Mazimadu's Blog

Mazimadu visits Nintendo

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 02:35:00 +0000

Today I was fortunate enough to visit the Nintendo Store in Manhattan. I was originally there for a meeting with a media group but the meeting was called off and I didn't want to go home feeling like I wasted my time coming to the city. So I decided to spend time with my nostalgia. The Nintendo Store feels more like a Nintendo Museum since it has a sculpture of Mario greeting you at the entrance. Not just any Mario, a "Golden Mario".

Shigeru Miyamoto was here. Also say hi.

Creepy Miyamoto muppet greets you as you explore the Star Fox exhibit.

Life sized Donkey Kong gets it on

Mario gives all the people on the 2nd flor a pole dance

Looks at all the Gameboys. I want one!

While the store at first seemed to be business as usual, there was a very special event going on today. Over in San Francisco E3 is taking place and a new Zelda game would be announced. While the world has to wait till next year to play Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, us in New York got the privilege of playing it first ahead of E3. The game looks great actually and is looking like the biggest Zelda game so far.

While I didn't get this huge poster, I did take home a nice horizontal poster.

Nintendo reps giving a speech on the upcoming game.

If the reps are to be believed, Link will be able to climb on everything.

Looks like cooking will be a big part of this game. Along with camp fires. What is this, Demon Souls?

From what I was able to see, the game looks, feels and plays like a cross between Skyrim, Dark Souls and Monster hunter. It even has stealth mechanics since you can now sneak up on enemies and deploy stealth kills. Enemies also drop loot that can be used to craft new items. There was a big emphasis on food since link could pick up lots of raw meat and vegetables. These can be cooked at a camp fire and even has a catchy tune that plays when this happens. I guess this means that hearts are out and Kebabs are in.

I guess with the Wii U out, we will have to play with this tablet in the game. Or is this a hint at what the NX would look like?

This map is not to scale, There are actually 5 pieces surrounding it. Not sure how big this game will be relative to Skyrim.

Meanwhile over at E3, nothing!

Creepy Starfox was like WHAT??

To be honest I don't know how I am suppose to feel about this. While I am aware that the series needs a serious face life for the new generation, this feels a bit too different for my taste. The game clearly borrows a lot from its contemporaries like the scale and stealth from Skyrim. One of the biggest imitations is coming from the Soul Games, a series which borrows a lot from the Zelda games. I didn't see any of the Zelda personality I remember from the previous games. It's still a good looking game. I may actually be wrong and I have to admit it is nostalgia that is making me feel weary but I will reserve any judgement on the games quality until the game comes out "sometime in 2017". At least I saw it first in NY and for that I am grateful. Thank you Nintendo, keep making great games.

Sure took me long enough

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 03:51:00 +0000

With 2016 on the horizon, I feel now would be a good time to get back to blogging. I always thought that a good blog was one that has a lot of things in it with post coming out every week. But the truth is you have to live a fairly interesting life so that you have interesting things to say in you blog. At first I thought that I didn't have one so I sorta gave up on blogging. But then I realized that the whole point of these is to say what is on ones mind. It seems with internet celebrity culture some of us got distracted from the writing in the first place. Besides I never needed all that jazz anyway.

So What have I been up to?

We I did say long before the iPhone was a thing that I would focus on mobile and I have been doing just that. After I graduated I traveled around the country working in various software related jobs. I was a web developer, then java developer, then mobile developer. Unfortunately having such a broad skill set gave me a jack of all trades feeling. I never really found a skill set I was truly a master of. So now I am dedicating my time to learning the android OS as part of my Engineering Master Project. And what better way to do so then to explore some of the more experimental parts of the Operating system.

So What am I doing now?

I am working with Google Project Tango.

This is Google's 3D motion sensing and mapping technology that they have been working on since 2014. This aims to bring the same technologies seen in Augmented reality devices like, Occulus Rift and Kinect to the mobile. I recently got the Dev Kit in the mail the other day

After some software updating it works like a charm. and is quite fast. A bit hot under the collar, but it is able to map out a room in 3D quite nicely. I will post screenshots of it in action later.

I am also started watching Rurouni Kenshin. This show has now become my favorite anime. I love the blend of shonen style action and kurosawa style movie tropes to make for one hell of a suspenseful series. I just finished season 1 and will start season 2 tomorrow. Till then I will be seeing you guys.

Fast post: A sketch

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Here is another old sketch I made. Fast colored for my convenience.

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Also, here is an updated version of all the kyles

The Squares [comic]: Punching Bag

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Here is another comic that I made using the new art style I created. I actually drew this comic WAY back in 2011, but never got around to actually writing dialog until yesterday. Because of my rather busy schedule, I decided to scan them in, adjust the contrast and use Multiply to color in the few details. The result is a rather artsy look. Still needs some work, but better than my last comic in my opinion.I unfortunately scanned the comic in at a rather LARGE resolution. Since I also didn't do any inking, the thing came out to a 1600x1198. Because of this, I have included a small preview of the comic below. Click in the link for the full thing.

[LINK]

Spriter: A tool to look out for

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:36:00 +0000

Personally, I am a fan of 2d platformers and an even bigger fan of games that make use of large multi-sprited bosses. Games like Gunstar Heroes, Castlevania and Contra have some of the coolest looking bosses (and in some cases, coolest boss fights) in video games and all that is made possible using this technique.

A very small list of examples

In some of my earlier games, I tried experimenting with this technique but fell short since I lacked a good tool that could make this easier.

Early attempt at multisprite bosses. Found in level 3 of Kyle's Quest

One tool that caught my eye is the Spriter project in Port Richey. The tool is an animation tool for creating highly detailed 2d real-time game characters and effects. It claims that it can provide all the features need to create 2d animations such as tweening and keyframing. It also allows for XML exports, perfect with for Game Maker Studio. The project is on KickStarter and needs donations to get finished.

Link Here

Letter to Yoyo Games: GM Studio hates Tiles And HTML5 hates backgrounds

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Dear Yoyo Team

I am a long time user of game maker and have been using the software for 5 years now. Usually when ever there is a jump from one version to the next I usually wait a while for all the kinks to be removed before I get the next version. But GMS and GMHTML5 are the exception to the rule and I choose to get these now that they are in Beta to learn the program while it gets improved. So far, things have been quite nice and I cant wait to get my hands on the finished version so I can start Android development. Unfortunately, I ran into a few critical presentation problems, each unique to GMS and GMHTML5 respectively.

