[GAME] DiamondTris - Tetris with support for VGA, stylus & wheel sensor

[sibbor]

Updated: 2009-01-03, 21:05 (GMT+1)

Me and Swoop2 is creating a Tetris game for us HTC Touch Diamond users out there in need for a great one! Why I wanted to create a new Tetris game for the HTC Touch Diamond was because all of the Tetris games out there got some flaws (imo); not supporting VGA resolution, visually looking bad, running slow etc.. The closest thing I got was TeKnowMagic Tetris, but I wasn't satisfied either way. There's simply no Tetris game out there filling my requirements.

DiamondTris so far:

VGA resolution
Moving pieces - with the wheel sensor or via the on-screen buttons
Rotation of pieces - with the enter button or via the on-screen buttons
Line completion and destruction
Statistics: score, hi-score, level, lines done/remaining
Difficulties: easy, medium, hard (different speeds)


What needs to be done:

Some minior GUI tweaks
Sound effects
Settings (sounds, controls)


You'll need .NET Framework 3.5, which you'll find here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=347537)

Changelog:

DiamondTris_20090103.cab:


Installs on device or internal storage
Creates a shortcut in Programs\Games
Pause function implemented


DiamondTris_20090102.cab:


New, better looking on-screen buttons
Added some statistics
Disabled piece rotation by tilting the device (needs further tweaking)
Application icon added

[mugglesquop]

+1

sounds like a fairly simple and easy project... if only i had listened in class... :p

[hays]

Why don't you get some pledges to encourage a developer

I would pay around £3 for a tetris game designed for our device

Not loads, but if enough people were too pledge their support...

[mugglesquop]

Why don't you get some pledges to encourage a developer

I would pay around £3 for a tetris game designed for our device

Not loads, but if enough people were too pledge their support...

good idea.

i'll let hays pay £3 for a Tetris game :)


(and i suppose i could chuck a few quid in as well :p )

[sibbor]

Of course I'm in for some donations if this game is created ;)

[Swoop2]

I started a very basic Tetris app for my touch diamond a while ago - just as a play around as my first Windows Mobile application. It uses the wheel for moving the current piece left and right and I was going to have a go at using the accelerometer to turn the piece clockwise/anticlockwise (i.e. a flick to the left or right).

I've never used OpenGL or anything so it was just done using a timer and the graphics object off the OnDraw event. I got as far as creating the grid, drawing the pieces, moving them around and knowing when lines were completed, etc. Still had a lot to do but it was a proof of concept more than anything else.

I'm just a normal application developer and develop form based applications and back end stuff. If I can get to where I am with my effort in the time I have, then someone who knows how to write games properly could easily do something really good.

[sibbor]

I started a very basic Tetris app for my touch diamond a while ago - just as a play around as my first Windows Mobile application. It uses the wheel for moving the current piece left and right and I was going to have a go at using the accelerometer to turn the piece clockwise/anticlockwise (i.e. a flick to the left or right).

I've never used OpenGL or anything so it was just done using a timer and the graphics object off the OnDraw event. I got as far as creating the grid, drawing the pieces, moving them around and knowing when lines were completed, etc. Still had a lot to do but it was a proof of concept more than anything else.

I'm just a normal application developer and develop form based applications and back end stuff. If I can get to where I am with my effort in the time I have, then someone who knows how to write games properly could easily do something really good.Ah, that sounds great! Got any plans on continuation of your work? Onscreen buttons instead of accelerometer sounds even better imo, and is easier to do I think..?

Care to share your source? I can have a look at it myself and see if I can get into Mobil application programming too... or at least someone else here can continue on your base work.

[Swoop2]

I do plan on finishing it at some point - though I'm not 100% sure when! I don't mind sharing the code anyway, so once I'm back home I'll try and remember to put it on here.

