#106141 - Dark Knight ez - Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:01 pm
Hey all.
It's been a month since I released AmplituDS, and it's time for a huge update.
http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/amplituds.htm
Screenies:
[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]
[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]
[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]
Videos:
http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/videos/amplituds_turrican.swf
http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/videos/amplituds_smb.swf
To quickly summarize the new features:
- Fixed the garbled background present on M3 and some other cards
- Multiple difficulty levels (mellow, normal, brutal and insane)
- Powerups (autoblaster, freestyle, scoredoubler)
- Support for FAT (Chishm's latest official FAT library)
What does this all mean? Well, first of all, the gameplay is now more similiar to the game I based this on. Second of all, you can now create your own stages. It takes some effort but it's definitely worth it. I will be creating new stages myself as well, and hopefully other people will get excited about this too, and help me out with making AmplituDS more diverse.
You can find all information on the website. Make sure to also read the online readme linked to, because it contains information on how to set AmplituDS up and how to use the newly available powerups and such.
Hope you all like it. :)
Greets.
P.S.
I made a new topic for this version, because the topic of the first version turned into a large "discussing new possible features" topic. With this version, I won't add any new features for a long time anymore, so consider this more of a final of sorts. Of course, this excludes bug fixes.
Last edited by Dark Knight ez on Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:43 pm; edited 1 time in total
#106142 - retrohead - Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:11 pm
Great news!
I hope people decide to make thier own custom tracks and can make this game even more of a must have then it is already!
#106154 - mntorankusu - Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:32 am
I used the FAT version on my GBA MP, and now DSOrganize doesn't work. o_O
Checked for filesystem errors and everythin'. Weird.
(The game's great though. I can't wait until people start making more songs for it.)
#106181 - Bkid - Mon Oct 16, 2006 10:30 am
Too bad it still doesn't have support for Max Media Player. Unless I'm doing something wrong, it still wants to freeze right after I hit Select Stage, or whatever the 1st option is. It starts to load the song, then the bottom screen dims a little bit, and the game freezes. Not sure how to fix it, or if it can be fixed..
#106182 - Dark Knight ez - Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:15 am
If you're trying to use one of the FAT versions, you're definitely out of luck.
Chishm's latest official FAT library supports the following devices:
(write & read)
GBA MoviePlayer CF
Neoflash MK2 and MK3
SuperCard CF
M3 Adapter CF
(read only)
SuperCard SD
M3 Adapter SD
EFA 2
If you're using the non-media versions and it doesn't work either, then I blame MMP. As far as I know, on other cards those versions work perfectly.
Let me know which version you tried to use.
#106191 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:36 pm
please please please use the rein fat driver or one supperting supercard SD plz plz plz plz
#106192 - Dark Knight ez - Mon Oct 16, 2006 5:34 pm
As far as I understand, Chishm's latest official FAT library supports SuperCard SD with read-only.
That means you should be able to use the AmplituDS version which supports FAT and saves to SRAM.
If you use the QPC method, the save should be fine.
If the Rein FAT driver supports write for SuperCard SD as well, the only advantage would be that the savefile is a file in the amplituds folder.
Currently, when you'd use the SRAM version and use the QPC method, you'd still have the save, only in a different location (in the standard location for save files, instead of in the amplituds folder).
To me, this advantage is so small that I have no desire to also release other builds with other drivers.
I will release the source code of this latest version of AmplituDS as well though, so people can make versions for other devices as well if they so desire.
#106199 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:12 pm
i get two black screen on the sram version and a sound effect
EDIT: a sound effect, sometimes
Last edited by Devil_Spawn on Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:15 pm; edited 2 times in total
#106200 - lyptt - Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:13 pm
I have no idea how to play this game, it's pretty confusing.. -.-;
#106202 - Dark Knight ez - Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:28 pm
| Devil_Spawn wrote: |
| i get two black screen on the sram version and a sound effect |
That's because you probably haven't downloaded the premium package and installed that in a folder called "amplituds" on the root of your media.
Like I explicitly mentioned several times, check the online readme on how to set up the game.
lyptt:
The online readme should give you a clue as to how to play. Check the website.
Alternatively, you could check out FAQs (and videos) on the game this is based on: Amplitude.
#106206 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:56 pm
unless the folder needs quotation marks, its there
EDIT: something up, it works on the same supercard,
on an unflashed+superkey it works
on a flashme+superkey launch it works
on a flashme ds,without passme or superkey, it doesnt work
#106208 - Dark Knight ez - Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:09 pm
A possibility here is that the ARM7 code started up "a lot" earlier than ARM9 code: AmplituDS can crash on such an occasion. This is generally not the case though. I'm really surprised to hear about such a situation actually occurring. I'm glad you could find a solution to the problem.
