B-Cool Breakout
From GineverWiki
| B-Cool Breakout Deluxe | |
 A screenshot of Build 1517 | |
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Developer | RJD Online Software Development |
| Type | 2D Breakout Game |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows |
| Latest Stable | Version 1.5.1 (1517) |
| Latest Alpha | Version 2.0-alpha4 (1582-a4) |
| Full-Installation Size | 2 MB (stand-alone executable) |
| Written in | GML |
| License | Ginever Block EULA (formerly RJD Online License #L01) |
B-Cool Breakout is a classic-style breakout game that was developed originally by B-Cool and then later by what became RJD Online Software Development. It was released to the public for the first time on 20 July 2006. Since then, several minor updates followed by a deluxe version of the game have been released. The latest stable version continues to be available to download from The Ginever Block.com, but support for the title was discontinued in 2008. There are now plans to resurrect the game and to remake it in C++.
Contents |
Versions
Prototype: v1.1, Build 1001
In May 2006, Michael Denny, the newly appointed deputy administrator of B-Cool, decided to make a B-Cool branded version of Mark Overmars' Game Maker Breakout clone in order to raise publicity for the site. In just over an hour, the bat graphic was modified and a few levels changed in order to create a prototype game. This was given the version number 1.1 in order to differentiate it from Overmars' original version. The prototype gained a small amount of interest and it was decided that making a full game would be a good idea. Development of the full title was transferred to Robert Dennington.
Public Release: v1.2, Build 1226
A fully branded version of the game, with several new levels and a music track called Manteca, was released to the public by RJD Enterprise Solutions on 20 July 2006.
Update v1.2a, Build 1228
Version 1.2a was released in August 2006 which removed Manteca and replaced it with a freeware MIDI file after a complaint was filed. It was otherwise identical to version 1.2.
Update v1.3, Build 1307
Version 1.3 was released in March 2007. The game executable was rebuilt with Game Maker 7 in order to make it compatible with Windows Vista. A hidden cheat code system was also added in order to allow people to skip to later levels and gain extra lives. It was otherwise identical to version 1.2a.
Deluxe Version: v1.5, Build 1500
After the merger of the RJD Community Forums and Legend Killer Productions, MDC (co-owner of the newly merged LKP Community, and known as TheOriginalTitch at the time) agreed with Tinytimrob that the game should be extended with new levels, music, and features. A deluxe version of the game was released by RJD Online Software Development on 14 July 2007 and featured an entirely new bank of 26 music tracks, brand new levels (most of which were designed by MDC), animated bricks, a level select system, a massively revamped cheat code system, and the ability to save in-game screenshots to BMP files. The game border was also changed to better reflect the "Deluxe" status.
Update v1.5.1, Build 1517
Version 1.5.1 was released on 15 August 2007 and included a few minor changes. Music volume was adjusted, a pause function was added, invisible blocks were modified to flash yellow, and the cheating system was updated. It was otherwise identical to version 1.5.
Cheat Codes
In version 1.5 (and later 1.5.1) it is possible to cheat by pressing F12 and entering a cheat code. The cheats were primarily added to help aid in testing, and were left in the game under the assumption that the average player would be unable to guess them. The following cheat codes are valid:
- menu - Return to the main menu without going to the high score table
- titchify - Skip to the next level
- i love breakout - Gain a free life
- trouble - Gain 10 free lives
- i really love breakout - Play the secret mission
The following additional experimental cheat codes were added in Internal Build 1582-a3:
- glowify - Turn all balls into glowing balls
- beefitup - Enable power-ups
- doublethefun - Double the number of regular balls
- deathtrap - Make all balls explode
Until these codes were posted on GineverWiki, the only known codes were menu (displayed within the in-game help) and i really love breakout (revealed by Tinytimrob in 2008).
Future of the game
Internal Build 1582-a3/1582-a4
At the start of 2008, RJD Online Software Development announced that they would attempt to add experimental new features to the game, such as power-ups and online co-operative gameplay.
Internal Build 1582-a3, known as "B-Cool Breakout Deluxe 1.6 Internal Alpha", was released to testers on 21 January 2008. It featured a new "Standard Play" game mode, several partially working power-ups, and a revamped main menu. A later build, 1582-a4, was branded as "B-Cool Breakout Deluxe II Internal Alpha" and featured a new FMOD-based music engine and updated graphics.
However, due to time being spent on Pokémon Crimson, and lack of interest in new releases of B-Cool Breakout, the project eventually ground to a halt, and support for the game was discontinued at the end of 2008.
C++ Remake
In January 2011, Tinytimrob proposed that the game could be remade using GUPE, a C++ based game engine which is currently being developed for the Ginever Alliance by RJD Online Software Development. It is currently uncertain as to whether this remake will actually go ahead or not.