[sibbor]

I do plan on finishing it at some point - though I'm not 100% sure when! I don't mind sharing the code anyway, so once I'm back home I'll try and remember to put it on here.Sounds cool. Looks like I might get a good weekend after all! Do... not... forget... the... add... the source code! ;)

[Swoop2]

Here's the source code. It is VERY much a work in progress. I started it as a windows application and ported it over to WinMob6. Here's a list of things that I know I still needed to do:

1. Optimise the graphics to get rid of the irritating flicker.
2. Add the piece rotation.
3. Add the score and level display, etc.
4. Decide on the size of the grid (considered leaving it customisable).
5. Add score saving and option saving, etc.
6. Add some backing music.

They're the things I can remember off the top of my head anyway. Lemme know if you have any ideas or questions, etc.

[sibbor]

Here's the source code. It is VERY much a work in progress. I started it as a windows application and ported it over to WinMob6. Here's a list of things that I know I still needed to do:

1. Optimise the graphics to get rid of the irritating flicker.
2. Add the piece rotation.
3. Add the score and level display, etc.
4. Decide on the size of the grid (considered leaving it customisable).
5. Add score saving and option saving, etc.
6. Add some backing music.

They're the things I can remember off the top of my head anyway. Lemme know if you have any ideas or questions, etc.Sweet! I'm at home now, downloading all the requried applications to put up a proper environment here... big packages, so it'll take a while until I'm set.

I'll see if I can manage to do anything, and in case - I'll get back to you :-)

[sibbor]

Hi there again Swoop2!

Just tweaked the grid some, added some stats + onscreen buttons (stretched until later ;P) and changed some minor stuff. Here's my latest source. Thanks for sharing!

There's still bunch of stuff to tweak and add. Adding rotation to the game would make it fairly playable. The screen flickering is quite annoying, but perhaps we'll manage to get it working right in the future ;)

Also adding a screenshot of how it looks with the current source.

EDIT: removed the source code, since there's a newer one out there.

[Swoop2]

Hi Sibbor :)

That's looking pretty good mate - I like it! I already have some ideas on how to fix the flicker - for the majority of the time anyway. Rendering the image as a bitmap in the background and then just drawing that should hopefully work like a double buffer or something. Also, only invalidating the relevant part of the screen instead of all of it should make a difference too. It worked for my other application anyway.

I'll try and have a play with it this week and send you an update :)

[sibbor]

Hi Sibbor :)

That's looking pretty good mate - I like it! I already have some ideas on how to fix the flicker - for the majority of the time anyway. Rendering the image as a bitmap in the background and then just drawing that should hopefully work like a double buffer or something. Also, only invalidating the relevant part of the screen instead of all of it should make a difference too. It worked for my other application anyway.

I'll try and have a play with it this week and send you an update :)Sounds great! Made a few more changes but haven't got the latest source available here at work. I'll see if I can get time to upload it later. Otherwise it doesn't matter too much.

I reacted at the code where the grid updates, but have too less experience with WM6 and .NET to actually optimize this to a grade where we'll have no flicker at all. So with other words: I'm looking forward to your anti-flicker code :)!

[Swoop2]

I should finally have some time to look at this at the weekend so if you have an updated version can you post it on here?

[sibbor]

I should finally have some time to look at this at the weekend so if you have an updated version can you post it on here?Hi again mate! Good to hear. Sadly I haven't been able to get too much done since last time, but I'll attach the current source now.

Thought about the rotation and how to create it. Had an idea where you could destroy the current piece when rotating, and creating a new - rotated - piece at the given location. You got any ideas about it otherwise?

[hefman]

I've been looking for a decent Tetris game for Diamond/TP myself.

Question: are you planning on implementing the scrollwheel to move the pieces? I think that would be a nice touch.

Good luck on this. I'll donate to the cause when you guys have something.

[sibbor]

I've been looking for a decent Tetris game for Diamond/TP myself.

Question: are you planning on implementing the scrollwheel to move the pieces? I think that would be a nice touch.

