Bit Blot Forum
Aquaria => General => Topic started by: Danger Mouse on August 23, 2008, 11:25:06 pm
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I'm concerned, and both excited at the same time with the new news of the new development quad-team. For one now that bit-blot is no longer, will it be getting the attention here on the forums and continued support for Aquaria. Will there still be much needed updates to the games editor features? These are the big questions I feel would be nice to have an answer to after hear the news and reading the whole layout of the new Infinite Ammo website. Of course, I'm ecstatic on the news of the new development team, and with twice as many people working on the new project hopefully it will either take half as long to create or have two times the amount of content. Really looking forward to how the new company progresses. Wish I could be a part of it. :) Alec you're really making dreams come true over there in Winipeg. Congratulations on your success and your future endeavors.
BTW: All four of the new Avatars are really cool. kudos!
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I'm still part of Bit-Blot and I'm planning on doing a lot more with Aquaria and the site.
Here's what's coming up:
Aquaria OST Release
Aquaria Mac Version Release
Aquaria 1.1.0 Windows Patch Beta Test
Aquaria 1.1.0 Windows Patch Release
There are some other things we're looking into that I'll talk more about later if they work out. ;)
I'm open to taking suggestions for the editor and I'll be around to support mod development. You can hit me up on the forums, either of our IRC channels or by email at zaphire@gmail.com!
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Wait what? Did I miss something??
How is there a new team and no news post? O_O
[EDIT]
Ok, using google I found the site (http://infiniteammo.ca/blog). And yeah I totally agree those new avatars look kickass. :D
And that teaser looks really cool too (although a little vague..You're pure evil, now I'm curious). I wonder how it would work if Bit-Blot and Infinite Ammo are both making a game at the same time. Poor Alec might die! :O
But as long as you're here with us Alec, I wish you good luck with whatever else you try. :) And I'll probably put IA in my bookmarks somewhere too.
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Ok, using google I found the site (http://infiniteammo.ca/blog). And yeah I totally agree those new avatars look kickass. :D
And that teaser looks really cool too (although a little vague..You're pure evil, now I'm curious). I wonder how it would work if Bit-Blot and Infinite Ammo are both making a game at the same time. Poor Alec might die! :O
But as long as you're here with us Alec, I wish you good luck with whatever else you try. :) And I'll probably put IA in my bookmarks somewhere too.
The main reason I looked into starting a new team in the first place, is because Derek is taking an indefinitely long break from Bit Blot right now - and I want to keep making games! :)
And yeah, we're not really ready to reveal the new game yet, but when we do I think you guys'll like it. ^-^
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Oh ok, thats cool then.
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If it's anything on the scale of Aquaria you got me sold. :D heh
Derek must be busy with his comic endeavors or something.... ...It doesn't seem like him to not be busy with something creative. I hope that his talents will come back soon to Bit-Blot. :) Hopefully he can help with more graphics for the editor side of the house of Aquaria.
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It's cool that Alec has a new team and all, and I really can't wait to see what he's cooking up, but i guess I'm a little worried.
Not so much about the site or the mod community though, more like Aquaria's future in general. I mean to stick a to be continued in a game and then never have it come is pure torture.
Still, I can't believe either Alec or Derek would do that, I mean they're gamers, so they get how much it might upset the fans.
I'm just a little worried is all.
At the same time I'm excited. I can't wait to see what Alec and his team is cooking up next. If the story is even close to being on par with Aquaria's then it'll be pure gold.
Don't keep us in the dark for too much longer on your new game Alec.
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I originally wanted to just keep making games as Bit Blot, but I really can't and don't want to do everything myself. I'm sure Derek's keeping busy doing other creative things... I know I've seen him updating TIGSource (http://tigsource.com) a lot, and he's got a comic coming out as part of a collection (http://www.derekyu.com/?p=233), which is sweet. I don't know if he's working on other game stuff, 'cause he doesn't tell me much anymore. I think its kind of too bad, I was assuming that we'd just keep making more games and growing the company.
