Scenergy #02 31 декабря 1999

Интервью

VIP - an interview with Arny and Mythos, the creators of Elite clone game Awaken.

SNG: Let's start the standard: introduce yourself, who you are, 
which group, how many years, etc.


Arny: Apetenok Sergey. Frustrated, neuchavstvoval ts
independent. :) Age 32, married with a son.

Mythos: Eugene V. Bystrov. Was, was involved. Coder
Group R-age technologies. Age 21, unmarried, no children.

SNG: What brought you to the Spectrum? What did you do before, 
to Project "Awaken"?


Mythos: In 1992, I realized that I need a computer. Run on
shopping, it was purchased. The first week of dating with games
was a great success. After that I started probyvat yourself in 
BASIC. Realizing that this case is much more exciting, the game 
had been forgotten. Distant echo to me heard rumors about 
assembler, but it is is and how to work with him I did not 
understand. In the end, I was purchased book on assembler and 
from that moment I began to study it. And here too soon for 
eight years as I am perfect in themselves in writing programs. 
During my work on SPECTRUM'e I had written a demo version of 
"Worms", a pair of small Toys "Kill PC" and "Mobile war". 
Multiple system prog, finished and unfinished. The latter can 
include such as: music editor, Commander of Kovalevskaya type, 
window system of the type "EMS". To complete, you can include 
just three Program: "Gluer", "Xas restorer" and a full 3D editor

objects "3D COOL v4.1". There are currently engaged in such
project as "Awaken".

Arny: Once upon a time, or rather, in 1991 I ts entertainment
sake, bought SPECCY. It was a cassette, biperny, 48 komputer.
Pogulkavshis fry I thought I sell it, but one
day, my friend brought me home with a cassette with the words
"You still have not seen this - this is a game of the decade!" 
Tried load the contents of the tape. Few pomuchavshis we vsetaki

were able to get this to a sensational game. It is true he 
called her the "Navigator", then still somehow, I really do not 
remember. Vobschem downloaded and you probably guessed - it was 
an "Elite". Well, delirium me It seemed at first once. Some 
strange needles fignyushki fly across the screen, there is all 
sorts of different circles have appeared, then painted, then 
so. Where, whom, that knocks, Nitsche neponyat. A drugan 
Meanwhile, all painted, it was cool well just Just like in 
life. After listening to him a little more, I flew in shop, 
there pivosika, vodovki bought, in short without the 100 gr. 
unparsed. The next day I already had decided to twist his ZX 
SPECTRUM and throw far away on the shelf in anticipation of 
buyer at the last moment changed his mind. Decided vsetaki 
smallness sober glance that gemu from which ofigeval my friend. 
After sitting for a bit, I Potikha entered what was happening 
and had already did not think to sell your PC. That was 
something. I am so imbued with the atmosphere of the game, 
which was unable to break away from her. Sat through the night, 
Kill Gatzke pirates and Targon dimmed his Cobra. From this we 
can say, and began my Currently znakomsto with SPECCY. Though 
the game and was smart but in my view, it is very much a 
shortage. Then there was the "Elite" of THD and other versions, 
including kladovskaya. Over time, dust Space battles in me 
cooled down, just periodically when had free time in gulkalsya 
favorite gems. But niodnogo Game neostavila such a strong 
impression as the "Elite". Was though still "Academy" but that 
was not, although this geme has been given much attention. 
Gradually probyval forces in coding, but realized that it was 
not for me. I understand to understand, but do not have seen me 
that vein, patience or Is talent something to nakodit anything. 
I think that the encoder who does his own, original, can be 
compared with composer. Of course, we need knowledge, but 
without the talent and patience navryadli what happens. There 
was a time when I was "hooked" on ART STUDIO and even painted 
it a couple of some other pictures. Showed KAZ'u (Kamikaze 
which), he was like something even liked it. (I'll try to send 
it together with these answers if you like can use at their 
discretion)) Then, when he appeared modem produced with Arseniy 
(ARS / FTL) a newspaper, Minsk, MOVE called. But it is short 
lived, we all thought of something lacking in it, and 
eventually zagnudas it with a soft clang after 10'go rates.