Good luck on this. I'll donate to the cause when you guys have something.The requested function is already supported :-) We'll make sure to setup donations when we're ready ;)

[4D3]

this is definately a worth while project, i wasted my time for about 3 hours looking for a nice tetris game 4-5 days ago and came up with very nasty looking basic tetris clones.

which all sucked, id donate £5-7 just for saving me the time!!

thanks

[HTCLeener]

I am so all about Tetris.

I also spent some time looking for some decent versions of Tetris but they all flopped.

I cannot wait till you guys complete this.

:)

[Swoop2]

Hi everyone. I've spent an hour or so playing with this and I've uploaded a new version. The following updates have been made:


Removed the irritating flicker.
Juggled the controls around to find more space for a bigger grid.
Changed the New button so that it doesn't keep resetting the difficulty.
A couple of little tweaks in the background to tidy things up.
Re-enabled the scroll wheel support (it somehow got commented out...).


I'll have a go at the piece rotating next - hopefully later this week.

Let me know if you find any bugs, etc.

[araponga]

Good job i cant wait :)

[xboxhaxorz]

Always in need of Diamond VGA games and apps might as well make use of our hardware

[sibbor]

Hi everyone. I've spent an hour or so playing with this and I've uploaded a new version. The following updates have been made:


Removed the irritating flicker.
Juggled the controls around to find more space for a bigger grid.
Changed the New button so that it doesn't keep resetting the difficulty.
A couple of little tweaks in the background to tidy things up.
Re-enabled the scroll wheel support (it somehow got commented out...).


I'll have a go at the piece rotating next - hopefully later this week.

Let me know if you find any bugs, etc.Sounds great mate!

Oops, sorry, commented the wheel support out, but since I didn't provide any binary files for DiamondTris but only the source code I didn't think it would do that much.

Good work :-)

[Swoop2]

Hi all,

I've just completed another update that should make this playable now. The following things have been added/updated:


Fixed the issue with the game not ending properly.
Added piece rotation.
Added hiscore saving/loading.
Added next piece display.


Piece rotation can be performed through three different ways currently:

Flick your phone to the left or right sharply (might need tweaking).
Click left or right on joystick.
Hit the rotate left/right buttons on the screen.


Enjoy :)

[sibbor]

Hi all,

I've just completed another update that should make this playable now. The following things have been added/updated:


Fixed the issue with the game not ending properly.
Added piece rotation.
Added hiscore saving/loading.
Added next piece display.


Piece rotation can be performed through three different ways currently:

Flick your phone to the left or right sharply (might need tweaking).
Click left or right on joystick.
Hit the rotate left/right buttons on the screen.


Enjoy :)We see some major progress here. Just a month ago you published the first source code, and now look at this. Agreed, it's pretty much playable now. Some minior tweaks here and there, and some minior features and we'll be able to enjoy DiamondTris fully :-)

See you solved the rotation of pieces like I suggested. Neat ;)!
I haven't got much time lately to play around with the source, but I'll see if I can manage to squeeze in an hour or two in the coming days.

Awesome work swoop2! :D

[HTCLeener]

Hi all,

I've just completed another update that should make this playable now. The following things have been added/updated:


Fixed the issue with the game not ending properly.
Added piece rotation.
Added hiscore saving/loading.
Added next piece display.


Piece rotation can be performed through three different ways currently:
Flick your phone to the left or right sharply (might need tweaking).
Click left or right on joystick.
Hit the rotate left/right buttons on the screen.

Enjoy :)


WOOOOOP! Uber excited.. Going to test this bad boy now and report back!

