Hey!

Before someone tells me I'm not allowed to post it, I've managed to source some confirmed information on the new features that Repton: The Lost Realms will introduce to the traditional Repton 3 formula!

Some of these we found out about at Retro Fusion and have been mentioned before, but there are also some new ones here, that I didn't know about at least:

• Bigger screens - 30x28 characters, instead of 28x24 in Repton 3
• Absorbalene Pills (Absorbency Capsules)
• Anti-clockwise Spirits
• Balloons
• Ice Pills (Monster Freeze Capsules)
• Multiple Time-Bombs
• Potentially twice as many monsters or transporters
• Music volume control

There's really not much point in asking me for any detail on them and DaveM gives new meaning to the notion of being tight-lipped*, though I guess most of the listed features are self-explanatory ... but feel free to wildly speculate!

Oh and AIUI, there are six levels in a set instead of eight.

The monster bug DaveM first mentioned has been fixed, so the main remaining task is to add enough levels to make it a complete game. Apparently, some of the most experienced Repton designers from other official BBC Micro and PC releases of Repton have been approached on this front - though I don't know exactly who's agreed to contribute as yet. If I can get a definitive list of the peeps involved, I'll post back to this forum (assuming I'm not banned before then, for writing this post! ).

Paras is nearly finished putting together a customised level editor disc image to send off to them.

... and finally, there will be a one-screen demo! Dunno yet whether that's anything to do with the mythical Retro Gamer article, or whether it will be released at another event or as a download from this site, but it's still great news!

"Got The Scoop" Sam.

* Obviously Paras has complete knowledge of all of them too, but please don't bug him whilst he's working.

owwwww yes, i Can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it possible to confirm this will definitely be a BBC Micro release? Will it be a download, free or charged (don't mind paying)?

Yes, as per the entry for the game on this site* I wrote it for the Beeb - B, B+, Master compatible, should work on a Compact too, and it will be available for purchase after the level designs are done.

*http://www.retrosoftware.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Repton:_The_Lost_Realms

Does the graphics handling make an Elk port very difficult?

No - as I've said elsewhere, there exists proof-of-concept code for all the key bits of an Elk port. The real problem is a complete definitive final set of source. Disassembly is not an option.

Paras, you mean that the Elk code needs finalising?

Also, could you say a bit more about Cyroid-X: what kind of game was it and will this be released?

An Elk version doesn't currently exist.

I've approached someone else about converting it to the Elk but am still awaiting a definite answer.

DaveM - shouting is not going to get anywhere and it'll make you even more angry the next time I make a genuine mistake. Can you calm down please?

Wasn't 'shouting' ... was using caps to emphasize the difference (as it's not the first time you've called him Para now, is it? ).

Anyway, apologies if my edit offended.

As for Cyroid-X ... still no progress to report of as yet ... I think the game engine is in a finished state, it just needs levels ... once we've got Repton out the door we can start to focus on Cyroid ...

And with regards to your questions about the Cyroid-X gameplay, why don't you post in the Cyroid category? (as that section of the forum is pretty quiet at the moment!).

Okay, sorry Paras.

Too right - look forward to both of them.