#106209 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:22 pm
booting with moonshell works too- much easier
#106210 - retrohead - Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:24 pm
Apply a ndsloader.bin to create a nds.gba. I have been using this fine on a flashed ds with supercard for weeks ;)
#106212 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:35 pm
i tried the supercard magic homebrew patcher, i try dslazy then
#106213 - retrohead - Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:44 pm
If you are struggling, I have a ndsloader.bin in the downloads section of my website but you need to be a member to get it.
If you are then download that from this section.
You then need to append this to your .nds file using the following DOS command
| Code: |
| copy /b ndsloader.bin + in_file_name.nds out_file_name.ds.gba |
Hope this helps!
Edit - After a quick google you should find the link to one easy enough, i found this for you http://down.7mc.org/ds/flashme/ndsloader.bin
#106216 - Devil_Spawn - Mon Oct 16, 2006 9:00 pm
cheers appending a loader worked too!
#106219 - Kudaku - Mon Oct 16, 2006 10:23 pm
I have a Supercard SD
and it only works when i load it from moonshell
but once i load it it freezes when selecting "select stage"
#106256 - Dark Knight ez - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:16 am
Did you check out the online readme and follow all the steps to set up AmplituDS?
When you start up AmplituDS, do you also hear music?
#106297 - TJ - Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:32 pm
It doesn't appear to boot on my SuperCard CF either. I have to start it from DSOrganize, at which point it runs fine.
#106301 - Dark Knight ez - Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:10 pm
I never imagined AmplituDS needing specific ways of starting it up. I do appologize for this inconvenience. Luckily most users got it to work (except for Max Media owners, I think).
For the people who have been playing AmplituDS, please let me know what you think of this version. Do you like all the new features, the powerups? And more importantly, what highscores are you all obtaining? ;p
#106312 - Devil_Spawn - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:16 pm
hey is there any chance you could make a converter for this, there are thousands of mod files around and Marfitude creates its paths from them automatically. it seems like a lot of hard work these text file
#106316 - strager - Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:54 pm
I have never played version one of Amplitudes, but I must say: this game rocks! I fell in love with the game the second time I played it (because I didn't read the manual the first time ;)). I would love more levels, powerups, etc.
I myself do not like the Freestyle powerup. Not only do I know fully understand what it does and how it works, but I feel like a retard rubbing the screen with my knuckle. This somewhat brings me at a handycap, because not using the powerup would not give me the boost that I need to get a higher score.
I'm still in-traning, but I got around 1100 points on the first level (forgot the name; starts with a T) in Mellow. xD
#106319 - Devil_Spawn - Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:09 pm
any chance you could add an option to switch track (ya know, them thing with blobs n lines) with l+r
EDIT: wow i just got 2819 on smb (normal) 1599 on brutal
#106322 - Bkid - Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:59 pm
I was using Max Media Player with 4GB HDD, which has no FAT support as far as I know. I really wish I could play though, I used to tear it up on Amplitude Insane. =(
EDIT: posted in beginners forum.
#106333 - Dark Knight ez - Tue Oct 17, 2006 11:35 pm
@Devil_Spawn:
AmplituDS v2 can only use IT files. I know Marfitude creates layouts automatically, but for various reasons I cannot support those created layouts. I was working on my own converter some time ago, but with dissapointing results. I might have another go at that converter, but not in the first upcoming months, I'm afraid. Plus, nothing can beat layouts created by hand. ;p
@strager:
One more level is coming up, already working on it. It'll take me some time, but hopefully I'll have the new level next month or so. The creator of the new piece of music is tssf (who also created the Turrican remix), and he has done a superb job once more.
About the freestyle powerup... you can only succeed or fail. Success will net you 50 points (no increase of multiplier), failure will make you get 0 points and also lose your multiplier. Succeeding is quite easy though. No need to go all crazy on the screen. Just make sure you're using the entire screen.
1100 points in mellow, eh? I believe that's quite good, maybe almost a perfect score on that track? Good job. You should definitely go for normal. :)
@Devel_Spawn #2:
I could... but am reluctant to. You see, once you get to insane mode and you try to use Y, X and A for shooting, you'll probably end up not performing really well. One finger to handle all those buttons that fast is not advisable, probably also bad with cramped fingers (and RSI) in mind. I advise you to try and use L, X and R for shooting...
I do see now how - if you're using Y, X and A for shooting - it would be nice to switch tracks with L and R instead of with the D-Pad.
