Eye Of The Beholder for iPhone

[aendaman]

Pleeeeeease!

http://www.pixel-heroes.de/Reviews/Screenshots/EyeoftheBeholder1.png

http://www.pixel-heroes.de/Reviews/Screenshots/EyeoftheBeholder4.png

http://www.tleaves.com/weblog/images/articles/eob.jpg

[kornhill]

Yeah, it´s about time!

[qwertyuiop123]

Oh my god, could this actually happen? Would somebody have to buy the rights or something?

The Eye of the Beholder series is one of my favourites. I love them all, even the third one. I would pay quite a lot of money to have those games on my iPhone!

[qwertyuiop123]

If you guys are desperate for a game like this, there is one called Undercroft which is very similar. It's actually better in some ways, not quite as good in some ways. Overall, similar and comparable to EOB! I really love it.

I would still like EOB though.

[Marsil]

Eye of the Beholder 2 -- YES that would be awesome!

[JackAsser]

As main author of http://eob.wikispaces.org and nowadays an iPhone app developer I can happily announce that development of Eye of the Beholder I for the iPhone have started.

:)

Stay tuned!

[txa1265]

As main author of http://eob.wikispaces.org and nowadays an iPhone app developer I can happily announce that development of Eye of the Beholder I for the iPhone have started.

:)

Stay tuned!

Excellent! Keep us updated as you progress. Love Undercroft and other 'old school' RPG's that bring me back to playing RPG games in the 80's on my Apple ][+!

[CylonGlitch]

As main author of http://eob.wikispaces.org and nowadays an iPhone app developer I can happily announce that development of Eye of the Beholder I for the iPhone have started.

:)

Stay tuned!

Did you buy the rights or just planning on using it?

[JackAsser]

Did you buy the rights or just planning on using it?

I've digged quite much into the content rights and spoke with the original graphician about it. It's quite complicated and I think the only license that can cause any copyright infringements would be the AD&D license. So, to work around that I will not reverse engineer those parts of the role playing engine. Instead the ruleset will be similar but not an exact replica and I will not post that it's a "Advanced dungeons and dragons game".

The developing studio had been bought up in 4 steps and the current owner is nowadays EA-games. The publisher was also bought up in 4 steps and actually closed. Nowadays owned by Ubisoft. The AD&D license has also been bought up in several steps and is currently owned by Hasbro. So it's a mess...

[Stirolak123]

You can do it via the iDOS emulator but I don't know how fast it runs. I tried betrayal at krondor though and it runs well.

[JackAsser]

You can do it via the iDOS emulator but I don't know how fast it runs. I tried betrayal at krondor though and it runs well.

It would run well. I honestly thought iDos was pulled and I can't beleive it can/is accepted on AppStore really since emulation is not allowed.

But anyway, a packaged game would be neater with proper touch GUI adaptions.

[txa1265]

It would run well. I honestly thought iDos was pulled and I can't beleive it can/is accepted on AppStore really since emulation is not allowed.

But anyway, a packaged game would be neater with proper touch GUI adaptions.

It was pulled ... wish I had gotten it before it left ... :(

[CylonGlitch]

The developing studio had been bought up in 4 steps and the current owner is nowadays EA-games. The publisher was also bought up in 4 steps and actually closed. Nowadays owned by Ubisoft. The AD&D license has also been bought up in several steps and is currently owned by Hasbro. So it's a mess...

FYI, what this means is that EA, Ubisoft and Hasbro could claim rights over the work and come after you if it is successful. All images, sounds, and even story is part of their license. Some companies are VERY protective of their IP and, unfortunately have to be if they want to maintain the rights over it.

I'm not saying don't do it, I'd love it if you did. I'm just saying, be careful. :D

[globalist]

Great news! My advice:

1. Develop EOB game
2. Don't get served by EA/Ubi/Hasbro
3. Get approved by Apple
4. ????
5. Profit

:D

[JackAsser]

Great news! My advice:

1. Develop EOB game
2. Don't get served by EA/Ubi/Hasbro
3. Get approved by Apple
4. ????
5. Profit

:D

Background walls, decorations and doors now working. Collision detection also works + initial commands in the script byte code parser also works. :)

Stay tuned!

