Pocket heroes on iphone

[dvddisk]

Palm Heroes is a fantasy turn-based strategy (TBS) with elements of a role-playing game (RPG). The game is quite complex and can be divided in two parts: the development part and the fighting part. The first one involves raising a castle n order to recruit creatures. For doing this you need resources and gold that you gather from terrain or mines. In order to advance in the game and reveal the territory, you’ll have to fight against monsters and other players. You can do this by giving armies to your heroes and going into enemies’ land. A skilled tactician will have to know the timing for development and fighting, as this is crucial for winning.

Heroes are very important in the game. As they gain experience, they advance in skills and stats. They can cast spells during battles and carry artifacts. Managing heroes and everything involving them represent the RPG part of the game. Most of the times having a good hero means winning the game.



What we're up to? Well, the idea is very simple. You need an iphone version, and we can make it. The game will be FREE with no lite versions, ads, donation reminders - literally FREE.

But the development takes much time and effort, and it is hard work. So we encourage you to donate for the iphone version. When the required sum is collected, the game will be released to the App Store.

Why free? All best iphone apps are free. And Palm Heroes will be among them. PDA users, don't get upset and jealous: we've got a very nice treat for you too. Just have a little patience.

We have no plans on making profit on the iphone version. Money is needed to develop it.

Eager to help us? The donation page is here: http://www.palmheroes.com/iphone

We would also appreciate help from experienced iphone programmers. Contact me if you're interested to help with the code.


we've successfully launched PH on the iphone simulator! Click on the thumbnail to see the image in full size and color!


http://xmages.net/out.php/i223105_port3.JPG[/URL]


absolutely new interface will be used and multi-touch as well


And here a "live" video of the game on my i-touch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ba4gMkaIl4

[eloquent]

uhh, looks interesting Oo

[antonioj]

Indeed, very interesting...

But the interface could use a bit more work...seems to much pocket pc style (stylus based), and less iphone-ish

[shap08]

Did i see resources..............*faint* If this is anything like Age of Empires im am all over it. Like if you can collect resources like food,wood,gold etc this would be sweet. And build up an army. This is the game my ipod touch is praying for!:D

[dvddisk]

Here more gameplay on Winmob.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCsw9ZOglNg
On iphone would be the same

[dvddisk]

To antonioj, read all text:) absolutely new interface will be used and multi-touch as well

[theone1007]

Oh my... that looks quite interesting. Something that can be absolutely possible on my iPhone! Looks really nice if you just started on it. Congratz!

[Beezle]

This is not like 'Age of Empires' (which is RTS) but it looks like a Heroes of Might and Magic III port (which is turn-based).

This would be awesome.

[PointOfLight]

For those who haven't quite gleaned it by the screen shots, game description or name yet, this is indeed a Pocket PC clone of Heroes Of Might & Magic. Thankfully, it's a very well done one. I think it will make a nice addition to the growing stable of iPhone strategy games.

[GodSon]

Here more gameplay on Winmob.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCsw9ZOglNg
On iphone would be the same


If it ends up looking and playing anything like that youtube clip then i will be very impressed. I look forward to seeing this game in the hopefully near future. :D

[Mr. Charley]

Will be keeping my eye out on this one, that's for sure...

[dvddisk]

Sorry, but we are need for dotnate for develop it, because this game will be free for all.

[VeganTnT]

Is the game complete at this point or still being developed?

If it's complete then you should put it on the appstore for 99 cents with the first lines of the description stating how it will be free as soon as the development costs are done and how they can donate more if they would like.

You can even have a page ingame that talks about the donation.

You'll get much more exposure than this forum and it makes early adopters that don't want to donate still contribute something. Once they have the game on their device and see the quality and care that went into it they are far more likely to donate (myself included)

Just my thoughts though

I really want to see this come out

[dvddisk]

Game complete for Winmob, now we want port it for iPhone, but need dotnate for programmer's food:)
If you interested go on official site www.palmheroes.com

P.S. GAME WILL BE FREE in appstore.

[GBX]

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!! HEROES OF MIGHT N MAGIC ON IPHONE??? I WOULD PAY MONEY FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But I don't really think a port would be very playable with fingers..Look how precise the touches need to be. I'd imagine controls would be a nightmare w/o stylus.

[GodSon]

Is the game complete at this point or still being developed?

If it's complete then you should put it on the appstore for 99 cents with the first lines of the description stating how it will be free as soon as the development costs are done and how they can donate more if they would like.