Now I have been developing a new Squares game (another one) and have created some placeholder assets to test out my engine. Nothing to shabby. Sprites, tiles and a few parallax scrolling backgrounds. I did this from scratch using GMHTML5 and since it is using the GM8 runner, the results were as I expected below.

here, I set the backgrounds to tile horizontally but not vertically.

In HTML5, the result was similar, but the Backgrounds tile vertically instead of horizontally. Below

I imported the project into GM studio and ran it with the C++ runner. Here ther background problem is fixed, but...

WTF is up with those tiles. The pointer to the tiles seems to be messed up. They also have shrunk for some reason . Weird.

While I could easily post to the bug tracker, I felt that it would be better if everyone actively using the program saw the differences that seem to be present in each version of GM. I am confident that the yoyo team will fix this little bug and appreciate the hard work they put into the project. Till then I will be waiting patiently for the issue(s) to be fixed.

Sincerely

Mazimadu

See responses on Game Maker Community Here

The Squares: Cloudy quest demo

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:38:00 +0000

With GMHTML5 and GM Studio in beta, I have been testing out its capabilities on various devices. While my Droid eris gave the worst performance (no surprise there), my Herotab C8 was able to run quite smoothly even at a larger resolution.

What game am I talking about. Let me explain.

Back in February I wanted to make a HTML5 game for the global game jam that made use of only mouse input.This was scrapped due to time issues, but I revisited it since I found the gameplay interesting. So I continued and now have this little test.

The game has Kyle navigating the sky by swinging, grappling and getting fired from cannons. All controls use the left mouse button.

Game Maker Studio Benchtest

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:53:00 +0000

I am quite surprised that I have not updated this blog in quite a while. I have actually been busy making a short game to test out the power of Game Maker HTML5 as well as some mobile friendly game design. Expect a demo of my efforts in a few days. I have also been checking out Game Maker Studio Beta which just came out recently. I ran a simple bench test to see just how powerful it was. The results were quite impressive.

Here is the lowdown:

Test: A simple program that creates new instances of an object with 5 frames of animation, 45x45 size, at 60 fps. Screen size 800x480. Attempts to see how many objects it would take to drop the frame rate to 30 fps:

Results:

Version	Max numbers
Delphi runner	2340
C++ runner	2231
Android(Herotab C8)	1945
Android(Droid Eris)	905
HTML5	385

Quote of the week:

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:06:00 +0000

A man walking on the beach saw a child reaching down to pick up small objects and then throwing them into the ocean. He called out “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?” The child looked up and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”

“I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” To this, the child replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the man commented, “But do you not realize that there are thousands of starfish? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

At this, the child bent down, picked up a starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, “It made a difference for that one.”

Adapted – Loren Eiseley “The Star Thrower”

DSC Resources on Job Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

I was surfing the net for potential job openings when I found this little group of articles. Here in the USA, there are a few main ways people find jobs. One way is to visit a career fair and see who is hiring. Another is to search company sites, look at newspaper openings or Career search engines (Such as Dice and Monster ). And the method I am using is putting my resume out to Staffing and Hiring firms who specialize in finding employees for big companies. Here in Dallas, there are a bunch of hiring firms that focus on supplying the many large corporations here with the staff they need. All you need to do is find the right firm working in the right field and send in your resume. If an opening comes up and you fit the bill, you will most likely be contacted.

While browsing the DSC Resources site, I came across some nice set of articles tailored for those who are job hunting for the first time or those who need advice advancing their career. Below are the 5 pages listed in there entirety with no content left out:

Job Hunting Etiquette
Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you can be taken seriously. Etiquette is also about being comfortable around people (and making them comfortable around you!). The most important thing to remember is to be courteous and thoughtful to the people around you. The old clique still holds true “You do not get a second chance to make a first impression” and in today’s job market this is more than just what you look like or what you say. You should make sure you have thought through the whole package – emails, phone, dress and so forth.

Here are some things to consider;

Interviews

Arrive early, or be prepared for your phone interview early, there is nothing worse than at the last minute finding out the phone number you have is not working, or missing a digit and then being late for the interview because you are struggling to get the right information.

See more tips by reading "Tips for a Successful Interview" or “How to Ensure a Successful Phone Interview.”

Misc.

Keep track of where and whom you have been submitted to, not just through recruiters, but on your own. Not only can it put you in a situation where you will miss out on an opportunity because of being double submitted, but it also tells people you mean business and are taking your career, job hunt and future seriously.

The proper handshake is very important because it is one of the first impressions you make in an interview. Use your right hand and give a firm handshake -- just don't squeeze too hard. The handshake should be brief, but long enough for both parties to say each other's name in greeting. A firm handshake communicates confidence, interest, and respect. Other handshake issues to avoid: limp handshakes, clammy handshakes, and sweaty handshakes.

You should always stand when someone walks into the room, regardless of their gender. When someone enters the room, you should rise if you are seated, smile, extend your hand and greet the person with a firm handshake.

You should place your name tag on your right shoulder is because during the handshake (using your right hand), the other person's eyes naturally follow your right arm up to your head to make eye contact, allowing time to slip another look at your name on your name tag.

Telephone

The number you use on your contact information should always be used in a professional way, since you never know whether the person ringing is a hiring manager or HR representative, rather than just a friend.

Do not answer the phone if you are in the wrong environment, people can leave a message and then you can call back when you are in a suitable environment and mindset. Answering the phone with screaming kids, or construction noise not only means you cannot hear them well, but you are also not focusing at your best.

Make sure your voicemail is working, that it is not full and your message is professional. Don’t use humor, music, or cute greetings from your kids. “hey dude, I’m out drinking, I’ll call you when I can” is not the best first impression, nor is your 3 year old answering the phone. Keep younger children off the phone until they are old enough to answer the phone politely and take a message appropriately.

If you have call waiting, ignore the beep while you’re on the phone with a contact or prospective employer. The second caller can always call back later or leave a message, give your first caller your full attention.

Turn off cell phones while in business lunches, interviews or job fairs- or at least switch it to a silent mode.

Return calls from a land-line in a quiet room (rather than a cell phone, which might not sound as clear) if at all possible.

Treat a phone interview with the same formality as you would an in-person interview. Be prepared.

Make sure there are no distractions or interruptions. Even though the other person can’t see what’s going on, they will know if they don’t have your full attention while you skim read an email or surf the web, or text a friend while talking with them.

Email

Check your email address, what is cute and fun to your friends can set that first impression before you realize. If you are not sure there are plenty of sites that you can get a free email address for the time of your job hunt and go with something very generic, like your name.

It is recommended to send a quick summary in the email and not just attach your resume. This adds a little personality and chance to grab someone’s attention to take the next step and open your resume. If you are really interested in the position tailoring your summary and skills to what they are looking for will put you a step ahead of the others.

