The new frontier.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 12:45 AM

Remember that video I posted of me smashing the CD and saying yay behold the new frontier, HuCard chiptunes? No, of course you don't!

Anyway, Well, I lied. Sort of.

The new frontier wasn't ready yet.

It needed these things that are very important to HuCard chiptunes.

They're called HuCards. I don't know if you guys know what those are. They're pretty cool.

http://www.aetherbyte.com

Go look at the front page.

Be excited.

We did it.

thesteve · 11/05/2011, 02:20 AM

congrats on the card

Mishran · 11/05/2011, 02:32 AM

Great news, brings us 1 step closer to an eventual (hopefully) hucard release! Awesome job guys, congrats!

SignOfZeta · 11/05/2011, 02:42 AM

Oh fuck.

Now release something!

BlueBMW · 11/05/2011, 08:30 AM

Very nice! Which chip are you using? And how are you programming it? (before installing the chip into the card, or after?)

MotherGunner · 11/05/2011, 01:43 PM

Perhaps a true pacman game on Huey? Great job guys.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 01:46 PM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 11/05/2011, 08:30 AMVery nice! Which chip are you using? And how are you programming it? (before installing the chip into the card, or after?)

No details on the chip (for now. You can see when you get one. =3).

Anyway, here is the scoop.

First things first, we are going to hand make 10 of these beasts. They will have a few goofy games on them:

Masteroids: It will be in some sort of playable but unpolished state. Better than you've seen, and fun in a mindless sort of way.
Light Cycles: Same deal.
Pong: yep.

Now, you're all probably saying "well what the hell, we don't want some janky prototypes with lame Atari games on them"

Well here's the thing.

Each one is going to have your name on the title screen, so it's your special little personal, limited edition, HuCard prototype. There are to promote the new frontier, and raise the funds for more cards.

The funds are going to go to getting the boards done professionally, rather than hand made. Same design, better build.

and, to everyone who will get the prototype, these things are reprogrammable by us. You can just send the thing back and get the updated game set on it for <retail$.

Or buy the brand new one and keep your Prototype in its goofy state.

They'll have sleeves and jewel cases.

The updated game set will have the following:

Updates to the 3 games mentioned, including AI/1 player improvements
Another super secret game that will make you excited.
and some other things.

So, get pumped.

This is happening before 2012.

OldRover · 11/05/2011, 01:51 PM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/05/2011, 01:46 PMNo details on the chip (for now. You can see when you get one. =3).

Well that's awfully lame.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 01:55 PM

Quote from: The Old Rover on 11/05/2011, 01:51 PM
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/05/2011, 01:46 PMNo details on the chip (for now. You can see when you get one. =3).
Well that's awfully lame.

It's not like it will take long for one of these to end up in BlueBMW's hands. \o/ lol

Mishran · 11/05/2011, 02:08 PM

Depending on the price of the proto, you could always raffle a copy of the prototype off for $5 or $10 a "ticket". If enough people enter, someone will win a cheap copy and you'll get even more cash to help with production of the real thing. Just a suggestion that you can completely ignore if you wish.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 02:11 PM

That is an interesting idea. lol.

Maybe I can raffle off the very last copy.

Mishran · 11/05/2011, 02:15 PM

Glad you approve! Yay for me!

nat · 11/05/2011, 02:20 PM

Very cool.

This gets the "nat seal of approval."

nectarsis · 11/05/2011, 02:20 PM

Looks damn cool, color me interested

spenoza · 11/05/2011, 02:36 PM

It ain't pretty, but it doesn't have to be. It's a prototype; it just has to work.

TheClash603 · 11/05/2011, 02:40 PM

Count me in on getting one of these bad boys once they are available, Hu is where it's at!

Just promise me I won't get a shock when I touch that exposed stuff...

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 02:49 PM

lol no, you'll be fine.

These limited run prototypes will be coming in swanky jewel cases.

Remember it will all be hand made. So when it's not factory precise.... you'll know why.

The biggest regret is that only 10 will be made. It will lead to tons being made, but these 10 will be the special ones.

With your NAME ON THE SCREEN.

So, yeah, resell that, bitches.

