GearHead is the first roguelike to explore the world of "mechas" (giant robots). Lots of futuristic jobs and skills (mecha pilot, medic, etc.) are available, as well as piloting those mechas. Among GearHead's features: Quests are Randomly generated, based on predefined scripts, the number of which is constantly increasing. Skills are increased both by successfully using them or "buying" them in exchange for XP obtained by completing quests and slaying foes. Extensive mecha design system, allowing in-game modification of existing models. Two spatial scales: personal (on foot), in which the default movement uses the standard coordinates convention, and mecha which uses a "turtle" system in which you must turn and advance. The global plot consists of a number of smaller subplots, which are randomly generated every time. Very open structure: All objects/plots/monsters are stored in plain text files, so it's quite easy to add/modify content.
GearHead has returned! I think it was good for me to take a short 9 year break, now I can look at things through fresh eyes. The game now compiles with the modern version of FreePascal, and uses the FPC SDL headers instead of requiring JEDI SDL to be installed separately. Several bugs have been fixed. Some improvements have been ported from GH2. Try it out and let me know what you think.Version 1.200 compiles with the latest release of Free Pascal. It now uses the FPC SDL units, so you no longer need to download JEDI SDL separately. Linux uses should have SDL 1.2, plus the associated SDL_ttf and SDL_image packages, installed. For Windows users, all the needed dlls are included in the precompiled zip.Try it out and let me know what you think. The complete list of changes is beneath the fold.1.200 February 27 2016– Refactored “ifNPC[trait]” macros, fixing some plot emails (aslmacro.txt)– Mauna, Tokto no longer hidden in SDL mode (TS_MAP_World.txt)– Imported shuttle service from GH2 (services.pp)– Victory saves win file to config folder (arenascript.pp)– Trying to fix keypad doesn’t work without numlock, needs testing (ui4gh.pp)– Removed redundant SelectMecha, FirstAid commands (ui4gh.pp,pcaction.pp)– PCs now start with random colors (randchar.pp)– Fixed SDL mode character generator 2nd usage crash (randchar.pp)– Added restaurant to Mauna (ADV_FederatedTerritories.txt)– Can sell mecha, mecha inventory at mechanic shops too (services.pp)– Added thin doors (sdlmap.pp)– Added PLOT_SickMission.txt– Added BondWith, ifGExists ASL commands (arenascript.pp)– All usable skills known by lancemates added to skills menu (pcaction.pp)– Status effects won’t occur during quick time (arenacfe.pp)– Added LoseRenown ASL command from GH2 (arenascript.pp)– Added sprites for mushroom patch, video game, enemy building (STCdefault.txt)– Incorporated encumberance display patch– Incorporated selecttarget_nil_weapon and longint_movement patches– Title screen picks mecha colors from standard list (sdlmap.pp)– Fixed bug with character sprites on Linux (sdlmap.pp)– Added Evan, Aspis, Onawa, and Carter (ADV_FederatedTerritories.txt)– Configuration saved on exit (ui4gh.pp)– Save files, config file now stored in configuration folder (gears.pp)– Changed application name to gharena (gharena.pas)– Automatically saves game when player quits (pcaction.pp)– Imported colormenu, cosplay programs from GH2 (colormenu.pp,cosplay.pas)– Imported portraits, portrait selector from GH2 (sdlinfo.pp)– NPCs will now get random skin, hair colors (sdlmap.pp)– Added random color picker (sdlgfx.pp)– FindNAtt, FindSAtt should be faster, thanks to Buffered (gears.pp)– Stunt Driving should now work properly (effects.pp)– Fixed Renown/Morale bugs (ability.pp)– Added error check to MechaDescription (ability.pp)– Storage module ammo explosions don’t cause overkill (action.pp)– Arachnoids can jump like zoanoids (movement.pp)– Added default sprite for hoverfighters (sdlmap.pp)– Enemies should no longer attack after PC quits map (arenaplay.pp)– Heavy Lifting Skeletal Frame should now work (gearutil.pp)– Fixed crash when switching weapons (menugear.pp)
