Johnathon

Happy Birthday, Scott!!! :)

I'm curious about this too. Anyone know?

Please take what I have to say below with a grain of salt, as it is only my immediate sense on the matter. Nonetheless, given that I probably don't have as much know-how or background information as some of you guys do on Trowe, given what I did witness him saying here on this board months ago, and what he's just posted now on the update, here is what I honestly think; clear-cut, and non-sugar-coated. I could be wrong on some points or even on all, but anyhow: If you ask me, Paul does believe in the project, and he does not believe that it is going to fail, and that is why he is behaving the way that he is. He is jealous of the Two Guys. He is jealous of the uniqueness and quality of the product they're producing, in comparison to his own resevoir of accomplishments at replay, and he is threatened by the idea of the project being finished and being successful. I also believe that some of the influence to his sour behavior roots back to some bad blood between him and Mr. Scott Murphy, and the possibility that Paul, in some twisted sense, feels that Scott owes him something, because, unfortunately, Mr. Trowe doesn't seem to possess a true understanding of the concept of "charity" towards a friend. He seems, for example, to hold the unfortunate misconception that charity by definition means to help someone who is desperately in need so that you can grow him/her as a plant later on, only to cash in for your "friendly deed," because that is the easiest and most personally beneficial application of the virtue. (See Paul's attitude here) And, I also believe that holding the position of CEO of a company implies it's own unique stresses. And I think, as others have mentioned already, that he is also jealous of Chris Pope. And... most notably... I believe that the more he continues, as he has been, the better he's going to make SpaceVenture look, and possibly the worse his own company. I take no pleasure in the irony of it for his company's detriment, but I must say, if it helps the Two Guys... ...not that they need it, Paul, not that they need it. Again, I could be wrong, but this is what I've taken away from what I've seen over the past year. You guys tell me if I'm making any careless judgements here.

Alright, so... I gather some may be wondering as to why I'm bothering to post this, considering that we have DOSBox; but some of us perfer not to deal with minor glitches that come along with DOSBox, or may be severe hardcore retro gamers who want to play some of the games that DOSBox is not compatible with. Or, some of you just may be serious 486 nerds like myself, so... I thought I'd point you to a rare find: You can buy Baby AT 486 motherboard (the ESA TF-486) from this website, newly designed by ESA to industrial standards, for $200.00. It has very nice expansion ability, the rare ability to use PS/2 keyboard and mouse with a 486, from the looks of it it meets all the standards necessary to easily build a custom SQ PC refering to Frans' article, and this board will probably last you forever. Retro Motherboards are literally the most difficult component to find at a good price and working condition these days (oftetimes getting ripped by bad sellers on eBay because they're availability has gone down and their price up.) ESA would normally require a higher fee, as far as I know, to have them build you a new 486 motherboard, by calling them and getting a quote, but it seems they have produced extra of these for a particular client who didn't need them all, and so now the extras are being sold at this website. Peripherals to go with a system based on this board could also easily be purchased from this other site. Memory, I recommend getting from S.A.Tech, as I've used them several times already. And... here would be the manual for the motherboard. Happy Building, for those of you geeks like me! :D

AWESOME video! Oh, I would love so much for you to elaborate on this, Frede. Is this why VSB was successfully released with no legal trouble? Tell about the pissing on Activision, do, Frede! :D

Oh, it will ;)

Talk about a disappointment! I remember myself continuing to think it was simply behind schedule, for the first intitial year or two, and when I finally realized it wasn't going to happen, disappointment made a permanent settling in. Sucked it did. Made a developer wannabe out of me. Well, at least a more obsessive one than I had been prior to that betrayal.

Welcome, dude! :)

Lol, pcj, what are you doing with this in your possession? :P

Happy Birthday, Frans!!! I feel like we attended grade school together! :D

And now that you bring this up, I just thought I'd add: I think I recall Scott and Mark mentioning (or someone else saying they mentioned, during an interview, not necessarily recently, but years ago), that it was because of the "current" (of that time) goings on that Space Quest 4 resulted as such a dark game. However, Space Quest 4 is a jewel of its own species (still worthy of being part of the series, in every respect, I think; yet so unique in its apocalyptic undertone), and I do believe such is one of the most invaluable qualities of a great author and storyteller; that is, to be able to utilize his/her current state of mind, whether on the up or down, to inspire his/her work in a way which brings it to life in an honest and convincing way. I realize we're discussing a comedic series here, but I think the concept still applies. In any form of creative expression, an author's desire must be into it if it's going to be worth expressing to others - and that means if the work needs to ring a little close to home for the author, or to a degree serve as a means of therapeutic outlet, then, all the better - so long as it is balanced and doesn't completely overtake the work. Perhaps I'm projecting too much my own strategy and values here. I'm not certain exactly how Scott and Mark have felt throughout the years; but every work is an expression and revelation of its creator(s), that is unavoidable. Just try and tell me for a moment, even looking at Space Quest 3, that the whole bit about the Software Pirates ruining the series, and the cubicles with the overworked programmers being whipped wasn't a form of comedic outlet, or displacement therapy. And, if you ask anyone, they'll probably tell you they found it funny as hell when they played it. From what I've read here, I have no doubts that Scott and Mark have every ability they need to make SQ7, and if they decided to (even and despite whatever feelings from the present or past that reside) it would still be awesome. It's simply a matter of whether or not they desire enough to do it.

