Phoenix Write (case creation program) : Defendant's Lobby

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Wed May 09, 2007 4:57 pm

Shaun

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Nope. It will be a single display like the GBA versions. :)

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Wed May 09, 2007 6:01 pm

N-Mario

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Shaun wrote:

Nope. It will be a single display like the GBA versions. :)

But why go with the GBA style ones? I would assume it would be harder to cycle through court records & profiles that way. Let alone I bet the court records screen would probably take up the whole game screen.

Well, I suppose if you're going with GBA style, I doubt you're doing anything related to touch screen either, even with a single display screen. Sadshoe

Well I guess I shouldn't be too surprized. Mecha doing a DS style game maker, and you doing a GBA style one. Just seems like with DS features, it would be easier, & more work space to solve a case. Detective Gumshoe

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Wed May 09, 2007 6:22 pm

Shaun

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Just because there's one display doesn't mean mouse features won't be in it either. I personally can't see a possible bad side to it as opposed to DS style, which is obviously designed for a device with two screens...

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Wed May 09, 2007 6:54 pm

Gerkuman

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In other words, Imagine one screen, but with all the touch features of the DS games (Minus the case 5 stuff). :3 One of the big plusses is that you could actually play the cases in Full screen ^_^

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Wed May 09, 2007 11:26 pm

SailorTaurus

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I actually like the sound of the singular screen:

1. My vision of my first PW fangame was always with a singular screen that stylishly merged DS play into a singular screen. A good example of the layout that could be used would be the Haruhi Suzumiya Phoenix Wright fangame (common knowledge on these boards by now I bet). The game is based off the GBA versions, but is made for the PC, so accurately utilises the layout and resolution to make it great to use.
2. As just stated, modern day computer resolutions will make such a thing easier, as is the mouse. If you really miss the feel of the DS, just use a graphics tablet.
3. This would make uploading videos onto a video sharing site such as YouTube easier, due to the usual video aspect ratio such websites support.

Speaking of which, I have a couple of questions:
1. What are the supported screen sizes. As in, if you wanted to, could you use larger high res images for a larger game window (rather than being limited to the GBA screensize)?
2. Random question, can we change the animation that players out when objecting incase we want to give the game a different style?
3. Another random question, are PNGs with alpha supported?*

*I ask this because animation is still possible even with PNGs, plus it looks nicer. IIRC, MMF2 allows you to use alpha mapped PNGs as an Action Object's graphics (animated). If that cannot be utilised, you could always do this:
1. Create a Characters folder.
2. Create a sub folder for the character.
3. Create sub folders for all different expressions and such.
4. Place individual PNGs in here (each image being an individual frame of an animation).
5. Make the program read the folders to determine the character and animation, and then code it to show each PNG one after another to create an animation (could also be used to place pauses in the animation without the need for creating multiple frames).

This technique has been used in the past in RPG Maker XP custom scripts to get around the lack of a ingame movie file function (for animated cutscenes). They would code the program to 'play' the images with an accompanying sound file.

Could be hard for older PCs, but if given the option it could look helluva nice. =3

Props to Clicky for the avatar! =3

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 12:27 am

Shaun

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1. I think the screen size will just be 512x384. Things would get too complex if I allowed custom sizes.

2. Sorry, you mean the red objection text? That should be possible.

3. Alpha is what I had in mind when I decided PNGs would be better than GIFs. That, and GIFs suck anyway. It's funny that you mention PNG animation, because I've currently been working out a solution for this. I'm probably going to do what you've said, pretty much, but with an array that stores the properties for each frame, like the duration.

The only other thing I need to find is a free command line program that can convert every frame of a GIF into a PNG file, because I know people will want to open up the PW GIFs with it. Or I could just have all the animations ready to use in a separate download...

Last edited by Shaun on Thu May 10, 2007 12:28 am, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 12:28 am

Babazoz

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Shaun wrote:

The only other thing I need to find is a free command line program that can convert every frame of a GIF into a PNG file, because I know people will want to open up the PW GIFs with it. Or I could just have all the animations ready to use in a separate download...