SNG: How many people currently working on a game? Does what
busy?

Arny: Closely on the project Awaken operates two people is
Mythos well, and I, Arny. Of course, there are others who are 
indirectly help, need the same music and graphics must Mast 
(not 3D) Hans / R-age. Mythos creates the code part, on my 
conscience 3D objects, the script and adventyurnaya part of the 
game. But together we have often there are disputes, sometimes 
even dahodit, not a fight of course just sometimes have to 
raise the tone at each other over technical scenario. Something 
does not like Genet, without which he scenario from my point of 
view may die nafig. But Subsequently, we agreed to cooperate so 
that there is convenient and Gene kodit and I kalyakat script.



SNG: At what stage is "Awaken" now? That appeared
New since the demo? Any revolutionary
innovation?

Arny: At the moment, made 50% of the game, but work remains to 
sea. Completely redesigned station, ie interface of the 
station;) added products, there will be something else some 
equipment for ship, and for the skimmer, improved intelligence 
ships in space, removing bugs, revamped the explosions in 
space, painted 50 3D objects for the space, while only 15 
facilities for planets, and are supposed to be nearly so much, 
how many and in space, written by about 80% adventyurnoy part 
(so far only on paper and in text files), along the way 
language is developed Programming adventyurnoy part, realized 
the planet, we can move around the planet, postrelivaya in 
skimmers and konechnozhe accelerated 3D engine of the game, 
from the old engine is almost nothing left to say that only an 
idea. However, in demos, which will soon be released, will 
navryadli attend all the objects that are listed above, as well 
as there will be no adventyurnaya part.




SNG: Where did the idea of ​​"Awaken"? Whether this was just 
the beginning slight improvement "Elite", or is it just 
intended to be a individual thing?


Arny: What I remember myself at SPECCY, I
never nepokidala, nehochu call it
dream very much sounds trite, in general was
the need to create something their own, but what planet
Well to me without a good coder. At Minsk ZX
networks, I met with Eugene (Mythos).
Then I could not imagine that we will
such a project as Awaken.
But the other night called Mythos, Troch battered about vodovke,
girlfriends. In short, he said that would make some nepoloho
gemu, so breathtaking that's just about anything. And I burst 
out, began to paint their ideas on account of future games. 
Decided was in any case not to make our project continued

legendary "ELITE", but to create something their own, original.
We talked and it seemed to me like everything was quiet. But 
after week claimed home to me Zhenya, runs the complex and I is 
not true my eyes, my jaw hang down Potikha begins. On

some point, I was speechless, my heart beat quickened -
Here it is. On-screen black-and-white monitor Galimov, near
a huge pyramid station flew amplitude-syudy several
ships and public, and painted with working turbines. This
There was something. Of course, the ships and stations were 
much more primitive than in the demo, you saw, but still it was 
impressive. The whole day we spent in discussing the project. 
It was decided - Eugene deals with the code part, but on my 
share of falls script and 3D schedule. But not everything was 
so simple. Several times had to completely change the plot, 
rewritten almost from scratch adventyurnuyu part, but 
eventually everything fell into place. There are many ideas, 
but not all unfortunately will be implemented. For example, 
such as galactic structure, trading in the open space, etc. Time

tight, time, the period for which the scheduled game exit
has passed, but we are still marking time in the middle. But to 
this there are many reasons for and about them below. What I 
then saw was his own development of Eugene. But as it turned 
out later this is not approached for further development. One 
evening I rang to Work Mythos'u (easy to say rang, markets were 
at least half hour), asked how things are moving there from

cosmos. The answer was no, that is, Our sitting behind a 
computer and Eugene crumbles 3D engine any different heme. So 
we call back about two weeks, Zhenya shipped me about any 3D

wiles, I in turn delirious script. In one such
phoned Mythos has announced that he had found an acceptable 3D 
engine here only glitches in it and accelerate it would not 
hurt, and it's just a brilliant thing.