But - when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. The cool thing about my new team is that they'll all be local and we can actually work on stuff in person, which is a billion times more fun and satisfying than working online.
And yeah, there's always a chance that Derek'll want to work on a Bit Blot project again. Who knows what the future holds, right? :D
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I originally wanted to just keep making games as Bit Blot, but I really can't and don't want to do everything myself. I'm sure Derek's keeping busy doing other creative things... I know I've seen him updating TIGSource (http://tigsource.com) a lot, and he's got a comic coming out as part of a collection (http://www.derekyu.com/?p=233), which is sweet. I don't know if he's working on other game stuff, 'cause he doesn't tell me much anymore. I think its kind of too bad, I was assuming that we'd just keep making more games and growing the company.
But - when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. The cool thing about my new team is that they'll all be local and we can actually work on stuff in person, which is a billion times more fun and satisfying than working online.
And yeah, there's always a chance that Derek'll want to work on a Bit Blot project again. Who knows what the future holds, right? :D
That is sad but sometimes a break is needed so you can come back together refreshed.... I hope because Aquaria 2 just won't be the same without his art (nothing meant against others artwork I'm just talking about Dereks style)
Meanwhile I love what bit I spotted of the new games art in that little tiny picture on your blog Alec :D
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That is sad but sometimes a break is needed so you can come back together refreshed.... I hope because Aquaria 2 just won't be the same without his art (nothing meant against others artwork I'm just talking about Dereks style)
Yeah! I wouldn't want to do another Aquaria game without Derek. :3
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And I hope that you get back working together soon if only for friendships sake...
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I'm at least content with the fact that you are still active with your fans here Alec. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that we all appreciate everything that you have accomplished so far and all of your support that you have given thus far. Anxiously awaiting word on who your beta testers will be for the 1.1.0 version for windows will be. I'd definitely love to participate.
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I decided not to sign up for the beta, I'm no good at finding bugs. I'm also not sure how I feel about Alec making a new team...I mean, it can't be helped with Derek taking a leave of absence but this just means we have to wait longer for Aquaria 2.
On the other hand if INFINITE AMMO's new game is even half as good I'm excited to see it happen. If you can't spill the beans on the title, plot, art, or characters how about telling us the genre at least Alec?
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On the other hand if INFINITE AMMO's new game is even half as good I'm excited to see it happen. If you can't spill the beans on the title, plot, art, or characters how about telling us the genre at least Alec?
I tend to start working on games based on the theme first and then everything else follows from that. Katie and I came up with a story that is partly based on our personal experiences, and then when we added Ian and Chris into the mix they got it right away and then added some of their own flavor. It deals with a lot of ideas that are really important to us, and in an interesting way, it builds on the themes that are present in Aquaria. So in a weird way, it may end up working as a thematic sequel to many of the underlying ideas in Aquaria - because both are partly based on stuff that I tend to think about a lot. And since its been nearly a year since the game came out, I now have a lot of different perspectives on those themes.
Aquaria was made when I was living alone in BC. I moved out there for a girl, and I didn't know anyone else in the province. I lived there for 3 years, and it would alternate between being complete freedom/joy and absolute hell. I think a lot of that feeling of isolation, loneliness and trying to make a relationship work made its way into Aquaria.
This last May, that girl dumped me over msn in a couple sentences. I had a really hard time dealing with how someone could go from seemingly being happy in a long lasting relationship, to ending it in an apparently cold and unfeeling way. The added realization that I had moved away from all my family and friends for 3 years and gone through feeling completely isolated and depressed, ultimately for nothing, was not a pleasant experience.
The game I'm planning with Infinite Ammo is partly inspired by that event, and what comes after.
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wow, really shaken up around here! I hope all is well with Derek, whatever he chooses to do, his contribution to Aquaria was a gift to everyone. power to you Alec for sallying forth and forging new endeavours, you will have to be very elusive to lose your fanbase here ;) hope that your relationship experiences in BC hasn't soured you totally on the place, personally I couldn't see myself living anywhere else! I did find living in Vancouver difficult as my support network wasn't as strong as it is on the island, and with basically infinite people around you that can be overwhelming. good luck with whatever you guys are up to!
