Chat with Chips Challenge Creator
Chuck Sommerville
September 23rd, 1998

Computer Games Forum Chat Room
MSN Computing Central
http://computingcentral.msn.com/topics/computergames/chat.asp

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, lets get started. Hopefully the others will join us.

Host Jay-MSN says:
We're chatting with Chips Challenge creator Chuck Sommerville tonight. You're entering the room as a spectator, but everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions. When your turn comes, we'll switch you to Talk mode so you can talk. If you don't wish to ask a question, just say 'Pass' on your turn.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well as you probably have heard, I'm working a sequel to Chips Challenge.

Host Jay-MSN says:
I'll turn it over to Chuck and let him give you some opening comments and then we'll get started on the Q&A

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Right,

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I'm working on CC2 now.  I have been working on it for more than a year.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I got some requests from fans, who urged me to write it.  I'm adding new elements, Over 100 elements in all.  The game will come with an Editor so you can create your own levels and share them

Host Jay-MSN says:
Cool!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I have a team of about 20 designers/testers who are building the levels that will ship with the game.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
This has been a skunk works production.  I don't as yet have a publisher, and I am doing it all on my own time.  The Bit Busters, my team, are donating their time in exchange for getting their names in the credits

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I do have a verbal agreement with the company that owns the title Chips Challenge, which is not Microsoft.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
CC2 will include both Chip and Melinda, and you can see what they look like on Richard Fields web page.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
If you have more that one player on a single map, the screen splits into two windows and you can play cooperative levels.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
There is no plan of multiple player over the internet

Chuck_Sommerville says:
One of the neatest features is the use of logic gates, like Rocky's Boots.  This can get quite complicated, and could be educational

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I have also added an element which makes building true SokoBan levels possible

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well, I will open to question now.

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, we'll get started with the formal Q&A. I'll start from the top of the list with Alice and take your questions one by one. You'll each have a chance to ask a question and a follow-up....

Host Jay-MSN says:
Afterwards, we'll switch to informal chat so everyone can talk. Not all at once, hopefully. :)

Host Jay-MSN says:
Alice, you have the floor :)

_Alice_ says:
LOL...I'll pass on the question, Jay....just dropped by to see everyone and find out how things are going...i've been out of the loop for a while

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, Bren is next then.

Host Jay-MSN says:
You're up Bren

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Good to see you Alice.

Bren says:
I have no questions.  KathyL convinced me to come to the chat <points at Kathy :)>

Host Jay-MSN says:
heh...I hope someone has some questions tonight <g>

Host Jay-MSN says:
Kathy's next in line, so...

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I hope Romero comes back

Host Jay-MSN says:
you're up Kathy

KathyL says:
Hi! first..thanks for this Chuck. you're my hero. :)

KathyL says:
how many levels in Chips2?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I'm glad you like my game

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I'm hoping for about 200 in the released version,  Of course I also to someday find the compiled 100 levels posted to the internet

Chuck_Sommerville says:
excuse me, I meant 1000 levels

KathyL says:
kewl..nother ? please ?  will the monsters move smoothly as they supposeddly do in Atari version?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Right now we have about 165 levels, but we will be weeding out many of the weaker ones

Host Jay-MSN says:
follow-up, Kathy?

Host Jay-MSN says:
looks like the Node Gods are at work tonight. :)

---

Chuck_Sommerville says:
jay, what happened?

KathyL says:
Chuck..the 4 hidden levls ..will there be 'easter egs' in Chips2?

Host Jay-MSN says:
got disconnected, sorry

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I have a different philosophy about things now.  Since any levels codes will be published, I'm just going to sequence the official set of levels, and leave all the levels open to be loaded in the editor.

KathyL says:
I like that. :) Thanks Chuck

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, Limo's up next (looks like the server's acting up, so there'll be some lags. Bear with us)

LimoJohn says:
Thank You Jay for having this chat!  Chuck will Melinda be a moving piece as Chip is now? Thanks for being here Chuck

Chuck_Sommerville says:
There is a scripting language that I can do some tricky stuff with.  That will make things more interesting. 