Make sure your have clear contact details both in your email and your resume. Most people do not have the time to go hunting how to reach you. Include a clear Name, telephone number and email address, so people can have a choice of how to reach you. Yes, some of this is in the To and From sections, remember that you are communicating with a person.

Do not type in all CAPS. Emails are still a written medium, so follow standard writing guidelines, such as checking spelling, as a professional courtesy.

Learn to use your e-mail software well- be sure you can competently attach a document, or open an attachment, or access a web page from a URL.

If you receive a job lead by e-mail, make sure you follow the instructions exactly for responding to it. Many times these go to an automated system, so be sure you format your responses correctly.

Answer all e-mails promptly. Recruiters and companies using automated means to find candidates often judge a candidate’s responsiveness as a qualifying factor for a job.

Fill out online forms in the format the company asks for.

Ensure that you have anti-virus software installed and working properly. Sending an infected e-mail or document to a prospective employer is not a great way to make a good impression.

Dress

Being wrinkled, unshaven, smelly or unkempt communicates (intentionally or not) that you do not care enough about the situation, the people or the company to present yourself respectably.

If in doubt, always err on the side of conservative. It is better to dress to impress, than to fit in. You want to be taken seriously and stand out from the crowd, you can always dress with the crowd once you have the job.

Dining

Remember that eating is your secondary objective. Concentrate more on the conversation than the food – making a good impression if your first priority.

The fork goes on the left, spoon and knife on the right.

Utensils, once used, should never again touch the table. Rest them on a saucer or plate.

Food items (bread) is on the left, and drinks (water) are on the right.

Banquet table – you may start eating when two people to your left and right are served.

If you have not been served, but most of your table has, encourage others to start.

Reach only for items in front of you, ask for other items to be passed.

Don’t smoke or drink alcohol, unless EVERYONE else at the table is doing so. Even then, practice extreme moderation.

Networking

It’s okay to ask for help from your family, friends, former co-workers, etc. Even if they’re not in your field, they may know of an opportunity.

Always be appreciative of any tips you receive, whether or not they pan out.

Be sure to return the favor and if you run across leads that others in your “network” may be interested in, be sure to pass them on.

Keep in contact with people you meet, and be as friendly and helpful as you can.

Be positive about yourself and your job search with the people you meet. No whining about the miseries of being between jobs

Job Fairs

Dress as if for an interview, carry a few résumés in a briefcase, but don’t give them out unless asked. This is a more appropriate place for informal conversation and a good place to use your business cards.

Have a 20-second “sound bite” that explains the basics of what your qualifications are and the type of position you’re looking for. Practice this until it rolls off your tongue. Use this “sound bite,” or a version of it, when you’re introduced or when you introduce yourself.

Don’t launch into 10-minute monologues about your history or accomplishments. Remember that the purpose of a job fair is just to generate leads. The person you’re speaking with is probably not the final hiring decision point.

When someone hands you a business card, don’t just shove it into your pocket. Take some interest in it. Memorize the person’s name, ask them a question about their company or position, and then put it away carefully. Treating a business card with respect communicates respect and appreciation of the person who gave it to you.

Don’t interrupt employer representatives who are conversing with others. Make a note of the booth and come back later.

When approaching a group of people conversing, make eye contact with the person currently speaking, and wait for them to finish before coming up and introducing yourself.

Following Up

Send a thank-you note or card immediately following an interview. (Telephone or in person.) Your ulterior motive is for the thank-you note to get to them while their impressions from the interview are still fresh. Also send thank you notes for job leads. Let him or her know that you’re still interested in the position, if you are. If you discover during the interview that the job is not a good fit for you, thank the interviewer for his time. Express interest in other positions at that company, if appropriate. Thank you notes should always be done the traditional way- as a card or letter that arrives by mail. An e-mail thank-you is usually fine for a job lead or other kinds of help.

Don’t call (or e-mail) more than twice a week, unless they ask you to “keep checking back.” There is a fine line between persistence (which is good) and annoyance (which is bad.) Always be polite with whoever answers the phone.

Working with a Recruiter
Finding a job is no small feat. Locating positions of interest and convincing employers you are the one to hire appears simple. In reality, it can be unnerving and frustrating, particularly if the search has been a lengthy one. Enlisting the assistance of a specialized recruiter can ease some of the pressure and help you target your efforts to only the most promising opportunities.

Types of Recruiters
There are several types of recruiters, but the mechanics and psychology of recruiting are all the same.

Corporate recruiters are employed by a company for the purpose of finding and qualifying new employees for the organization.

Contingency recruiters don't typically have an exclusive relationship with the company. They are paid a fee only if the company hires a candidate discovered through their efforts. (Most third party recruiters fall into this category.)

Third party recruiters are subcontracted to by a company for the same purpose. Several different types of third party recruiters exist, but the main difference between them lies in how they are compensated.

Both third party recruiters are paid by the hiring company, but retained recruiters typically have an "exclusive" with the company. They are paid a portion of their fee upfront with the balance paid when the search is over. Retained recruiters are typically used for executive level positions.

Why work with Recruiters?

Sometimes it is about whom you know

Professional recruiters have deep networks of business contacts within a wide range of companies and industries. While you are diligently scouring newspaper and Internet ads, they can uncover leads and vacancies that have not been advertised or even announced, thus giving you an advantage over job seekers who rely solely on information that is posted in the public domain.

Recruiters also can serve as career advisers

They can work with you to refine your application materials. A skilled recruiting professional can offer guidance on everything from answering tough interview questions to negotiating the best compensation package to how to dress for your first day of work. They also can help you navigate career crossroads and explore new fields.

Tips to Working with a Recruiter

Not all recruiters are created equal

When selecting a recruiter, it's important that the individual is an expert in his or her field. For example, if you are hoping to find work as a Storage Architect, someone who has experience in the Information Technology field will be better able to understand your needs and the expectations of potential employers. Above all, you must be comfortable with the person with whom you have partnered and confident that he or she has your best interests at heart. In addition, remember that you should receive a recruiter's assistance free of charge. These individuals are paid a fee by companies to locate qualified candidates, so view with suspicion any recruiter who asks you to pay for job-search services.

The more information, the better

When talking with a recruiter for the first time, be open and honest about your background, experience and career aspirations. He or she needs to know as much about your professional life as possible to find the right position for you. Are you looking for a Civil Engineer role in a large corporate or small business setting? What are your salary requirements? Are you willing to travel? The information you provide may prompt the recruiting professional to suggest promising positions or career paths that you had not previously considered. You also should disclose to your recruiter any aspects of your work history that may generate concern from prospective employers, such as a long period of unemployment or termination. Sharing your current job search progress is also valuable in moving things forward. The more upfront you are, the easier it will be for a recruiter to assist you.

