Discmaster 2, a text-based multiplayer disc golf game, has softly launched. The game features improved graphics, a refined physics engine based on real-world disc flight characteristics, multiple courses, and persistent online leaderboards. Players can customize their discs and throw styles for a personalized experience. While still in early access, the developers encourage players to join and provide feedback to help shape the game's future development.
Bracket City is a daily online word puzzle that deconstructs the traditional crossword format. Instead of a grid, clues are presented in a bracket-style tournament, where players choose the correct answer from two options to advance. Each correct answer reveals letters that eventually combine to form the final solution word. This unique presentation adds a layer of strategy and deductive reasoning, as incorrect choices don't just leave a gap, but actively lead down the wrong path. The daily puzzle offers a fresh take on wordplay, challenging players to not just know the answers, but also to understand the relationships between them.
Hacker News users discussed the unusual format and difficulty of Bracket City. Several commenters found the puzzle too challenging, describing it as "obtuse" and expressing frustration with the lack of clear instructions or feedback. The unconventional grid and scoring system also drew criticism. Some users questioned the puzzle's description as a crossword, suggesting alternative classifications like a logic puzzle or code-breaking challenge. Despite the difficulty, some commenters expressed intrigue and a desire to understand the solving process better, with one suggesting a walkthrough or tutorial would be helpful. Others appreciated the novelty and different approach to puzzling, even if they found it personally too hard. The puzzle's creator responded to some comments, clarifying certain mechanics and acknowledging the steep learning curve.
Figgie, created by Jane Street, is a trick-taking card game played with a 60-card deck featuring six suits. Players bid on how many tricks they think they can win, with a unique twist: suits are ranked differently each round, adding a layer of strategic complexity. The goal is to accurately predict and achieve your bid, earning points based on successful predictions. The game encourages strategic thinking by requiring players to consider both card strength and the fluctuating suit hierarchy when making bids and playing tricks.
HN commenters discuss Figgie, a card game developed by Jane Street, with some expressing interest in trying it out due to Jane Street's reputation. Several commenters compare it to existing trick-taking games, mentioning similarities to Spades, Bridge, and Hearts. Some express skepticism about the complexity, wondering if it's genuinely intricate or just unnecessarily convoluted. The lack of a physical deck is a point of contention, with some preferring a tangible game experience. Others are intrigued by the strategy and mathematical elements, highlighting the dynamic partnership aspect and the potential for deep analysis. A few commenters note the similarity between "Figgie" and the word "fig," speculating about the name's origin.
Detective Stories is a lateral thinking puzzle game where players solve complex mysteries by asking yes/no questions to an AI "detective." The game features intricate scenarios with hidden clues and unexpected twists, requiring players to think creatively and deduce the truth through careful questioning. The AI, powered by Deepseek, offers a dynamic and challenging experience, adapting to player inquiries and revealing information strategically. The website provides a collection of free-to-play cases, offering a unique blend of narrative and logical deduction.
Hacker News users generally praised the Detective Stories game for its unique gameplay, comparing it favorably to other lateral thinking puzzles and text adventures. Several commenters appreciated the integration of the Deepseek AI, finding its ability to answer clarifying questions helpful and impressive. Some expressed concerns about the potential for spoilers and the limitations of the free tier, while others questioned the AI's actual understanding of the stories. A few users shared anecdotes of enjoying the game with friends and family, highlighting its social and engaging nature. The Deepseek AI's occasional "hallucinations" or incorrect responses were also a point of discussion, with some finding them amusing and others viewing them as a potential drawback. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception for this novel approach to interactive storytelling.
Driven by a desire to learn networking and improve his Common Lisp skills, the author embarked on creating a multiplayer shooter game. He chose the relatively low-level Hunchentoot web server, using WebSockets for communication and opted for a client-server architecture over peer-to-peer for simplicity. Development involved tackling challenges like client-side prediction, interpolation, and hit detection while managing the complexities of game state synchronization. The project, though rudimentary graphically, provided valuable experience in game networking and solidified his appreciation for Lisp's flexibility and the power of its ecosystem. The final product is functional, allowing multiple players to connect, move, and shoot each other in a simple 2D arena.
HN users largely praised the author's work on the Lisp shooter game, calling it "impressive" and "inspiring." Several commenters focused on the choice of Lisp, some expressing surprise at its suitability for game development while others affirmed its capabilities, particularly Common Lisp's performance. Discussion arose around web game development technologies, including the use of WebSockets and client-side rendering with PixiJS. Some users inquired about the networking model and server architecture. Others highlighted the clear and well-written nature of the accompanying blog post, appreciating the author's breakdown of the development process. A few commenters offered constructive criticism, suggesting improvements like mobile support. The general sentiment leaned towards encouragement and appreciation for the author's technical achievement and willingness to share their experience.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43231919
Hacker News users discussed Discmaster 2's soft launch, expressing excitement and nostalgia for the original game. Several commenters shared fond memories of playing Discmaster in their youth, highlighting its addictive gameplay and competitive nature. Some questioned the monetization strategy of the sequel, expressing concern about potential microtransactions and hoping it wouldn't detract from the core gameplay experience. Others inquired about platform availability and gameplay changes. There was a general sense of anticipation for the full release, with users eager to see if Discmaster 2 could recapture the magic of the original. A few commenters also offered technical feedback, such as suggestions for improving the mobile interface.
The Hacker News post "Discmaster 2 Soft Launches" linking to the Discmaster newsletter has a modest number of comments, generating a discussion primarily focused on nostalgia, the BBS era, and the author's dedication to the format.
Several commenters expressed a sense of nostalgia for the BBS era, recalling their own experiences and the unique culture surrounding it. One commenter reminisced about their time using a similar system, highlighting the community aspect and the thrill of discovering new software and interacting with others online in that era. This sentiment was echoed by others who appreciated the throwback to a simpler time in online interaction.
There's acknowledgment of the author's dedication to maintaining the Discmaster BBS and newsletter. Commenters noted the impressive longevity of the project and the author's persistence in keeping it alive despite the decline of BBS culture. This dedication is seen as a testament to the author's passion and a valuable piece of internet history preservation.
A couple of comments focused on the technical aspects of running a BBS, discussing the challenges and rewards of maintaining such a system. One commenter briefly touched upon the modern relevance of BBS systems, suggesting their potential as a decentralized and privacy-focused alternative to mainstream social media platforms. This sparked a small discussion about the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach.
Finally, some comments simply expressed appreciation for the post, finding the Discmaster project interesting and quirky. They enjoyed the glimpse into a bygone era of online communication and the dedication of the author to keeping it alive.
While there wasn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the overall discussion paints a picture of appreciation for the author's dedication, a shared nostalgia for the BBS era, and a touch of curiosity about the technical aspects and potential modern relevance of such systems.