. In the Japanese NTSC/J version this has been fixed.

Bug fix to the harp in the music room PAL (Left) NTSC/J (right)

One improvement you might not easier notice without a stop watch is loading times. The NTSC/J version at 60hz, when compared with the PAL version forced into 60hz, loading into and out of scenes a few seconds quicker. So in that area some optimisation has taken place to improve the games performance.

One of the big changes Randomised Gaming spotted is that the PAL version doesn't use final texture art. In the opening stage alone extra snow and touch ups to the rock textures can be seen in the NTSC/J disc which matches the PC release. Take a look at this images, two from the Saturn and one from the PC version. The grey rock to the far right of Lara has added snow as does the big rock just to her left, in the PAL version there is a dull grey patch where much of the snow was added. All this extra snow is included in the PC version.

PAL (Top) NTSC/J (Mid) PC (Bottom) the added snow in the NTSC/J version is easy to miss, but is just one of many texture changes.

Now here comes the real last revelation (forgive the Tomb Raider name pun) if you are playing the console ports. As neither the PAL or NTSC console version is running the game correctly. Tomb Raider was designed to run at 30fps, something only NTSC consoles can do, due to the game's speed not being correct optimised at 50hz. However, the screen aspect ratio was only optimised at 50hz/576i as more of the screen is displayed in each frame. The NTSC version at 480i crops the picture and makes Lara appear stretched at 60hz as a result. (This, 576i optimisation is also why NTSC owners should not purchased the PAL version. As at 60hz the PAL version camera cuts off the bottom of the picture. The NTSC/J version has the camera position adjusted to correct for this issue.)

To demo this, here is the aspect ratio seen on the gym floor at both 50hz PAL on the left and the NTSC/J 60hz. More of the floor tiles both top and bottom can be seen in the PAL release compared to the NTSC version. The same is true with all the previous screenshots shown in this blog post.

PAL 576i Saturn (Left) NTSC/J 480i Saturn (right) the NTSC version looks very zoomed in and the floor titles are no longer true squares. Note how in the NTSC picture it can only show five tiles from top to bottom. Where as the PAL version is almost able to show six fully.

Here's some more comparison screenshots to show the height of Lara with the PC version, note how in the NTSC screenshot she is in fact taller than her PC counter. That's because the aspect ratio is incorrect in the NTSC version due to it being badly stretched. Also note how much of the top and bottom of the picture is missing in the NTSC screenshot.

The PAL Saturn version uses a matching aspect in line with the PC release, compared to the stretched looking Lara in the NTSC picture. Left PAL Saturn, Middle PC and right Saturn NTSC.

Now, you might be wondering what this all means, well applying my own industry experience and having read as many old interviews with the team behind the game. It's clear Tomb Raider was rushed and unfinished on the Saturn. In fact, it's very likely that if you are playing the Saturn version, you aren't playing a version of the game the developers intended to release.

To me, it looks like the later NTSC builds, just patched the final PAL Saturn code, without adding in some of the improvements seen in the game engine on the PlayStation or PC. The big exception to this rule, is the art textures, they have been completely overhauled for the NTSC/J Japanese version.

In a somewhat odd twist of fate neither the PlayStation or PC versions are quite the definitive versions either. Now this is still early research, but having spent a few hours comparing the early levels in the game. The PC version is the best version these days, not least thanks to some of the nice mods you can get for it. Even if they still don't add in some of the Saturn and PlayStation exclusive effects. The PlayStation version also has its own unique set of issues not seen in the Saturn.

It like the Saturn version was also clearly designed to display at 576i, but it also incorrectly stretches some textures, much like the square floor in Lara house, which in the PlayStation version isn't square in either PAL or NTSC. It doesn't take much to note that many textures in the PlayStation release also appear distorted or incorrect at an angle even the flooring.Lets run that field of view comparison test again.