Check Sourceforge.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 3:49 am

N-Mario

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And you have an answer for the transparency/Alpha settings, correct? For example, The Judge's current hammer animation in the game produces black lines shot from the center that have some weird alpha transparency setting on them.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 9:39 am

Shaun

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They do? Urm, can you show me this? Anyway, if you want to create your own alpha, you'll need to do it yourself of course for each PNG frame. I can't be expected to include a graphics suite now, can I? Phoenix

I got a command line tool from Sourceforge. I don't know if it does individual GIF frames but I'll try it out.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 10:00 am

Gerkuman

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Um, Whats an Alpha? It sounds REALLY complex...

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 10:17 am

Shaun

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An alpha channel, is in simple terms, a separate grayscale image (but contained within a PNG) where the darker pixels make a part of an image more transparent and the lighter pixels make it less transparent. So, having the alpha channel completely white wouldn't do anything. Making certain parts of the alpha channel darker creates variable transparency.

This link shows alpha quite well: http://www.mozilla.org/start/1.0/demos/eagle-sun.html

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 10:44 am

Gerkuman

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So in other words, it's just transparency? But you can get transparency WITHOUT Alphas, so whats makes alpha better?

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 11:48 am

Mikker

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Shaun wrote:

An alpha channel, is in simple terms, a separate grayscale image (but contained within a PNG) where the darker pixels make a part of an image more transparent and the lighter pixels make it less transparent. So, having the alpha channel completely white wouldn't do anything. Making certain parts of the alpha channel darker creates variable transparency.

This link shows alpha quite well: http://www.mozilla.org/start/1.0/demos/eagle-sun.html

Except that doesn't work with IE 6. Hobohodo

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 11:57 am

Gerkuman

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The thing is, why WOULD you have IE 6 :F (Both IE7 and FireFox are better in in my opinion). I'm still confused by Alphas though, but since the program will be doing the animating for me, it doesn't matter really.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 12:36 pm

Shaun

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Tsk. You shouldn't be using IE6. Detective Gumshoe

As for IE7, it's even worse. Just use Firefox. And alpha channels allow variable transparency. Meaning, different levels of transparency at different parts of the image. For example, let's say I go ahead with this dynamic background idea. I let users add some flame/smoke elements to the scene's background.

These would be separate PNG images, and the alpha channels would make it so the flames/smoke with be more transparent nearer to the edges. I'm still wondering whether I should try to accomplish such a feat with my case maker, as only the truly ambitious and skilled would try and utilise it. Namely, people who're making big cases/games and are great with graphics.

I should also mention that adding alpha to characters would be a bonus. For example, parts of Oldbag's helmet could be a little transparent, or if someone wanted to create a ghost-like character, alpha would be most useful for that. If you've ever played Another Code/Trace Memory, the ghost boy uses an alpha channel.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 4:54 pm

Gerkuman

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Aah! Now I understand, VARIABLE transparency. So, how would I go about creating Alpha PNGs, I'd really like to learn how to make them :3

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 5:28 pm

Shaun

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Ugh, every single tutorial on Google was rubbish. I could write a better one with my eyes shut. Maybe I'll write an alpha tutorial when the time comes. Got a lot more on my plate at this time. Phoenix

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 5:48 pm

Kusanagi

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Shaun, I'd be willing to offer any assistance I could.

Slightly OT: SailorTaurus, That's a pretty intruiging script. Is it done with standard pictures or is there a way to make RPGMaker XP read a seperate subfolder?

I can't figure out Ruby to save my life. But I know 2k/2k3 backwards and forwards.

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Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Thu May 10, 2007 11:08 pm

Shaun

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Thank you Kusanagi. Having a think about it after our chat recently, I'd definitely appreciate your assistance.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 6:14 pm

SailorTaurus

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Kusanagi: http://www.rmxp.org
Search in the scripts section and you'll find it (plus other scripts created for playing movies within RMXP).
EDIT: To my knowledge, you create a new folder called 'movies' and create subfolders within that for the images and compiled sounds.

Also, I ask about making the screen size larger (perhaps offering at least an 800X600 option) to use the true potential of PNG files. They allow images to be of low file size, whilst also keeping their clarity and quality. They also allow for smooth edges (using alpha) rather than the pixellated edges present in PW sprites. To use PNGs at a low resolution won't show much difference due to the size. Look at Dating Sims and Kinetic Novels to see what I mean.