OldRover · 11/05/2011, 02:50 PM

Someone will. lol

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 03:00 PM

If they do, I vote automatic ban from PCEFX

Mishran · 11/05/2011, 03:11 PM

I'll sincerely consider buying one, anything to get some kick ass hueys for our kick ass systems. Kick ass!

jlued686 · 11/05/2011, 03:18 PM

Sign me up! Any idea on price?

grahf · 11/05/2011, 08:19 PM

Sweet.

BlueBMW · 11/05/2011, 08:35 PM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/05/2011, 01:55 PMIt's not like it will take long for one of these to end up in BlueBMW's hands. \o/ lol

Hey in all truth, I just want to see it happen

If there's any way I can help you guys, either with design or funding, let me know!

Arkhan Asylum · 11/05/2011, 09:08 PM

Well, like I said these prototypes *are* the funding.

So once they get sold, we should have enough cashola to order a larger run, of better quality stuff .

Once things are squared away I will be letting everyone know the full scoop. Unfortunately, there won't be enough of the hand made protos for everyone.

I am trying to devise the fairest way to get them sold off. It would suck if they all sold out before some people even got a chance to get on the forum and check it.

Maybe it will be a series of high score contests/trivia/stuff?

Sound legit?

BlueBMW · 11/05/2011, 09:41 PM

Whatever works man

Also, I dont know how well all you homebrewers get along, so maybe its a dumb question, but once you've got these in production, will they be available to all homebrewers? Or will it be an Aetherbyte exclusive?

jlued686 · 11/05/2011, 10:15 PM

That's a good idea. A raffle or contest would be a good way. Maybe do like some of the giveaway things have been going on the forums lately. Have people sign up, draw names from there, and go. If somebody flakes out on you, take the next person in line. That should work.

I'm not sure what your thoughts are regarding the pricing for first batch, but I will say that I always do my best to support Turbo homebrew and would be willing to shell out some cash if it means funding more of these projects.

VestCunt · 11/06/2011, 12:29 AM

Great news! This means I can sell my Duo and soon-to-be-worthless CD systems, right?
Pong had better be Turbo Link compatible!

BigusSchmuck · 11/06/2011, 12:51 AM

Ohhh, that means I can run my old huc programs to show off my scrolling demo! How fun!

Arkhan Asylum · 11/06/2011, 01:33 AM

Quote from: BigusSchmuck on 11/06/2011, 12:51 AMOhhh, that means I can run my old huc programs to show off my scrolling demo! How fun!

:-/ Not exactly. It's not a flashcart. Only we will have the means to reprogram the thing, lol.

Quote from: BlueBMW on 11/05/2011, 09:41 PMWhatever works man

Also, I dont know how well all you homebrewers get along, so maybe its a dumb question, but once you've got these in production, will they be available to all homebrewers? Or will it be an Aetherbyte exclusive?

AB and FU get along good, lol. The rest of the PCE scene, well, I've said my thoughts on that before.

I could see AB acting a bit like The Cobb Web^tm, but I'd be making sure shit is legit before doing that.

I'd hate to hook FU up with a bunch of cards until this has all been tested/proven successful.

Personally, I can't wait for the CCAG in the summer. All those people going BUT I DONT HAS THE TURBOB CD can finally shut the hell up and buy something.

ParanoiaDragon · 11/06/2011, 07:07 PM

For all our currently planned games, I don't think any of them would come even close to being able to be put on hucard...unless maybe it was multiple hucards? The only thing for now I could think of, would be to have the tech for making a new system card, but, I'm sure even more would be involved. Nod would probably want some extra functions, like extra bg levels, extra sound channels, etc.

OldRover · 11/06/2011, 07:28 PM

The only reason our games would not work on hucard is because they have cutscenes and redbook audio. Eliminate both and they'd fit quite nicely on hucard.

lord_cack · 11/06/2011, 07:42 PM

I have a game concept started that would be GREAT for this....

OldRover · 11/06/2011, 07:43 PM

Spill it!

Arkhan Asylum · 11/06/2011, 10:17 PM

less conception, more birth please.

lol

spenoza · 11/07/2011, 01:55 AM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/06/2011, 01:33 AM:-/ Not exactly. It's not a flashcart. Only we will have the means to reprogram the thing, lol.

Well, if you're using a standard EPROM type I'm sure someone else could figure out how to reprogram it, too. EPROM programmers aren't super cheap, but if someone else wants it enough, it might happen.

lord_cack · 11/07/2011, 06:15 AM

Quote from: The Old Rover on 11/06/2011, 07:43 PMSpill it!