(Left) PAL Saturn 50hz 576i (Right) PAL PlayStation 50hz 576i. While the PAL PlayStation field of view is more than the NTSC Saturn version, it’s still quite a bit shorter than the PAL Saturn. There also not quite true squares either on PlayStation.

The PlayStation version also has trouble keeping textures straight when drawn at a perspective angle as shown here. Observe the wall to the left of the window and the zigzag look of the wooden panels on it, compared to the ones seen in the Sega Saturn version.

NTSC Saturn (Top) PAL PlayStation (Bottom)

While the PlayStation has sharper textures overall this is mainly the case in the mid range field of view. Up close you can see it adds a mesh effect to them and at distance, textures lose their detail hence the PlayStation version has a smaller draw distance, as you can see below. Look at how the flooring fades out on the PlayStation screen capture.

Two comparison of the draw distance between PAL Saturn (Top) PAL PlayStation (Bottom). Same again for the one below, you can’t see into the music room on PlayStation.

Currently trying to find a truly objective and good quality comparison on Tomb Raider is just impossible on the net. The Saturn and PlayStation rivalry still lingers on even now 20 years later and it shows in comments, videos and just about every news post on the internet, par this one I hope. The other huge problem is the amount of people using emulators to compare games, which doesn't reflect the performance of games on original hardware.

Our early performance tests also raised some interesting results between the Saturn and PlayStation version. All I'll say for now is the Saturn version suffers from slowdown noticeably when AI enemies are present or with rapid movement of the camera. Neither of which the PlayStation has an issue with, giving it a more stable frame rate. While the Saturn has a more unstable frame rate, it also runs at a higher frame count, making it the fastest of the two versions when slowdown doesn't rear its head. This is what I saw when I compared both PAL versions at 50hz on “real hardware” and I must stress the real part.

Shading and colours also differs between the two console versions, Saturn uses a darker palette compared to the PlayStation version, the lighting also differs between the two in many areas. As with other areas we noticed the PAL and NTSC/J Saturn releases use different palette to one another, the NTSC/J seemed to use a slightly lighter palette in some areas. At first I did wonder if it was just a bug with my capture unit settings, but the more screen grabs I took the more I realised that there had been changes between the two.

Quick level of detail test at short and middle range, while the Saturn has the edge at the long range. PlayStation clearly looks better at the mid range, the more commonly used range. As for the near range both look almost the same. PAL Saturn (Top) PAL PlayStation (Bottom)

That's all I'm going to cover for now until we can get a full on video comparison done. There are many other areas the Saturn and PlayStation differ on, already listed over the net. Yet, Lara does have one last secret to tell us, you see it's not just the PAL Saturn version that was incomplete. Now I know traditional PC versions are usually the last version to be mastered for release. Console games have to be mastered much earlier, as they have to also pass Sega's and Sony's internal testing, something you don't have to do for PC titles. (On that note as a bit of trivial the PAL Saturn release incorrectly uses an image of a Japanese joypad, grey with blue button, the NTSC/J is the flip of that as it uses the western black pad instead.)

Now normally due to this the PC release often ends up being the final code and art, it's a good rule of thumb, but not always so. In Tomb Raider's case this seemed to be so, based on the improved textures seen in this version. These days thanks to mods, you can also run the PC version in lovely 16:9 at 1080p. So time wise if you also include the ATI patch in 1997 it is the last build of the game that got an update.

That why I'm using the PC version as the end point of this next screenshot comparison, so first will be the PAL Sega Saturn which was the first build released and according to the header file on the disc was mastered on the 17th September 1996. Followed by the PAL PlayStation one which released in late November 1996, so mastered around the end of October and third will be the Japanese Saturn release with a header build of 26th November 1996.

Ignoring the fact that the PC version is in widescreen and that the Japanese NTSC Saturn release looks stretched can you spot the texture changes? The key areas to look at are the chair, stained glass in the window, pictures frame and wall texture. Order again is, PAL Saturn, PAL PlayStation, NTSC/J Saturn and PC.