This one overhauls the SDL interface, updates the gender and romance options, allows skill training to be purchased for lancemates, and fixes a whole lot of bugs. Precompiled binaries for Linux and Windows are available; unfortunately, I don’t currently have access to a Mac.Detailed change list and gratuitous plug below the fold.– Fixed bug in Hermit Hop (SCENE_MeetingPath.txt)– Fixed DirKey screen refresh (sdlgfx.pp)– Set correct age for Omega-1004 (TS_LANCE_Z1004_STORY.txt)– Added title screen logo (gharena.pas)– Jump countdown timer fixed (pcaction.pp)– Updated gender and romance options (ghchars.pp)– Refactored \SPR and \OPR tags to be correct (arenascript.pp)– Added instructions to phone (pcaction.pp)– Lancemates may use skill trainers (services.pp)– SDL Browse Design Files now works like GH2 version (arenahq.pp)– SDL UI reworked all over. Heaps more info shown to the player.– Backpack and FieldHQ now save menu position (pcaction.pp,backpack.pp)– Training menu has been reworked (pcaction.pp)– Pressing left or right in backpack will cycle lancemates (backpack.pp)– Backpack menu for SDL mode reworked (backpack.pp)– Cancelling job selection menu gives new PC random job (randchar.pp)– Character generator interface should be more consistent (randchar.pp)– Added InfoBox from GearHead2.1 (sdlgfx.pp)– Fixed BountyJob bugs (PLOT_BountyJob1.txt)– Switch weapon should now reliably switch weapon (menugear.pp)– Fixed some SDL handling weirdness throughout program– SDL window now resizeable (sdlgfx.pp)
This is largely a bugfix release; there were several problems with the new SDL interface, as expected. I also fixed some problems with the content, including what I hope is the cause of the mysterious villainous reputation Thanks to everybody who submitted bug reports.The other big thing is the inclusion of some features to hopefully make the ASCII interface work better on a braille reader. The Accessibility_On config option changes the navigation display from a compass to plain text.Complete list of changes below the fold.Added accessibility option for ASCII mode (ui4gh.pp)View Mecha should show correct repair cost (services.pp)Shrine prop sturdier (STCdefault.txt)Exceeding skill number limit indicated in SDL chargen (randchar.pp)Fixed faulty SDL info display when selling items (services.pp)Fixed memos from deleted plots bug (arenascript.pp)Mecha Part Editor crash fixed (sdlinfo.pp)Tech Vulture can’t remove integral parts (arenascript.pp)In ASCII mode, cursor should indicate position of PC (conmap.pp)Fixed AutoTraining overspending bug (pcaction.pp)Renamed ifPersona ASL command to ifNPCOKRemoved faction difficulty counter (ADV_FederatedTerritories.txt)Robotics adjusted (skilluse.pp)Fixed heroism pecking in series folder
This release adds the first new content of my recent revisions in the form of two new lancemates. The Fan is a wannabe cavalier; they might not be very good at adventuring yet, but they have a lot of room for growth. Bear Bastard is the leader of the Teddy Bandits. Despite his criminal ways, he remains true to the code of Shonen Knife Bushido.In addition, several bugs have been fixed and several missions have been upgraded to the modern standard (i.e., they should provide correct memos + challenge ratings now).
This version catches GearHead2 up to the improvements made to GearHead1, and fixes some problems that have been around since v0.630. Here's the complete list of changes:*Fixed last chapter deadend bugs*New graphics for fortress, spaceships*Updated character generator (chargen.pp)*ExpressDelivery info display now works (services.pp)*Cosplay changed from separate program to main menu option (cosplay2.pas)*Some illegal characters removed from filenames (texutil.pp)*Obsolete memos no longer appear in browser (arenascript.pp)*FillRectWithSprite can now accept offsets (sdlgfx.pp)*Bishounen now gives +10 reaction bonus and universal admiration (interact.pp)*Added nonbinary, undefined genders and romance options (ghchars.pp)*Improve Stats menu shows stat descriptions (training.pp)*Default weapon name should now be correct (ghweapon.pp)*Color menu is properly recentered when screen resizes (colormenu.pp)*String input routine now uses DynamicRect (sdlgfx.pp)*SDL screen now resizable (sdlgfx.pp)*VGFX_Zone changed to object with GetRect method (vidgfx.pp)*Fixed "Ask About Rumors" abrupt conversation end (arenascript.pp)