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes, Melinda is a moving piece. The level designer has to option of the player being Chip or Melinda.  Melinda has some differences to Chip though, Like being able to walk on ice without cleats

Chuck_Sommerville says:
And Chip and Melinda can be on the same level

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Or 10 Chips, and 10 Melindas

LimoJohn says:
Great...thank you so two can play the same level is that correct?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes, in split screen mode.  Each windows can cycle through players that are not active in the other window

LimoJohn says:
Thanks Chuck...I am done Jay

Host Jay-MSN says:
thanks Limo

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Oh, I forgot, you can also drop tools

Host Jay-MSN says:
next up is Luc

Chuck_Sommerville says:
On purpose

Host Jay-MSN says:
server lags here, folks...sorry

Luc says:
Thnks Instead of just asking specific questions... would you summarize the main differences between chips 1 and chips 2?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Tall order,  Ok, I'll do my best.

Luc says:
Also, is there going to be a beta version of the game?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
The art has been redone.  The sound has been redone.  All the CC1 levels will be released on CC2 format.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
A beta version has been released to the design team only.  Not for Public release.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
CC2 has a bunch of new game elements, and will ship with an Editor.

Luc says:
And last question: in cc1 we only see a part of the world, and many levels seem to be designed with this in mind. But now of course, if you can print the whole level its a different matter right?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
It will take a while to run down all the new elements.

Luc says:
( its ok I just asked for the MAIN differences) Who is next?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well, In CC2 you can see 10x10, or 9x9 ( to keep the CC1 levels interesting).

Host Jay-MSN says:
mp2101 is up next, then puzzler, then whizzard

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Plus, maps can be any size from 10x10 to 40x40

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Luc?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Jay?

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, is that it?

Luc says:
I'm finished.

Host Jay-MSN says:
Thanks, Luc

Host Jay-MSN says:
next up...mp2101 :)

Host Jay-MSN says:
heh...talk about timing :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
shy

Host Jay-MSN says:
must be

Chuck_Sommerville says:
he's back!

Host Jay-MSN says:
we'll move on to puzzler, then

Host Jay-MSN says:
no, wait...

Host Jay-MSN says:
one more time...

mp2102 says:
Hi hold on jay am here

Host Jay-MSN says:
do you want to pass or should we come back to you?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
must be a long question

Host Jay-MSN says:
:)

mp2102 says:
went blank screen for a sec...Hi Chuck...was wondering about little Chip..his appearance is quite altered for Chips II...red hair and glasses?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes,  I got a friend to do all the art for me.  I'm quite pleased with it. It's modeled more after the Lynx version.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Actually his hair is more of a brown

mp2102 says:
so yo are saying chip looked different in the Lynx version?

mp2102 says:
can you explain Logic Gates a bit?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
In CC2, he looks more like the Lynx version than the Microsoft version.  for those who haven't seen him, it's on this page:      http://www.bus.ualberta.ca/rfield/Chip'sChallenge/chip.htm

Host Jay-MSN says:
Thanks, mp2101. Next up is puzzler, followed by Whizzard, then debbeeanne

puzzler says:
Hi Chuck, nice to meet you, Thanks Jay for having this chat! I really like the co-op idea, and the edit mode - maybe I'll be able to finish more levels heheheh ;) I'm a novice when it comes to CC, but I really like the variety of the levels. My question is: Can one person can play multiples of Chip or Melinda? I didn't quite understand what you said before..

puzzler says:
how's that?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes, when you get more that one player, the screen splits.  There is a set of keys fore each screen.  Each screen can cycle between players that are not active in the other screen.  A single player could in theory handle both controls, or just move one player, then go move the other.

puzzler says:
And how would 2 people play it then?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
One would control the left window, and the other the right window, just using the same keyboard.  the right player has the arrows keys, the left would t\get WASZ keys .

Host Jay-MSN says:
follow-up question, puzzler?

puzzler says:
That's going to be great! Thanks Chuck, Jay...next?

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, Chuck, I inadvertently passed over mp's last question...