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Yeah, BC is a pretty cool place. I'm sure I would have liked it a lot better if I'd known more people there.
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Guts Alec. But glad to know you hang in there! O0
Well, hope this other project rocks as much as this one did. :D
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On the other hand if INFINITE AMMO's new game is even half as good I'm excited to see it happen. If you can't spill the beans on the title, plot, art, or characters how about telling us the genre at least Alec?
I tend to start working on games based on the theme first and then everything else follows from that. Katie and I came up with a story that is partly based on our personal experiences, and then when we added Ian and Chris into the mix they got it right away and then added some of their own flavor. It deals with a lot of ideas that are really important to us, and in an interesting way, it builds on the themes that are present in Aquaria. So in a weird way, it may end up working as a thematic sequel to many of the underlying ideas in Aquaria - because both are partly based on stuff that I tend to think about a lot. And since its been nearly a year since the game came out, I now have a lot of different perspectives on those themes.
Aquaria was made when I was living alone in BC. I moved out there for a girl, and I didn't know anyone else in the province. I lived there for 3 years, and it would alternate between being complete freedom/joy and absolute hell. I think a lot of that feeling of isolation, loneliness and trying to make a relationship work made its way into Aquaria.
This last May, that girl dumped me over msn in a couple sentences. I had a really hard time dealing with how someone could go from seemingly being happy in a long lasting relationship, to ending it in an apparently cold and unfeeling way. The added realization that I had moved away from all my family and friends for 3 years and gone through feeling completely isolated and depressed, ultimately for nothing, was not a pleasant experience.
The game I'm planning with Infinite Ammo is partly inspired by that event, and what comes after.
I know that we'll probably have to wait a whiel longer for an Aquaria sequel, but it's nice to know that the themes held in Aquaria are still being carried on in your new project. I just hope that the end of this game will be a tad less depressing than Aquaria's.
You're a very gifted storyteller Alec, so I'm sure that you're already working everything out but, call me a sentimentalist if you must, I've always prefered a happy ending after a great deal of trials for players in games.
Still, I intend to follow your work right until the release of your game. Don't forget about your fans here on the forums, and good luck with your new team.
Your music and storytelling are amazing, and I'm sure in no time your name will jon the other pantheon of game developers that are worshipped and revered as the best.
BTW, do you watch Bleach? I can't help but look at your avatar and think of a character called Sosuke Aizen.
Well, that's my random question for the day.
Take it easy.
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Hehe, I've already written 6 themes for the new game and I'm really proud of 'em. :D
The ending of the new game is pretty different from Aquaria's. It'll probably a change a bunch from what we have planned now before we get to the end of the project as well.
I also have this idea that's been kicking around for a while, of doing a mobile Aquaria game - probably for the iPhone. It wouldn't be a port, it'd be a side story that fills in some of the gaps between Aquaria 1 and Aquaria 2. (kind of like Aquaria 1.5)
I think I could actually do most of that game without requiring too much work from Derek. I could get him in as a "Producer" and he could help make creative decisions, but I could get someone else to do the more 'annoying' parts of creating the art for the game. I already have an iPhone game engine for another project I'm working on...
I think that'd be pretty cool, right? :)
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Then I'd have to get an iPhone... :P
But yea, that'd be awesome! You'd be using the same art from your first Aquaria, right?
-Peter
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I think we'd probably make new art in a variation on the style.
Originally that project was planned as a Nintendo DS game, so it was going to have pixel art...
The game has a different tone than Aquaria 1, and a different main character, so it would fit to give it a somewhat different look.
But yeah, if there was a way to leverage a bunch of art from AQ1 that would certainly cut down on development time.
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I know Nintendo did that (used art from their GameCube release) for a bunch of their handheld Zelda games.
