Past Life: Game Modder

Posted on by
2

About 17 years ago, I built modifications for games, mostly games by or based on the game engine by id Software (DOOM, DOOM II) using tools like Deu by Raphael Quinet and DeHacked by Greg Lewis. Back then I was known as “DragonRook” from AOL. I enjoyed DOOM, but the biggest selling point was the modding community giving us endless new levels and monster customizations, some of them better than the original game.

Castle Phobos end shot

My first mod was “Castle Phobos” that started as 3 levels and grew to 10 levels with original music written by a friend, Ross A Warren. “Terror Mall” was my next project that included a customization that turned the big red demon into glass window that shattered when shot and snipers in trees. My primary goal in both mods was to provide a high level of challenge offering the player barely enough ammunition to survive, more ammunition available to those willing to search for secret doors. Secondarily, I enjoyed toying with architecture. Terror Mall also included “clues” with custom graphics to find the teleporter to the exit. Years later, I also made a small single-level mod for DOOM 3.

 

Terror Mall- watch out for snipers in the trees

Back then I received job offers for level design. I didn’t accept any. My interest moved on, and now that I have the knowledge to write my own FPS I would rather create my own game.

After all these years, I still stumble across my boards containing chat about modifications or receive messages from fans. Although many of the old boards are gone, that people still talk about these old games and mods says a great deal about id Software and the entire modding community. For those that are able to play, try the links at the bottom to the zip files.

Thanks for the kind words about my work and Warren’s original music. I thank Ross A Warren for sharing his great music. Without it, I don’t think “Castle Phobos” would have been as memorable.

From the community:

Download my old mods:

It’s up to you to figure out how to play these mods on modern machines.

Screen shot from my Doom3 mod

Current Work In Progress: iPad App

Posted on by
Reply

Screen capture of DCount on iPad

My latest weekend work is an iPad app for inventory counting and tracking titled, DCount. The primary goal of DCount is to count inventory for comparison with a database.

Scanfob barcode scanner

Secondarily, the application helps locate items using search which might come in handy if a product isn’t on the correct shelf. I designed the interface for speedy entry using an attached bar code scanner such as the wireless Scanfob.

Currently, DCount is going through rigorous testing. One test includes thousands of products organized by room and shelf or rack. Pictures help identify similar named locations, and the iPad makes it easy to attach a picture.

Soon, I will work on the iPhone version for the universal application and finalize the product. Art and layout is a work in progress and the screen captures may not represent final release.

DCount partial screen capture

Still Standing

Posted on by
1

Standing Work Desk

After four years of watching my health decline even while exercising during my off hours, last year I decided I had enough. I kicked the chair and traded up to a standing desk (see “Get Off Your Butt.”) A year later I’m still standing at my workstation, and not going back to sitting for hours at a time. Commuting by bicycle isn’t enough to offset the negative impact of sitting for an entire work day.

I feel better. I’m more productive. Chairs are for resting.

Including the studies I’ve read with my experience, my conclusion is that humans were not designed to sit in chairs beyond a brief respite.

Stand up and get some work done.

Source Citation Fail

Posted on by
Reply

While reading a technical book, I came across a footnote referencing a source citation with a Wikipedia URL. I frowned upon seeing an encyclopedia as a source. A book or article would be more useful to me. Ignoring the arguments about the quality of Wikipedia versus other encyclopedias, let’s look at problems on how this turns into a source citation failure.

It turns out the specific URL has changed, and Wikipedia redirects to a the same topic on another page. However, there is no mention of the specific point referenced by the book as someone has since updated the entry. The page also boldly states at the top that the entry “needs attention from an expert on the subject.”

The author of the book is an expert on this topic, but chooses to cite an encyclopedia entry in need of improvement, and the point in question has since been edited out. No value to the reader.

Please cite a solid source that provides more information to the reader.

Bike-Breaker Hill

Posted on by
1

Caution: Bike-Breaker Hill

Bicycle parts break. It happens. Most vulnerable are the moving parts. On my ride home this week, a part broke that I never expected. The crank arm. Snapped clean off at the middle. I one-leg pedaled the rest of the way home.

The arm snapped off during a power stroke and sent me wobbling. At first I thought it was the pedal. When I spotted the broken crank arm on the pavement, I paused a moment to stare at it making sure it was real. I couldn’t believe the arm snapped in half.

Broken rank arm

Clean break

The bike has never taken damage from a crash. I have a bad habit of accelerating hard, and maybe it doesn’t help that I live on a steep hill. It’s good exercise. Two years ago, I snapped a chain on the hill. Since then I only use the same high quality chains I use on my mountain bike. The crank lasted five years and about 30,000 miles. The sad thing is I just replaced the chain rings (teeth.) I’m replacing the crank with a stronger model from a different brand.

I have broken spokes, wheels, chains (one on my hill,) a brake, and a frame (crash.) Now a crank arm while pedaling. Crazy.

Leg power? Maybe it’s just Bike-Breaker Hill.

Gazing down Bike-Breaker Hill

.

Donating 2011 Ebook Proceeds to KIPP

Posted on by
1

I will donate all proceeds from my 2011 ebook sales to Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP.)

What is KIPP?

Knowledge is Power Program is a national network of open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools. KIPP improves academic quality by offering more classroom time focused on achievement with great educators. Learn more about KIPP at www.KIPP.org. Also see what Give Well has to say about KIPP.

Donation Details

My ebooks, found on the Books page, are available for free at Scribd. If you would like another format, you may choose an ebook and select a retailer. On December 15, 2011, I will submit a total donation to KIPP, and post the results on this blog.

Here is the breakdown of purchase price, and how much of your purchase will go to KIPP.

Shadow Memories

For $0.99 purchase, the following donated to KIPP:

Raven Memory

For $2.99 purchase, the following donated to KIPP:

Kandy Fangs (available in March) is free, and not included. If I release another ebook this year, it will be included.

If any retailers make adjustments during 2011, including sales or fees, I will stick with the numbers above for donations.

In summary, I will donate proceeds of my ebook sales during 2011 on December 15, 2011 to KIPP.