Hi everyone,

Back in 1985/86 I came very close to completing a platform game for the BBC Micro called "The Krystal Connection", which was due to be published by Melbourne House (I still have the original contract and correspondence between myself and Alfred Milgrom!).

The game is 100% machine code, features in-game music and uses Mode 1 for graphics. Melbourne also wanted an Electron version, however I can't remember if I got one working.

I should still have the source code, however I will need to spend some time looking for it. I did send a copy of the code to myself in the post for copyright purposes (as someone suggested a long time ago), it's just I'm not sure where it is at present.

Now I have already had some correspondence with DaveM and subject to my being able to locate the Source Code, I would be happy to submit this for "commercial" release through the Retro Software label, though I would not be looking to collect any "royalties" myself: should it actually generate any revenue then this should go towards the cost of duplication/packaging/promotion etc... (anything extra can always be sent my way )

The good news is that [should I find the source] it is already virtually ready for release. The only thing I need to finish off is the Password/Level Skip system (though I would also like to add an option to enable/disable the music whilst retaining sound effects).

I would also endeavour to convert it for the Electron (which shouldn't be too difficult).

I do have a compiled version of the game in its near-final state and I have attached some screenshots that I created using BeebEm.

Once I have some more news and - fingers crossed - the source code, Dave will sort out Forum/Wiki Entries for me.

Regards,
Stephen.

That looks beautiful, Mode 1 is so underused. I can't believe just how many good projects we have and have come to light. Can't wait to see a movie of your game as a taster... eh. eh. go on, you know you want to do one

Congrats on what looks a marvelous game

Wow - it looks like a cross between Repton and Impossible Mission! It's nice that you've used full screen Mode 1 in a quite different way to Frak or Contraption. Can't wait to play this!

eeegh i wish that was released back then looks like the type of stuff that would fit in with the definitive beeb games. Looks original... i like the little dude...

There really was some tat released back then... its a shame alot of that is a known title and this isnt yet!

Genuinely can't wait to play it. It's the sort of thing I'd want to do a pc remake of =D

Can't believe how many games were unpublished yet easily of commercial quality. Looks great.

Heh, I was wondering where the hell the guy in your avatar came from. He's home grown eh?

Looking forward to seeing this one pulled together

Looks Good, whats the legal reason for sending yourself the source code through the post?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor_man's_copyright



I did that too, once upon a time...

On the good side, I reckon the current owners of the Melbourne House titles are among the more friendly ones when it comes to redistribution even of commercial titles, even though only through dedicated web/ftp sites (i.e. no spreading).

Played this at the Retro Fusion thing over the weekend - it's very good

Indeed you did, DaveM just sent me the attached pic ...

Any more news on this anyone?

Yes!

Thanks to Bill Carr, we've been able to address the remaining issues via hacking the binary (i.e. without source).

Therefore, it is our intention to release THE KRYSTAL CONNECTION at the RCM Gaming Event in Leicestershire on 31st May 2009.

People attending Byte Back next weekend will also be able to play a special one-level demo of the game.

Great news!

Full marks for the effort you're putting in Dave, look forward to seeing the one-level demo, I really enjoyed this game last year

How many levels are there?

There are twelve levels altogether, each with a password so you don't have to start from the beginning again.

(sorry for the extremely long absence...)

Regards,
Stephen.

Was this delayed or something? Or are you just taking time to restock? May has been and gone, and I don't see this in the "released" section

I've posted about creating the artwork for the game on my blog.

http://kecskebak.blogspot.com/

Well Zap ended up being released at RCM in May, so Krystal is now being released at Acorn World/Retro Reunited in Huddersfield on Sept 12th (which is just 1 week away! I've been duplicating and testing cassettes all-day-long ...).


Fascinating insight into the evolution of the coverart there, Dave! Is there any chance we could copy n' paste that blog entry into a page on the Retro Software Wiki? (which we could link to from the TKC page?).

Feel free Dave - there should be an article on my blog about creating the Lost Realms cover as well by now. Again, if you want to put it on the Retro Software blog that's fine too.