Hey guys. There are several problems plaguing the site right now. I apologize for this, especially since we just released BOA: 4.

The problems include:

-downed forum. had to start from scratch, but we're working on getting it integrated back into the site soon.

-slow loading pages/no loading. We are having a high period of traffic. I already purchased the highest business plan at my hosting provider, so I am pissed that we still have bandwidth issues... The next plan is like $150 a month, and I can't afford that right now. Maybe I'll start my own serves soon.

 -Can't upload BOA: 4 to the site yet. A couple PHP tweaks need to be made.

Anyways, enjoy the site for what it is right now. I promise it will clan up in a bit, I have someone working on the site and he's making the changes.

If you have any artwork you want to send to us, to see if you can work on the next BOA game, please email an attachment or link to me at grant@ratubaworld.com

Hey everyone!

Brink of Alienation: IV is finally out! You can see it on the front page of newgrounds.com or armorgames.com, or at our very own website. Have fun playing!!!

If you are interested in doing artwork for the next flash project, email me at grant@ratubaworld.com and I'll check out your stuff

No, this isn't a special update. I just thought I'd post about some of my projects. They're just too fascinating to not yap about. Anywhoo, here's an in-game character I'm going to use in a future project:

I think I've finally mastered the art of drawing with the mouse.

Also, stay tuned for a little preview/demo of my upcoming game, which will feature the "Virtual Training" section and possibly the first level. I'm pretty pleased by how it's turning out, and so far, you're able to man a machine gun, pilot an assault mech, and drive a tank (as well blowing the hell out of a few enemies). Right now, I'm working on coding an assault fighter you'll be able to commandeer. It's working out great.

The game won't be complete anytime soon, but I'll be updating you on my progress. Stay tuned for screenies and the demo.

-Brian

P.S. How was your Xmas? What did you get (if anything)?

Merry Christmas everyone!

I leave you a present in .jpeg form! May you all contemplate the meaning of it and write your comments!

p.s. I made him able to talk, which is cool. I have a .mov but not gonna upload right now.

later

Hey everyone!

"flybot" is finally complete! This was my final project for computer animation I, and I think it came out very successful! I can't wait to start making more advanced models and animation next semester! Perhaps even a 3D BOA related clip?

Watch "Flybot"

Anyways, time for me to take a nap. As of right now, all of my classes (except for next week's finals) are done for the semester!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You know what that means. BOAIV time again!!!!!!!!! WOOO!!!!! can't wait for it to be done

till next time friends,

-G

P.S. thanks to Radis2 for making the forum rank titles/ organizing it a bit! Everyone thank him if u get a chance! Also- if you havn't seen the "mechbot yet, refer to my last post.

The mech-bot animation I was working on is finished! Granted, it's nothing special, it is sufficient enough to get me a good grade in class. I'll be uploading the "flybot" movie later on. That clip is a very high quality animation.

"Mech-bot"

Sorry for the huge filesize...I will compress later

**edit: for those who were having trouble playing the movie, I think the problem is fixed**

-Grant

check this out everyone

New Halo 3 trailer

I hope you guys have the xbox 360- one of my housemate's bought it last year, and it's unbeleivable. Anyone get the Wii yet? what about ps3...(I doubt that, too expensive.)

Something I made in Maya...I'm gonna be using it in one of my final projects for school involving live film and computer animation. Basically I'm gonna green screen myself onto this thing and animate it. It'll be cool

Hey everyone, here is my first model I made in Maya. He's gonna be used in a 20 second animation involving drop claws, giant steel doors, and a block or two.

Check it

Bigapuayoself!

-Grant

P.S. Level 6 is done in BOA IV, level 7 will be done tomorrow, and Level 8 (final boss battle) will be done shortly there after. AHHHHHH!!!! It's almost done!!!

Sup, fools.

A while ago, I was thinking about action flash games and what makes some funner than others. Obviously, the graphics have an impact on how you perceive an action game. A load of awesome, detailed graphics and amazing effects compensate for mediocre game play, while innovative, addicting game play can compensate for poor visuals. Personally, I believe that game play has more weight than visuals, although I will say that a game's graphics really set the mood for everything.

Anyway, I was just wondering why you think some action flash games stand out from others. I've managed to create some criteria for what I think is a fun action flash game:

Over the top action: This basically means excess violence, explosions, and overall manliness. Ridiculously huge weapons, mega explosions, and giant enemies are an example of this. Plus, it adds an element of humor...kind of.

Fast Pace Action: Face it, most of us have short attention spans, and don't like to be bothered with slow, developing game play. Just freaking give us a weapon, and let us blow crap up.

Story Driven Game Play: If an action game is driven by a thought out story, it can have the potential to unfold like a movie, and provide unexpected twists and turns.

Easy Interface: Come on - an action game should only have (at the max) seven main buttons that you are required to pound. Anything else makes for confusion and frustration.

No Repetition: If you follow the "story driven game play" formula, then you shouldn't have too much repetition. I've witnessed too many action flash games that have you fight the same enemy over and over, without introducing anything new.

Innovative Concepts: If you're just gonna follow the same old warn out game formula that everyone else has been using, it'll decrease the chances of anyone paying attention to your game. Throw in some elements that you rarely see done, and possible think up some new ones, such as diverse game play elements and a variety of game modes. If you see a cool idea that many action games use, try to improve on them.

If you have any input on the matter, just crap out a comment. What do you think makes an 2D action game fun??