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/06/2011, 10:17 PMless conception, more birth please.

lol

Jungle Bros. has been revealed. That game started as a complete side project to any work I was doing for FU. Now, as a side project to my side project I was working on these. I am certain talk of this title has been discussed between us at FU but with MSR (now nearing release), Jungle Bros. (hopefully heading into full on production), Neutopia III on the back burner simmering, and another title on the back, back, burner waiting for attention, this game would certainly fall through the cracks.

But this is an opportunity to take this decent concept and turn it into something special.

Art of War
/newletiles211.png

This is just the first designed set of tiles. I have one other complete set and another in the works. Its really all I could flesh out without more discussion on level types and such. But I think it could be turned into a decent title to open the door to the new frontier....

Now the concept, in its simplest form has you playing as a characters who were out at an art museum when they get sucked into the art work.... strangely enough the first level they get sucked into is doodles in the notebook of some guy in the lobby (see he clearly sat his coffee mug down on it this morning).... odd choice in an art museum but what you gonna do

.

As I said I have two other level designs but without further attention I have yet to be able to design more. The second level is the outside of a Greek vase, the third is a cave painting (which is a little on the rough side but hell its a cave wall its kind of tough to do hehe). I would like to at least do a forth that is Egyptian Hieroglyphs. That would be four levels.

Now tell me that wouldn't make a fun first new Hu-Card game

Arkhan Asylum · 11/07/2011, 08:22 AM

Quote from: guest on 11/07/2011, 01:55 AMWell, if you're using a standard EPROM type I'm sure someone else could figure out how to reprogram it, too. EPROM programmers aren't super cheap, but if someone else wants it enough, it might happen.

If someone wants to go through all that trouble, more power to them.

ParanoiaDragon · 11/07/2011, 01:14 PM

Quote from: lord_cack on 11/07/2011, 06:15 AM
Quote from: The Old Rover on 11/06/2011, 07:43 PMSpill it!
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/06/2011, 10:17 PMless conception, more birth please.

lol
Jungle Bros. has been revealed. That game started as a complete side project to any work I was doing for FU. Now, as a side project to my side project I was working on these. I am certain talk of this title has been discussed between us at FU but with MSR (now nearing release), Jungle Bros. (hopefully heading into full on production), Neutopia III on the back burner simmering, and another title on the back, back, burner waiting for attention, this game would certainly fall through the cracks.

But this is an opportunity to take this decent concept and turn it into something special.

Art of War
/newletiles211.png

This is just the first designed set of tiles. I have one other complete set and another in the works. Its really all I could flesh out without more discussion on level types and such. But I think it could be turned into a decent title to open the door to the new frontier....

Now the concept, in its simplest form has you playing as a characters who were out at an art museum when they get sucked into the art work.... strangely enough the first level they get sucked into is doodles in the notebook of some guy in the lobby (see he clearly sat his coffee mug down on it this morning).... odd choice in an art museum but what you gonna do .

As I said I have two other level designs but without further attention I have yet to be able to design more. The second level is the outside of a Greek vase, the third is a cave painting (which is a little on the rough side but hell its a cave wall its kind of tough to do hehe). I would like to at least do a forth that is Egyptian Hieroglyphs. That would be four levels.

Now tell me that wouldn't make a fun first new Hu-Card game

After I said I couldn't think of any games of ours that would be good for a Hucard, I thought about this. I don't have any musical plans for it, & I don't recall there being any cinematic plans either, so this could probably work. Just need someone to made some nice chip tunes.....which would not be me sadly.

Nazi NecroPhile · 11/07/2011, 01:31 PM

Mmmm, huey protos.

_Paul · 11/07/2011, 04:29 PM

Quote from: lord_cack on 11/07/2011, 06:15 AM
Quote from: The Old Rover on 11/06/2011, 07:43 PMSpill it!
Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/06/2011, 10:17 PMless conception, more birth please.

lol
Jungle Bros. has been revealed. That game started as a complete side project to any work I was doing for FU. Now, as a side project to my side project I was working on these. I am certain talk of this title has been discussed between us at FU but with MSR (now nearing release), Jungle Bros. (hopefully heading into full on production), Neutopia III on the back burner simmering, and another title on the back, back, burner waiting for attention, this game would certainly fall through the cracks.

But this is an opportunity to take this decent concept and turn it into something special.