Keep Lines of Communication Open

When trying to place candidates in their ideal position, timing is everything! It is important that you provide your recruiter with multiple methods for getting in touch with you. DSC recruiters provide their candidates with an office line, email, and cell phone number; doing the same in return ensures you won’t miss out on great opportunities.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say "No"

We’ve all been in situations in which we don’t want to disappoint someone else. In the recruiting industry, the sooner you can tell your recruiter, “This position is not a good fit”, the better off we will all be. It’s better to wait for the next great opportunity than to have you, our client, and DSC be dissatisfied with your new job. However, do not rush to make judgment before fully checking out each opportunity.

Patience

Although using the services of a skilled recruiter can significantly improve your odds of locating employment, even the most successful recruiting professionals need time to find the perfect position for the job seekers they represent. So, don't get discouraged. Recruiters continually mine their sources for job leads and may suddenly discover an opportunity that is right for you. If you'd like a status update, don't be afraid to call your recruiter with questions. Checking in with him or her on a regular basis ensures both of you remain focused on the best opportunities for you. A skilled recruiting professional can help you find the right job faster and open doors to new opportunities. By researching firms and maintaining communication, you'll be in the best position to locate and secure your next position.

Follow up, follow up, follow up

After each employment interview your recruiter arranges, call to let him or her know how the meeting went. Your feedback can provide information that can be leveraged in follow-up communication with the employer. This could pave the way to a second or final interview. By following up, you also may receive valuable insight into your interview skills and learn about any concerns expressed by the hiring manager. Throughout the relationship, be forthright in communicating any changes in your career needs or availability. If you're interviewing for other jobs that you've set up on your own, let your recruiter know. He or she may have contacts at the company and be able to help you secure the position.

How to Ensure a Successful Phone Interview
The interview is arguably the most critical step in the hiring process. It is the only method for hiring managers to become personally acquainted with you and to ensure there is a good fit for their organization. In this fast-paced, global environment, phone interviews are becoming more and more important and can be the initial phase of the hiring process, or even the only type of interviews you have.

Before the Interview
Treat a phone interview with the same formality as you would an in-person interview. Be prepared;

Make sure you have checked the number, does it have enough digits? If appropriate call if beforehand (out of hours?), or call a few minutes early to make sure you have the right number and wait until you are joined.

Have a note pad, pen and your resume in front of you.

Spelling out the name of the person who will conduct the interview. Say the name out loud until you are comfortable with it and are sure you are pronouncing it correctly.

Having some printed information about the company in front of you. This way, you can refer to any pertinent corporate information during the interview and answer any questions that may come up.

Preparing a list of questions you intend to ask during the interview. Asking questions demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm about the organization, its direction, and the hiring manager's knowledge and expertise.

Take a few minutes before your scheduled phone call to gather your thoughts and get in the right frame of mind.

Solitary Confinement & the Right Setting

Find a quiet, secluded room where you will be separated from television background noise.

Calls should be made from a land-line, rather than a cell phone, which might not sound as clear, if at all possible.

Be sure that everyone in the house knows you are taking an important phone call and are not to be disturbed. Make sure that no one picks up an extension in another room until after the interview is complete.

Make sure there are no distractions or interruptions. Even though the other person can’t see what’s going on, they will know if they don’t have your full attention while you skim read an email or surf the web, or text a friend while talking with them.

If you have call waiting, ignore the beep while you’re on the phone with a contact or prospective employer. The second caller can always call back later or leave a message, give your first caller your full attention.

Cell phones should be off, or switched to vibrate.

Emails should be off, it is important that you do not accidently get distracted with something that caught your eye.

Have a glass of water nearby so you can take a drink when your mouth gets dry. (Just don't sip audibly enough for the interviewer to hear you!)

Do not chew gum or eat while you are on the phone. While you may be very quiet about it, a careful listener will still pick up on what you're doing.

The Interview
Here are a few steps to follow during the interview:

Take the time to greet the interviewer with the same enthusiasm that would be demonstrated face-to-face. This initial impression should set a positive tone that will carry through the rest of the interview

Be sure to speak clearly into the phone and maintain a professional posture. Standing up helps keep you focused and gives your voice the right tone.

Maintain a positive, upbeat tone throughout the interview.

Give clear and well-thought-out answers to all questions. It is okay to pause when preparing for an answer, but try not to take too much time. You want to avoid any uncomfortable periods of silence. Remember, the hiring manager has no way of recognizing your reaction to the question, so it's impossible to see that you are formulating an answer.

Conclude by asking questions. Be sure to ask about the next step in the process and demonstrate your interest in becoming a member of the organization.

Confirm the hiring manager's mailing address so you can immediately send a thank-you letter.

Following Up

Send a thank-you note or card immediately following an interview.

Tips for a Successful Interview
The formal interview is still used by most employers, and chances are you will encounter one. They can be one-on-one or meeting a panel of the employers’ representatives. You may meet someone for the first time in a formal interview (previous contact through HR or a recruiter) or it may come after a considerable amount of contact by phone, e-mail, or informal meetings.
An interview is the best opportunity you will have to sell yourself to a prospective employer. However, an interview is a two-way conversation and it is your opportunity to gather information about the company, its needs and the specific position then relate this information to your skills and experience. While your primary goal should be to get the job offer, or at least the next interview, do not reject a position before you get an offer!
The interview is your best opportunity to stand out from the other candidates who are competing for the open position. What you say and how you act will go a long way towards determining if you get the job.
Investing a few minutes to prepare will help you with this critical step.

Before the Interview

Talk with the recruiter, or receptionist, or other person making arrangements so that you know the basics of directions to the office, where to park, the estimated length of the interview, who you will be meeting with and what you might be expected to bring, etc.

Make sure you have your resume and references available to fill out employment applications.

A notepad and pen to take notes, or at least prepared to take them.

Allow plenty of time for your interview, to get there, park, complete paperwork etc, to ensure that you will not be rushed.

Be informed about any current events about the company and industry before you arrive. Knowledge of the basic information impresses the interviewer with your interest and enables you to ask more detailed questions about the company and position, as well as being able let them know how you can contribute.

Find out as much as you can about your interviewers. (Look them up on Google, LinkedIn, and other online resources at a minimum). Clarify your professional short- and long-term goals. Be able to articulate them clearly. Professional goals do not always mean getting to the top of a corporation in a short time frame. They may include: attaining specific levels of achievement or production, creating a desirable work situation, or having a business of one's own. Short- and long-term goals should be consistent.

