For the lazy oilks:
Quote: "This competition is focusing on any aspect of the shmup genre under a few conditions. The game must star a fantasy/medieval dragon as the main character. The dragon must shoot something, either lasers out it’s eyes, or some sort of gas out of its mouth. (or both)
The competition setting must be in a fantasy realm that appears to be in the medieval era mixing with magic that has been seen in many “fantasy” style games / movies. One could think of goblins, orcs, or other dragons, perhaps large birds, etc, etc, etc.
Judges will be rating the games on most original, best graphics, best sound, and of course, best of the best! The contest is running from May 1st, to July 1st, and a more detailed list of rules along with a comprehensive FAQ are all available after clicking on the "competitions" tab. "
Quote: "Q) Can the Main Character be something that transforms from Dragon to human or anything else?
A) As long as the Main Character is played as a Dragon in the game that is fine, your story can be whatever you wish!
Q) Can I make a platform game like Metal Slug or Contra?
A) No, in the game you must be either flying left or right, or it can be top-down walking left or right OR something like that. I would stay away from anything remotely close to Mario Bros / Sonic the Hedgehog, Contra, Metal Slug, Abuse, etc, etc, etc.
Q) Do we have to have scrolling, if so, where and when?
A) Scrolling is NOT required in this Competition, if you do include scrolling it may be in any direction. There are no restrictions or requirements for this game mechanic.
Q) How many levels do I need? Does the game have to be complete?
A) All you need is a working demo of the game that includes at least one level.
Q) Do I need to have a BOSS in this one?
A) You don’t need one, but if you do that is OKAY!
Q) Can I rip graphics from a commercial game?
A) All graphics must be ORIGINAL, please see the rules. This site does not promote any illegal activity and ripping graphics is copy right infringement!
Q) What are the judges looking for in graphics or sound or gameplay?
A) Everything will be judged, including Technical, Game-play, sound, graphics, originality, and OVERALL. All of these things will be based on the judges’ opinions and not yours, or your friends, mother, brother, or any other party not given the position as a judge. Judges will also be judging games on how they FEEL about it overall, and that will determine who gets the prizes.
Q) Does it have to be 20 megs?
A) No 20 megs is the limit, if the DOWNLOAD itself is larger than 20 megs it will be disqualified.
Q) Is it 20 megs zipped or unzipped?
A) IT really depends on the DOWNLOAD.. If your download is 19 megs zipped and then the game itself is 40 megs unzipped you are OKAY. It's all about the download size and nothing else.
Q) What programming language can I use?
A) Any programming language, SDK, engine, Game Editor, etc is allowed in this contest. As long as the game works without needing to download 3rd party software that needs PURCHASED you are OK. Please make sure that you tell the us what software we need to play your game (if we need a special driver, etc)
Q) Do I have to be in a team?
A) Nope!
Q) Can I be an artist on my friends game and do my own game?
A) Yes, you can.
Q) Can I have keyboard / mouse / gamepad control?
A) You can use all three if you want. You WILL lose points if it is a gamepad / joystick ONLY game. I would recommend keyboard OR mouse control WITH a gamepad option. BUT just keyboard or JUST mouse is ok, it all matters how it works with your game really.
Q) What are the System Requirements?
A) Please review the “System Requirements” Section."
I am but mad north north-west; when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw - Hamlet, Hamlet