I suppose you're right, Cap'n. I just really wanted it to be the golden mop. :blush:

uh... not to nitpick, Cap'n, but... how do we know the limited palette is trying to approximate wood? Couldn't it just as well be trying to approximate gold? After all, up to this point we've been only theorizing as to the author's intent. I know, I'm nitpicking. Lol. I mean... after all... even the stringy... uh... squiggly string cloths.... uh... what would you call the cleaning part of the mop -> the parts attached to the handle: they are also gold, er... yellow, or wood, or whatever. :D So, maybe it is the Golden Mop?

I would agree, and also add: given that an ACME rocket reference was also present in SQ3, just one screen below the pod, the train-of-thought of the author during the time of design is quite prevalent in this case.

Well... I've done my good deed for the day. Wish it was this simple every time. :P

Now all he needs is a pinkunz sitting on his lap, and a couple ape-men with Spock-ears at each side. :y:

Well... absolutely, it MUST be a labor of love, and if the Two Guys were up to doing it, it would be. It's also because the series itself doesn't take itself to seriously (the plot of the 3rd one had Roger rescuing its creators from software pirates, for crying out loud! :D ), I don't see where/how reviving it after all these years would present the typical issues that generally come along with trying to slip new chapters into a resurrected series (despite whatever plot inconsistencies or multiple authors/teams-of-authors there have been. I honestly feel that if it were revived, it could be great. Nonetheless, SpaceVenture is very exciting news, and so long as the TGfA continue to produce something, whether SV, SQ, or both, I will continue to follow with great enthusiasm and purchase up every chapter/sequel that comes along. It goes without saying that it would not be good for them to feel obligated to revive a series they don't currently have the motivation to work on. SpaceVenture can, as you say, serve as a good familiar turn in direction. I just think it wouldn't be nearly as problematic or unwelcome as it may seem, provided we have our dependable authors and they feel like doing it.

Hahaha! I admit, that's exactly what I was thinking too when I read it. I just didn't want to be the one to say it.

Why not the "Google Plexers"? :)

Odd how I had that impression. Could've sworn I read it somewhere in the credits or the design commentaries/about. It was a good 5 years ago now though.

I of course wasn't privy to all the details of the design team or how they worked together; but Mandel's designed several professional games (including SQ6), and if I recall correctly, he put in a good bit of help (not only voice-acting, but design help) in for AGDI's King's Quest games (which, in my opinion, were EVERY bit as good as the officials if not better.) The SQ7.org project always came across to me such that it was very well managed and there was a solid hierarchy of development team organization and quality assurance. With Mandel in the loop, I have every confidence it would've been good enough to be considered official. He's an official former author, after all. Of course, it would be unique to what the Two Guys would come up with, but quality nonetheless. And... If the Two Guys get the rights, I suppose I just feel it would be the most romantic thing if all that well-led, well-managed effort (helmed partly by an official former author), could finally come to fruition, since I'm under the impression it's basically complete but just legally disallowed from being distributed. I think it would be the most welcome thing if Scott and Mark were to allow SQ7.org to release the game once they have the rights to it, and then, themselves (that is, the TGfA) pick up with SQ8.

Yell at you for asking it...? I wish I could observe fans all across the web bugging the heck out of everybody as to SQ7 being released, because I want to see it happen too, and the noisy wheel usually gets the grease! ;) SpaceVenture IS going to be very cool; but, of course, SQ7 is a possibility in the future, and from the Two Guys - need I say more? :D I hope they do get on their feet and get the legal power they need. EDIT: I want to follow up on this to add (I always seem to forget to do so, because I've been so excited about the Two Guys's dynamic game-design duo reuniting) - I'd be overjoyed to see them get the rights even if to allow the Josh Mandel and fan team game to be released, rather than designing it themselves. Space Quest 6 was very enjoyable, and I believe Mr. Mandel is familiar enough with the territory that he too can pull it off. Why not have it released considering it's already been finished? :) Fact is, I'd be happy to play an SQ7 designed by the brilliant TGfA duo OR the Mandel designed fan-team version, and I'd consider either one to be official. That having been said, whichever SQ7 we DO wind up playing, there must be a Space Quest 8 and others sequels coming. When I was a young child (12), just before it was cancelled, I'd imagined Roger's adventures would span at least twice as many as have been published, and I don't desire to let up on that expectation now that the Two Guys are forming a new company! :D

I regret not having watched this sooner. Spectacular! It's basic, but it's right on que. Very witty, funny, and nostalgiac. I particularly appreciate the part at 2:08, when you have Scott spinning on the floor and Mark running in circles! I love it!! (Among other clever parts, like elmo opening fire and astro chicken wanting out.) :lol: Great piece!

I was frightened into purchasing personal medical insurance post what happened to me this past month; and, considering your story Cap'n, I consider that $109 per month well worth it, per chance any such emergency ever were to occur. I might also add, per chance any late payments went on your credit, hopefully the medical debt responsibility act will be approved by this next senate, and you will be able to force them to remove any negative impact to your score regarding medical debts within 45 days of them having been paid up. Best of luck.

Dang, Captain! Medical bills? Car wreck? I'm sorry to hear this. You are okay, I hope? I had a big hit too this last 6 weeks. $500.00 in medical bills for an unexplained cause of severe shortness of breath. Literally thought I would die at a couple points. Could have been some nasty atypical pneumonia. Anyways, get better!