The PAL Saturn version is the only one to have the dark red texture on the left side of the back of the chair's red padding, in every other version it is flipped so appears on the right. The wood texture used on the chair is also different from other versions. In the two PAL console versions the stained glass window is a muddy brown like the frame it sits in. Where in the NTSC/J Saturn one it is a grey, the PC version adds in some blue with the grey. Both the PC and NTSC Saturn versions have recoloured picture frames and touched up wood panelling with a white highlight on some walls. There are a few other changes also, but that is a clear timeline of art fixes and changes to Tomb Raider.

Remember when I said it up opened a can of worms early here's the thing, based on this evidence, none of the PAL console versions use the final build of the game. While I wasn't able to source a NTSC/U copy of the Saturn version, I was able to look at the last American PlayStation version. That had all the same colouring and textures as the PAL PlayStation release from what I tested. We weren't able to find a Japanese PlayStation version either, but as Victor published it the same time as the Saturn release. The fixes seen in the Japanese Saturn version are likely to be includes in the Japanese PlayStation release as well. 

Lara’s handstand move which doesn’t appear in any version of the game on Sega Saturn

Now while we can't say for certain until someone tests every version released in Europe and American. As the Platinum or Greatest hit versions might be different, it appears the fixes added to the Japanese release, weren't then added into any of the later western releases on PlayStation. I can say for certain the PAL Saturn re-release in the DVD hard case, was just the original Saturn version with no added fixes. As Randomised Gaming has both PAL boxed versions one is from print pressing B the other from G. The only change is the case it came in and an additional number code printed on the disc rim.

Which on a bit of a bombshell note means that if you live in the west and played Tomb Raider on console you likely have never played the final version of the game, Core Design wanted to give to gamers in the 90s. OK, that's a bit of a sweeping, without us check every version released, but the evidence isn't looking good.

As is often the case the last version out the door of the studio, is the best patched up release which is why for a British developed game the Japanese console version is the best looking. Strangely the same often happens with the European version of Japanese games as the PAL version tended to be developed last.

The Japanese Sega Saturn joypad cameo’s in the PAL version

Ultimately it leaves me with a lot more questions, such as how does the rest of the game compare between versions seeing as so far, I've only tested the early levels. It's been over a decade since I last finished the game and I've only just starting working through the NTSC/J release for the first time. To me applying my industry experience and the tight time frame it's been said, they build the game in, it couldn't have been an easy development. As many of these changes showed the developers kept trying to make the game better with every release, up until development finally stopped. Certainly having looked at the various versions myself this past week, there's are now a few burning questions I'd like to ask the team if I could.

As for our final verdict on the Saturn version, it's clear the games has been improved for the NTSC/J release in many areas when directly compared with the PAL release. This comes at the cost of an incorrect aspect ratios, but the improvements are worth this trade off. While many of the changes aren't easily noticeable and there is no clear evidence of a an frame rate improvement when both versions are run at 60hz. The amount of improvements to textures, load times, cartridge support, bug fixes make the NTSC/J the version of choice for Saturn owner.

Is it worth upgrading, if you own the PAL version or NTSC/U already? That really depends how much a fan you are of the series and if you plan on playing the game again. It's far to say that many of these changes most users wouldn't notice unless they are directly pointed out to them. However, for the best version it's far to say, grab the steam release and look into some of the fan mods.

That's it I hope you've enjoyed this short look at some of the changes between the Saturn versions and are insight into some of the other releases and changes. We will aim to a more in depth video on the subject at a later date, but for now I need to look into the Japanese PlayStation version.

For high resolution of many of the comparison images used in this feature please visit these two image blog post here and here. They make comparing some of the changes much easier. You can also see are video look here:

Feature by Random Gamer Riven.

Twitter: RDGamerRiven

E.mail: randomgamerriven@gmail.com