FrotzDC 1.0 is out! This new version of FrotzDC is based on UNIX Frotz 2.43 and is now licensed under the GNU General Public License. Additional features in 1.0 include color, timed input, and limited support for sound effects. For more information, check out the FrotzDC page.
I’ve been working on updating FrotzDC to use a newer Frotz core (2.43). I still have a few more bugs to fix, so hopefully binaries and source will be available this weekend. I’ll put up a list of changes and added features at release, but until then enjoy these screenshots of my new file selector in both 80 and 40 column modes:
I’ve been informed that a Windows interpreter compatible with the FrotzDC saves can be downloaded from the Windows Frotz 2002 homepage. Thanks to Snamley for the tip!
I’ve also added an excellent FrotzDC cover done by Syngori to the FrotzDC page.
I’ve finally finished the back cover for DCBlap and posted it on the DCBlap page. Also, the screenshots and addons pages have been updated to reflect the soon-to-be-released DCBlap 1.0. Stay tuned for the release!
Worried about losing your FrotzDC saved games? Wish you could use your UNIX Frotz saved game on your Dreamcast? Introducing the FrotzDC Saved Game uploader! Now you can use your PlanetWeb browser to upload saves from your VMU to share with others, and you can upload UNIX Frotz saves from your PC and have them converted to VMU files! Check out the new Saved Games section on the FrotzDC page!
Yeah, I know I just released Frotz DC 0.5 yesterday, but Frotz DC 0.6 is out already today! I recieved a lot of feedback on the previous release and I’ve made enough improvements to warrent another release. Most important change: CD swapping works. You can press Y on the file selector to re-read the cd. I’ve also added support for 40 column mode for people who have trouble reading the smaller text of 80 column mode. This can be toggled by pressing left or right on the color scheme selection screen (Press X from the file selector). Next, I’ve fixed a bug with the arrow keys, so you can navigate the menus in Adventure’s help screen and other areas that rely on the arrow keys. These menus can also be navigated using the controller. Finally, files with the the “dat” extension are now listed on the file selector.
I’ve released a new version of Frotz DC today. The text library has been rewritten from the ground up to support the Dreamcast’s 3D hardware, resulting in much faster and more responsive text input and output. It is also built against the latest version of KOS, offering better support for third-party keyboards.Other major changes include: A flashing cursor, a VMU reading / writing indicator, and more public domain games are included on the CD images. The file selector now also shows files with the “zip” extension. Please note that it cannot load compressed games, but some people seem to be naming z-machine files incorrectly.
Important note: Please delete frotz.ini or frotz-2.ini from your VMU before starting the new version of Frotz DC. An updated version will be created for you.