UPDATE 2004-10-29: I have received around 25 positive responses so far. That's on the edge of where I'd be willing to do it. Any more takers?

UPDATE: Added questions #10 & 11 in the Q/A.

The NUON port of Decaying Orbit is complete at last! Whew, it took longer than I thought. Had I known when I started work back in July 2002 that it would take over two years to complete I likely would not have done it. Thanks for being patient with me.

Grab the zip below for the NUON.CD and README files. Also, check out the official Decaying Orbit site for updates, including cheat codes. Most of the content is geared towards the Yaroze version, but I'll be updating that over time.

Once you've had a chance to try it I have something to ask you.

Would you buy my game?

The game as it stands is pretty much a straight port of the Yaroze (PSOne) original. If I were to keep working on it, enhance it significantly, and get discs made, would you buy it? Making discs is not cheap so I would need some minimum number of takers before I would try this. Hence why I'm asking.

So you need convincing eh? Here's a list of definite enhancements that I will include:

• A second galaxy to explore. The full game was conceived to have five parts, of which the original Decaying Orbit only had the first. I will make part two, the C'Thar galaxy, to go along with the Sparrj levels.
• New object types and enemies.
• Change the sprites to be full color 24-bit images. Right now the sprites use 4-bit (16-color) images since that's what was practical for the Yaroze. Making them 24-bit would look much better.
• Totally new shop screen with much better artwork and usability. Not only is the shop the single ugliest thing in the game, its interface is not intuitive or user friendly. I'll fix that.
• Replace all the crappy programmer art with real graphics. This includes all the ship system pics, the text crawl pics, and anything else that I deem "ugly" coughshopcough.
• Revamped and less intrusive heads-up display.
• Snazzy full color disc artwork, instruction booklet and packaging
• Incentive to finish the game. I ain't saying what it is, but it'll be cool :)
• Lots of extras included on the disc.

I have a few more things in mind, but I'm keeping them under wraps for now. Can't spoil everything can I?

My plan right now is to get CD-Rs printed with custom artwork (not adhesive labels). I will then burn copies of the game as needed. This means that the game will only work on the Samsung N50X machines. The RCA players will boot the game, but it won't be playable due to the lack of controller ports. You *could* try to use the remote, but that'd be masochistic.

I plan to make two different packages available for purchase. Both will include the same game - the only difference will be the packaging. For the cost conscious there will be a version around $10-15 (US) that comes in a printed cardboard sleeve. Game instructions will be printed on the sleeve. The deluxe version will cost around $20-25 (US) and come in a full DVD case with printed instruction booklet. Shipping is extra. International buyers are welcome and the price will be pretty much a straight currency conversion. Shipping overseas will cost more obviously.

UPDATE: From the responses so far most have said they'd buy the deluxe package. If the trend continues then I may not even offer the cheaper version.

So sound off and tell me what you think. Once you've finished reading the info here hit this link and fill out the form. All questions are optional, but the more info I have about what you want the better off I will be.

You are not committing to anything by responding. I just want to guage response at this point.

I have posted info about this on a couple forums, but need your help getting the word to more people so as to make it more likely that this project will be a go.

Obviously don't be a spammer, but if you know of a group, forum, or news site that might be interested please point them to the survey page at

http://www.dragonshadow.com/-/decayingorbit/proposal.html

Do let me know if you spot a site linking to me. I'll keep a running list here:

• NUON-DOME (direct link to news post)
• NUONica
• Castle NUON
• Digital Press (news item dated 10/11)
• ATARI.ORG (direct link to news post)

• NUON-Dome forums
• YakYak forums
• Digital Press forums
• Jaguar Sector forums (registration required to view)
• The Next Level forums
• Static Gamer forums
• yAronet forums

Here's answers to some questions you may have.

Done reading? Take the survey.