This update is just to let all you people know that I'm not dead and that Sphere will still be continued, even with the imminent release of VERGE 2 (that is, if it really is imminent). I believe that, although it may take more time, Sphere will be of a higher quality than other RPG development kits. Right now, I'm working on SphereScript. Since writing a scripting language, a compiler, and a virtual machine is not a trivial project, this is taking much longer than I expected. At first, I considered making a QBasic or Pascal-like language. That would make it easy for me, but the language wouldn't be nearly as flexible as some users may want. After a couple days of design-work, I opted for a C-like language, with some advantages of C++ and Java. Thanks to Jack Crenshaw and the guys in DALnet #programmers, SphereScript is actually now progressing into an easy, but flexible, language. When the SphereScript compiler and interpreter is done, Sphere engine development will go much faster, as scripting is the last core component.

If you haven't noticed, this web page has gone through some major revamping. SSI is being used for the main menu instead of frames. Also, many of the site's pages have been converted into CGI scripts (written in C, of course!) that make updating and modifying easier. I test the page primarily with the latest build of NGLayout and Internet Explorer 4.0. The page doesn't look right with Netscape Communicator 4.5, but that's not my fault. See the little icon in the upper right corner of the document? ;-)

One last thing... Another reason Sphere has slowed down a little bit is that I just got over addiction to that stupid Win32 card game, FreeCell. Whenever I wasn't doing anything fun on the computer, the mouse would magically trace up the start menu and find FreeCell. Then, I would look at the clock and find that two hours had passed. In a burst of self-control, I uninstalled the Windows NT games from AegiServ. Whew... I've also been playing many RPGs recently. I beat Wild Arms and must say that it is my favorite RPG of all time. It has great graphics and music, and the plot reminds you of the good old days, back when RPGs were fun. It also has a nice mix of puzzles and action. Granted, the battles are visually unimpressive, but they grow on you. Let's just hope Legend of Legaia is as good. I also beat Dragon Warrior for the NES again, due to those nostalgic urges that overwhelm us. I'm currently playing through Dragon Warrior II for the first time, and have found so far that it is designed and balanced very well. Dragon Quest VII... Mmmm...