Explore v1.4

Removed the horrid block collision and added and Item Manager module along with a test item, a Coin. You can collide with coins, at which point the coins will disappear. Check out the code and compile it yourself via Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z9bmw4q3jkm4b2m/T25PLJps1k

5 coins added for demonstration. Colliding with them causes them to disappear.

Embedded HTML Tutorial for Blogger

I felt like making a tutorial for those who didn't already know about the great HTML embedding that blogger features. Here we go:

Step 1 - Find Something to Embed:
You need to find something to embed first. You can embed anything from YouTube videos to stats trackers. I will be using a Solar-Terrestrial Statistics tracker for this tutorial.

http://www.hamqsl.com/solar.html
(click images to expand)

Step 2 - Copy the Given HTML Code:
Simply copy the code that the website gives you.

Step 3 - Create a New Gadget:
On the layout tab of your blog's management page, find any block where you have the option to click
"Add a Gadget" and create a new gadget for your page.

Step 4 - Create a HTML/JavaScript Gadget:
Scroll down through the list of gadgets until you reach "HTML/JavaScript" and choose it.

Step 5 - Paste the HTML from Step 2:
Copy the code from step 2 into the textbox of the Add HTML/JavaScript window. If you know HTML, you can change a few things if you like. For example, I have removed the anchor tags that would link to the original website. (I still give credit to the creator, though)

Original

Edited

Step 6 - Save It
Click save and you're done! Hope you learned something from this.

Explore v1.3

I have implemented some really bad collision that will prevent the pc from continuing through the blocks. The block manager now has a map system that allows you to easily use a grid system to cover the screen in blocks where you want them. I will probably not use these blocks in the future, although I may condense the mapping code an put it into a separate class for future aesthetic purposes like tiles for the background.
You can download the code to compile yourself like always via Dropbox at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f78nortnzbance1/glmWvR9zMi

Some obstacles made by joined blocks using the new mapping system (see below)

Colliding with the block

a look at the mapping layout (click to expand images)

the new collision system for the pc (1 of 2)

the new collision system for the pc (2 of 2)

Explore 1.2

I have added a block class and a block manager. The block manager by default adds three blocks across the screen. When the PC collides with a block, the block turns red. There is a new collision system that is borrowed from Falling Balls (still all written by me), but much more optimized and efficient. As always, you can download all the source code via Dropbox here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s5nwsqs2f5vsr7f/yKZIYzLUu0

Three Blocks, managed as a group by the Block Manager module

Demonstrating collision with a Block

Explore v1.1

New art for the PC

I have added a new system in the movement and draw functions of the pc module that allow the newly edited player character to change the direction he is facing while moving. I have also set up a new framework for the /pics/ folder to be more organized in holding the multiple frames for each character or item in the game. I have included the code via Dropbox again if you want to try it out for yourself.

Code:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pxa8ip6ayvyctyr/YK1pNN2O1B

Explore

I am postponing FB2 to work on an experimental project simply to test different mechanics and theories concerning game mechanics engines in Pygame. After playing some Terraria, I have decided to create a game which randomly generates a world for a character to move around in, with random walls made of individual blocks that the player can collide with. The world will be generated in chunks and sub-chunks of curves, inclines, and other surfaces. I have started with a very simple starting point which involves a placeholder player character that can be moved with the arrow keys. The pc collides with the borders of the screen and is effectively bound to the screen.

The PC, represented by the black box, is bound to the window.

I have included the code below in the form of a zip hosted by Dropbox:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pxa8ip6ayvyctyr/YK1pNN2O1B

Falling Balls

My new game that I have been working on in Computer Science 1 is finally reaching completion. It's been an ongoing project for a while now when I have downtime in class. It's a simple game with a paddle at the bottom of the screen and some balls that fall from the top of the screen. Catch the black balls to earn points and avoid the red balls, or you will lose a life. Letting a black ball hit the bottom of the screen will also deduct a life. The game incudes a Main Menu, Options with adjustable difficulty, and a Credits screen. You have 3 lives to begin with, but extra lives will be added in Falling Balls 2, which I plan to work on later. FB2 will include multiple players, power-ups, and any more features I can think of while I make it. I will include all the code with a download link as soon as I get to school, where the game currently sits on my Student Drive.

My Epic Workstation during the development
of Falling Balls.

Working

So, I've been working up at my father's business recently in an effort to raise money for buying a new gaming computer. I have a nice computer, but its almost five years old and newer games just aren't running at playable FPS. I've been researching pc components here recently and still have zero knowledge on the subject. I'll find a good build here eventually. All of my friends are currently on vacation, so I should have some down time when I'm not working to be adding some new content for the site here soon.

I'm sure this is about what my setup will look like when I'm done.

Also, during some of the downtime at work, I make a Frankenstein of a computer with the combined parts of 4 computers. It can barely run Build and Shoot (Ace of Spades Alpha) and browse the internet. I mainly just built it for the heck of it, and I learned a bit while I did it, so I'm glad I did.

Installing Windows XP

The setup

512MB of ram, some old Radeon integrated graphics card, and Build and Shoot still runs on it.
Build and Shoot runs better than Chrome on this thing.

Reboot

Doing a reboot of this blog. Soon, if things go well, this blog will be replaced by my own website, hard coded from scratch for all of my needs and whims. Until then, this will be my temporary base. I will have links to my projects and maybe code (as long as it isn't website-related, for security reasons) posted here.

Just working on the site with the amazing Django framework

Also: The tutorial I am following to learn Django is great. Check it out at djangobook.com