Know your resume. Re-familiarize yourself with past employers, roles, technologies, and employment dates. In addition to being familiar with the information on your resume, be ready to expand on any portion of it, and be able to relate it to the needs of the person interviewing you. Managers will inquire about all sorts of details found within your resume, and your inability to recall these events can be viewed as a potential resume embellishment or lie.

Analyze the job description. Although many job descriptions may not be as clear or complete as you would wish, take the time to understand the role and responsibilities potentially asked of you. This may also help you in preparing for potential interview questions.

Be prepared for the standard questions. Keep your answers specific and concise, and work to maintain a good balance of conservation with your interviewer. Try to limit answers to one or two minutes and be positive.

Prepare Your Answers in Advance. Even the best candidates struggle to recall specific situations and instances, especially in a stressful environment like an interview. A helpful tip is to recall 4 or 5 specific situations in which you were responsible for a favorable outcome. Once you’ve identified these scenarios, try to highlight them in a way that shows your teamwork, communication skills, determination, or ability to manage others. Having these scenarios handy will help you to quickly answer all types of behavioral questions.

Study up; make sure to take the time to review technical documentation, study guides, online interview questions, or technical assessments before interviewing for an extremely technical role.

Ask questions about the position, its opportunities and challenges, have some questions already prepared. Job candidates, who do not ask questions during an interview are often perceived as uninterested or lazy, so take the initiative and ask at least a few questions. Leave questions about pay, benefits, etc. until a second meeting, or let the employer bring up the topic.

Every interview is different. Be prepared for anything!!

The Interview

Remember, first impressions are everything during an interview. So be sure to use those first five seconds to look and sound your best. Also, your interview starts the moment you arrive at the company, so make sure you act professional at all times.

Do not arrive late, but also not more than fifteen minutes early. If you are going to be even a minute late, the best thing to do is to telephone the person you are scheduled to interview with.

Turn off your cell phone (or at least put it on vibrate)

Be pleasant to the parking attendants, receptionists, or other people you meet at that company, regardless of their position. They often play key roles in the organization and can offer assistance in numerous ways, so it's best to treat them with the respect they deserve. Also, they often report back to their bosses about how you behaved and treated them.

Stand when someone enters the room (either gender.)

Stand to be introduced.

Shake hands firmly with your right hand. This is one of your first impressions. A limp handshake can show disinterest and weakness, the arm pump handshake can be too aggressive. Your handshake should be firm, and you should look the person in the eye during the introduction/handshake.

Smile.

Make eye contact when appropriate and comfortable.

Carry a briefcase with extra copies of résumés, references, portfolios, work samples, and any other information they may be interested in. Offer them if they seem appropriate.

Do more listening than talking, but ask questions, especially if you need clarification. Maintaining eye contact shows confidence and interest in what the interviewer is saying. Listen through eye contact and expressions. Always wait until the speaker has finished; never interrupt.

Be enthusiastic and positive. Try to mirror the demeanor of the person interviewing you and display enthusiasm for the opportunity. Stay positive throughout the interview; do not speak negatively about previous employers or job experiences.

Sell Yourself. Tell the interviewer what you can offer specifically and emphasize what you will bring to the company.

Project self-confidence by speaking positively about your abilities, experience and willingness to acquire new skills.

Answer questions in an articulate and organized manner. Speak slowly, and be sure to use emphasis and inflection where appropriate.

Watch your body posture and body language. Slouching, leaning on the interviewer’s desk, and moving around are distracting.

Relate your work experience directly to the needs of the organization. Examples of past accomplishments effectively demonstrate your abilities.

If you are asked questions about your personal life, use them as opportunities to emphasize how well you balance your personal and professional life. Always keep your answers job-related.

When the interviewer ends your meeting, do not attempt to prolong it. Briefly express your strong interest in the company and the position, thank the interviewer for his or her time, and leave on a positive note and make sure the next steps are well-defined. Try: "I appreciate your time and the opportunity to meet with you. I am very interested in the position. When shall I check back with you?” is a good opener, because it leaves the control with YOU to call THEM back, without being pushy.

Call your recruiter with your feedback of the interview and interest in the position.

Your Appearance

Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview. You’ll feel more confident the better you look.

Avoid loud colors, faddish styles and anything that will be distracting. It is better to be too conservative in dress than not enough - white shirts, dark suits, etc.

Check the details of your grooming, including neatly combed and trimmed hair; clean, shave, manicured fingernails; wrinkle-free clothing; and polished shoes.

Follow Up

Send a thank-you note by the following day. Keep it brief and to the point. Thank the interviewer again for his or her time, restate your qualifications in terms of what you can do for the company, and express your interest in the position. Add any personal similarities you had to refresh their memory of you and your connection.

Prepare Your Answers To These Questions:

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you want to leave your current company?

How long were you at your former/current employer?

What are your long-term and short-term career goals?

What do you look for in a job?

Tell me about your work experience.

What do you know about the company?

Why should we hire you?

What is your biggest strength?

What is your biggest weakness?

How would your last boss and colleagues describe you?

What has been your most important accomplishment?

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

If they should ask, be prepared to name a salary range.

Questions To Ask:

While you should always customize questions for a particular company or job, here are a few suggested questions for you to ask your interviewer:
How long have you been in your position?

What do you like best about your position?

What are your expectations for this position?

Do you have any concerns about my job qualifications? (This gives you the opportunity to overcome those concerns with reasons why you are qualified.)

Finally ...

An interview is an important part of the hiring process. Remember:
Prepare for it like you would for any important meeting or presentation.

During the interview, present yourself and your qualifications confidently.

Listen carefully, and ask appropriate questions.

Close the interview on a positive note.

Frequently Asked Questions
I have never used a recruiting service before; how do I get started?
Most job seekers submit a resume to initiate their relationship. You can send us your resume -recruiter@dscresources.com.

I’m looking for a permanent job - can DSC Resources help me?
Yes. DSC Resources places people in three ways: direct placement, contract-to-hire, and contract positions.

Why should I use DSC Resources to find my next position instead of responding to job postings and advertisements?
One difference is that DSC Resources recruiters submit your resume for positions not advertised to the general public. Our staff personally place your resume in the hiring manager’s hands to ensure your resume receives the attention it deserves. We also help tailor your resume so that a hiring manager can see that you are the best candidate for the position, utilizing our 15 + years of experience doing just that. And unlike some others, our service is a free career resource. We want to connect you with your next career opportunity.