SNG: Where did the name - "Awaken"?

Arny: In the beginning was the working title of Space World, 
and went even malyupasenkaya demo under that name. But at the 
urging of Gene it was decided to rename to something else, more 
consonant. Name it ts already in the process of creating the 
game. And that's how manner. According to the scenario (the 
game should be introductory video roller and a conversation 
with one of the characters to enter the player into the heart 
At least some cases) the main character are beyond galactic 
States uninhabited system. The truth is our main the hero is a 
ton cryogenic sleep. In the end, it (WARNING) wake up and from 
that moment it starts, ie your adventure. Nebudu nothing more 
to describe nehochu lose The effect of surprise I can only say 
one thing that will greatly try to vyzhyt Awaken in the world 
and especially to know what learn, you'll find in the game.


SNG: Is it true that you are using a slightly modified
engine of the game HardDriven? Or is it completely independent
engine?

Arny: From the beginning it was really
slightly modified engine from the game
HardDriven, but in the process of creating the game of his
accounted for 95% change (speed). Now redaktor
the engine can be found only procedure
sort of Z-buffer, calculating the matrices
objects (modification) and accelerated
procedure output plane.
Specifically for the space had to write a procedure for 
calculating matrix space with preservation of all values ​​over 
time for What had to write a procedure chetyrnadtsatibitnogo 
division. Was written by a separate procedure output voxel 
sprites and animations with clipping and scaling. For the 
planet was written procedure tilt voxel image by angle

horizon and the sky, followed by scaling as
approximation. The engine of the planet a little simplified, 
because no matrix space. For stations, launch sites and 
planetary The complex was designed a special window interface.



SNG: What are you going to come-(and whether
in general) linear plot and a common global "Elite" in your
game?

Arny: Globality "Elite"? Well, not "Elite" - it will not be
"Elite". Yes, the game can be called elitovidnoy or even how, 
but it not at all. While some are asked to name our project

"ELITE 2", but we do not welcome such an approach.
Nonlinearity of the plot? All the same have little focus on
this but only in brief.

                    Well, then, you can equip your nemerenoe

                    ship, to buy another ship, buy

                    skimmer to move across the planet,

       st2 equip Skimmer. But this is not the main goal, and

                    only a means for survival in the world

                    our project. And credit for any-different

                    bells and whistles you can earn not only

                    commerce.
In dialogue with the characters, you will receive information
perform the mission, etc., in the end reach a certain
goal but in the end, you may receive another goal. Characters 
will approximately 40-50 people. Communicating with them, and 
you'll be mainly to obtain the desired information. It depends 
on how you will lead dialogue with the characters that you say 
or to answer - will depend that happen to you in the future, as 
soon as you can learn something and what price you pay: either 
mission would have perform or pay, or even refuse everything. 
Vobschem something can be achieved in different ways, looking 
to select. You waiting for outputting not only commerce, fights 
and dialogues. The game is laid opportunity to study 
any-different planets, where you can 

to run into anything, and subsequently learn from this
some benefit.
As well there will be events, ie you
ran into (in space or planet) to something
that you have never been met, it will be possible
pobazarit with any character in the space
finally did get a response. Plus
everything you can offer cooperation
(Depends on you) all sorts of different organizations and
service.
And everywhere the mission, tasks, and more. All this does not 
in any way will interfere in the passage of the main plot. And 
what will happen the ultimate goal and how to achieve this, you 
will learn as you progress through game. In principle, all 
these nuances of the game is not so much directly linked as 
complementary, help or complicate the passing game.


SNG: Will there be given due attention to the important
factor, as the gameplay? Or everything will be started up on 
the "drift"? Will Whether recruited beta testers at the final 
stage of development for fitting the game settings and 
eliminating bugs? 