You can even have a page ingame that talks about the donation.

You'll get much more exposure than this forum and it makes early adopters that don't want to donate still contribute something. Once they have the game on their device and see the quality and care that went into it they are far more likely to donate (myself included)

Just my thoughts though

I really want to see this come out

I completely agree if this is the case as well. I would gladly contribute .99c or more if based on the 2nd vid if the gameplay is like that and in the app store or some how on my iTouch. No disrespect but I don't know you well enough to donate with possibly nothing in return...

[MojoArcanus]

Sorry, but we are need for dotnate for develop it, because this game will be free for all.

Uhhhh...not sure where you've been, but that's not how it works. If we "donate" money, then it's not free, now is it? Also, as it was said earlier, we have no idea who you are or anything. My initial gut-reaction screams SCAM!!!
:mad:

[skamando]

This is not like 'Age of Empires' (which is RTS) but it looks like a Heroes of Might and Magic III port (which is turn-based).

This would be awesome.

Yeah, looks like a ripoff of HOMAM3, the greatest stragtegy game ever, possibly. I'll have to check it out.

[skamando]

I completely agree if this is the case as well. I would gladly contribute .99c or more if based on the 2nd vid if the gameplay is like that and in the app store or some how on my iTouch. No disrespect but I don't know you well enough to donate with possibly nothing in return...

How about you make the game $.99 instead of asking for donation? Simple.

[dvddisk]

You must not to pay,donate or not it's only yours choice, this is help from you, but i know what you will download the game first!when we release it, it will be free,and DON'T SCREAM,please

[Isilel]

I really think that programmers making the port in spare time and then selling it would work much better than donations. The game looks really fantastic, it would be a pity if it never makes it to the appstore due to this unortodox approach. YMMV, of course.

[fantomik]

I really think that programmers making the port in spare time and then selling it would work much better than donations. The game looks really fantastic, it would be a pity if it never makes it to the appstore due to this unortodox approach. YMMV, of course.
Or maybe there are other problems (like some IP infringements or something?) holding devs to submit it as a paid app? Nevertheless I'm almost sure it'll get to #1 in free apps section within days after first release.

Cheers,
f.

[redsoxsrule424]

Yeah it will probably be in the top 25 very quickly. I agree with others though that the devs should modify this game so that it works better for touch controls rather than a stylus. Otherwise it looks amazing!

[VeganTnT]

Or maybe there are other problems (like some IP infringements or something?) holding devs to submit it as a paid app? Nevertheless I'm almost sure it'll get to #1 in free apps section within days after first release.

Cheers,
f.

Ok, after reading a bit more what I gathered was that the game is 100% done on WinMob

The devs would LIKE to bring it to iphone but porting the game requires money that they don't have.

They can't release it for 99 cents because the iphone version isn't complete and they can't just incur debt to make a free game.

Is that about right?

[jim-ph]

hello everyone, I'm Jim, the team-leader of this project. I will gladly answer your questions.

First of all, allow me to assure you that we are working on this - it's not scam or an sort of fraud. We've successfully launched the raw code (designed initially for winmob devices) on the iphone simulator, and now on a real device!
Check the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ba4gMkaIl4

It's a raw developer version at the moment (proof of concept) - we've tried to force the game to work on the iphone, and succeeded.

About the donation stuff: I know, a freeware with donations-beforehand sounds absurd at first. Let me put things clear: the final app will be FREE - no ads, no lite-versions, no locked levels. Just the game with over 100 maps to play. We don't want to spoil the gaming experience - the app will be absolute freeware. But to make this port we need to work hard on the code and spend a lot of time and effort on that. We just need something to get by...

About the game. The current version you see on the video runs real slow (due to raw-buffer gfx output - this will be fixed). We will optimize the performance, and the interface as well. Game controls will be brand-new, minimalistic, pure iphone-style. Minimum buttons, smart multi-touch, user-frienly. You will be amazed how easy it is to control such a complex game.

I'll be posting here news on the development progress. If I miss anything, you can check out our forum thread devoted to the iphone version:
http://www.palmheroes.com/viewforum.php?f=32

The iphone donation page is here: http://iphone.palmheroes.com/
Our team will be glad if someone helps.

To moderators: you can copy this post to the top of the thread - all the info I provided here is accurate and up-to-date.

[MacDaddy]

I'm a huge Heroes of Might & Magic fan, if its anything like that I'm sold :D

[GodSon]

hello everyone, I'm Jim, the team-leader of this project. I will gladly answer your questions.

