tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post3377591633573779768..comments2024-03-29T02:34:55.592-04:00Comments on The CRPG Addict: Improving the CRPG AddictCRPG Addicthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-81538307185962974852017-03-16T09:35:42.209-04:002017-03-16T09:35:42.209-04:00To be honest, first I was thinking the same like C...To be honest, first I was thinking the same like Canageek :-) It took me some (not so short) time to recognize, what really it is.Tygrnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-86874966003567849842013-05-05T16:07:20.981-04:002013-05-05T16:07:20.981-04:00No, I've messed with the scaler, too. I've...No, I've messed with the scaler, too. I've tried just about every combination of windowresolution, output, and scaler, and all insist on taking screenshots at the original size. Some other commenter explained why in a comment I can no longer find.<br /><br />I mean, I could just stop using DOSBox's internal screen capture command and start using SnagIt or something. It would mess up my traditional workflow a bit, but not enough to really matter.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-49752327620119849252013-05-04T15:56:41.267-04:002013-05-04T15:56:41.267-04:00CRPG Addict: I assume you are simply resizing the ...CRPG Addict: I assume you are simply resizing the window? Yeah, that won't work. You need to go into the settings and set a scaling algorithm. <br /><br />http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Scaler has details and a comparison. These will make the screen either 2x or 3x the size of the original. <br /><br />normal2x and normal3x are what purists prefer: They just make each pixel larger. Now, what purists don't get, is that since the image is on an LCD instead of a CRT you'll have a much more pixelly image anyway. <br /><br />Then there are a series of images based on different algorithms that blur things a bit, but make things look a lot smoother. <br />Just open your Dosbox.conf file and find this line: <br />http://www.dosbox.com/wiki/Dosbox.conf#scaler_.3D_none_.7C_normal2x_.7C_normal3x_.7C_tv2x_.7C_tv3x_.7C_rgb2x_.7C_rgb3x_.7C_scan2x_.7C_scan3x_.7C_advmame2x_.7C_advmame3x_.7C_advinterp2x_.7C_advinterp3x_.7C_2xsai_.7C_super2xsai_.7C_supereagle_.7C_hq2x_.7C_hq3x<br />then try out one of the larger ones (anything with 3x in the name, or 2x if none is selected for some reason). Then just keep switching them until you find one that you like. This should get the screenshots to a reasonable size (and make the game look a lot better). <br />Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-26738215022321035102013-05-02T17:00:29.615-04:002013-05-02T17:00:29.615-04:00Another way to get larger images besides trying to...Another way to get larger images besides trying to scale in DOSBox could be a batch image resizer program. I can't recommend one specifically (because I didn't have a need for them), but there should be a few dozens available for free with a Google search.<br />The amount of additional work wouldn't be very large. Just open the program, give it your screenshot folder and resize them all. Probably done in under a minute.<br /><br />And yes, bigger screenshots would look better. Compare these two screenshots. One from your Hero Quests blogentries, one from another blog.<br /><br />http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgGp9OFCqcY/UK8wC9ns8wI/AAAAAAAAJuA/DUlh-gFq3uE/s1600/sciv_162.png<br /><br />http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFepm1Ct9q4/ULdD73DhGYI/AAAAAAAAEUM/ytFaeXD9bZU/s1600/163+Gave+Ring.JPG<br /><br />One I can read from half a meter away and for one I must get uncomfortably close to the screen (and no, I don't need glasses, atleast I hope so..., and no again, my screen resolution isn't out of the norm, it's 1920x1080 and pretty standard at the moment).<br /><br />Thanks for considering my wishes.Luithannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-62170954966551691672013-05-01T23:40:49.246-04:002013-05-01T23:40:49.246-04:00I'm not sure if that will help. I've scale...I'm not sure if that will help. I've scaled DOSBox to several times its size already. The problem is that it insists on taking screenshots in the original game resolution rather than the resolution of whatever the DOSBox window is using. <br /><br />I don't know a lot about graphics, but my impression is that these games simply aren't DESIGNED to be viewed at resolutions of "thrice the current size," and that attempting to blow them up so much will just pixelate and distort them, and not necessarily result in anything more readable than what Luithan is already experiencing.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-11662911894191439732013-04-23T21:30:09.107-04:002013-04-23T21:30:09.107-04:00If you were interested, there is an SVN (i.e. exte...If you were interested, there is an SVN (i.e. extended) build of dosbox that lets you change scalers on the fly, so you could change to a 2x scaler for a screen shot and then back to normal to continue playing. The version I am thinking of also has save states though, which you said you wanted to avoid. I searched the dosbox wiki for svn save states and found the build with on-the-fly scaler changes.JasonLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-78940774452585599012013-04-23T20:12:03.996-04:002013-04-23T20:12:03.996-04:00I have been working on an index of games, but I...I have been working on an index of games, but I'm not sure there's much I can do about the screenshot sizes. I'd have to take them from a much bigger game window or deliberately use some image editor to up the size of each one, and not enough people have complained that it's something I'm willing to do for each shot. If I'm overlooking something obvious, let me know.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-3983951584730401462013-04-20T13:52:42.788-04:002013-04-20T13:52:42.788-04:00I'm commenting on this thread and hope it will...I'm commenting on this thread and hope it will be read...<br />Please make the screenshots/pictures larger. Not in the blog entries itself, but when you click on them.