I've always wondered how much the APIs differ between Apple's desktop Mac OS and their handheld version. That'd make a cool blog post.
Albeit a confusing one. ;D
-Peter
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I've always wondered how much the APIs differ between Apple's desktop Mac OS and their handheld version. That'd make a cool blog post.
Albeit a confusing one. ;D
In my case, its mainly about the graphics library, which is OpenGL. (same library I used for Aquaria) So as far as graphics go, its mostly the same kind of stuff.
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The reason I ask is because I've been wondering how difficult it'd be to port some open source mac games to the iPhone.
Sorry for getting off topic :)
Thanks,
-Peter
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ooo ooo, a little off topic but going from what p3ter_story was talking about mac ports, I have been dying to play Oids.X and was quite dissapointed that they didn't make a PC version. I'm a big fan of the old game that I use to have on my Atari ST computer. It's a simple game, but extremely fun and very easily modifiable.
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This is pretty darn good news to me! It's somewhat sad that Derek isn't on board for Infinite Ammo, but I've been around the interwebs for quite some time and that guys got a million things going on at the same time all the time, so it's understandable. I can't wait to find out what thew new game is and what it's about, but nonetheless I'm sure it will be A-mazing. Also, being a prairie province guy myself, it's pretty cool knowing your games are being made so close to home. (FLATLANDERS UNITE!)
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I'm a bit late coming in on this thread again but I want to say that I understand your story Alec, my son has had a rough year with his ex partner also WUTB now though. I hope this new relationship works out better for you and all power to any new projects, though I do prefer the swimming game :D
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Also, being a prairie province guy myself, it's pretty cool knowing your games are being made so close to home. (FLATLANDERS UNITE!)
Hells yea!
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Something IRONIC about the whole flatlanders comments on aquaria's forums. :P Just thought I'd make note of it.
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Something IRONIC about the whole flatlanders comments on aquaria's forums. :P Just thought I'd make note of it.
lol yea :D
I live in an area full of low hills myself, and I live miles from the sea in all directions, you can't get further from it in the UK and that's a fact :D I would love to live near it :'(
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While I was in Jordan I swam in some of the clearest waters I've ever seen. I'm definitely looking forward to moving to Kauai at the beginning of next year. :) 3 Years of paradise. I'll try not to ever lose that perspective. I've been to Oahu 5 times already and every time I have absolutely loved it. From what I've heard from relatives Kauai is at least 10 times better and more tropical than Oahu. :) Can't wait to go snorkeling!
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This looks very interesting. It would be weird if this new game involved dragoons and lances..
I find it funny that a new game is underway when the mac version of Aquaria hasn't been released. Alec is really full of inspiration!
Hm, when will a forum be open for this new company?
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This looks very interesting. It would be weird if this new game involved dragoons and lances..
I find it funny that a new game is underway when the mac version of Aquaria hasn't been released. Alec is really full of inspiration!
Hm, when will a forum be open for this new company?
Why would it need a new forum, why can't it have a few sub-boards here on this one?
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Why would it need a new forum, why can't it have a few sub-boards here on this one?
Its a separate company, and it will have its own space to do its own thing.
I was actually considering for a time calling the company "Bit Blot North" and having it strongly tied to Bit Blot, but I don't think that's very fair to the other team members. It also would have limited the potential for growth and freedom.
Bit Blot is for when Derek and I do projects together.
Infinite Ammo is for when Katie, Chris, Ian and I get awesome. I'm also thinking of making it a home for my personal projects, since the other IA folks will probably be helping me out on those in various ways. :)
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Heya! ;D
Guys, I'd be sad if I didn't think there'd ever be an Aquaria 2... I've grown pretty fond of Naija, and wouldn't want to leave her hanging!