THANK YOU! :D

[omniwolf]

great work guys, happy to chuck a few $$ if this gets finished up.

just had a play with the latest version, looks good but a couple of things:

- the screen is a lot wider than the official tetris game, can you thin it up a bit? i'm not sure how many columns the official one has, i spose i could find out if you want me to.
- i changed the difficulty level in the middle of a game and it left some artifacts of the current piece on the screen (didn't try much, but couldn't replicate this)
- i accidently pressed the phone button (bottom left button under the home button), and it went to the phone app and just sat there scrolling madly through the different methods to contact the last person i rang (sms -> mobile -> work phone, etc etc), had to soft reset (can't replicate this one either, maybe not ur fault)
- when you press the X to quit, it stays in the background. that's fine, however can you implement a way to actually quit the game?

thanks again!

[Swoop2]

- the screen is a lot wider than the official tetris game, can you thin it up a bit? i'm not sure how many columns the official one has, i spose i could find out if you want me to.


I thought the same thing - it takes a little too long to get a full line... I think wikipedia or something similar should be able to tell us!


- i changed the difficulty level in the middle of a game and it left some artifacts of the current piece on the screen (didn't try much, but couldn't replicate this)


I've not noticed that one but the difficulty menu should be disabled during the game anyway. I'll add something to do it.


- i accidently pressed the phone button (bottom left button under the home button), and it went to the phone app and just sat there scrolling madly through the different methods to contact the last person i rang (sms -> mobile -> work phone, etc etc), had to soft reset (can't replicate this one either, maybe not ur fault)


Hmm, I've not noticed that one before. I accidently caught a button whilst playing it and I didn't notice anything like that happen. Something to keep an eye on I think...


- when you press the X to quit, it stays in the background. that's fine, however can you implement a way to actually quit the game?


That doesn't happen on mine, but I have set my phone up so that when I hit the X button on any application it never leaves them in the background. I could have a look at it but I'm not sure if you can make each application work differently (this is only my third small WinMo app)...

Thanks for the feedback :)

[sibbor]

I thought the same thing - it takes a little too long to get a full line... I think wikipedia or something similar should be able to tell us!The original Tetris is 10 x 20 blocks :-)

[sibbor]

DiamondTris_20090102.cab added to the first post. It'll install on the main memory (Program fiiles\DiamondTris\) and won't create a shortcut. This version includes the following changes:


New, better looking on-screen buttons
Added some statistics
Disabled piece rotation by tilting the device (needs further tweaking)
Application icon added

[Neno83]

When I try to launch the game it says that the program needs a later version of Microsoft .NET compact framework... where can i find this?

[rhino_star]

When I try to launch the game it says that the program needs a later version of Microsoft .NET compact framework... where can i find this?

i got it from plugging into to windows and doing a windows update. it only found the .net (on windows update website) when my diamond was plugged into my PC.

[sibbor]

When I try to launch the game it says that the program needs a later version of Microsoft .NET compact framework... where can i find this?You'll need .NET Framework 3.5, which you'll find here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=347537)

[Sleehond]

Last version is good :)!

But, some things:

* I can't pause the game?
* Will there be a shortcut in the next version?
* I think the grid where you play in, could be alot bigger when u guys use the size of the screen some more!

Maybe it would also be great if you could move the part from left to right with the stylus? Now you can only use the stylus on the < and > buttons right?

But again, ITS GREAT, thanks, i like tetris :D

[sibbor]

I can't pause the game?If you read the first page you would have noticed there's no pause function implemented yet. I created one now though, and I'll upload a new version soon enough.
Will there be a shortcut in the next version?It's easy too add yourself, but maybe I'll fix it for you ;)
I think the grid where you play in, could be alot bigger when u guys use the size of the screen some more!The grid is much like the original Tetris, but perhaps we'll make it customizable.
Maybe it would also be great if you could move the part from left to right with the stylus? Now you can only use the stylus on the < and > buttons right?Tought about this too. Will see if we're able to do that.

[Sleehond]

Thanks for your replay Sibbor!

I hope you can add/rework some things.

But again: your work is awesome, i really appreciate it! Keep it up :cool:

[sibbor]

New version released! - check the first post for CAB file.