First of all, allow me to assure you that we are working on this - it's not scam or an sort of fraud. We've successfully launched the raw code (designed initially for winmob devices) on the iphone simulator, and now on a real device!
Check the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ba4gMkaIl4

It's a raw developer version at the moment (proof of concept) - we've tried to force the game to work on the iphone, and succeeded.

About the donation stuff: I know, a freeware with donations-beforehand sounds absurd at first. Let me put things clear: the final app will be FREE - no ads, no lite-versions, no locked levels. Just the game with over 100 maps to play. We don't want to spoil the gaming experience - the app will be absolute freeware. But to make this port we need to work hard on the code and spend a lot of time and effort on that. We just need something to get by...

About the game. The current version you see on the video runs real slow (due to raw-buffer gfx output - this will be fixed). We will optimize the performance, and the interface as well. Game controls will be brand-new, minimalistic, pure iphone-style. Minimum buttons, smart multi-touch, user-frienly. You will be amazed how easy it is to control such a complex game.

I'll be posting here news on the development progress. If I miss anything, you can check out our forum thread devoted to the iphone version:
http://www.palmheroes.com/viewforum.php?f=32

The iphone donation page is here: http://iphone.palmheroes.com/
Our team will be glad if someone helps.

To moderators: you can copy this post to the top of the thread - all the info I provided here is accurate and up-to-date.

Thank you for further clarifying. Cant wait to see it in the app store :D

[MojoArcanus]

What happens to all of the donations if, in the end, there isn't enough money collected to start the project?

[jim-ph]

we will surely not postpone the release only to collect money.

[jim-ph]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knr0YnMLR_A

...optimized to 15fps, the game can already be played...

[Flopper]

It's a Heroes of Might and Magic 2 clone - not to be nitpicking with those who called it a HOMM3 clone :rolleyes:

I'd love to play this game on my Touch, but I it looks like the controls will be a pain if you use your fingers.

[jim-ph]

not at all - that's an answer to both posts.
It's not a homm2 clone - gameplay is different, it's just the overal graphical feel that I gave it...

and it won't be hard to use it with fingers... we've got a plan:)

[MacDaddy]

The video looks pretty cool. The gameplay looks to be very HOMM which is all I can ask for. I hope the sound and music will be inspired by HOMM 3 :)

The only problem with this game is that my iPod Touch wont have enough battery for the 8+ hours gameplay sessions :)

How big will the largest maps in the game be, and how long to complete them in average?

[jim-ph]

The game has S, M, L, and XL maps - our L maps, however, correspond to homm XL maps (128x128), while our XLs are really HUGE - 256x256 squares for a lifetime gameplay :D
The game has one XL right now, whic was done for the sake of experiment. I'm preparing a real XL with almost all of the surface used. It will take many hours to complete... You might need to connect your device to the wall charger :D

[kleskus]

This game looks awesome! I can't wait!

How big is this game, it has 20MB or more? I mean that is very cutted comprehensing to heroes 2?

[jim-ph]

it's 17mb unpacked right now... It was written for handhelds from scratch, so it's pretty compact.

[kuler51]

This game is EXACTLY what I am looking for. I wish I could donate money but my parents said no :( Please everybody, DONATE! Also I wouldn't mind paying money for a good game like this with my itunes account. Plz consider

[GodSon]

I can see myself putting a lot of time into this game. Nice video update. :)

[jim-ph]

Thanks! I'm working on a kicking interface and controls now:)

[MacDaddy]

256x256 is going to be BIG :) It' going to be interesting to see that much content in a mobile title.

I think the interface design will be the biggest challenge -it must be simple to accomodate the small screen while still tracking numerous stats and units. I'm looking forward to try it out :)

[Eye Cog]

I'm pretty sure those graphics are actually ripped off from HOMM2 (and I should know, I used to play my ass off with this game!). How do you plead? Or are those already released for free?

But the idea is cool and I'm really looking forward to this one!

[jim-ph]

yes, we made the graphics in old-school pixelart.

[jim-ph]

the first was my reply to the first post on the page. The graphics is NOT ripped off homm2 - I followed the style, and that's what confused you. Look closer, and you'll notice it's not homm2 at all

[Flopper]

the first was my reply to the first post on the page. The graphics is NOT ripped off homm2 - I followed the style, and that's what confused you. Look closer, and you'll notice it's not homm2 at all

If you look at this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCsw9ZOglNg

Many of the models are definitely from HOMM2. If they're not exactly from HOMM2 you must be very good at copying pictures ;o

[jim-ph]

that's a veeery ooold version of the game on that vid! :D Like 3 years ago or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knr0YnMLR_A
THIS is what PH is now...