Host Jay-MSN says:
mp2102 says:
can you explain Logic Gates a bit?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
OK, its all wrapped up in digital design, we have wires and circuits.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
An And gate has two inputs, and one output.  if both inputs are TRUE, then the output is also TRUE.  This can be used to control toggle doors, clone machines, and other things

Chuck_Sommerville says:
There are AND, OR, NAND, XOR, LATCH, INVERTER, and a counter gate

Chuck_Sommerville says:
you could have a level where a toggle door is only open is two buttons are pressed at the same time, while another button must not be pressed.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
anything else about logic gates?

Host Jay-MSN says:
mp, did you have a follow-up to that?

Host Jay-MSN says:
I guess not. :)

mp2102 says:
I have learned more about logic gates than I can assimilate at this moment ..thanks Chuck! <s>

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, next up will be Whizzard (thanks mp)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Wait till you see the game!

Whizzard says:
Hi Jay & Chuck

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Hi

Host Jay-MSN says:
hi whiz :)

Host Jay-MSN says:
After Whizzard will be debbeeanne, followed by Analyst

Whizzard says:
I tested some of the early levels of CC2 but have not had much experience with the later levels

Host Jay-MSN says:
Then we'll switch to informal chat

Whizzard says:
how many levels are being tested now?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
About 160.  I think Whiz must be one of my early testers who I lost touch with

Host Jay-MSN says:
follow-up, whiz?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Paul says hi.

Whizzard says:
Maybe you can show me some new levels when I see you SAT

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yeh, thanks Dad.

Host Jay-MSN says:
:)

Whizzard says:
I will let debbeeanne talk to you now

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, thanks Whiz.

Host Jay-MSN says:
next up is debbeeanne, followed by Analyst

debbeeanne says:
hey chuck, i'm so proud of you (i'm his sister!) Do you as the author play every level when you write the game?  If not, how many levels have you played?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well, actually I cheat quite a bit. This brings up a feature I should have talked about earlier  

Host Jay-MSN says:
cheats!

Host Jay-MSN says:
(sorry) :)

debbeeanne says:
i knew that from way back when! :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
One of the great things about CC2 is the ability to record a solution and save it with the map.  I require that all levels that my designers submit come with recorded solutions.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I usually just watch the solutions and marvel.  Then the level has been spoiled.  I'm really not good enough to play most of them

Host Jay-MSN says:
debbee, follow-up?

debbeeanne says:
How many designers are working with you?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
About 20,  some are just designers, some are just testing, some I never hear from.

debbeeanne says:
Thanks Chuck, see you soon?!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yep, See you soon

Host Jay-MSN says:
thanks debbee...

Host Jay-MSN says:
next up is Analyst

Analyst says:
Thanks, Jay, for doing this chat!!!  And thanks, Chuck, for doing this game!  (Oops!  Make that *these games*)  I really liked the gears level so far...

Analyst says:
I'm also interested in Luc's earlier question about the Editor.  If there's an Editor, we can reveal the entire level before we try.  How can we preserve some of the exploration involved in CC1?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Who is this?  This must be another one of my designers

Analyst says:
Sorry, this is Kevin (The Analyst of the Charter Chipsters)!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Tough problem.  I decided to leave it up to the player.  Since maps will be posted in short time anyway, I will just leave it open.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
If you want to spoil the game, go ahead and load the levels up in the editor.  If not, just play the official sequence.

Host Jay-MSN says:
follow-up Kevin?

Analyst says:
Do you have a goal for the number of levels you would like to include in the final version?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
About 200.  As you know, we only have about 165 now.  Since we have plenty of time, since we missed Christmas, we will have lots to choose from

Analyst says:
Chips 2 is more like the original Lynx version than the Windows version, but the Windows version has probably got more players worldwide.

Analyst says:
I think that the "boosting" action we were getting in the Windows version after ice and force floors was a very desirable trait.  Little "skill tricks" help to separate the casual player from the fanatic/enthusiast.  Will the final version include some easter eggs like that?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
No, I consider Boosting a bug in the Microsoft version.  There are plenty of skill tricks, like turning in teleports, and the sideways block push

Chuck_Sommerville says:
No more walking backwards on force floors

Analyst says:
And were any of the effects we've discovered included in CC1 on purpose?  (Clock ticks, boosting, processing order of monsters, etc?)