In what types of jobs does DSC Resources specialize?
We connect our clients with professionals who work in the IT and Engineering professions.

What companies or types of companies does DSC Resources work with?
Our customers are Fortune 500, mid-market, and emerging companies. They represent a wide variety of industries, including banking, defense, wireless, education, consulting, technology, insurance, energy, and healthcare.

What is the process once I submit my resume to DSC Resources?
Once you register your information with DSC Resources, a recruiter will contact you for a quick interview and ask questions regarding your professional history, skills, and work preferences. The more we know about you, the better we can match you to your perfect employment position. Once interviews are completed, you can expect a DSC Resources recruiter to contact you when positions suiting your area of expertise become available. This is just the first step in establishing a long-term interactive relationship with you. It is our interest and our business to connect talented people like you with the right opportunity.

When can I expect to find a new position?
We cannot offer any kind of timetable, as there are many variables outside our control. Your placement depends on what our customers are seeking, and as much as we wish we could predict all of their needs, we simply cannot. A Recruiter will contact you if a suitable position becomes available.

Can DSC Resources help me find a new position whether I’m looking across the country or in my own city?
Yes. DSC Resources works with client companies located throughout the United States. We will discuss your preferences in our initial interview and enter that information into our search criteria.

SOURCE:Link

Welcome to texas!

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:17:00 +0000

Currently I am posting this blog from a restaurant in Texas. I have been here for about 3 weeks and am finding it quite nice. I finally graduated with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and came over to be closer to all the tech firms, as well as get my bearings. The only problem I have is the lack of public transportation. I live around Plano and I have to take a car to get to the dart rail.
While job hunting has been slow I am much more relaxed and have the time and energy to finally make a game. I hope I can keep this energy up. If I can I will finish this one.
Also, found this in the dollar store.

GameMaker HTML5 test: Kyle's dream Port

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:39:00 +0000

Yoyogames has finally released a working beta of their popular 2D game making tool set. For $99 ($70 for early adopters) I got the tool and have been playing with it. While not all of the features have been implemented, it has proven to be a powerful tool with lots of potential.

I tested it out by making a quick and dirty port of the first game I ever made with Game Maker. Here is the original, unedited version of The Squares: Kyle's dream.

Enjoy

LINK HERE

Also Check out GameMaker HTML5

Game Maker HTML5: Skydiver Mack 2

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Yoyogames.com is currently preparing to release the beta version of the New HTML5 port of Game Maker, the software I use to make games. Currently they have released some experimental demos of what it can do that so far can run on most modern browsers (assuming you have updated to the more recent versions).

With that said, here is a copy of one demo. It is Skydiver Mack 2 by Chad Chisholm.

Enjoy

Your browser does not support iframes.

Tiny Balls HTML5

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Mazimadu's Sketchbook

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:04:00 +0000

Last time I blogged, I made fun of yoyo games and highlighted the shortcomings of their new home page. But that is not why I am blogging today. I am here in regards to the blog before that, concerning the poster I was making for the upcoming Squares game I am making. The game is 85% complete and I am currently in the process of putting together the final stage and the final boss. Cyrus introduced me to the Sk2d engine (well, indirectly. He was working on a project if I remember) And now I am using it to build my own game.

BEHOLD, GIANT ENEMY CRAB

As for the poster, I have drawn and colored the the final draft using color pencils. When I find the time, I will use my computer to draw it in vector art and shade for details. Here is the final draft.

While doing this I also thought it would be a good idea to show you what lurks between the pages of my sketch book. I have been trying to find an art style that works well with my current skill level. Still trying, but feel I am making progress. I may probably get anime studio some time down the road. The software looks really easy to use and produces some good results. I don't know if it would be ideal for sprites but I will find out when I get it. However, I am very proficient in flash so I will save that idea for another project.

What was I about to do again? 0_0, oh yeah the sketches.
(Note, I dont have a scanner. All these pictures were taken with my camera)

In other news, I am currently studying for grad school. I have to take the GRE next month so I will have to rush through development this week. Also, with the next semester fast approaching I am feverishly thinking of what to make for my final project. I currently have an Arduino micro controller and intend to use it for my project. The Arduino is quite a powerful device (about 16 MHz or so) and has been use to make some pretty interesting projects. You can find a rather exhaustive list at Instructables.com (http://www.instructables.com/tag/type-id/category-technology/channel-arduino/).

Gotta go, got some reading to do. Peace out.

The Squares update (Making a poster)

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 03:49:00 +0000

Currently, the squares game is 75% complete. The end is almost in sight and all I have to do is design a few levels, the final boss fight and the final ending. I still intend to add extra features like online leader boards, hidden content and achievements, but first get the main content out of the way first.

A few weeks ago, I thought it would be a good idea to replace the current poster I have of the game with one more polished and professional looking. So I shopped around Deviantart and ran into a guy called Manos, under the user name SuperManosBros. (http://supermanosbros.deviantart.com/)

We got into some talking and he said he would help me out with the new poster. This guy has one of the most exaggerated art styles I have seen in a while. His work reminds me of something from Beano or MAD magazine. I asked him to redraw my characters in his style and I got back some of the wildest versions of my characters to date.

So with Manos' artistic talents I got a few draft of the new poster.

After some careful thought, I decided to get the best parts of each draft and combine them to form a new poster reminiscent of the old castlevania game. The resulting draft looks something like this (sorry I dont have a scanner).

I expect the full poster to have much more detail as well as a nice color palette. In the mean time, I better get that game finished. It has been a long road but it is almost over. While we wait, enjoy these pictures.

1. My version of Manos' Kyle

2. My version of Manos' Lana (Decreased the bust a little)

3. The most deceptive Clint Eastwood poster ever (This is not a post-apocalyptic movie)

Harder checkers game for me

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 19:11:00 +0000

I was looking for a more difficult checkers game on the internet and found this one on thinks.com

http://thinks.com/java/checkers/checkers.htm

If you so much as manage to beat the computer on level 10, let me know.

The Squares: The princess in the castle (Official demo)

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:18:00 +0000

Oh yes! After many months of tinkering, the true demo to the next square game is finally out. Despite being torn between school work and other projects, I managed to put in a lot of work into this one. This is not a true Square game but rather a spin-off parody. You still get to play as Kyle, who is out to save his friend Lana, but with a twist.

The Squares: The princess in the castle

Version: 1.3.2

CATEGORY: Platformer

STORY: A princess has been cursed to remain in a haunted castle for a millennium. Cut off from the outside world, only a brave warrior with a heart of gold can break the curse. You are tasked with entering the castle to save the fair maiden from her fate.