[Tonsko]

Holy ****, that would be awesome.

Also - it must mean that there's a bunch of old bar stewards on this forum for you all to remember EoB. Myself included. :D

[dc6g]

Hi,

I just started taking Iphone Development course and for my final project I'm thinking about creating a 2D first person RPG similar to Eye of Beholder style.

I did a lot of research and posted on various forums in search of tutorials or examples to look at but not a lot of info on this subject. I will be greatly appreciated if anyone can answer some of my questions on this subject so I don't feel so lost because I never programmed a game before ><

1. Should I consider using Cocos2d (Cocos2d has this type of engine prebuild?) or build the view engine from scratch with a 5x5 2D array fixed construct of the 1st person view?

2. Use a fixed size image of wall and rescale or tilt to produce different perspective view of a wall? Or use a 32x32 2D tiles set to multiply into a wall? Which is better for processing and use less memory?

Any help on a tutorial on the principle of generating such a view under Iphone SDK environment is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Dennis

[JackAsser]

Hi,

I just started taking Iphone Development course and for my final project I'm thinking about creating a 2D first person RPG similar to Eye of Beholder style.

I did a lot of research and posted on various forums in search of tutorials or examples to look at but not a lot of info on this subject. I will be greatly appreciated if anyone can answer some of my questions on this subject so I don't feel so lost because I never programmed a game before ><

1. Should I consider using Cocos2d (Cocos2d has this type of engine prebuild?) or build the view engine from scratch with a 5x5 2D array fixed construct of the 1st person view?

2. Use a fixed size image of wall and rescale or tilt to produce different perspective view of a wall? Or use a 32x32 2D tiles set to multiply into a wall? Which is better for processing and use less memory?

Any help on a tutorial on the principle of generating such a view under Iphone SDK environment is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Dennis

Havn't used Cocos2d at all. For EotB I'm rendering in the same way as the original since I'm using the original data sets. In those data sets all walls and graphics are already prescaled into the different zoom steps etc.

When creating a new game you might want to use a more modern approach, such as using 2d textures and simply create the 3d-view using OpenGl or something similar.

Regarding both performance and memory you won't have any problems on an iPhone when creating a game like this. So choose the solution that you find most interesting or easiest to work with...

[JackAsser]

http://jackasser.ath.cx/shot.png

[JackAsser]

Lot's of stuff has been implemented now and I'm getting satisfied with the GUI now, i.e. button sizes, transitions, how to handle the pointer item etc.

Also most script functions are done which means that the pussles on at least level 1 now fully works. The item handling is nearly done, some small issues left, but throwing, dropping, using etc all works fine now.

Level manipulation, such at pulling levers, opening doors etc also works. There are small issues with door handling but shuold be easy to fix.

Next stop is monsters with AI I think.. Or maybe implementing the fighting and spell casting system... Dunno yet.

Anyway, it's slowly getting forward and the feeling of it on the iPhone is just great (IMHO).

/JackAsser

[Tonsko]

Fine, fine work, sir!

[nedz06]

Lot's of stuff has been implemented now and I'm getting satisfied with the GUI now, i.e. button sizes, transitions, how to handle the pointer item etc.

Also most script functions are done which means that the pussles on at least level 1 now fully works. The item handling is nearly done, some small issues left, but throwing, dropping, using etc all works fine now.

Level manipulation, such at pulling levers, opening doors etc also works. There are small issues with door handling but shuold be easy to fix.

Next stop is monsters with AI I think.. Or maybe implementing the fighting and spell casting system... Dunno yet.

Anyway, it's slowly getting forward and the feeling of it on the iPhone is just great (IMHO).

/JackAsserhttp://bestcasinogamingonline.com/crunk/35/543.jpg

So cooooooooooooooool! Thanks you!!!

[ealvin2211]

Keep us posted! I occasionally search the app store for anything Eye of the Beholder related and only today thought to poke around on the web. If you finish the development, you should offer to license it to the rights holders or sell the work to them. Good luck!