<br />On a larger monitor (anything over 20") and the fitting screen resolution, the pics are so small that you can't read anything from a comforting distance, Please make them at least thrice the current size.<br /><br />And if you want to encourage some surfing around the blog, put all your played games as clickable tags in the sidebar. I tried starting to read from the beginning, but well... it's not exactly convenient. If I could browse by games, I would read more of the old entries. I've got 20 minutes, let's read your posts about (whatever your game #43 is for instance).<br /><br />Otherwise, thanks for the blog. Consider your book bought from me. (If you want to make more money out of your hobby, consider doing a kickstarter or try to sell some articles to magazines like Retro-Gamer, they would probably be very interested.) Luithannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-52320191383220658782013-01-28T11:23:22.886-05:002013-01-28T11:23:22.886-05:00Oh forgot to say, "Yes to the book" but ...Oh forgot to say, "Yes to the book" but you know where I stand on that issue.<br /><br />The book is one of the primary reasons why you should take control of the domains associated with your name. That way you can have your marketing and sales not get in the way of the blog.UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-70973214662144494972013-01-28T11:20:01.347-05:002013-01-28T11:20:01.347-05:00OK read all the comments and finally ready to put ...OK read all the comments and finally ready to put in my 2 bits.<br /><br /> My own domain: Yes you should do this for your book and to keep others from using your work for their own profit. You can link directly to this site and jump into the more advanced stuff when you are ready.<br /><br />Micro-blogging, Message board: I worry that if you do these I will miss out on some of the good content and discussion that goes on here.<br /><br />A playing club: I think your readers who do this already and post on here are enough. If you wanted some kind of meta game with it you would have to track the progress somewhere.<br /><br />1. Which is better: longer postings less frequently, or shorter postings more frequently?<br /><br />Concentrate on quality over any of these considerations.<br /><br />2. How could I do video better?<br /><br />I don't watch the videos because I mostly read at work. I would check them out if they were on the very short side.<br /><br />3. In general, are there any problems with the current format, layout, and delivery of the blog that I could solve through some kind of better design?<br /><br />Yours is one of 2 blogs I follow so I really dont know. If you do change just make sure you can port all your content and comments over.<br />UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-35523890286154780632013-01-28T10:50:57.733-05:002013-01-28T10:50:57.733-05:00Also you mentioned a book, YAY! If you are going ...Also you mentioned a book, YAY! If you are going through a publisher they can put some muscle behind you to get the domain. But really you should get the domain and register it yourself even if you are not building a brand new website, you can link it to here. I would recommend using your domain homepage for your book and have a prominent link to the blog.UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-49770428116753573662013-01-28T10:48:31.093-05:002013-01-28T10:48:31.093-05:00I just looked them up and you may be able to use l...I just looked them up and you may be able to use legal action if they do not give up the domain. Try to ask nicely first.<br /><br /><br />Organization: Oversee Domain Management, LLC<br /><br />Email: admin@overseedomainmanagement.com<br />Address: 515 S. Flower Street<br /><br /> Suite 4400<br /><br />City, Province, Post Code: Los Angeles, California, 90071<br />Country: US<br />Phone: 1.2132653191UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-7179810152816201892013-01-28T09:12:37.614-05:002013-01-28T09:12:37.614-05:00If it is a US company you can use legal recourse. ...If it is a US company you can use legal recourse. Check out the Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act. If the company is in a different country there may also be legal recourse that you could check into. If you need help tracking down where they are based out of, ask us and we can help.UbAhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13447678457902055799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-24095495265608529722013-01-13T22:43:42.637-05:002013-01-13T22:43:42.637-05:00Thanks, Michael. It's good to have you as a re...Thanks, Michael. It's good to have you as a reader. Based on the feedback I got here, I doubt I'll be making any big changes very soon.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-77121213965768183182013-01-12T20:24:15.587-05:002013-01-12T20:24:15.587-05:00I am new here and just want to say thank you so mu...I am new here and just want to say thank you so much for the wonderful sharing, excellent writing and fun reading your blog has to offer. I will be a regular going forward.<br /><br />Someone I know had linked to an article here on Quest for Glory which I read and then sharing your love for role playing games, I had to go looking for the Ultimas and read about your playing 1, 2 and 3. Then I read about last January and February and just have to say I am very glad you decided to continue to spend time on this versus other things.<br /><br />I have a lot of catching up to do here but it is going to make for some enjoyable reading over morning coffee in the coming days. I also look forward to what is ahead.<br /><br />With all that said, I think you already do a great service to your readers and this medium for your writing is just fine. It might be nice for you to just enjoy playing and writing this year without any other burden added. Perhaps down the road further you might want to consider improvements, one at a time, over a long period of time so they are manageable and do not become major time consuming projects. Honestly though, I'd recommend tossing those ideas on the back burner for a year and just have some fun with this as it is, which is already excellent.