Simple XNA framework for WP7 on codeplex

I developed this as part of my game development for wp7.

It supports

- Screen Management
- Sprite Management
- Other asset management (fonts, sounds etc)
- Text and Image buttons
- Simple Physics – Collision detection, etc.
- Framework for Actions like – mute, back button, etc
- Includes sample test project

here is the link to the proj. Comes with complete source code.

http://wp7simplexnafx.codeplex.com/

This has been designed to get new-converts and folks who are not sure about jumping onto  wp7 game development, get up and running with minimum fuss.

If there is interest,  i can do a blog series to get you up and running.

Enjoy!

Open command prompt as System

If you are developing services, or schedule tasks, you must have wanted to run the process as system during debuging. The otherwise long process of setting your process up to run as system is easy solved by the following command:

psexec -i -s cmd.exe

this will launch a new cmd.exe as system. Fire away your program/visual studio or anthing you wish to run under system creds now.

Google App Engine Tip – Programmatically get AppName and Version

If you ever wondered how to get the AppName and Version of a gae app programmatically (inside the python script itself), here are 2 ways to get it:

os.getcwd()
returns: the path of the app + version.
os.environ['PATH_TRANSLATED']
returns: the path of the app + version + scriptname

Bestwp7Games review of ‘Color Blast’, and it’s a blast.

Our idea to give something fresh to the wp7 gamers, we believe, is finally showing up.

When we started, the very first statement I remember saying was “Take a very simple pick-up-and-play game. Don’t make it too complicated. Instead concentrate on the Online game play.

Get that experience correct, and the game will look cool on its own”. So, we just took inspiration from bejeweled, falling blocks. Kept it simple and stupid. Anyone can play, and you never ever get stuck during the game.

Now – We just got reviewed by the folks at “BestWp7Games.com”. Here are some highlights

“ This game has a server gameplay….  This definitely is the feature that sets this game apart. Highly enjoyable.”

“The cool thing about this is its multi player… which is way awesome….”

“This is almost the type of thing we expect out of a good xbox live title… “

“This really is a true alternative to collapse in the marketplace… kudos to the developer”

Check out the text review here : http://www.bestwp7games.com/colorblast-multiplayer-match-3-inspired-game.html

And the video review here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffddfzSWKSU&feature=player_embedded

 

my HP Touchpad is now Touchdroid

just got this incredibly sweet port of android to Hp touchpad by Cynogen. And the alpha 2 is pretty sweet. Not many issues so far. Enjoying it hugely.

Here are the steps from Cynogen: http://rootzwiki.com/showthread.php?4011-Discussion-CyanogenMod-team-Touchpad-port

For simpler steps, check this out : http://liliputing.com/2011/10/how-to-install-google-android-on-the-hp-touchpad-with-cyanogenmod7.html

Steve Jobs

Sad day.

I lost a mentor. Like many, I did not know I loved Steve Jobs as much as i am feeling now, until now.

The strongest feeling running through me – is that of Jealousy. I amJjealous of him, the way he wrapped up his story.

I don’t want to live like anybody else except myself, but I want to die like Steve Jobs. At the pinnacle of creativity, Zenith of potential. Peaceful and satisfied.

For geeks, this is what martyrdom means.

Day one of Color Blast, in the wild

Our new game Color Blast was online on marketplace and day one went without any glitches.

This is a 2 Minute Online Game, which we are promoting as TMOGs – a new Category of games. Why? Because seriously it is a new class of games.

If you haven’t had already had a chance of meeting it, here is the gameplay video

Here are a couple of interesting stats

• Number of Unique Players played the game : 221
• Number of Games Played Across the Globe : 3100+ !!! That’s a big number for day One.

And reviews are pouring in as well. And one thing is common in all reviews – Addictive!!