Visual C++ 2010 Express and SFML 2

Based on some issues that players of Alternate Reality X reported, I was keen to try out one of the more recent versions of SFML 2.  Hopefully this would resolve problems relating to the use of RenderTextures on machines using integrated Intel graphics. Using a very helpful tutorial by SFMLcoder over at http://sfmlcoder.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/building-sfml-2-nmake/ I was able to build my own SFML 2 binaries and libraries successfully for the first time.

I also used this as an opportunity to switch from Visual Studio C++ 2008 Express to the 2010 edition. It looks like there are a few changes between 2008 and 2010 but no major issues just now.

One thing to remember if that players will need to install the Visual Studio 2010 runtime for the next ARX or SOTC release.

Alternate Reality X - Release 0.57

 
Release 0.57 is now available for download from www.crpgdev.com/downloads.html

New features and bug fixes include:

• Added Encumbrance / object weights, messages and some side effects
• Added "Use timepiece" option to display hour and minutes
• Added menu option to select new music where available (Tavern, Smithy, Troll King, Goblin King, Guild, Death)
• New versions of Tavern, Smithy, Troll King, Goblin King, Guild and Death music from "Furious"
• Added on screen song lyrics for Death and some other music
• New song from Furious - The Nightstalker added to Taverns
• Bug fix: No longer start a new Dungeon character in a "Creepy Room" location
• Bug fix: Now correctly registers death whilst exploring
• Bug fix: Stopped loading shop interior images every frame!
• Bug fix: "Get" command didn't display armour names when picking up from ground
• Bug fix: Tavern opening and closing time checks prevented access sometimes
• Bug fix: Corrected Tavern opening and closing times message
• BUg fix: Paying a tavern membership fee bypassed opening time checks
• Bug fix: Object buffer tidy routine would sometimes remove carried objects
• Bug fix: Use / Drop routine would sometimes not display carried objects
• Bug fix: Apparel wasn't being saved in save game
• Bug fix: Large encounter images for fixed encounters appeared out of proportion to doors