[CHRISTMAS]: Pixel_Outlaw

[Pixel_Outlaw]

This will be my first demo. Since I'm very new to the whole concept I'd like to know what guidelines there are. Can I make a .exe about 2 megs in size created in Blitzmax? I wouldn't really call it a "cracktro" or a hacked program. Is this OK? I read the wiki article discussing the demoscene. Sadly I'm about 20 years to late to really comprehend what is expected here. I've shown my games but feel unsatisfied being a member of a demo forum and having nothing to show. My demo is about 70% done. Is external media allowed if it resides within the .exe and not external files? Like I said I'm asking stupid questions in order to pinpoint what is expected of me here.

EDIT:
Final Version: http://www.mediafire.com/?7m4ttl91bxc

[Jim]

What you're suggesting sounds totally fine, according to the rules we normally use.  Some places frown on external files but we don't - we're more interested in what it looks like when you run it!
Because of its size you will need to find somewhere to host it, since we limit attachments to 300KB, or you can ask Shockwave to host it for you.

Jim

[relsoft]

Usually people give high regards to small exes.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

It would be ideal to have a small file but blitzmax is build on some rather large libraries. The smallest .exe possible is about 400 KB.

[zawran]

You should download the framework assistant here: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/config/fa/index.htm, which will tell you what modules of BlitzMax is actually used and what framework code to use in the top of your code. This will ensure, that only modules actually used will be packed into the final exe file. I have made exe files using BlitzMax that only was about 15kb after upx packing, so it is possible to create small files using BlitzMax.

BlitzMax also has the option of packing the media files into the exe using the command incbin, so be sure to check that out in the docs. (I know the docs does seem pretty basic, but they are alright once you get used to using it.)

Good luck with your first demo. I do not know if I can find the time to get something done for the christmas demo, but it could be fun to get back into demo coding again.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

Ah I was using "incbin" already but neglected the whole framework idea. Thanks. All together my images are about 20 KB. They are .png of various demensions.

EDIT WOW my file went from about 2.5 megs to 275 KB!

I packed that with UPX now it is 127 kb.

...121 with the file in the .rar format.



Have some karma.

[zawran]

I am glad I could help, and those on "narrowband" connections will appreciate the much smaller package sizes

[Shockwave]

Well I am really looking forward to seeing your first demo

If your file ends up too big to attach to your post, please do as Jim suggested and drop me a PM and I'll host it

[Pixel_Outlaw]

Impressions?

I kind of went with a personal art scheme. I hope you like!

[WidowMaker [retired]]

+ Vector bobs and a circle twist in your first intro, that's a good start to your career!

Would be nice to have some tune and fullscreen though

Good firsty.

[Pixel_Outlaw]

Thanks, consider this a taste. I won't reveal the finished work until the end of the compo. I can't be showing all of my cards beforehand.

[Shockwave]

Shaping up nicely I like the idea of a vectorball tree!

Why didn't I think of that?

[Jim]

I like it

[taj]

Shaping up nicely I like the idea of a vectorball tree!

Exactly my thoughts too.

[ninogenio]

looks really really cool! nice 1!

[Buckethead]

Looks sweet, also nice with the size and Blitz. I'm in love with vector balls, keep the stuff.

[benny!]

Awesome release. I am really amazed. Great, great, great for a firstie.

[DrewPee]

Pixel_Outlaw,
Well done with that! I love the christmas tree - what a wicked idea.

Drew

[Pixel_Outlaw]

I'm done tinkering. I've put all I've got into this and feel happy with it. Currently college is demanding my time so I needed to finish today. Good Luck to everyone Merry Christmas and God bless. The sprites are all my work painstakingly made in MS Paint and the Music is royalty free media.

Looking for more hosts now...
http://www.mediafire.com/?7m4ttl91bxc

[benny!]

Very well done. Nice one ... some more scrolltext would be nice though!
Anyway, great firstie