Also, Aquaria's development was, in all honesty, one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences I've ever had. And Alec is one talented and dedicated guy (one in a million), so it really was an honor to be able to work with him on such a big project and see it through. I can't think of anyone else I could have pulled off a game like that with. No, not even John Romero. :o
Plus we had some pretty great times together, like watching Super Mario Bros.: the Movie at my parents' place. ^-^
But yeah, toward the end it was also becoming very stressful for me for a lot of reasons, and I realized that if I didn't take a few steps back, then I could see all the good stuff starting to get overshadowed by the bad... and that would truly be the tragic tragedy of all tragedies for me. :'(
I really believe this is the right thing for us right now. And good things are coming out of it - like Infinite Ammo! Like Alec said, it's tough working online all the time, and I know he's been dreaming about going into an office every day to work on games... now it's totally happening! With an ALL CANADIAN TEAM, no less! It's really exciting to see him make this all happen.
As for me, I've always wanted to have my own comic published, so I'm excited about that. And yeah, TIGSource and the indie game community as a whole is really important to me, so I've been working hard to keep it flourishing. And OF COURSE I'm tinkering with some new game ideas... how could I not? ;)
If and when it feels right to work on the next part of the Aquaria story, Alec and I will both be there, totally... and I think the experiences we're having now will make us (and the game) all the better for it. In the meantime, you can look forward to the Mac version, the new patch, the soundtrack, and who knows what else! I'm also currently working on the next installment of the ongoing Aquaria development reflections, so look out for that! Bit Blot ain't going anywhere.
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Good to know Derek, very good to know. I just hope Alec isn't too busy with his new friends to work on Aquaria when the time comes.
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Good to know Derek, very good to know. I just hope Alec isn't too busy with his new friends to work on Aquaria when the time comes.
Dude, I'm around and waiting to work on stuff all the time. That's why I end up posting here so much. :D
I've been really frustrated by how slow things end up progressing with Bit Blot now that Derek is busy with other things, so this way we can both do what we want, and if we want to work on another project together, we'll both be down.
Its like having kids... you don't love one more than the other. Bit Blot and Infinite Ammo for life, baby. :)
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Hi Derek It's good to see you back here even if it's just for a flying visit :D
The rest from working together is good, it's just what The Beatles and many other great teams should of done and didn't, and it's the reason for their break up when it happened. They were just stuck in eachother's company 24 hours a day for months and years, so it's no wonder they broke up, the only wonder was that they didn't break up sooner.
In other words do get back together soon but only as soon as you feel is right :D we will be patient because we have got to be :D
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Haha, thanks silverflagon! I really appreciate your understanding. :)
I'm very grateful to the people who play and enjoy Aquaria - you guys are a strong positive force in my life. ^-^
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*Thinks positive thoughts*
Feel it! You deserve it! ;D
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Phew!
Glad to know that Bit Blot and Aquaria aren't going anywhere. Scared me there for a bit. I think all in all it's a good thing, this step back between Alec and Derek...don't think even for a second though that I'm giving up on an Aquaria sequel, and I'm glad you guys aren't giving up either.
Just take all the time you need and have as much fun making it as we had playing it. We'll be waiting.
Glad to know that you two are still friends as well Alec and Derek. It would stink to lose a good friend who you've worked with over a little downtime.
Can't wait to see what you guys are going to come up with next. We're all waiting to see what Alec and Derek, the gods of indie games, are coming up with next.
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I can't think of anyone else I could have pulled off a game like that with. No, not even John Romero. :o
Probably all he would have done is make you his bitch!
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I can't think of anyone else I could have pulled off a game like that with. No, not even John Romero. :o
Probably all he would have done is make you his bitch!
lol
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I can't think of anyone else I could have pulled off a game like that with. No, not even John Romero. :o
Probably all he would have done is make you his bitch!
(http://cache.kotaku.com/gaming/johnromero.jpg)
*swoon*
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Lol.
Doom FTW.
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Daikatana (http://www.gamespot.com/features/btg-daikatana/) for the Double Win.
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BUMP: Super awesome new post up (http://infiniteammo.ca/blog/chief-artistic-battlecop/).
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BUMP: Super awesome new post up (http://infiniteammo.ca/blog/chief-artistic-battlecop/).