@Bkid:
Did you try the non-media versions yet? Both available stages have their own non-media .nds file which I put in one zip-file. Please try those out. (You might need to prepend a loader to make it .ds.gba, but I don't know how Max Media Player generally starts up NDS homebrew.)
#106334 - Kudaku - Tue Oct 17, 2006 11:54 pm
| Dark Knight ez wrote: |
Did you check out the online readme and follow all the steps to set up AmplituDS?
When you start up AmplituDS, do you also hear music? |
Yes, Yes, Yes and Yes, I followed all the instrucitions and i hear music
only when i click select level it freezes
and normally i can only start it from moonshell, but after applying ndsloader.bin it starts up and that's where i have the problem
#106356 - Dark Knight ez - Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:13 am
This could be a timing issue. Do you also have passthrough-cards? If so, please try several ways of booting up AmplituDS with and without such a card.
I'm pretty clueless as to what else could be the problem. You might want to defragment your CF card just to make sure that's not at fault either.
If all this fails, get in contact with me again, and I'll hand you a debug build so we can figure out what's going wrong.
#106362 - Anga - Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:29 am
Loving the game! I pretty much suck at it, but hey, it's fun. XD
I'm playing it on my SC SD, so i'm using the SRAM version, patched with a loader.
(To everyone having problems with applying the loader, just get DSLazy, it can do that for you. Or if you, as the name implies, ARE just lazy, like me. :D)
Just one thing i noticed is...
I put all files in an "AmplituDS" folder and it's working fine, but if i use a deeper file structure, like "Games\AmplituDS\" it won't load up anymore.
_________________
maggiekarp: Aghhh okay guys why would my right ide hurt in my ribs
Angahith: Um... you didn't connect the ribs right to the IDE.
Angahith: You can only set one on master and one on slave.
#106366 - felix123 - Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:29 am
| Anga wrote: |
| I put all files in an "AmplituDS" folder and it's working fine, but if i use a deeper file structure, like "Games\AmplituDS\" it won't load up anymore. |
I think t is in the readme: "create a folder called "amplituds" at the root of your media-card"
#106386 - Anga - Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:21 pm
| felix123 wrote: |
| Anga wrote: | | I put all files in an "AmplituDS" folder and it's working fine, but if i use a deeper file structure, like "Games\AmplituDS\" it won't load up anymore. |
I think t is in the readme: "create a folder called "amplituds" at the root of your media-card" |
Whoops, i overlooked that line. XD
*feels stupid*
Nevermind, just positive feedback, then.
_________________
maggiekarp: Aghhh okay guys why would my right ide hurt in my ribs
Angahith: Um... you didn't connect the ribs right to the IDE.
Angahith: You can only set one on master and one on slave.
#106389 - Devil_Spawn - Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:41 pm
| Dark Knight ez wrote: |
@Devil_Spawn #2:
I could... but am reluctant to. You see, once you get to insane mode and you try to use Y, X and A for shooting, you'll probably end up not performing really well. One finger to handle all those buttons that fast is not advisable, probably also bad with cramped fingers (and RSI) in mind. I advise you to try and use L, X and R for shooting...
I do see now how - if you're using Y, X and A for shooting - it would be nice to switch tracks with L and R instead of with the D-Pad.
|
you could always make it a setting
maybe a graphical editor?
#106397 - tepples - Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:57 pm
Y, X, and A would work on a larger controller such as a console's controller or an arcade joystick, where I can put three fingers on the three buttons. It isn't practical on the DS, especially when you get lines that would require YXAXYAXAYXAXYAXA at eight presses per second (common in higher levels of Frequency and Amplitude).
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#106405 - Dark Knight ez - Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:11 pm
| Quote: |
| you could always make it a setting |
For the first couple of months, I'm only willing to work on bugfixes. I also don't want to create all kinds of options which could confuse users (even more ;p).
| Quote: |
| maybe a graphical editor? |
I assume you mean to create the track layouts. Retrohead made a nice mock-up for that. Mock-up, mind you. Not real. I really want to make that clear. Here's the picture:
[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]
It does look nice, but know this:
1) It would not add any functionality over the direct use of the textfiles. It looks fancier, but chances are you'd be working just as long on a layout as you would without it.
2) I'm not willing to code this on Windows (or any other platform) myself. If someone is willing to create such an application, I'd be happy to provide details, suggestions or answer any questions but nothing more.
Considering point #1, it'd be more productive if I gave my automatic layout creation another shot. That will have to wait a couple of months though, and I might be unable to get it to create good layouts... So don't build your hopes up for that to arrive anytime soon (or at all).
