.NET KiSSLib and PlayFKiSS3
Yes, it's true. I recently got access to .NET and to learn it, I've re-written an FKiSS4 version of PlayFKiSS. It sits on a fully exportable namespace/library (named KiSSLib). It makes it easy for novice programmers to create KiSS tools.
In fact, PlayFKiSS3 was written on top of the library in VB.NET. KiSSLib provides the core logic, a custom control provides the visual feedback, and PlayFKiSS3 provides the rest of the user interface.
More information will be posted here as development progresses towards the first alpha release.
Going on vacation for a week. I'm gonna bring the laptop, but chances of me working on PFKS are slim. So instead, I'm releasing the first public preview of KiSSLib. This only includes the viewer portion, PlayFKiSS. The main goal of the project, EditFKiSS, is not ready yet.
Instructions on installing and running PlayFKiSS are included in the archive. You will need two main components from Microsoft: DirectX for Managed Code and .NET framework 2.0. A link for the .NET framework is included. DirectX for Managed Code is included with any recent version of DirectX past around March. You can use the http://www.microsoft.com/DirectX link to update yours. PlayFKiSS does NOT use DirectX for graphics... only to play back sounds. PlayFKiSS uses GDI+ and .NET for graphics, and it's pretty compatible with many video cards. I've tested it with a topend GeForce SLI system, a laptop with a decent graphic chipset, and a crappy 64mb onboard Intel chipset.
Known issues. Only the Thumbnail settings work. The other three pages are works in progress. All the items on the Tools bar do not work. No undo/redo. No MIDI support.
So what works? FKiSS through FKiSS4. That includes groups, collisions, HINTS, and value pools. The entire engine was written from the ground up. There is absolutely NO code from previous versions of PlayFKiSS. The engine was built to be used in other programs. Everything is exposed for easy .NET use. There's also a control called "Play" that handles the main playfield. If you combine the Play control with the KiSSLib .dll, you can build a viewer with a dozen lines of code! The entire interface can then be customized however you want. With .NET, you can even place a KiSS viewer inside a web page and control it from HTML/Javascript! More information and documentation will come later.
Play it, test it, break it. Any suggestions? Let me know. I'll be back in a week. And thanks for looking!
Download:PlayFKiSS3_Alpha_01.zip
I'm in FKiSS testing mode. All the commands are done. Just a few more things left (value pools and hints) before I go full out on the main viewer and editor.
I've gotten a few emails from people reading this page. OMG.
People still come here after all these years. :-) Each email I get adds more determination to continue.
The FKiSS Engine code is about 95% done. Only need to add MIDI support (which should be easy, since I'm using basically the same DirectSound command to play the sounds...) and some LetXXX commands. Collision, groups, and the rest of the harder FKiSS4 stuff is done and working.
EditFKiSS has been started. It's gonna be the harder part of the project. Alot of manual work with the interface.
If you're reading this and want to see PlayFKiSS (the player, not the editor), send me an email. Even if you just want to say hi, say hi. I'm curious if anyone is even reading this.
Where I Work for a Living: TWB Company, producer of Laser Welded Blanks, also known as Tailor Welded Blanks. More about Laser Welded Blanks, also known as Tailor Welded Blanks.