It's just a suggestion though, but one that could introduce the use of original artwork being used for characters (as not everyone has the kill to turn everything into pixel art). Of course if it's too hard to implament, I will understand. =3

EDIT: Gerkuman: In photoshop, it's as easy as either:
A) Creating a new image with the background set to 'transparent'
or
B)
1.Creating a new, empty layer.
2.Double click on background layer and click OK.
3.Delete background layer (now Layer 0).

Props to Clicky for the avatar! =3

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 6:22 pm

Shaun

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Thank you for the suggestion, but I really think that will be too hard. I can honestly say I'd have to do three times the work if I allowed users to have customisable resolutions. Me and Kusanagi discussed this actually.

And I think you could use alpha well anyway. Sometimes the PW sprites look a bit jaggy, but Trauma Center ones for example don't, because they use alpha, see? Phoenix

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 6:26 pm

SailorTaurus

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I haven't seen Trauma Center, but I understand the difficulties of having custom screensizes (means everything would have to be re-programmed to suit the new screensize). Sorry for the trouble. ^^"

Do you have some sort of basic mockup to show us what the layout will look like?

Props to Clicky for the avatar! =3

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 6:33 pm

Shaun

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I'm going to really try and get a lot more done soon so I can get a video to you guys. And yeah, everything would have to be re-programmed pretty much. But the programming would be a lot more complex. I'd have to let the users customise many other things. No trouble though. I appreciate all suggestions! Gymshoe

The fact it's a little lower than 640x480 doesn't mean it will look bad full-screen. ;)

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 7:46 pm

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Important Question!

Can you export ready cases as .exe:s of something like it, so computer without PWrite could play them?

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:05 pm

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Umm, sorry for all the questions but-

The text boxes and stuffs... Will we be able to make our own and upload em or change them? And text too, will there be more than one choice of font?

I think I'm getting way to excited about this. Already wrote a case... >.<

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:13 pm

Shaun

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Fippe: You will most definitely be able to. By default, the Phoenix Write player program can automatically download cases and they'll be loaded through that EXE. However, there'll be an option when you compile to create an executable that will work on any Windows computer.

gyakuten-neko: Questions are exactly what I want! I'd much prefer it if more questions would be asked in this thread. I've not actually considered text boxes before. Are you talking about a whole new bitmap image for the text box, or just a colour change? (I'll assume a new bitmap, hence the mention of uploading.) I guess I could do it! As for fonts, multiple font support is something I really want to include.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:16 pm

The Guy TM

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(kinda off topic =( )if anyone wants to know im making a flash pw case -with source
it will take more work than case creators but everything will be customisable
im just setting up the features =]

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:23 pm

Shaun

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Guy: I've heard about your progress, and I don't mind small mentions of it in here, but could you please stay on topic at the same time? Wouldn't creating a new topic for your Flash engine be appropriate? I'm sure you'll get more replies if you do that.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:27 pm

Fippe

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Custom fonts? Could you use somehow the computer's fonts? What font do PW use, actually? It have bothered me some time...

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Fri May 11, 2007 9:31 pm

The Guy TM

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sorry im a retard >_>

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 1:32 am

Shaun

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Ehm, I'm pretty sure you're not, Guy.

Fippe, yes, but I'm thinking of only allowing sensible fonts to be used that are on most systems (arial, courier, verdana, to name a few). I'm not actually sure about PW's font. I think it's a bit like courier. Does anyone else know?

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 9:31 am

MechaBowser

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PW uses Arial size 11.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 1:36 pm

Shaun

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Thanks Mech.

I sadly must inform you all that development has been temporarily postponed. One thing I must simply tell you, is to NEVER, EVER buy Windows Vista, because it's absolutely shite! I keep getting blue screens of death and it's making me rip my hair out, almost. I even got it when I was working on Phoenix Write. I get them so often I'm paranoid of saving Phoenix Write sometimes, because if I get a BSOD while it's saving it will corrupt the source. (I could keep saving new files but my laptop HD isn't too big).

I'm sorry about this, but this isn't my fault. I'm bloody glad it was just the trial and I didn't buy Vista. I'm never going to buy ANYTHING from Microsoft again. This really makes my blood boil, and is further proof that I have the worst luck in the world. Development will be continued in the near future, but it'll mean downgrading to XP (well, that's rather funny, it's more of an upgrade because I never got a BSOD with XP), backing up LOADS of files and getting everything back to how it was with the same programs installed.

