Important update:
The just released Rocks’n’Diamonds 3.2.4 contained a bug that could crash the game under certain conditions. This bug was fixed and the download package was updated accordingly.
If you already downloaded the new 3.2.4 package, please download it again from the Download section to get the fixed version!
This new version of R’n’D contains several new, smaller features and will be needed as the base for upcoming new and updated level sets; in particular, there will be an update to the EMC level collection soon which will use some of the new features mentioned below. The new version also fixes some program bugs, so it is recommended to upgrade to the new version.
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.3:
For details, see the ChangeLog file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
In the last years, Rocks’n’Diamonds was getting more and more complex, but there was only very few documentation available for it. Many people asked for a manual that would explain things that are hidden or less self-explaining.
Finally, Francesco S. Carta took a lot of time and effort and created The Rocks’n’Diamonds Manual!
This great new manual currently consists of the following four parts:
The FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
This part was really needed, and it hopefully answers most questions
that are asked again and again in the forum
and by personal mail (including the famous “How does snapping
work?” question).
The Program Manual
This is the main part of the manual and describes the installation of
the game, gives an overview of the menu structure (and especially
describes the various options in the setup menu), the tape recorder,
where your levels are installed and how to create your own level sets.
The Elements Reference
This is a description of most game elements and how they interact
with other elements, grouped by element type. In many cases this is
more helpful than the single element descriptions in the level editor.
The Editor Tutorial
This detailed description of the level editor not only shows how to
use the various “drawing” functions (including information about the
not-so-obvious aspects of some of the tools), but also explains in
detail how to edit element properties, including a section about
custom element programming, which makes it possible to create
completely new game elements with unique, new features.
All four parts are also accessible from the manual’s start page.
Francesco has done a great job with the creation of this manual! Thanks a lot for contributing this outstanding work to the R’n’D project!
Also available from the Documentation section!
This release is mainly a bugfix release. It also contains some improvements on program startup performance.
For details, see the ChangeLog file (also included in the package).
Now available from the Download section!
The release of the outstanding one-level set “Zelda” by Alan Bond – with a playing time that can easily reach over one hour – again showed the limitations of tape reloading, which takes far too long for very long tapes. This required the invention of a new technique, which uses internal game engine snapshots and allows for instant reloading of the last played or saved tape without any delay. Besides that, this new version contains two major bugfixes and is therefore considered a recommended upgrade.
Most important changes since last release version 3.2.1:
Now available from the Download section!
And don’t miss “Zelda” from the “Levels & Artwork” section!