#winnitron

Alex, Jeff, and Mike would fortunate enough to be able to participate in the Winnitron Game Jam to create this neat little survival shooter. 

We’re going to have a behind the scenes look at the Game Jam and the creation of “Zono Blast” within a few days so stay tuned for that.

We are working on a multiplayer version of Jimmy Pataya, deadline this afternoon. We are liveblogging the progress.

The Idea

The goal is to make a multiplayer version of Jimmy Pataya for the Winnitron. Today we have an open house for the CabFab (our HQ) and we thought we needed a nice showcase for theWinnitron arcade cabinet we pieced together a couple of months ago. And what would be more awesome than Jimmy Pataya multiplayer?

The idea is to dodge blades and get as far as possible while blocking your opponent. All that on the good old Palatron cabinet, with old-fashioned joysticks.

Update 1: Getting Started

We started with the idea yesterday afternoon. Niels got started right away with a splitscreen multiplayer mode to see where this would go. Turns out, it is awesome. That’s when we decided to go for it. Here is a screenshot of the initial multiplayer mode in action:

Jimmy is created with 2D sprites in a 3D world. This works pretty well in single player mode, it seems almost 3D. In multiplayer mode, you can clearly see that it’s a paper-thin model. There’s not much time left – our deadline is today 2pm – but we decided to make a 3D model out of Jimmy.

Here’s Jimmy, Tim and Benjamin (our artists) working on that:

It needs a 3D model, UV map, texture, rig, and animations. I hope we’ll get it done today :)

Update 2: 3D model in the game

11:05. We have the 3D model in the game, and are working on the start and finish screens.

The Winnitron is eagerly waiting…

Update 3: Ragdoll Physics!

11:30. YES. YES. YES.

Update 4: Bringing it together

12:48. The clock is ticking, and we need to bring things together now. The ragdolls are working nicely, and the 3D models are done (including some animations). The sprint to the finish line starts – so we need to focus for a bit ;-)

However in the meantime, here is the logo and the official name: Jimmy vs Jimmy. (That’s a hat tip to our friends from Vlambeer who created Super Crate Box versus for the Winnitron)

Update 5: …..aaaand it’s live!

(14:00-15:00) Ladies and gentlemen, we present: Jimmy Demeza!

You can check it out live at the Caballero Fabriek in Den Haag. This afternoon there is an open house – so feel free to drop by! :)

We are working on a multiplayer version of Jimmy Pataya, deadline this afternoon. I am liveblogging the progress.

The Idea

The goal is to make a multiplayer version of Jimmy Pataya for the Winnitron. Today we have an open house for the CabFab (our HQ) and we thought we needed a nice showcase for theWinnitron arcade cabinet we pieced together a couple of months ago. And what would be more awesome than Jimmy Pataya multiplayer?

The idea is to dodge blades and get as far as possible while blocking your opponent. All that on the good old Palatron cabinet, with old-fashioned joysticks.

Update 1: Getting Started

We started with the idea yesterday afternoon. Niels got started right away with a splitscreen multiplayer mode to see where this would go. Turns out, it is awesome. That’s when we decided to go for it. Here is a screenshot of the initial multiplayer mode in action:

Jimmy is created with 2D sprites in a 3D world. This works pretty well in single player mode, it seems almost 3D. In multiplayer mode, you can clearly see that it’s a paper-thin model. There’s not much time left – our deadline is today 2pm – but we decided to make a 3D model out of Jimmy.

Here’s Jimmy, Tim and Benjamin (our artists) working on that:

It needs a 3D model, UV map, texture, rig, and animations. I hope we’ll get it done today :)

Howdy folks! Today is the big day that the Palatron will be unveiled. This afternoon, dozens of fine folks from several creative industries in The Hague will join us for some coffee and a beer. All that to witness the official opening of The Hague’s very own Winnitron 1000!

For all you people living under a rock, the Winnitron is an arcade cabinet with new-skool indie games. It is stuffed with brilliant contemporary gaming gems from all over the world.

The past days have been hectic and we barely met the deadline. But we made it, and these pictures tell it all!

Look, here it is all painted and shiny:

Hmm, still missing a control panel though. I’ve seen it around here somewhere… Ah! Niels is playing with it:

Niels, stop that! You’re supposed to be applying T-molding.

That’s better. Keep up the good work!

Wow! Great stuff guys! Still no controls though. Where’s Tijmen? He’s great with that sort of thing. TIJMEN!!!

Great, guys. Get wiring.

Looking good! Meanwhile in the arcade cabinet…

Niels is making nice progress with the hardware, and small wonder…

He brought his father for backup :-). At this point Tijmen and Guido decided to have some sort of tea party:

After that it was assemblytime!

First a nice glass plate to protect the monitor:

And, of course, the controls!

Niels’ mom also tagged along for that finishing touch :-)

Let’s fire it up!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand…

IT’S WORKING! IT’S WORKING!!!

And there you have it. Our Palatron.

You’ll notice we left in the coin drop-system. We thought it would be nice to maintain a retro-look and figured the coin-drop would help achieve that (don’t worry it’s not operative, you won’t have to pay squat to play the Palatron). We also left this sticker on the back for the same reason:

So everyone can see that it used to be a Mortal Kombat cabinet.

So, the Palatron is finished. Well, it almost is. We still plan to add some graphics to make it even prettier. But we’re officially unveiling it this afternoon. Want to come play it? I, personally, accept all challenges to a game of Super Crate Box. And Fabian claims he can defeat anyone in a game of Nidhogg.

Come and have a beer with us and play the Palatron. You can register for the unveiling event here. Or you can just swing by at your leisure :-)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, Fabian has challenged me to a game of Nidhogg.

Cheers!