Synthetic Dreams

Making games inspired by retro-tech and our favorite memories!

Run an 80s dialup bulletin board in our WIP RPG Simulation, Cloudburst Connection! ☎ #BBS

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Check out our new game in development, Cloudburst Connection! Explore life running a dial-up Bulletin Board System (#BBS) in the 1980s. Build & visit boards and interact with your users in this #RPG simulation! #indiegame #80s #RetroComputing https://t.co/ScgsydaQPA

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Another feature done in the #CloudburstConnection RPG Sim! The "Voting Booth" keeps you informed about your callers' preferences on different topics. Use this info to increase the popularity of your #BBS! #indiedev #retrogaming #RPG #Simulation #ANSI #ASCII

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@Alexander_Had1 @Nicozilla_FR I remember playing for the first time over a friend's house when it came out - I was maybe 12. That moment when the first monster breaks through the attic window was so terrifying at the time. Amazing how scary polygon graphics can be!

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@bitmap_books @Alexander_Had1 I've been slowly reading through this for the last few weeks - it's a fantastic book. Great screenshots too. The glowing text was a nice touch as well!

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@JackTindale I always got a kick out of the Microscopic Space Fleet bag growing up. Genius idea making a collectible out of an empty plastic bag

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@Horsefly_games Ha, very cool, nice BASIC banner at the top too! I will always consider the C64 the king of retro computers, I still keep one hooked up for gaming (though these days I've been using a C128D). Though I also give lots of love to my Amiga collection too.

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@metx_mike Ha, thanks! Trying to recapture some of those feelings of DOS and BBS days in the game. Not that I don't love modern Internet amenities, but boy I miss how new/exciting everything was back then (and creative ANSI art!)

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Cloudburst Connection lets you upgrade the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and modem in your game computer to support more callers, new features, and faster download speeds! Prices in "The Byte Store" BBS change daily so keep an eye out for deals! #gamedev #indiedev #RPG #ANSI #retrogaming

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Two more items done in #CloudburstConnection! The "Graffiti Wall" provides story info and clues to mysteries (maybe even easter eggs!). "Recent Callers" lets you know who's used a #BBS. Add them to your board to keep your callers happy! #indiedev #ANSI #retrogaming #RPG

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@At0mZer0Dev Nice project! No matter how much time goes by, I'll always love text adventures.

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@MKSchmidt30 Love the style and atmosphere of this! Nice job!

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

When buying upgrades to your in-game computer from The Byte Store BBS, you'll receive a shipping notice on your calendar. Once the package arrives, install it to receive your new upgraded abilities! #CloudburstConnection #indiedev #BBS #ANSI #retrogaming #RPG #AdventureGames

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Long time since posting about "Cloudburst Connection", my retro-RPG based on 1980s dial-up BBS life. More screenshots in next few days! Shown: your in-game computer connecting to BBSes and chatting with an NPC using the dialogue system. #gamedev #indiedev #RPG #ANSI #retrogaming

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

It's a (fun) challenge making a 1980's style text gameworld. I've tried to remain faithful to the graphics of the era: 80x25, 16 colors, ANSI characters. I've had to get creative in using text as icons, but I think it works! #indiedev #gamedev #ANSI #ASCII #RPG #madewithunity

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

I've added some more info to the compiler screen. "Time" shows how long it will take to compile, and "done" shows percentage done for in-progress recipes. This lets players better plan their crafting. #indiedev #gamedev #indiegamedev #ANSI #ASCII #madewithunity #RPG #RTSgames

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

Mostly finished the game's crafting system! Search for source code to learn module recipes. Once built using the Program Compiler, modules add new functionality to your BBS, keep callers happy, and progress the story. #indiegame #indiedev #gamedev #ANSI #ASCII #retrocomputing

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@thecolossalcave This was one of my favorite Sierra games, I loved the atmosphere and artwork.

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@0xC0DE6502 Nice job implementing this on a 6502!! Really clean looking dithering pattern for the lighting too. Do you have some cpu cycles left to do some game elements or is the raycasting using 100%? Regardless, kudos!

[Age of the Witch @AgeOfTheWitch]

Happy #ScreenshotSaturday. Water under the bridge. Our game resolution is just 384 x 216 but it's amazing how much you can do it - the mind filling in the rest is the true magic!

#pixelart #ドット絵 #indiegamedev #gamedev #pixel_dailies

[Synthetic Dreams @SyntheticDrms]

@AgeOfTheWitch Warm, cozy, and inviting - looks like you got the ambience of the room just right!