<br /><br />Thank you again for all the work you've been doing here and continue to do in sharing your love for crpgs and the fun of playing them. I'm glad to have found you.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03375060416639154678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-78494799457812118822013-01-12T09:24:57.213-05:002013-01-12T09:24:57.213-05:00"I otherwise hate this technology and many of..."I otherwise hate this technology and many of the people who use it."<br /><br />... then we are already two!<br />Avalonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-20236772458405116152013-01-10T13:13:28.166-05:002013-01-10T13:13:28.166-05:00I have it on my list to get it together and make a...I have it on my list to get it together and make an index of games with links to the associated postings. But how does an "archive list" like the one you mention differ from the "Blog Archive" tree in the right-hand pane? Do you just want something where you can scan it without having to expand individual years and months?CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-67955809469242227512013-01-10T09:48:30.132-05:002013-01-10T09:48:30.132-05:00I'd love an archive list. Just names of posts ...I'd love an archive list. Just names of posts and links. Navigating is a bit of a drag currently.<br /><br />I'd also like a longer "recent comments" list. It'd achieve a lot of the community building aspect of a message board without additional work.<br /><br />Other than that, everything's great as is!Tristan Gallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16769219573533545742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-3992403775861900272013-01-10T09:37:35.075-05:002013-01-10T09:37:35.075-05:00The fact that I can't comment from my iPad dri...The fact that I can't comment from my iPad drives me bonkers.Tristan Gallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16769219573533545742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-16924420994056614262013-01-09T16:22:34.977-05:002013-01-09T16:22:34.977-05:00Good suggestion. I have been trying to do that mor...Good suggestion. I have been trying to do that more than I let on, but generally I can't find the person, or I get no reply, or it turns out the developer has died, or something like that. But I've still done it inconsistently and I could make a better effort.CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-21870570713753202012013-01-08T23:50:37.493-05:002013-01-08T23:50:37.493-05:00One thing I just thought of that would be really g...One thing I just thought of that would be really great if you could manage it would be to see if you can track down & interview some of the makers of some of these games (obviously only the good games!). I got the idea after both reading the Dark Heart of Uukrul interview you linked, which was a fascinating read, and seeing Corey Cole's comments and insights around Hero's Quest.Mikrakovnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-541993684804141732013-01-07T15:47:31.192-05:002013-01-07T15:47:31.192-05:00Wow, this one got some comments!
So I am just waa...Wow, this one got some comments!<br /><br />So I am just waaaaaay down here at the bottom to post my 2 cents: Don't do video. Video is bad. I follow your blog from work, which makes it hard to watch videos, especially since my work is keeping us at IE7 and nothing is compatible. <br /><br />Don't ask me why.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-82301224316465824892013-01-06T00:00:03.778-05:002013-01-06T00:00:03.778-05:00Alright, finally getting caught up on your blog. T...Alright, finally getting caught up on your blog. This is all speaking as your most obsessive reader. <br /><br />Twitter: I like twitter, a lot. It is a good discussion platform, as I can respond to things you tweeted the night before in the morning when I get up, then you can respond after you get home from work, and we can have a slow discussion over hours. Anyway, if you want to get started I can help you out, get setup with tweetdeck or Seesmic and such. <br /><br />Domain name: Eh? Whatever. I vote you move to Canada and get a .ca name. <br /><br />Forum: oh HELL no. Therein lies the way to flame wars, management headaches, time spent wasted on spam and community fragmentation. The type of posts you get on a blog comment vs a forum tend to have a very different flavour, despite the fact they SHOULD be the same thing.<br /><br />Generally I like longer posts, but a couple of your latest ones are so long they feel unfocused. Perhappes you could write them as long as you want, then reread them and go 'what is my main idea here' and split them up based on what idea you are trying to get across? If you talk about your playthrough for the whole thing, sure, one long post. If you talk about general game comments, then spend a long time talking about one battle, doing a little editing to make two posts might be a good idea. <br /><br />A play club: Great idea. Trickster has been running one for ages and ages. Why don't you have a look at how his is working out and talk to him about how he runs it for ideas? Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-77514636898842868892013-01-05T23:50:14.534-05:002013-01-05T23:50:14.534-05:00I'll admit, I generally skip your vids for thi...I'll admit, I generally skip your vids for this reason. I tried an early one or two, and they felt long, unfocused, and kinda droning. If you scripted them, picked shorter clips, etc, I'd probably start watching. I do enjoy watching Game Informer vids, despite the often mindnumblingly stupid commentary. Canageekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770924810559440307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6162314467762792782.post-24093627358413536282013-01-05T23:44:28.906-05:002013-01-05T23:44:28.906-05:00Seriously? YOU'RE giving me grief about the de...Seriously? YOU'RE giving me grief about the decipherability of my avatar?CRPG Addicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01238237377918550322noreply@blogger.com