Analyst says:
Yeah, I'm gonna miss that too!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Clock tocks should be fixed. No boosting, And Monster order processing is still important

Analyst says:
Since you can push blocks without fully entering the square (a skill I've not quite mastered yet),  It seems that Chip is a little too ready to die in the new version.  I think it might make sense to let the monsters get a shade closer before killing him.  Maybe 3/4 of a square instead of 1 square.

Chuck_Sommerville says:
No control of that

Analyst says:
Jumping from subject to subject:In the two-player mode, will the control keys be user-configurable in the final version?  (I like WASD better than WASZ, because it falls under the fingers more like the arrow keys.)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Not sure, I will keep it under consideration.  Might be some tricky code to write.

Host Jay-MSN says:
OK, thanks Kevin. The host has a question ... and then we'll switch to informal chat for a few minutes to wrap up

Host Jay-MSN says:
Chuck, for novices like me, what exactly is 'boosting'? :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
It's something I read about on the newsgroup.  Ruben is the real master of it.  It somehow give you a speed boost on ice when executed correctly

Host Jay-MSN says:
a bug not a feature, right?

Host Jay-MSN says:
:)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
As far as I'm concerned

Host Jay-MSN says:
heh

Chuck_Sommerville says:
If it's not in the original game that I wrote for the Lynx, then it's a bug

Host Jay-MSN says:
Chuck, first let me extend my sincerest thanks for being here tonight. We really appreciate you taking the time to chat with us

Chuck_Sommerville says:
It was fun

Host Jay-MSN says:
We're going to switch to informal chat for a few minutes to wrap up.

---

_Alice_ says:
YES!!!!...don't lets all talk at once now *G*

LimoJohn says:
Hi everyone...sooooooo good to see you

debbeeanne says:
Chuck this was great.  Thanks Jay,

KathyL says:
thanks so very much to bot Chuck and Jay

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Alice, How have you been?

_Alice_ says:
this is really great.....a room full of my heros!

Host Jay-MSN says:
Thanks to everyone for being here...great questions!

Analyst says:
Oh, HELLO ALICE!  Have missed you in the NG.

mp2102 says:
mine too!

LimoJohn says:
Thanks Jay and Chuck this was great!!

_Alice_ says:
well, chuck.....i had a little accident with my new kill file for a while

KathyL says:
Sorry I put the wrong directions to this chat up at my Charter Chipsters sir

Analyst says:
Thanks to Chuck and Jay SOOOO MUCH!!

mp2102 says:
was a real thrill for us...

KathyL says:
what's a kill file Alice?

Host Jay-MSN says:
Kathy, not your fault...they changed the room URL today

LimoJohn says:
Hi MP........delighted you were here

Whizzard says:
I guess we (Mom Mamaw Debbie Bill And I) will see you Sat night.

_Alice_ says:
you can use outlook express to dump your spam....if you do it right

Analyst says:
I still found it... a little late...

KathyL says:
Chuck..how did you find.assemble your design team and testers?

_Alice_ says:
if you do it wrong, you can dump every email that contains a juno.com address

puzzler says:
I feel way outta my league...have you all finished all the levels in cc1?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
If anybody is really interested in being a tester, please contact Jay, and he will forward your email address to me.  Right Jay?

debbeeanne says:
Say hi to jenn and boys

Host Jay-MSN says:
you bet, Chuck :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
But only people who were here tonight.

Host Jay-MSN says:
for a small fee...

Host Jay-MSN says:
<just kidding!!>

LimoJohn says:
I will test it out of the box Chuck......will be looking forward to the release

puzzler says:
Wouldn't you have to be really good to be a tester?

Analyst says:
Chuck, I can't seem to turn in the teleports... what am I doing wrong??

mp2102 says:
Chuck..were you surprised to become speed become such a factor on our board? after the fun of solution was relized?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
You just have to be interested in giving a valid opinion on levels

Host Jay-MSN says:
for those who don't already know, my email is jay_msn@msn.com

KathyL says:
most 'charter chipters' have completed cc1.. have been working on getting the highest scores possible for over a year now. :)

puzzler says:
Hey Jay, I could do that, I'll memo you!