Unfortunately, the princess isn't too happy to see you. In fact, she is pretty pissed.

REALLY, REALLY PISSED!

Now the rules have changed.
Stop the princess from blowing up the castle, save yourself, and grab some precious booty along the way.

Will you survive the wrath of the princess in the castle?

FEATURES:

Fast paced action with multiple enemies on screen
Ever present enemy princess who flees, taunts and sets traps
Player can double jump and attack in 5 directions
Player can block (and even deflect) most attacks
Fully animated cut scenes made using Adobe flash

DOWNLOAD: This is a demo

Box.net
Yoyogames

CONTROLS:
Arrow keys: Move left and right, aim
Down key: Block attacks
Z:       Attack, Hold to run
X:         Jump and double jump
Enter:     Pause
Esc:       Exit
F4:       Fullscreen

TODO LIST:

More enemies
More levels
More bosses
Online high score table (for gems and speed)
More taunts

The science 'X Factor' with a 1bn euro prize

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Ah, tech. Where would we be without it. After browsing BBC's Click page I stumbled upon the new tech which is getting attention in Europe. These are the new technology that will be researched over the next ten years.

Science 'X Factor' with big prize

visit here.

One thing that caught my attention was the material graphene, a flexible carbon semiconductor that could change the way electronics are made.

Graphene has been touted as the "miracle material" of the 21st Century.

Said to be the strongest material ever measured, an improvement upon and a replacement for silicon and the most conductive material known to man, its properties have sent the science world - and subsequently the media - into a spin.

WHAT IS GRAPHENE?

Graphene is taken from graphite, which is made up of weakly bonded layers of carbon

Graphene is composed of carbon atoms arranged in tightly bound hexagons just one atom thick

Three million sheets of graphene on top of each other would be 1mm thick

The band structure of graphite was first theorised and calculated by PR Wallace in 1947, though for it to exist in the real world was thought impossible

Due to the timing of this discovery, some conspiracy theorists have linked it to materials at the Roswell "crash site"

In 2004, teams including Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov demonstrated that single layers could be isolated, resulting in the award of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010

It is a good thermal and electric conductor and can be used to develop semiconductor circuits and computer parts. Experiments have shown it to be incredibly strong

"Our research establishes graphene as the strongest material ever measured, some 200 times stronger than structural steel," mechanical engineering professor James Hone, of Columbia University, said in a statement.

"It would take an elephant, balanced on a pencil, to break through a sheet of graphene the thickness of Saran Wrap [cling film]."

And the way this material can be utilised is as surprising as its properties.

"Graphene does not just have one application," says Professor Andre Geim, the current co-holder of the Nobel Prize in physics for his work with the material at Manchester University.

"It is not even one material. It is a huge range of materials. A good comparison would be to how plastics are used."

Much has been made of graphene's potential. It can be used for anything from composite materials - like how carbon-fibre is used currently - to electronics.

Since its properties were uncovered, more and more scientists have been keen to work on projects. About 200 companies and start-ups are now involved in research around graphene. In 2010, it was the subject of about 3,000 research papers.

And the benefits to both businesses and to the consumer are obvious - faster and cheaper devices which are thinner and flexible.

"You could theoretically roll up your iPhone and stick it behind your ear like a pencil," Professor James Tour, of Rice University, told the Technology Review.

We feel that it's rather difficult to imagine graphene as a replacement to silicon

Dr Phaedon Avouris, IBM

If graphene can be compared to the way plastic is used today, everything from crisp packets to clothing could be digitised once the technology is established. The future could see credit cards contain as much processing power as your current smartphone.

"It can open completely new applications in transparent electronics, in flexible electronics and electronics that are much faster than today," says Jari Kinaret, professor of technology at Chalmers University in Sweden.

And beyond its digital applications, just one example of its use would be graphene powder added to tyres to make them stronger.

Unlimited speed

Samsung has been one of the biggest investors in research, in collaboration with South Korean Sungkyunkwan University. It has already demonstrated a 25-inch flexible touchscreen using graphene.

"[Samsung has its] own roadmap where they believe there will be a dozen products [on the commercial market] using graphene in the next five years," says Prof Geim.

According to the Nobel prize committee, a hypothetical one-metre-square hammock of perfect graphene could support a four-kilogram cat - the hammock would weigh 0.77 milligrams, less than a cat's whisker, and would be virtually invisible

Richard Van Noorden, Nature Magazine

Read the full article

But companies like IBM and Nokia have also been involved in research. IBM has created a 150 gigahertz (GHz) transistor - the quickest comparable silicon device runs at about 40 GHz.

"In terms of the speed of the transistor, we currently see no intrinsic limits into how fast it can go," says Dr Yu-ming Lin, of IBM.

"We've already found a number of [problems] that have to be resolved but I don't think it's limited by the intrinsic properties of graphene."

In Europe, research about the material is a frontrunner to receive a 1bn euro investment from the European Commission over the next 10 years.

'Switching off'

Despite this frenzy of progress, investment and press attention, many researchers are cautious. Some are certain that graphene will not do everything that has been thought up for the material.

What has been reported as "potential" seems to be - at the moment - just that, with few real-world examples of it working to replace other materials.

"We feel that it's rather difficult to imagine graphene as a replacement to silicon," says Dr Phaedon Avouris, of IBM.

"The material itself does not have a band gap, an essential property [meaning that graphene cannot stop conducting and be 'switched off', making it unusable in this way]. The applications of graphene and the application of silicon are in different domains."

And even the most revered academics think that a replacement to silicon is a long way off.

"It is a dream," says Prof Geim. "The prospect is so far beyond the horizon that we cannot even assess it properly."

The problem that scientists face is that these "miracle" properties have only ever been demonstrated on a tiny scale.

"The kind of strengths that people quote may not even apply to microscopic samples," says Dr Lin.

"So, while it may be true that on a local level it has this strength much stronger than steel, we have to be careful about these claims.

"We recognise the limitations of graphene and are trying to do things that do not bend the rules of physics.

"We are not setting out to replace silicon as the goal but we are trying to find unique applications that can take advantage of its properties."

With the seemingly unstoppable march of progress in this field, especially as it is less than 10 years old, swift advances could be just around the corner.

Yet with all this money and market demand, scientists are cautious about how quickly all this potential can be turned into reality.

"We would be the happiest people in the world if we could replace silicon," says Dr Avouris.

"But the main thing is to be truthful and not exaggerate because we actually have to deliver."

SOURCE

Checkers for me

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:59:00 +0000

I love the game checkers (or drought for those in the UK) and have finally found one that offers the right amount of difficulty.