[bokdol]

while your at it, if you dont mind how about a port of masters of magic. hehe but thats awesome what your doing i hope you get approved and set up. i will buy the game

[JackAsser]

@ealvin2211, bokdol:
Development continiues without pausing. :) The dungen render code has been fully reverse engineered now and is 100% implemented. I even found a couple of bugs in the original game which I fixed. F.e. pressure plates on lvl12 are incorrectly flipped. :P

I'm currently working on the monster AI, stay tuned.

Regarding content rights; I've been in contact with the original authors and have a general idea how to proceed. I don't think it should be any problems since it's not a port, but more like a redux or homage/tribute to. Much graphical elements have been redone and the GUI f.e. is completly new and made with touch interface in mind.

I will not implement the AD&D ruleset either, but will use similar mechanics to get the correct felling of the game.

Regards, Andreas

[JackAsser]

Just wanted to bump the thread and tell you guys that development is still fully in progress. I've just reverse engineered everything in the original and made a working clone in Java so that I get a good grip on the game mechanics. I'll now take bits and pieces that I like and mold them to fit the iPhone-version.

As stated earlier, I will not re-implement the AD&D rules on the iPhone-version due to licensing issue, however now knowing the exact rules used in the original I can assure you that the game play and difficulty will feel the same and hopefully you will get an equally enjoyable experience as the original.

Stay tuned!

/Andreas

[Tonsko]

\o/

[JasperCasper]

Jasper casts spell of thank you healing

[JackAsser]

Jasper casts spell of thank you healing

A consultant mission stole some of my development time for this, but don't worry. I'm right on track. The Java-replica is 100% functional now and the iPhone-version goes as planned! :)

[JackAsser]

AI done
gfx-engine done
GUI almost done
script-engine done
rpg-engine done

Stay tuned...

:D

[sshih]

This looks fun!

[JackAsser]

Allright...

Sound engine done but I really need some new hifi samples, the original sound assets are of really low quality.

Coming up: Finish the spell cast system, including particle effects, spell book handling, memorize/pray for spells.

What's left after that is:
* Intro
* Character generation
* Load/Save
* Automap
* Cut-scenes
* Various details in the GUI
* Better GUI gfx (I'm using a crude variant now)

Wishlist:
* Custom GFX that have the same look and feel as the original but repixeled for the retina display.
* Ingame ambient music.
* Really nice looking GUI assets.
* Repixeled cut-scenes and intro.
* More monster animation frames.

So if anyone is interested in working for free with the wish list stuff, don't hesitate PM me. :)

Regards /Andreas

[txa1265]

This looks fantastic - thanks for making this effort for us old folks with new tech!

[JackAsser]

.

[Kukulcan]

FYI, what this means is that EA, Ubisoft and Hasbro could claim rights over the work and come after you if it is successful. All images, sounds, and even story is part of their license. Some companies are VERY protective of their IP and, unfortunately have to be if they want to maintain the rights over it.
I cant see how this can get approved by apple. I would suggest finishing the engine and doing your own graphics and story.

[macatron]

This looks AWESOME!! Although, I must say that I am a little worried that this will even see the light of day in the app store due to the whole licensing deal. However, if it does, I'll be downloading it on DAY ONE!! :D

[JackAsser]

Using left and right thumb, swiping up reveals the camp menu with the auto map.

[thedollarhunter]

Great work, looking forward to this one.

@ealvin2211, bokdol:
Development continiues without pausing. :) The dungen render code has been fully reverse engineered now and is 100% implemented. I even found a couple of bugs in the original game which I fixed. F.e. pressure plates on lvl12 are incorrectly flipped. :P

I'm currently working on the monster AI, stay tuned.

Regarding content rights; I've been in contact with the original authors and have a general idea how to proceed. I don't think it should be any problems since it's not a port, but more like a redux or homage/tribute to. Much graphical elements have been redone and the GUI f.e. is completly new and made with touch interface in mind.

I will not implement the AD&D ruleset either, but will use similar mechanics to get the correct felling of the game.