LimoJohn says:
I got cash money set aside....for you Chuck....get it on the shelf I will buy it

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes, I was really surprised to find people interested in SCORE at all.

mp2102 says:
thought so!

_Alice_ says:
I'm afraid I will need a new computer first *sigh*

_Alice_ says:
I never did get it to run right on my machine

mp2102 says:
((Alice))

LimoJohn says:
Alice don't we all!!??

Analyst says:
A question about random force floors in CC2:

_Alice_ says:
Maybelle!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I know, alice, But in a few months we'll fix that

Analyst says:
The random direction force floors in CC2 are no longer truly random.  Will this be changed in the final version?  Some CC1 levels will not work best unless the floors are truly random, while some of the CC2 levels I've seen will be nearly impossible if they are.  How can we resolve those kinds of issues?

_Alice_ says:
really?

puzzler says:
Guess it would be valuable to have a novice's opinion, right?

_Alice_ says:
oh, chuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!............for real?

LimoJohn says:
(((((((((((((Alice....Maybelle........Kathy........all you Charter chipsters))))))))

_Alice_ says:
or are you insinuating that in a few months, my computer will be so antique that the year 2000 will kill it anyway? LOL

Host Jay-MSN says:
heheh

Luc says:
Yes, the speed challenge keeps the game really interesting for a long time after you solved the problem. I hope something equivalent keeps the challenge on for a long time in cc2.

Analyst says:
I think that should be the acid test before releasing to the world:  "Does it work on Alice's computer?"

Chuck_Sommerville says:
A novice opinion is fine.  We have too many really hard levels.  I'm trying to get the designers to make so easier levels

Host Jay-MSN says:
Kevin...heheh

mp2102 says:
LOLKevin!

puzzler says:
too funny kevin!

_Alice_ says:
that is a downside of having the "real pros" design, I'll bet....they do levels that THEY would find a challenge

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I hope its all the new levels posted to the net every day

Analyst says:
I must say that I've had a good bit of fun and chuckles on some of the simpler levels, though...

mp2102 says:
Think the Charter Chipsters would be up for the Challenge!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
My screen is scrolling fast.  Did I miss any questions?

Analyst says:
It is definitely a different world now than when you did CC1, huh?

Host Jay-MSN says:
looks like you're fielding everything, Chuck

Analyst says:
I think having a goal to develop a worldwide following with trading of levels and hints is wonderful!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
yes, its different.  I may be emailing some more of the Charter Chipsters later

KathyL says:
chuck..how did you find and assemble your design team & testers?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
No more posting hand drawn maps to show solutions!!!!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Mostly referrals

mp2102 says:
<S>

Analyst says:
I was approached by a man in a trenchcoat in a dark alley...

_Alice_ says:
LOL....and just when we got really good at those hand drawn maps!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Does keeper have anything to say?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Jay?

Analyst says:
Hello, McFly!

KathyL says:
Kay//Keeper is me. I finally found this chat on the msnchat board. KathyL is leaving.  can you make keeper a participant?

Host Jay-MSN says:
yes?

Host Jay-MSN says:
was afk a moment

LimoJohn says:
Good night all...this has been great.......take care everyone

_Alice_ says:
gosh...he left quick!

Analyst says:
Bye, Limo!  See you on the NG (read you?)!!

Analyst says:
Sure did!

Keeper says:
Hiya Bren! you've no idea what I was on!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Email me Alice. So I know you are alive.

mp2102 says:
poof!.....

Keeper says:
Kevin..you're a tester?

puzzler says:
Nothing like a quick exit...leaving is such sweeet sorrow...heheh

Host Jay-MSN says:
:)

_Alice_ says:
will do, Chuck

Bren says:
I do know Kathy.... should have done a trial run for you <s>

Keeper says:
:)

_Alice_ says:
I lost a few things, Chuck........i was using my new Outlook Express kill file to dump spam, but I didn't understand it well enough

Analyst says:
I just (finally) got my paperwork back in, so I'm a designer/tester, although my list of accomplishments so far is *very* short!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I expected  larger crowd

Keeper says:
Alice..it's great to see you! been a while :)

_Alice_ says:
I know, Kathy!