I swear, my first nervous breakdown will be caused by Microsoft. I should sue.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 3:47 pm

Fippe

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Well, Vista is really buggy now.

Wait one or half years and they'll have service pack ready for it. Like with XP. It was really buggy before service packs. I got umm... about half million crashes before service packs.

Back to topic, what have you actually achieved this far?

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 4:06 pm

Shaun

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The word 'actually' makes it seem like some kind of accusation. I hope it's not. Even if I haven't shown you work, it doesn't mean I haven't been working on anything. I'm entitled to a life as well. It's already been stated that this program is in early development, and quite frankly, if I spent my entire life using Windows I'd probably have jumped off a bridge by now. You were all assigned as beta testers for future use. This is my program and I am entitled to show whatever I want at whatever time. I don't want to lose faith in any of my testers. Likewise, I don't want testers to lose faith in me.

It's called patience. Programs aren't written in a couple of months. Not of this complexity at least.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 6:42 pm

Fippe

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Yes, I know...

Sadshoe

Sorry if I sounded accusating.

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 9:12 pm

Kusanagi

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Shaun:

I have an extra copy of XP, if you would like. Not sure what would be needed to downgrade for it since Vista shouldn't even be considered Windows as the two of them are completely different programs as far as coding goes.

Also, regarding our discussion on MSN, I fiddled around and was quite pleased with the results. Basically, a 15fps 30second GIF file ended up at around 800kb at the resolution we discussed.

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Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 11:08 pm

Shaun

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Fippe: It's all right. Phoenix

Kusanagi: Firstly, I'm very sorry about our Messenger conversation just recently. First Live Messenger doesn't send messages to you, then I go downstairs for a minute - I come back up and what awaits me? A blue screen of death. (That's the third one so far today.)

I've just about had it with Windows. Here's the plan. (I discussed this with Kusanagi but this is for the rest of you.) For now, I am going to switch back to XP. Then as soon as I can afford it I think I'm going to get a Mac, possibly an iBook, but it's going to be one of the recent ones so I can boot OS X and XP at the same time. That will allow me to continue development using Windows, and also be able to use a better operating system. Hopefully this'll mean there'll be more hope for the Mac community seeing Phoenix Write.

That's great news about the overlay. Once again I apologise for yet another Windows mishap. (Yet, Windows wants to blame everything on me.) We'll discuss this more when you're next online, but feel free to reply on here, Kusanagi. Gymshoe

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sat May 12, 2007 11:24 pm

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Poor you - my Vista works perfect (after I deactivate over 50% of it Gregory

) and I can do almost everything with it (after changing some parts of the regestry).

For programming you should switch over to the best OS of the world... Linux. It is stable - you can try out Windows programs on it (when you have the addOns) and often you can have it legaly free. With a good Vitual Machine Programm you also can run LinuxUbuntu (for example) and Windows at the same time and you can freely switch between the programs.

Phoenna Wright: Grace Attorney

Re: Phoenix Write (case creation program)

Sun May 13, 2007 12:19 am

Shaun

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I considered Linux, but I've heard it can be awfully complex at times. I just don't know what to choose. Maybe my stereotypes are a bit harsh, but here's what I think:

Windows: In terms of young people, it's good for gamers. For older people, if they're actually doing any serious work on it, they're going to become severely depressed actually trying to make their PC 'safe'. Each new Windows is effectively a downgrade.

Linux: For people who don't mind having to figure out something mind-boggling whenever they use their computer. And yes, I've used Linux before. It seems like it could be easy. There's just a lot of manual work beforehand, it seems.

Mac: Thanks to Apple's advertising, I feel like in order to own a Mac, I have to be hip, and dance around like the black silhouettes in the ads. I also have to be so stupid, I can't talk to people without using my hands. Most people support Apple as some kind of cult following.

----

Anyway, yes, I've heard the virtual PC-like programs are somewhat slow for Linux, so I'm not so sure. Can you switch between the two like the parallel feature Mac has? Or isn't it as quick? It also seems that a lot of things in Linux need to be done in the console. Rather frustrating. And getting some things to work can be a nightmare. When I used Knoppix, I was desperately looking for a way to write to my NTFS hard drive. I found the 'NTFS captive tool' but it was very hard to use. Can you still not write to NTFS drives with Linux..?

Thanks.