[Flopper]

that's a veeery ooold version of the game on that vid! :D Like 3 years ago or so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knr0YnMLR_A
THIS is what PH is now...

Heh, ok - someone had just posted the link I referred to ;o

[jim-ph]

Anyway, I've done 50% of the design-document for new interface today. It will be minimalistic and perfectly finger-friendly, iphone-style.

[robertf224]

looks really cool. Fire emblem is my favorite tbs of all time so wondering what similiarities there is wit that

[Psytic]

If you guys don't hit your donation quota what price will you charge in the App Store ? I'm not against paying for it if you can figure out hot seat and wifi multiplayer.

[MacrosTheBlack]

donation sent!

[jim-ph]

no matter if the counter reaches 100% or not - we will release it FREE.
Thanks for donation!

[kuler51]

no matter if the counter reaches 100% or not - we will release it FREE.
Thanks for donation!

yay!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. Any estimations on release? Like 3-4 months?

[jim-ph]

Can't make any promises about the release date yet... But the game speed has DOUBLED already! Watch the latest video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFbesn_ViaM

[fantomik]

Can't make any promises about the release date yet... But the game speed has DOUBLED already! Watch the latest video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFbesn_ViaM
Great news! :)

Cheers,
f.

[Psytic]

does this have a sound track? i always found the heroes series had amazing music that really immersed you in the world.

[SSJGohan3972]

awesome addition to the App Store and my iPhone when this is released. If you release a payed version, even if it has the exact same content of the free one, I will buy it (kinda like making a donation but through iTunes so it can be from an iTunes gift card :)

[antonioj]

Looking awesome!

[jim-ph]

the game has no soundtrack yet

[jim-ph]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXjlZ8SS2G0

the first step towards a new interface! Exclusively for PH fans;)

[Psytic]

its looking good

[jim-ph]

please support the project, so we can hire an aditional programmer to help things move on even faster!

[MacDaddy]

New controls looks sweet :) Question: When you designate a target for a unit do you have to confirm it in some way - for example by double clicking? My fingers are a bit clumsy so I often designate the wrong directions in games with no taget confirmation :D

[jim-ph]

yes you choose the target and then click again to confirm. But the trick is - the econd click can be done twice LESS precisely and will still be understood;)

[Phi6]

Hey guys I've just donated as I'm a fan of the old PC version.

Let's see if this goes anywhere.

Good luck!

EDIT:

Incidentally, you never explained why donations are necessary, can it not be released as a paid app?
Of course, you will incur development costs, but every developer has this. I am one myself, but there's nothing stopping me from working on my app during my spare time.

[jim-ph]

phi6,

thank you very much for your support! I've just sent you a nice exclusive present I give out only to supporters!

We will not make it a paid app because we've got other plans for making money. Trust me, everybody's going to be satisfied;)

[MacDaddy]

yes you choose the target and then click again to confirm. But the trick is - the econd click can be done twice LESS precisely and will still be understood;)

Sounds really good Jim, I'm in for the Beta :)

[darth]

Hi,
I'm from Czech and watching this thread from begining and i'm very pleased with Pocket heroes coming to iphone platform. So similiar to my lovely games from Homm series. So i have question: How can i sing up for beta test?

Thank, bye

[phishboy]

Holy Crap! I'm late on this one, but I'm drooling already. HoMM is one of my favorite PC games of all time. Always thought it would make a great Pod game.

Free !!??!! You guys are sick. Can't wait.

[jim-ph]

Thanks for the warm feedback. We're running a closed alpha-test now, and I think we'll put the game to Cydia/Icy pretty soon for open betatest. We need to fix the BIG things first) Like interface and SAVING/LOADING.

Here's the latest drool-o-matic vid :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71XGXBge4kQ

[florbastang]

Looks great. I used to love the HOMM games.

[icepulse]

...We will not make it a paid app because we've got other plans for making money. Trust me, everybody's going to be satisfied;)

Like the app has a hidden string of code that steals passwords and stored credit card info, then forwards them via wifi or 3G?
;)

[jim-ph]

nope, like an EVEN BETTER version of the app

[jim-ph]

http://www.palmheroes.com/viewtopic.php?p=19957#19957

I invite everbody to try the first public ALPHA verison of the game.
Instructions how to install it is provided in the link above.
The game is far from being ready, but it is a proof of what we're doin.