_Alice_ says:
this is a pretty good sized crowd for word of mouth....

Whizzard says:
If all of you don't know this by now, I am Chucks Dad, Bill Sommerville

Analyst says:
Of course, the hard part is that everyone is expecting some marvelous block-pushing levels from me, and I don't know how to draw them yet...  Just solve them!

Keeper says:
the address to the chat was changed last minute Chuck

mp2102 says:
Hi dad!....feels like we are all family here...

_Alice_ says:
Thanks for raising such a genius, Bill!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Just have some fun for awhile Kevin

Analyst says:
Yeah,  thanks for locking him in his room with a computer...?!

Keeper says:
I emailed the wrong 'address' to Richard Field and posted the same wrong one in Alice's guestbook and on my Chipster page.

_Alice_ says:
LOL

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I got a set of 52 Computer generated 3 block SokoBan puzzles that I have permission to use

mp2102 says:
and I did too at AOL

Whizzard says:
You know that insanity is in the genes, You get it from your children! [:-)}

_Alice_ says:
Chuck...what makes it a "sokoban" puzzle?

Keeper says:
I'm slow at keeping up in chats.. hi to you Wizard. You must be mighty proud of your son!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
You have to push some blocks to specific places to open the exit door.

_Alice_ says:
yep....he's got a major fan club

mp2102 says:
Chats must be an aquired skill......

Analyst says:
(For Maybelle):

Analyst says:
As an Electrical Engineer, I expect to be consulted on those logic gates quite a bit in the newsgroup!  I do think it gives Chip a little more of that Geek flair he may have lacked in CC1!

_Alice_ says:
LOLOL.....Kevin, you are a riot!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
He was plenty geeky in CC!,  I was an EE before I dropped out to write computer games

_Alice_ says:
that will take some of the pressure off of Chuck

Chuck_Sommerville says:
You know, I never post to the group, I just lurk

Analyst says:
In chats, just remember that a response isn't always for the latest line in the window... sometimes you must hunt for the question that spawned the answer!

Analyst says:
I'd say that's dropping IN!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Jay, What do you think of what you have learned about CC2 tonight?

Keeper says:
how nice to know you lurk Chuck. :)  Maybe I should add your name to the scorecard? LOL

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I don't play for score

Luc says:
Chuck, do you go to "computer game shows"? Do you chat with other computer game writers?

Host Jay-MSN says:
I think it's going to be a major step up the ladder from the original

Analyst says:
EE can be boring (I think,  I never really did it ..  and now I do WinNT Sys admin stuff!)

Host Jay-MSN says:
I love the idea of an editor, btw :)

mp2102 says:
Chuck....we would love it if you would...post that is!

Host Jay-MSN says:
and considering how good the original is, I'd like to see it at the next E3

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I try to keep my email address semi private to cut down on spam

mp2102 says:
understandable!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Maybe at E#, just depends on the timing, remember, I can't talk about release dates

Analyst says:
I know you want to include the CC1 levels in CC2, but what about seeing about licensing the whole CC1 game for inclusion on the CC2 CD as a bonus?

Host Jay-MSN says:
understood :)

puzzler says:
I think anyone who appreciates puzzle games will applaud you Chuck! How did you come up with the original idea?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Keven, I don't understand, it looks like you answered you own question

Analyst says:
It's so hard to find (the NG gets requests all the time), that I'm sure there are some out there who would buy CC2 just to get CC1 because they love it so much!

Keeper says:
Hi Puzzler. How did you find out about this chat?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Actually, I wanted a tile based puzzle game, and thought up a bunch of ideas for game elements, and borrowed some from others.  It was inspired to a large part by Boulderdash

_Alice_ says:
doesn't MS have the rights to cc1?

Analyst says:
I think there are going to be some real differences when you move a CC1 level over to CC2 (no bugs or cheats  :-(  )

Chuck_Sommerville says:
MS only has the right to the Windows version of CC1.  No right to CC2 at all.