If that is an example of her artwork then I just have to agree Alec, that is awesome artwork :D
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BUMP: Super awesome new post up (http://infiniteammo.ca/blog/chief-artistic-battlecop/).
If that is an example of her artwork then I just have to agree Alec, that is awesome artwork :D
'Tis! She made it for the post, actually.
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She's brilliant :D
And I don't say that lightly either...
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She's brilliant :D
And I don't say that lightly either...
You should let her know that in the comments! :) I'm sure she'd appreciate it.
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I would say the same thing, she's definitely amazingly talented, an amazing find! Not to mention beautiful! However the zombified self-portrait kind of makes me cringe. Once I went to her webpage, I just had to check out all the artwork and her linked galleries. Amazing stuff, even the pictures that aren't completed are amazing pieces.
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Zombies~! ;D
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She's brilliant :D
And I don't say that lightly either...
You should let her know that in the comments! :) I'm sure she'd appreciate it.
I will Alex, sorry I've been a bit out of it this last week or I would of left a post at the time. :-[ I've been worried sick about my son's state of mind :'(
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I will Alex, sorry I've been a bit out of it this last week or I would of left a post at the time. :-[ I've been worried sick about my son's state of mind :'(
:o I hope everything is going alright!
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Me too Silver; I hope everything is well with your son or at least gets well soon!
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And my axe!
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Thank you everyone, things are settling down I was really worried sick about his state of mind there for a while, it was a terrible week but having Aquaria to lose myself in did help a great deal. :-*
I lost a friend to cancer a few years ago and a game helped me then, if I didn't have something to occupy my mind I would of gone crazy watching her shrink away to nothing. Life huh! :(
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Thank you everyone, things are settling down I was really worried sick about his state of mind there for a while, it was a terrible week but having Aquaria to lose myself in did help a great deal. :-*
I lost a friend to cancer a few years ago and a game helped me then, if I didn't have something to occupy my mind I would of gone crazy watching her shrink away to nothing. Life huh! :(
That's good to hear. I'm glad that things are settling down. Sorry to hear about your losses of a friend to cancer. I lost my biological father to cancer as well. I never really got a chance to get to know him, even though I gave him plenty of chances to do so.
My grandfather just had a stroke and lost feeling in his legs and part of his face and is in the hospital right now, so I know how it is to need something to take your mind of things. Specially while I'm out at sea and have no means of going to visit him for support.
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And my axe!
wtf, your axe?! I'm so confused!!
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wtf, your axe?! I'm so confused!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPGzj2L3n0
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And my axe!
wtf, your axe?! I'm so confused!!
And me DM, wtf is he talking about or has he just jumpled up Alec's name?
I hope that your Grandfather will be ok DM, and thank you for your kind thoughts for my loss, it does still hurt but I have had time to come to terms with her death now.
I now realise what those words mean, they don't mean that you no longeer grieve, they just mean that you become used to the grief and understand that it's an important part of having friends and family. Better to have loved and lost etc..
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silverflagon: I'm sure it has something to do with the random youtube link he posted, but I can't view it anyways. Yet another domain that is banned from US military personal, probably to save bandwidth. I could go with a description so that it would help me understand, but it's so random I'm sure it doesn't really matter. Anyways, thanks for the support too. :)
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I know it's to do with a game now DM, one I played and got really bored with a while back :D
He will be ok I'm sure, it just takes time to regain some of what he's lost and hopefully it won't happen again..
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Woah, sounds like great and interesting news. :) I like how Alec talked about "Alquaria 1". ;)
Dude, I'm around and waiting to work on stuff all the time. That's why I end up posting here so much. :D
Yeah, you are one neat workaholic - but as long as you like it as much as you do, you won't burn out and we will have new cool games faster. :D
A... new forum? Nautilus prime, I can't visit another forum regular! (And if, it'd probably be Tigsource - but then it'd be sad that I didn't do it a few years ago when I first learned about it... :P)