Arny: With regard to beta testers, the candidates already have, 
and nonuniform. The more we ourselves will give due attention 
to testing and balancing the game. And about gameplay'ya - 
that's judged those who acquire a licensed version of Awaken.


Mythos: At the expense of gameplay, I can add that the whole 
process of the game will be under the strict control of 
intelligence. 

SNG: What modern hardware "features" will support
"Awaken"? Will he be imprisoned for a specific hardware?

Arny: It is not under any "features" "Awaken" will not be 
imprisoned because do not have any. Perhaps in the future of 
our projects something will be done. Of course, if the authors 
of iron would provide us their monsters, we have sharpened 
under them, plus everything they received a percentage of the 
profits. :) 

SNG: How long are being developed? How much more time
ponadobidsya for release?

Arny: developments take place in September 1998. About the time 
of exit full version - perhaps by 2000. ;)


SNG: How are you going to distribute the game? This will be
commercial way? Do you think there is any chance to achieve
commercial success?

Arny: Yes, it is only a commercial way
distribution of the game. Sorry, ditch
so much effort, time and money and give it
nothing at anywhere villain. Yes I have a spouse st1
strangled with his bare hands during the night (Arny). And about
chances of commercial success does not judge us,
Ultimately, all will depend on people
who purchase our game.
The only disappointing - is that before the current
democratic attackers exist for no protection. For this
simple reason that bends many wonderful projects and himself
SPECTRUM. I'd love to hope for decency in the guys
hands, which gets Awaken. Guys negubite platform, because at
A demostroenii SPECCY nevyzhivit and PENTIUM or AMIGA
Believe me, by far nekazhdomu Cormany.

SNG: The game engine is constantly being improved and he had 
already finished? Arny: The engine is constantly being improved.


SNG: This is a game TR-Dos only?

Arny: Yes.

SNG: Can I, and are you going to use your experience and
engine of "Awaken" in demomaking'e? In my opinion, it is very
prospectively. What do you think?

Mythos: Demomaking, purely for me, it seems a waste
time, but he vsetaki needed as engine technologies
Spectrum.

Arny: Navryadli, but this is my purely personal point of view. 
Although demomaking needed, at least to some small

prolong the existence of the platform. : (

SNG: Are there any plans for a sequel "Awaken"?

Arny: Maybe it will depend on how many
we will fuck by this project, and
generally realistic to recoup those costs
man-hours and nerves. And plans are ambitious.
After the Russian version Awaken'a may be st3
version in English, Polish, German and
Czech. There is a scenario of use
Awaken II, is now quite feasible
create something like DESCENT, have an idea for the story Lara 
Croft (Tomb Raider). All this is possible only if

accordingly satisfied with the results of our work.

SNG: What are the difficulties most brake job?

Mythos: The main obstacle is the translation of all the sources 
in the ZX ASM v3_10. This is the coolest assembler 
(advertising). At the moment have to pay much attention to not 
only study in University, and livelihood,

permanent mission in the country.

Arny: The time it disastrously lacking. Work for 12 hours
with a rotating schedule in the day and night shift neochen
contributes to the implementation of the project. In addition, 
even those weekends who have often had to hand over the work. 
And family because I have a son - he's only 1 year and 3 
months, he was a attention is also necessary. And the wife of 
rest recently, the only thing that calms her - this is (I did 
this just persuaded) that adjusts the Awaken;) our financial 
situation. 

SNG: And finally, your wishes readers.

Arny: What do you want? Purchase only licensed versions of
programs - it is much cheaper than buying something
whoop. Why? Yes, you can hack everything, but who can guarantee 
that program will then work as the creators intended.

As a result, frustration in the passing game, and navryadli 
udast'sya pass away, may lose a lot of interesting things or do

impasse. But you know best - break
nazdorove, but then not speak about the inability to play
on or about the ill-conceived plot, you can choose this path. A
someone who will have the normal version will get satisfaction 
from gameplay. Yes, you remember all the tighter "Elite", like

navryadli who have normal, crashproof version. And what
was in the full version?