_Alice_ says:
:)

_Alice_ says:
excellent

mp2102 says:
wouldnt be surprised if you and R found a few,Kevin! <s>

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Actually, we spend a long time testing the CC1 levels.  Alice can attest to that.

Analyst says:
Definitely the puzzle aspect that attracted me.  I love the levels that I can't solve for a while and then discover it was *easy*!  (Yeah, right!)

_Alice_ says:
I did a third of them

puzzler says:
I heard about the chat by word of mouth.. a little hard to find but worth the search ...heheheh

Chuck_Sommerville says:
That must be why you liked Gears

Analyst says:
So, puzzler, how far along have you come in CC1 so far?

mp2102 says:
Gears...in Chips II?

Analyst says:
Actually, I liked gears because it just looks so cool just standing there!  I haven't completed it yet!!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Yes, Its a level I designed for CC2 that Keven said he liked earlier in tonight's conversation

Analyst says:
Puzzler, do you know where the CC1 Newsgroup is located?  Be sure to visit us if you need hints, helps, etc!

mp2102 says:
Chips is a beautiful game to view....just standing there...love the colors..

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Definitely, it's a friendly group, even for beginners

mp2102 says:
we crave begginners!!

Analyst says:
Think interlocking gears with Chip squeezing between the cogs.  Mighty tricky to do!

puzzler says:
Oh Analyst, I'm embarrassed to say not very far! I only discovered it and was having a blast! Lots of discovering to go!! 

mp2102 says:
yikes!

_Alice_ says:
LOL...Maybelle, you sort of sound like we eat them

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Kevin, just run right after the monsters pass

Keeper says:
I've been trying to get Bren to come to the NG. :) Now that I got her hooked on the game. :)

puzzler says:
Actually, Analyst, I'd appreciate knowing where the newgroup is... I could use the help!!! :D

Analyst says:
Oh, I think it's only cats who crave Crave... right Kathy?

Bren says:
Yes, I'm hooked <g>

Keeper says:
lol Kevin

Bren says:
I have 2 levels left to complete :)

Analyst says:
Jay, do you have a URL handy, or should I type it?

Analyst says:
Bren...  Which two??

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well, for all the CC1 fans, CC2 is a much smoother game.  It brings life back into the game.  I have some testers who say they can never go back.

Host Jay-MSN says:
puzzler, the *new* URL for the newsgroups is: http://computingcentral.msn.com/topics/computergames/newsgroups.asp

Bren says:
109 and just a sec .....

Bren says:
109 and 147

Host Jay-MSN says:
We've just has a new site design launched today and they changed most of the URLs

mp2102 says:
come see us at :

Analyst says:
Ahhh 147!  That's the last one finished for most people... you are not alone!

mp2102 says:
com

Bren says:
That level makes me dizzy <g>

Keeper says:
it's a 'nasty' one Bren ;-)

Host Jay-MSN says:
Of course, I only learned this afternoon that the URLs were changing :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I think this group has wanted to talk live for awhile

puzzler says:
I have to fight for computer time with my family...and my daughter discovered my chips game :<  She's way better than me, I'm afraid to ask how far she is!!

mp2102 says:
right ...she must be 9 or under!

_Alice_ says:
yep....it's really neat to talk to people in real time that you've only emailed or seen on the board

Keeper says:
so even you aren't told these things Jay? my oh my oh my oh m...

Host Jay-MSN says:
Chuck, yes...they're a very talkative bunch :)

Analyst says:
And 109, take your time when you reach the last little room.  A quick DLD gets the chip, and a quick LLDD gets you safe again!

puzzler says:
Jay, the URL addresses are cut off in my chat window, I noticed that earlier when Chuck was giving an address too...

Host Jay-MSN says:
http://computingcentral.msn.com/topics/computergames/newsgroups.asp

Host Jay-MSN says:
did that get in OK?

Chuck_Sommerville says:
How do people feel about the random levels like blob net?

mp2102 says:
thank you Jay ...<S>

Host Jay-MSN says:
no problem :)

mp2102 says:
hate blobnet!