DiamondTris_20090103.cab:

Installs on device or internal storage
Creates a shortcut in Programs\Games
Pause function implemented

[Sleehond]

Thats fast m8!

Big thanks :D

[smotrs]

Keep up the good work, liking it so far. By the way, you should add a screen shot to the first post so people have a better idea of what it looks like on their phone.

[sibbor]

Keep up the good work, liking it so far. By the way, you should add a screen shot to the first post so people have a better idea of what it looks like on their phone.I can't seem to get a USB connection to my phone anymore. Not ActiveSync or as a disc drive... It works with Bluetooth, but haven't got any laptop available for a couple of days.

So, if anyone wants to send me a screenshot, feel free to do so, and I'll add it to the first post.

[Genius2000]

I can't seem to get a USB connection to my phone anymore. Not ActiveSync or as a disc drive... It works with Bluetooth, but haven't got any laptop available for a couple of days.

So, if anyone wants to send me a screenshot, feel free to do so, and I'll add it to the first post.

Here you go.

Ciao, Andrea

[schildirulez]

Updated: 2009-01-03, 21:05 (GMT+1)

What needs to be done:

Some minior GUI tweaks
Sound effects
Settings (sounds, controls)



Thanks a lot for this great work!

Could you please use the original theme? So I'll always remember back to my childhood :D You can find it e.g. on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmCCQxVBfyM). But I know most people switch the sound off, mee to.

Is it possible to change the behaviour of the on-screen down button? Change it form immediately down to faster down for a just couple of rows?

And while removing the row, could you let them blink once?

Just a few ideas. And thanks again.

[leen15]

is possibile to change the up and down button?
i think is better if up button rotate and down button go down speedy :)

[sibbor]

Here you go.

Ciao, AndreaThank you Andrea. Added it to the first post.

Thanks a lot for this great work!

Could you please use the original theme?I've actually already downloaded it midi format, so I'll see if I can implement it soon. Noted your other suggestions.
is possibile to change the up and down button?
i think is better if up button rotate and down button go down speedy :)Actually that was the plan. Tweaked the code some, and accidentally changed the function of up/down buttons. I've changed this in the source code and I'll release another version at a later point.

This is the control scheme at the moment, but will see if we can get options up for the buttons:

Left button -> move piece left
Right button -> move piece right
Down button -> drop piece
Up button -> rotate counter clockwise
Enter button -> rotate clockwise

[Prof. Yaffle]

Thanks. Seems to run well on my Touch HD, although obviously shrunk a bit for VGA. :) Would be nice to have the onscreen keys repeat though so, for example, I don't need to repeatedly tap the screen to move all the way left or right.

[sibbor]

Thanks. Seems to run well on my Touch HD, although obviously shrunk a bit for VGA. :) Would be nice to have the onscreen keys repeat though so, for example, I don't need to repeatedly tap the screen to move all the way left or right.Yeah, thought about this too, but haven't figured out how to do it - yet ;)!

[MrLAG]

Hm button down is workign how it should be, however you can't hold right/left, you should constantly tap on it. :/

[Chatty]

Just tried version 20090103. Great idea, but I'd implement controls as follows: sensor wheel rotates the piece, left/right move it accordingly, down makes it decent faster and enter immediately drops it. Sounds intuitive to me.
Additionally you'd let strokes over the sensor pad to the left/right move the piece accordingly as well.

[mattie1]

Neat game, I gotta try this when I get home!

What requirements do you have for the sounds/music? Do you want the oldstyle gameboy feeling or something new? How do you want the sounds delivered? format, size etc..

I'm a educated soundtechnician and music producer by the way, pherhaps I can be of some assistance. just send me a message! I'd love this game to get fully feathered! The windows mobile work really lacks qualitygames..

some of my work:
www.myspace.com/mattieostrowski

[xraytech8704]

any new update version with sound?