Could people let us know about the memory in their machines so that we have an idea for EMD and future games?

I think it's probably better to look at the machines which are currently shipping. The RS7500 has 16MB, RS7500+ has 64MB.

Personally I reckon we should consider 16MB to be fair game these days - I know Castle sell RPCs with less but that's just a bit naff. More than that might be pushing it until machines like Omega, and hopefully Evolution, become available in large numbers.

However games should be aimed at SAs - even though I still won't be able to really play them when my Scorcher arrives ;-)

Could people let us know about the memory in their machines so that we have an idea for EMD and future games?

I think it's probably better to look at the machines which are currently shipping. The RS7500 has 16MB, RS7500+ has 64MB.

It's knocking on the door of 16Mb. Not sure why it is that high, have to look into why. Lee, you could help here ;-)

Really I reckon we should consider 16MB to be fair game these days - I know Castle sell RPCs with less but that's just a bit naff. More than that might be pushing it until machines like Omega, and hopefully Evolution, become available in large numbers.

However games should be aimed at SAs - even though I still won't be able to really play them when my Scorcher arrives ;-)

You will be able to play EMD, it is slightly slower but should show us if RS's will be fair game. We will also see if 16Mb is enough any more.

As for the other project....well....I don't think an RS is up to much.

It's knocking on the door of 16Mb. Not sure why it is that high, have to look into why. Lee, you could help here ;-)

Er I'll have 64MB but I can certainly look into where the memory is going.

You will be able to play EMD, it is slightly slower but should show us if RS's will be fair game. We will also see if 16Mb is enough any more.

Well if runs on the Scorcher it's not completely fair - 64MB and 50ns memory isn't exactly your bog standard RS. Still it'll give us an idea of what's possible.

As for the other project....well....I don't think an RS is up to much.

Damn, my machine is out of date already..and it hasn't even arrived ;-)

Maybe I could offer my CD duplication services instead hehee

I can think of a few reasons why it might be taking up so much memory:

* 'Bloated' level formats
* All the graphics are loaded, instead of just what's needed for that level
* All the car rotations and things taking up loads of memory. Perhaps some kind of compression method would work, if you don't have one already?
* You have a memory leak somewhere

If it's the 1st problem then you need to re-think the level format. Unfortunately I'm not an EMD developer so I can't help you there. Perhaps grouping the level tiles/blocks into 4x4 groups? Even 2x2 groups would cut the memory needed by about 4. If it's the 2nd problem then you should be able to sort that out easily. If it's the third then you might not be able to do much about it. Compressing the transparency info could be an idea, or resizing the sprites so that there aren't any blank areas left. If it's the 4th problem, well, I'll leave that to you to fix

And yes, I wrote all that because I was bored.

We have 36MB + 2Meg VRAM on our RPC

Could people let us know about the memory in their machines so that we have an idea for EMD and future games?

Strong Arm and 20 megs +1 vram.

Could the same engine be used for a motorcyel race game also?

Since the game is 2d I would assume the reason for the game eating up RAM is the gfx. Either the format, which may be uncompressed, or the animation system used can gobble memory up quickly.
Of course it could always be that the game is in development and there are loads of massive debug structures around - one reason why console dev kits have more RAM than the actual unit.

Damn, wish we had an MPG player

The graphics are very intensive, the graphics artist when beserk but I don't want to cut them down as they are excellent. We will see. I'll be passing onto a part of the group that isn't named anywhere for a look.
Damn, wish we had an MPG player

I think Nathan means a MP2 player.

I've got 32MB and 2MB VRAM, so it should run fine on my computer
I can think of a few reasons why it might be taking up so much memory:
* 'Bloated' level formats
* All the graphics are loaded, instead of just what's needed for that level
* All the car rotations and things taking up loads of memory. Perhaps some kind of compression method would work, if you don't have one already?
* You have a memory leak somewhere
If it's the 1st problem then you need to re-think the level format. Unfortunately I'm not an EMD developer so I can't help you there. Perhaps grouping the level tiles/blocks into 4x4 groups? Even 2x2 groups would cut the memory needed by about 4. If it's the 2nd problem then you should be able to sort that out easily. If it's the third then you might not be able to do much about it. Compressing the transparency info could be an idea, or resizing the sprites so that there aren't any blank areas left. If it's the 4th problem, well, I'll leave that to you to fix
And yes, I wrote all that because I was bored.

For a fast action and graphically intensive game I don't think compression would be a good idea.
I think Owain is quite organised with regards to memory consumption whereas I tend to very crudely estimate it.
Let's hope he sees the points you've made though in case he's forgotten any of them!

Screenshots look great, can't wait until it's released.

I've got a SA RPC with 68mb of ram

Screenshots look great, can't wait until it's released.

Unfortuntately you will have to wait and possibly a long time if we don't get more graphics done OR EMD will only have one set of level graphics.

Unfortuntately you will have to wait and possibly a long time if we don't get more graphics done OR EMD will only have one set of level graphics.

Maybe that would be a better option? You'd be able to get the game out sooner and then you could sell us an expansion pack? I'll buy both!

Unfortuntately you will have to wait and possibly a long time if we don't get more graphics done OR EMD will only have one set of level graphics.

Maybe that would be a better option? You'd be able to get the game out sooner and then you could sell us an expansion pack? I'll buy both!

I don't want to go down this route as I can see the whingers on the side-lines ready to play ball. I wouldn't want to buy a game with one set of level graphics, I'd be disappointed.

But thank you, at least there are some well 'ard supporters out there who know we are trying our best

hrmmm a patch after the game was released with the new level graphics would be good, & i suppose if you packed the game with the current level graphics, & announced that there will be a "patch" a few weeks after launch then people would be happy

I disagree, when a game is released I think it should be released as the complete game, if VOTI took the method you are sugesting it would no doubt provoke the trolls and all the other so and so's who have nothing better to do than slag off peoples hardwork. There are not that many games coming out on RISC OS and I think we should be patient with the develepors. Although I said I can't wait for EMD to come out in reality I can wait for as long as it takes.

I disagree, when a game is released I think it should be released as the complete game, if VOTI took the method you are sugesting it would no doubt provoke the trolls and all the other so and so's who have nothing better to do than slag off peoples hardwork. There are not that many games coming out on RISC OS and I think we should be patient with the develepors. Although I said I can't wait for EMD to come out in reality I can wait for as long as it takes.

Same here; a game with one set of track graphics is a bit lame.

Perhaps a bit if re-colouring could knock up some different styles? It would reduce the amount of editing needed to make them

Alternatively, add support for user-generated levels & graphics.

hrmmm a patch after the game was released with the new level graphics would be good, & i suppose if you packed the game with the current level graphics, & announced that there will be a "patch" a few weeks after launch then people would be happy

Who said anything about weeks?

I certainly do not wish EMD to be released with a promise of a patch as that would annihilate possible buyers straight away who then forget that extra levels have been released. I do think we need a few more scenery bits at least.

Alternatively, add support for user-generated levels & graphics.

Yeah, that would be cool. I would certainly enjoy dabbling with a level designer and altering graphics