Flash cutscenes

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:28:00 +0000

Well, with classes, projects and prospective job interviews looming overhead, it looks like this game may take a bit longer than I anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I intend to finish this game. But most of the work these days goes into actual polish than actual level design. Luckily, the use of a graph notebook helps me know what to add in each level and how I want them.

A few days ago I intended to create a system that allows me to pause the game and deliver partial animated cutscenes using backgrounds and some movement code. I finished most of it and was about to test, and then I realized something:

CAN'T I JUST USE FLASH!

And then it struck me, I had the GM flash.dll this whole time and didn't put it to use. SO I did, and finished a cutscene in half the time. I say, this piece of tech makes work a whole lot easier, and professional. So I put together a simple demo to show of the awesome power of the Flash.dll.

Check it out.

FLASH DEMO

The Squares: The princess in the castle. (Update)

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:53:00 +0000

Alrighty then. The past week has been a real pain. Mid terms have been going on, projects are due, and despite having a whole month to prepare, I still don't know where I want to go for spring break. I want to visit somewhere by train. It is much cheaper than taking a plane and I get to enjoy the scenery while reading, writing and programing. Anywhere along the east coast looks good. Washington, Boston, etc. I may need to watch a few travel shows to know what sights I want to look out for. But hey, worst thing that may happen is that I stay in NYC.

Now, the game has been coming along smoothly. Most of all major components have been accounted for, such as sound (thank you internet), voice talent (you know who you are), and of course, graphics. I have added some demoralizing taunts to the princesses arsenal. Here is a few.

I will get you for this, Inspector Gadget!

If I pull back hard enough, I may look like Oswald the rabbit

Smack that!

Now that most of boilerplate code and resources are in place I can now star doing the most important part, level design. I have charted a few areas ranging from the castle keep, to the store room. The problem I am having now is, well, intensity. I wanted this game to have a very, fast paced feel. Something similar to Joakim Sandberg's games (check them out here, they are intense!). Instead I got something much slower in feel than what the music suggest. I will try adding more enemies to the game to make it more challenging.

Todo list:
- Intros: Flash cutscene or comic style images?
- Game Enemies
- More taunts
- More/better sounds
- Special effects (animated and particles)
- Voices for the characters (you know who you are)

The Squares Logo

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 03:16:00 +0000

As I look back at the 5 years I have been making games, a few things come to mind. With the time I have been making the Squares, Half Life 2 has had 2 episodes, Minecraft has taken over half the world, Apple still rules the other half and Duke Nukem Forever finally has a release date. But despite the extended term, I only recently discovered that the Squares don't have an actual logo. What have I been doing. This has to be one of the most obvious things I should have made when making the games. Even my website has a logo, and that thing isn't even in beta( visit mazimadu.com today).

So I began by visiting a few sites that handle logos. GRsites.com did a wonderful job designing a logo for me for free. After picking a font (Squares, duh) I imported it into fireworks and tinkered around with it. This is the final product.

A bit bland, I know

I know the logo needs some work, but I wanted to make something simple and easy on the eyes. That hasn't stopped me from using it in my game. Here it is in the banner I intend to use on the GMC.

Support the Squares today

Any feedback will be welcome. Also feel free to vandalize it. The more punk the better.

LoL.

The Squares: The princess in the castle demo. OK, tech demo

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 07:16:00 +0000

Alrighty then, it seems one weekend turned into two. Sorry but my real life has been a bit challenging and has distracted me from this little passion project. With the passing weeks I spent making this little demo, I slowly learned how to make my levels a bit more pleasing to the eye. What I did was learn to add more details to my sprites, tiles and backgrounds. Now my games look way better then they did a few months ago. I remember the original Square games. They may have looked really good to me back then but now I can see just how far I have come.

I'm just realizing that Kyle is about 5 years old

In this little demo, I am testing the basic gameplay. Here kyle has all of his basic attacks like double jumping and throwing his yoyo (now a sheild). But by pressing down, he can block incoming attacks. If you time it right you can deflect projectiles. I have also added the princesses AI. She can traverse the level more easily and can jump gaps. I hope to improve the AI to a point where you use A* pathfinding, but so far it works fine.

DEMO

X = attack

Z = jump

Down = block

Its funny that Kyle has such attention from me. It almost makes me feel sorry for his friends.

First true update: The princess in the castle

noreply@blogger.com (mazimadu) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:21:00 +0000

I am so slow, and yet so steady. It has been 18 days since my last blog update and a lot has happened since then. With the month of January almost over I can now look back and reflect on what has happened and anticipate what the new month brings.

First up, brief recap of the whole month,

1) Helped family move to Houston

2) Moved to new apartment

3) Learned how to program in C

4) Officially gave up programing in rails (it sucks)

5) Got into fight with landlord and have a restraining order filed (on him, not me)

6) Began a new game, AND TRYING TO FINISH IT.

For starter, my new game is called The Squares: The Princess in the Castle and is based on a short strip I made last month. This game is a simple, short action platform game. You play as a knight (Kyle) who has entered a tower to save a sleeping princess (Lana). Unfortunately, the princess is not too happy with your arrival and tries to violently escape. Now you have to chase the princess and dodge her deadly obstacles (she is using everything from machine guns to rocket launchers to slow you down) before she escapes and blows up the castle.

Repository here

The game is a 2D, side scrolling action game that consists of one level. The objective is either to catch up with the princess and inflict enough damage to knock her out, or to make it to the exit before she does. The distance between the princess and the player is illustrated by a meter on the top of the screen. Because the princess is heavily armed, inflicting damage is much more difficult. If the player performs either of these, he/she is rewarded with the following:

· An ending where Kyle carries the unconscious princess to a cheep motel. · Coins based on how the game was completed (damage inflicted, damage received, time, extras). · The option to unlock more weapons.

· An online high score table.

The player cannot die, but can be slowed down by obstacles and the princess’s weapons. If the princess reaches the end of the castle (shown by her icon on the top of the screen) she will blow up the castle, causing a game over screen. All progress will be lost.

So far, I have completed basic gameplay, the meter tracker (I used a few distance algorithms, this was a bit tougher than I thought), the princesses navigation AI(Using nodes and obstacle avoidance,also tougher than I thought). and a few enemy turrets. Also, I am using google code as a repository for the game. That way, I can add code from my crappy ass netbook (MSI u230. Everything made with GM6 up sucks).

This is not the true sprite, this was doctored using GM5's outdated image editor

I have a class in the evening and will not finish untill 11 PM (Senior engineering classes are a bitch), but expect a demo tomorrow.