Keeper says:
doesn't iut want a news:// beginning instaed of an http ??

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Do you like action, or puzzles?

puzzler says:
nope... I got up to topics/co

Analyst says:
Ugh!  Very time consuming to get a good score  ;-)

Bren says:
Thanks Analyst...... just can't seem to get those last few steps...... but I'm very persistant <g>

Host Jay-MSN says:
no, that's the webpage index for the board

mp2102 says:
I prefer puzzles

Host Jay-MSN says:
the individual newsgroup URL is...

Keeper says:
ahhh.. I get it Jay. :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
how about those levels where you have to die to learn how to beat it, like fire under blocks?

Host Jay-MSN says:
news://msnnews.msn.com/msn.computingcentral.computergames.classic

_Alice_ says:
fire under blocks.......blech

Analyst says:
I like action and puzzles.  Puzzles that can be sped up with action, and just puzzles by themselves.

Host Jay-MSN says:
I give out the webpage URL because it has the full index, is easier for most folks to find first time out, and scores hits for the Forum :)

_Alice_ says:
I don't like the levels that are just pure try a million things and eliminate all the options

mp2102 says:
is fine ....but annoying sometimes to haveto make long runs to get back there

Bren says:
I've really enjoyed playing Chips

Keeper says:
there are links to the NG on several sites too. Alice has one at Chips Plus, Richard Field has one at his site and I have one at my Charter Chipsters page

_Alice_ says:
my favorite are the puzzles.....and also, the levels that have "secrets"....that can be solved in more than one way

Chuck_Sommerville says:
I will stick around till 8:00 for more chatting

puzzler says:
Yeah, I like chips because its fun to do the trial and error, remember the first time I discovered ice and blocks...

Keeper says:
loke the hidden flipper John found for us?

_Alice_ says:
Chuck....a few people have asked this, but I didn't see your answer........

Analyst says:
I think I once calculated (I know that surprises you) that a straight through run solving every level in the fastest time recorded will still sit you at the keyboard for over 12 hours (and you still won't have eaten!)

_Alice_ says:
will there be any "easter eggs" in the game?

mp2102 says:
loved the little secret Ice boot in castle moat!

_Alice_ says:
what?

_Alice_ says:
castle moat has an ICE BOOT?

mp2102 says:
nio...a swim fin...sorry

_Alice_ says:
LOL...........

mp2102 says:
picky picky

Keeper says:
lol Kevin. We named you well. :) (actually.. maybelle gets the credit for your name)

_Alice_ was thinking that she really, really has gotten away from things for too long

Analyst says:
I like it... think I'll keep it on into Chips 2!

Chuck_Sommerville says:
castle mote was designed by Bill Darrah, and he was surprised that there was a pair of flippers on it.  I think I added that at the last minute.  I like it

mp2102 says:
yup...was evident from day one!

mp2102 says:
was a gift of great proportions!

Analyst says:
Bill does some really cool levels too... as well as Josh Bone...  where did you find these guys?

Keeper says:
we did too Chuck. Limo gets the credit for finding it first amonst the Chipsters

Host Jay-MSN says:
Folks I need to run, but you're welcome to hang around a chat for awhile yet

Chuck_Sommerville says:
Well i knew about the flippers long before LimoJohn told anybody.  I tough I hid it pretty well

_Alice_ says:
thanks, Jay!

Whizzard says:
Bye Jay! 

Bren says:
Thanks Jay

Analyst says:
Thanks Jay!  A thousand blessings on you and yours for giving us this outlet!

Keeper says:
thanks jay. cya!

mp2102 says:
byeee Jay!

puzzler says:
Wouldn't it be nice if we could chat "chips" more often...What would we have to do Jay?

_Alice_ says:
you hid them very well, Chuck

Host Jay-MSN says:
thanks for being here (and remember Chuck's offer about beta testing) :)

Chuck_Sommerville says:
by jay

Host Jay-MSN says:
take care

Host Jay-MSN waves

Keeper says:
consider yourself emailed Jay!

mp2102 says:
we would love that!

Whizzard says:
THaanks for hosting Chuck's Chips Chatroom :)

---end of transcript---