I've retrofitted CGALIB with Hercules support to Barren Planet. The Hercules card is automatically detected, and the CGA graphics work nicely when scaled. I'm usually on Team Green, but amber works better for this game. This version will be available in the near future. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga#hercules
I've been working on CGALIB this evening, adding internal support for Hercules graphics cards. The next task is the centre and un-squash the display by adding a gap every other line.
My CGA programs currently work with SIMCGA and the like, but having internal Hercules support will make them run at the same speed as they do on CGA hardware.
I didn't think I'd get it unsquashed and centred today, but it was easier than I thought. Further tasks: auto-detect Hercules, so that all projects will work and not require some kind of Hercules command line switch. #ibmpc#msdos#cga#hercules
There can be up to eight terrain types in a Barren Planet campaign. The terrain used in each scenario is drawn from these, so each battle map will have its own individual character. A couple of tables of stats define the effects of terrain. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
The Movement table has an entry for each unit type, and defines the number of movement points it costs that unit to enter this terrain, if the unit can enter this terrain at all. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
Each Barren Planet campaign has its own set of terrain types. The First Landing campaign is set on the barren planet of Dapra, so its terrain types reflect an environment not dissimilar to Mars. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
Open Ground is the most practical type of terrain on which to deploy and move scouts and combat forces. Being open, it provides no protection to any kind of combat unit. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
Some open ground on Dapra is strewn with large boulders. These can provide an obstacle for movement for larger units, but they can also provide protection from enemy fire. Combat Droids are especially adept at hiding behind the rocks. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
The steep approach of a Ridge is difficult to navigate for many units, only anti-grav and air units traversing them with ease. They offer varying amounts of protection to units that occupy them. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
The Cliff Face is a rise so steep and high that only air and anti-grav units can navigate it. Units flying over the Cliff Face have no protection. But sometimes they provide a route for these units to outflank the enemy. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
Dapra's "rivers" are formed of flowing magma. These Magma Flows ooze out from volcanic fissures, and are impassable to all units except anti-grav and air units. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
The Volcanoes on Dapra are active, spewing out fountains of lava and ash into the air. Not even air units can safely pass over them, so they form an impenetrable barrier to all units best admired from afar. #barrenplanet#ibmpc#msdos#cga
A new series of tutorial articles for Team Droid has started today. The first post concentrates on the programming process itself, and the user interface. Team Droid: Some Tips to Help You Out http://dos.cyningstan.org.uk/posts/207#teamdroid#ibmpc#msdos#cga