Please post bug-reports to our forum. You will spare m time by doing so, and I won't have to get bugreports from all 30 forums I'm supporting.

[kleskus]

Any cydia repo? I don't have installer...

[ekseight]

Yeah i dont have installer too :(

[jim-ph]

I don't know why Cydia doesn't understand this repo...

[darth]

repo works only under Icy, no matter if you have installer

[jim-ph]

Build 762 is available in Icy - brand new GUI and battle.

Your support is still greatly welcome! :)

[bware218]

Like the app has a hidden string of code that steals passwords and stored credit card info, then forwards them via wifi or 3G?
;)
That's a pretty sweet idea for sure dude . . . I'd give away all my apps for free if I could get some of that action . . . I'm having a hard time trying to brainstorm on how else to make money from apps aside from the sales. The in-app advertising schemes don't pay anything and if your sales aren't stellar then you're stuck. Any ideas?

[jim-ph]

your support is CRITICAL for the project now. We've gathered $866 by now, and it's not even enough to buy test devices for all team members...

[Phi6]

Dude,

You really need to think about using your own personal investment to get the initial capital required for stuff like test devices

Make back your money afterwards with sales

Business is easy, you just got to take risks

[jim-ph]

I hate to say this, but if the donations go on the same way, we'll have to make the game $2. We already have debts.:mad:

[Spek]

Well if it is like heroes of might and magic i'll be buying it

[jim-ph]

betatesters wanted!

1) register at palmheroes.com/bt (that's our bug-tracker) - read the whole instruction first to make sure you HAVE TIME for it!!

2) PM me your bt login, I will activate your account

3) Download the latest build from Icy: http://iphone.palmheroes.com

4) read the WHOLE bug-tracker

5) check the GREEN tickets first (resolved) - is the bug really fixed? was anything broken during the fix?

6) check BLUE and RED tickets (assigned, new) - mabe you'll be able to reproduce a bug, or gather additional info on it.

7) check whatever can be checked

[flain]

why not just release it at $10 then once enough people have purchased it then drop the price?

[swigo8]

looks interesting, cant wait to read reviews...

[Phi6]

I hate to say this, but if the donations go on the same way, we'll have to make the game $2. We already have debts.:mad:

This is what we've been trying to tell you before!

I donated though.. but yeah to make up your costs, selling the game is the best way

[jim-ph]

We're in the app store! 2$.
We wanted to change the world. We tried...
Thanks to all who helped! Sent out 40 promo-codes.

[Grx]

We're in the app store! 2$.
We wanted to change the world. We tried...
Thanks to all who helped! Sent out 40 promo-codes.
Link please...? I can't find it.

[jim-ph]

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=324897777

[mycale]

Palm Heroes is out now ($ 1.99). But I can't recommend it and it's not free :D. Sadly I bought I without waiting for reviews.

But my impressions: The menus are convoluted, the control-scheme an absolute mess. There is no possiblity to zoom in. The standard view is too small. I had to touch the screen countless times until I got to even move the hero and there is virtually no sound.

Again: My personal recommendation: DON'T buy

[skamando]

I just think the controls need a little work, thats all.

Being a massive fan of HOMM3, I bough it too. I think, with a little work, this could be great. The control scheme needs a revision and some bugfixes.

[jim-ph]

guys, read the HELP to learn the controls - those are slide controls, not tap controls like on PDA - it's all explained fairly well in the help section.

[mycale]

I read the help section. I know you have to slide to look around or to pinch to open the minimap and the other stuff mentioned in the help-section.

But I stand by my point: The controls are a mess. I can slide the path my hero should walk i don't know how many times until I get a response (and tap the cross to confirm :)).

If they fixed the stuff I mentioned above, it could really be a great game. But until they patch things up, at least in my oppinion, I can't recommend this game.

[Wilbair]

Ill hope there will be fixes and updates but for now ik have bought the game to support the developers!:)

[Phi6]

guys, read the HELP to learn the controls - those are slide controls, not tap controls like on PDA - it's all explained fairly well in the help section.

Controls should be intuitive, not learned!

I suppose this is the compromise we must make for playing a ported game.

[jim-ph]

if you have a complete interactive design-document for alternative controls, I'm willing to look at it.

[jim-ph]

please watch the video, as I made this especially for this forum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geIPk2UGheU

[jim-ph]

follow us on twitter!
http://twitter.com/palmheroes