Art of War
/newletiles211.png

This is just the first designed set of tiles. I have one other complete set and another in the works. Its really all I could flesh out without more discussion on level types and such. But I think it could be turned into a decent title to open the door to the new frontier....

Now the concept, in its simplest form has you playing as a characters who were out at an art museum when they get sucked into the art work.... strangely enough the first level they get sucked into is doodles in the notebook of some guy in the lobby (see he clearly sat his coffee mug down on it this morning).... odd choice in an art museum but what you gonna do .

As I said I have two other level designs but without further attention I have yet to be able to design more. The second level is the outside of a Greek vase, the third is a cave painting (which is a little on the rough side but hell its a cave wall its kind of tough to do hehe). I would like to at least do a forth that is Egyptian Hieroglyphs. That would be four levels.

Now tell me that wouldn't make a fun first new Hu-Card game

Interesting concept but you fail to mention anything regarding what type of gameplay it is!

Arkhan Asylum · 11/07/2011, 05:14 PM

Reminds me of Daydreamin Davey for NES so far

lord_cack · 11/07/2011, 05:38 PM

Side Scrolling Action, weapons and attacks differ on each stage, like in the cave painting level your a stick figure that throws spears.

_Paul · 11/07/2011, 06:17 PM

Quote from: lord_cack on 11/07/2011, 05:38 PMSide Scrolling Action, weapons and attacks differ on each stage, like in the cave painting level your a stick figure that throws spears.

Sounds great. I wonder if it would be more suited to CD though as something like this could benefit from a bigger range of BG tiles than you usually get on a Hu.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/07/2011, 06:20 PM

Maybe I will make Cleveland Warrior, a clone of China Warrior, where you walk down alleys and punch hobos, drug dealers, and rapists.

Keranu · 11/07/2011, 06:53 PM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/07/2011, 06:20 PMMaybe I will make Cleveland Warrior, a clone of China Warrior, where you walk down alleys and punch hobos, drug dealers, and rapists.

Hahaha, I like this one! The first boss would be Drew Carry.

Arkhan Asylum · 11/07/2011, 06:58 PM

He will be armed with a bowling pin, and it will play Moon Over Parma

spenoza · 11/08/2011, 01:16 AM

Quote from: ParanoiaDragon on 11/07/2011, 01:14 PMAfter I said I couldn't think of any games of ours that would be good for a Hucard, I thought about this. I don't have any musical plans for it, & I don't recall there being any cinematic plans either, so this could probably work. Just need someone to made some nice chip tunes.....which would not be me sadly.

I confess to not giving a flying crap about cinemas. It's eye and ear candy (if done well) but nothing more, IMO. I would much rather see attention given to the game.

spenoza · 11/08/2011, 01:18 AM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/07/2011, 08:22 AM
Quote from: guest on 11/07/2011, 01:55 AMWell, if you're using a standard EPROM type I'm sure someone else could figure out how to reprogram it, too. EPROM programmers aren't super cheap, but if someone else wants it enough, it might happen.
If someone wants to go through all that trouble, more power to them.

I can't even pony up enough spare change for a Super CD-ROM unit, so it won't be me. It was mostly just a gut reaction to the "we can flash it, you can't" thing. I don't like closed environments. In retrospect, that was more to point out that you weren't using flash memory.

Which leads me to another question. Are EPROMs more affordable and easier to deal with than some kind of simple flash memory?

Arkhan Asylum · 11/08/2011, 08:38 AM

Thats not the thing, the thing is you would need a way to attach the card. The ROM is going to be soldered to the board. No sockets here.

Good luck getting it off and back on safely if you don't have a different way to program it, lol.

spenoza · 11/08/2011, 12:16 PM

Quote from: Psycho Arkhan on 11/08/2011, 08:38 AMThats not the thing, the thing is you would need a way to attach the card. The ROM is going to be soldered to the board. No sockets here.

Good luck getting it off and back on safely if you don't have a different way to program it, lol.

Lemme guess, you've attached a hucard slot to an EPROM programmer and can burn the ROM while it is already attached. Or something like that. That would be a pretty handy innovation if it is indeed what you've done. Otherwise, soldering isn't too bad. I suck at it and manage to screw it up somehow every time, but others have proved more than capable.

12/06/2023: Localization News - Tengai Makyou/Far East of Eden: Ziria!!!

The new frontier.