Picking up the guitar again after over a year, relearning some old favorites and adding in a bit of improvisation. I’m hoping to incorporate my music into game development projects down the line.
MoboNode is a passion project where players take on the role of Dr. Boss, a computer scientist shrunk down inside an old PC whilst investigating AI Ethics at CERN. As he navigates a hazardous environment, he will battle digital threats and demonic entites, repair malfunctioning components and maintain the PC. The game is structured around linear missions involving fixing components, defeating enemies, and uncovering the fate of other scientists.
VIDEO PREVIEW OF IN DEV
Core gameplay revolves around base building and combat. Players can craft tools as weapons—like screwdrivers and EMF bombs—to combat rats, roaches, demonic entities, viruses and rogue updates (anything you expect to find inside a PC case). A base of operations exists inside the Power Supply Unit (PSU) serves as a safe zone for crafting and resting, creating a balance between exploration(combat) and strategy. The visual style leans into a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic FPS games, while character design reflects a blend of human and machine elements. Key locations feature distinct environments, from the chaotic motherboard to the safe haven of the PSU.
After years of building MoboNode in Unity3D, we faced a pivotal decision: stick with what we knew or embrace the cutting-edge features of Unreal Engine 5. This was over a year ago! While the transition has presented its challenges, we firmly believe it’s the right move for our project.
We want MoboNode to stand out visually, and Unreal Engine 5’s advanced rendering capabilities, like Nanite and Lumen, promised to bring our vibrant world to life in ways Unity simply could not. Nanite allows for incredibly detailed assets without the usual performance trade-offs, while Lumen offers dynamic global illumination, creating realistic lighting that adapts in real time. This leap in visual fidelity has opened up exciting possibilities for MoboNode’s aesthetic, allowing us to create a more immersive experience for players.
However, switching game engines is no small feat, and we quickly realized the journey would not be without its struggles. Here are some key challenges we faced:
Unreal Engine 5’s Blueprints system feels like learning a new language. It offers a robust visual scripting environment that, while powerful, can be overwhelming compared to Unity’s simpler interface. As someone who prefers coding in C#, embracing Blueprints has become a necessity to fully leverage the engine’s capabilities. This shift required us to adapt our thinking and workflow significantly.
Migrating assets from Unity to Unreal was another hurdle. While some assets could be converted, others needed to be reworked or recreated to fit Unreal’s framework. This process was time-consuming but ultimately rewarding, allowing us to revisit and enhance our art and design.
Despite these challenges, the decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 has begun to pay off, enhancing the overall vision for MoboNode.
Keep up-to-date on Development or contact us to get involved –> https://www.bossit.net.au/welcome-to-boss-it/programming/mobonode/
A customer asked me today about Mahjong on Windows 3.1, it holds a special place in her heart, yearning for the classic Windows 3.1 Mahjong experience. Well, there’s good news. You can enjoy it on your latest Windows 10 or 11 PC. In this article, we’ll explore three different methods: using the Microsoft App Store, visiting a dedicated website, and for the tech-savvy, the DOSBox method.
Method 1: Microsoft App Store for Windows 10 and 11: If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you’re in luck. Microsoft has expanded its app offerings to include some classic Windows games. Here’s how you can play Windows 3.1 Mahjong directly from the Microsoft App Store:
- Access Microsoft Store:
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, either through the taskbar icon or by searching for “Microsoft Store” in the Start menu.
- Search for “Mahjong”:
- Inside the Microsoft Store, use the search bar to look for “Mahjong.”
- Install the Game:
- Browse the search results to locate the classic Windows 3.1 Mahjong game, if available.
- Click “Install” to download and install the game on your PC.
Method 2: ClassicReload.com for Web-Based Play: For those who prefer a hassle-free web-based experience, ClassicReload.com offers an excellent option. This online platform hosts a collection of retro games, including Mahjong. To play Windows 3.1 Mahjong on ClassicReload.com, follow these steps:
- Visit ClassicReload.com:
- Open your preferred web browser and navigate to ClassicReload.com
- Search for “Windows 3.1 Mahjong”:
- Utilize the site’s search bar or explore the game library to locate the classic Windows 3.1 Mahjong game.
- Begin Playing:
- Click on the game to launch it directly in your web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or installations.
- Relive Fond Memories:
- Enjoy the nostalgia of Windows 3.1 Mahjong, just as you remember it.
Method 3: DOSBox for Tech Enthusiasts: (We really don’t recommend this unless you’ve really got nothing better to do)
- Download and Install DOSBox:
- Head to the official DOSBox website Dosbox.com and download the suitable version for your operating system.
- Follow the installation instructions.
- Install Windows 3.1:
- Obtain a legitimate Windows 3.1 installation disk or image from a trusted source, this may prove difficult.
- Launch DOSBox and mount the directory containing your Windows 3.1 files.
- Install and Enjoy:
- Run the Windows 3.1 setup and install the operating system within DOSBox.
- Once installed, launch Windows 3.1 within DOSBox and find the classic Mahjong game in the Games folder.
You can relive the joy of playing Windows 3.1 Mahjong on your modern Windows 10 or 11 PC.
Should you encounter any technical challenges or require IT support, Boss IT Solutions stands ready to assist.