#106408 - tepples - Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:25 pm
| Dark Knight ez wrote: |
| 1) It would not add any functionality over the direct use of the textfiles. It looks fancier, but chances are you'd be working just as long on a layout as you would without it. |
Not necessarily. Try making a .dwi file using Notepad, and then try making the same .dwi file using StepMania's built-in editor.
_________________
-- Where is he?
-- Who?
-- You know, the human.
-- I think he moved to Tilwick.
#106461 - Dark Knight ez - Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:45 am
Something like that would need more control over the music library; libmikmod can't reverse. So basicly, if someone thinks he can create a graphical environment, I'm in favour of it. Would be nice for the people who want it. I won't be creating one myself though.
#106474 - Dark Knight ez - Thu Oct 19, 2006 2:16 pm
Did anyone get a highscore higher than 2000 on insane difficulty yet? And yes, it's possible. :)
#106478 - Devil_Spawn - Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:03 pm
i'll give it a go :P wich song?
#106479 - Dark Knight ez - Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:08 pm
Either one. :p
I got 2110 on Turrican.
And 2071 on SMB.
#106485 - retrohead - Thu Oct 19, 2006 5:08 pm
I hit 1800 odd on turrican and SMB, I WILL beat your score one of these days I am convinced :P
#106572 - Devil_Spawn - Fri Oct 20, 2006 8:14 pm
was trying to get a perfect smb on mellow.. AND MESSED UP ON THE LAST GODDAMN BAR!!!!!! 2630 points
edit: did it yay 2670 points, i think its max, time to ace normal mode
edit2: i think i got max on normal to, 3050 points, time to ace brutal (may take a while)
(both when using the bonuses at the first opportunity)
(my 100th post... yay!)
#106579 - Dark Knight ez - Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:49 pm
That many points on mellow?! Incredible. I didn't even know that was possible. Great job!
#106608 - Devil_Spawn - Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:45 am
i got every single note perfectly, but i think i cud get a little more by using the autoblasty thing at the right time
edit: got 3090 on normal
#106617 - Devil_Spawn - Sat Oct 21, 2006 1:27 pm
hey, im trying to make a track, and was wondering how to find out all the infos i need on the .it file, e.g number of tracks, bpm ect ect
ok i got it into the menu, but i cant get any sound to play.. .any tips?
#106622 - Dark Knight ez - Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:12 pm
You want tips? You got 'em.
Download a tracker such as Modplug Tracker. ( http://www.modplug.com )
This will help you to "view" BPM, and how the entire music file is put together.
The section called amplitrack should also help you out, but that only covers on what AmplituDS needs and not how you can obtain (or create) such data.
http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/amplitrack.htm
And last but not least, a PM to me with your MSN name in it, so I can walk you through the process (only if you're serious about creating a stage) and give you more advice when needed.
#106628 - Devil_Spawn - Sat Oct 21, 2006 4:53 pm
PM'D
#106648 - Kudaku - Sun Oct 22, 2006 1:24 am
@Darknight
i know it's a late response but i don't use a passcard or anything of the sort
i just flashed my DS a long time ago with a passme 2
#106665 - Dark Knight ez - Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:45 am
I assume you mean you could not get the game to work?
Try prepending a loader to the amplituds.nds file.
If you are using Windows, put the amplituds.nds file and this file http://down.7mc.org/ds/flashme/ndsloader.bin in C:\ (not in a subfolder).
Then go to the Start menu, and choose Run.
Then type in "cmd" and press Enter.
In the new window, type the following
copy /b ndsloader.bin + amplituds.nds amplituds.ds.gba
and press Enter.
Now there should be another file in C:\ which is called amplituds.ds.gba and hopefully that one should work.
#106874 - fun41 - Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:53 am
Ah, sorry to be a noob...
But I am having trouble with this while I'm putting this on my M3SD (the phat one)... It seems that it does load (when I press 'Start' on the M3), but the first screen it goes onto it loads a long time... as if it wasn't moving.
And that part was just 'Loading Music' which seems to take forever...
Please help...
Thanks :)
#106890 - Dark Knight ez - Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:57 pm
Did you create a folder called "amplituds" on the root of your SD card?
And did you download the premium package zipfile and put all its contents in that folder?
( See the online readme for further details on setting up the game: http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/amplituds-readme.htm )
Edit:
Also, I just got 3964 on insane of smb-rmx.
It was the first time I played it in a long while; I got it working on my newly received EZ-Flash 4 FAT card (although soundeffects can be a bit off and it requires Moonshell to launch).