Regards, Andreas

[macatron]

Any idea of when you'll be submitting this to Apple? I want to snag it quick just in case it gets pulled for any reason, so knowing when to look for it in the app store will be a great help. Thanks! :)

[Kukulcan]

Any idea of when you'll be submitting this to Apple? I want to snag it quick just in case it gets pulled for any reason, so knowing when to look for it in the app store will be a great help. Thanks! :)

How could an app that the author obviously doesnt have the rights to go through the approval?

I think it probably planned to be released for jailbroken devices?! But then there is DosBox already, so after all it will probably be just a proof of concept.

If there is interest to make something original using the engine, I would love to help with graphics or story.

[JackAsser]

How could an app that the author obviously doesnt have the rights to go through the approval?

I think it probably planned to be released for jailbroken devices?! But then there is DosBox already, so after all it will probably be just a proof of concept.

If there is interest to make something original using the engine, I would love to help with graphics or story.

There are several ways this might end really and you've mentioned two of them already:

a) only support jailbroken phones (not my intention and imho boring)
b) make something original. That's plan B. I'll contact you regarding gfx and story if that is needed!

But then, my main goal is to release the original on AppStore but that, as you say, depends on the rights owners (whom I am in contact with).

[Kukulcan]

But then, my main goal is to release the original on AppStore but that, as you say, depends on the rights owners (whom I am in contact with).

I wish you the best of luck with that :)

I once tried to get the rights to an old game soundtrack and all I wanted them was to take my money, but after being forwarded from company to company several times it just came to nothing.

[JackAsser]

@Kukulcan: Considering I only have had negative responses from Ubisoft so far I'm interested in creating something original from this. You said earlier: "I would love to help with graphics or story". Could you elaborate on that?

It would be nice to start with some new wallets specially made for the iPhone4 retina display (that would mean 24x24 building blocks instead of the original 8x8, i.e. 3x the resolution). Meanwhile I could start coding an editor for the data etc. All doors are possible to open!

Any more contributors? I have help with sounds and music already!

[ealvin2211]

I'd love to help if I could - I was obsessed with those three EOB games when I was a teenager and I keep checking back on this thread because I'm eager to see the progress. I don't have any coding skills but I might be able to help with story creation, puzzles and so forth. I did my fair share of AD&D playing ... albeit 15-20 years ago. lol

Or I can help from the business/IP side - I work in business/product development for a large telecommunication firm. I have a lot of experience in the area.

- EA

[Kukulcan]

@Kukulcan: Considering I only have had negative responses from Ubisoft so far I'm interested in creating something original from this. You said earlier: "I would love to help with graphics or story". Could you elaborate on that?

Andeas, so sorry, I just missed this post and thought there was nothing going on.

Unfortunately we are doing our own (3!) games now and at least time is very limited. I still would love to contribute.

1. Dungeons - I think it wouldn't be a problem to do some sets of rendered dungeons at a higher resolution.

2. Monsters/Items - There is a developer support forum at some other forum. You get paid work there but I think a project like this might also get someone interested doing it for royalties. Another good source if you go for handrwan would be deviantart. I might be interested in investing some (very limited) "venture capital" to get that started.

3. Story/Texts/Level design - I would love to put some limited time into that and I am sure you will find more people interested in doing it.

I think there is quite some interest in Dungeon Crawlers. And there is lots of room between "Descend" - which I think is awful - and "Legend of Grimrock", which will still take some time to come to iOS.

It would be helpful to get an overview of the assets used in Beholder.

P.S. I would be inclined to licence the engine for a limited (free) Rome themed scenario that will be updated with more (IAP) locations later. It would be a good way to test the abilities of the engine to design & run a custom game in a managable environment and would be nice advertising if you plan to use/sell the engine.

[Djinni]

Hi,

I'd love to help. I am familiar with iOS but unfortunately I haven't written any graphical applications for iOS. I only have limited openGL experience outside of iOS. I hope I can help with design/story/characters though, loved all the EotB games and have been playing D&D for as long as I can remember.