Missed like 2 track-parts due to me being crappy at playing and activating scoredoubler at the same time. Anybody else have a problem with doing that? Maybe I should have D-Pad up for powerup activation as well or something, I don't know.
#106968 - Devil_Spawn - Wed Oct 25, 2006 9:33 am
awwww i just came to say i had 2884 on smb
oh well lol time to keep trying
#107117 - Pikanya - Thu Oct 26, 2006 8:25 pm
| fun41 wrote: |
Ah, sorry to be a noob...
But I am having trouble with this while I'm putting this on my M3SD (the phat one)... It seems that it does load (when I press 'Start' on the M3), but the first screen it goes onto it loads a long time... as if it wasn't moving.
And that part was just 'Loading Music' which seems to take forever...
Please help...
Thanks :) |
I'm having this exact same problem with the M3SD slim. And yes, I have the folder with every needed file.
#107128 - retrohead - Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:27 pm
| Dark Knight ez wrote: |
| Missed like 2 track-parts due to me being crappy at playing and activating scoredoubler at the same time. Anybody else have a problem with doing that? Maybe I should have D-Pad up for powerup activation as well or something, I don't know. |
I have the same problem. I think you should add 2 control methods:
- L R and Y control shooting with X, A or B as power up
- X A and Y control shooting with L R or B as power up
What do you think? Though you would probably need to rework the options menu with that sample i sent you that time to make more room for the new control option ;)
#107130 - Dark Knight ez - Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:29 pm
@Devil_Spawn
I dare you. ;p Seriously though, I think it's cool you're into the game as much as you are. Keep it up.
@Pikanya
I updated the downloads so they work better with starting up. Hopefully this will fix your problem. Download the new nds-file from the website (same link as you used for your current nds-file). Make sure you get the newest version this time, which includes both a .nds and a .ds.gba version in the zip-file. Let me know how things work out.
edit:
@Retro
You posting at the same time as me at several boards. Heh. ;p
I do see how that could be a (small) improvement.
Wouldn't it be better to leave all your "shooting-fingers" where they are though, and use D-Pad up or down to activate power-ups (B-button remaining the same)?
I really think that if you're in a pattern, trying to hit all the targets properly is really, really hard if you need to shift one of your "shooting-fingers" to another button.
And take in mind that Turrican's and SMB's insane are probably not going to be the hardest layouts for AmplituDS there will be.
#107134 - retrohead - Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:28 am
Up and Down could work but you would have to make it !=diagonals as you can easily press those when in the heat of the action and completely at the wrong time.
That is my only fear of the Up / Down scenario is accidental use. The benefits of X or A button as power up is that A or X are easier to reach without moving your thumb as far. A button from the Y button requires just a simple bend difference in the thumb.
A customisable interface would be the best option if you really wanted to push the boat out :)
#107163 - Dark Knight ez - Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:23 am
I'm hesitant to make it that customizable.
I'll think it somewhat through and in some time I'll release a version with better power-up enabling controls.
#107165 - TheYak - Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:46 am
I'm definitely rhythm-challenged and haven't ever seen any version of this game before yours. I really dig it, but the controls do mess with me. After figuring out what the point was, I still have a hard time with the three-button layout. I'm okay on left/middle or middle/right, but switching hurts my chi.
Any chance of big buttons or other input options on touchscreen, or is it too slow/inaccurate?
#107167 - Dark Knight ez - Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:30 am
I suggest you use the following controls:
use L-trigger for shooting left targets
use X-button for shooting mid targets
use R-button for shooting right targets
That will make sure you don't have to switch buttons with your fingers, but that you can rest them on the required buttons.
Use D-Pad left and right to move the vessel.
Also, using the touchscreen isn't the best way to play this game (unless played in low difficulty settings). Lifting the stylus from the screen and putting it down in another place just isn't fast enough for brutal and insane difficulties, and it's hard to do right in normal difficulty. Pressing 3 seperate buttons with 3 seperate fingers is a lot easier (above control scheme).
#107173 - retrohead - Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:19 am
Just realised i was calling the X button the Y button but you get the idea :P
#108479 - tssf - Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:02 am
If no one's noticed by now, there is now an official message board for this homebrew game.
http://s11.invisionfree.com/amplituds/
_________________
Mathew Valente [TSSF]
------
Chrono Resurrection Musician
![[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]](http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/images/v2_screen2.jpg){kind=link}
![[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]](http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/images/v2_screen3.jpg){kind=link}
![[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]](http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/images/v2_screen1.jpg){kind=link}
![[Images not permitted - Click here to view it]](http://amplituds.drunkencoders.com/images/mockup_layout_editor.gif){kind=link}