THE MOVE FROM 2D TO 3D:

First of all, I would like to thank you all for your continued interest in Stonewall Penitentiary and apologize for the lack of news in the last few months.  The reason for this, as stated on the news page, is that I have decided to switch the engine from 2D to 3D.  This means that, instead of pre-rendered first person scenes combined in a slide-show like format (as was the case with my previous two games, Lifestream and Shady Brook), Stonewall Penitentiary will feature real-time 3D movement, controlled through the keyboard and mouse.

I realize that this decision may not sit well with some of you.  It was not a decision that I made lightly.  But it was the best decision for the game I am creating.  Stonewall Penitentiary did not feel right with a 2D engine.  The format of my previous games did not mesh well with Stonewall's story.  As a result, this was the best option.

It is important for me to state here that the change from 2D to 3D does NOT mean the game will become action-based.  Stonewall Penitentiary will remain 100% adventure.  The only differences are in the game's presentation and controls.

This does mean, unfortunately, that I will have to delay the game's release.  Although I would prefer to not make an official release date, my guess is that the game should be done some time mid-2007.  I apologize for this delay, but it is necessary.

For those of you who are wary of this change and those of you who have never played a 3D game before, I will now explain how the controls will work.

First, in my previous adventure games, the control would work like this:

You would see a still image of the area you are standing in.  When the mouse changes to an arrow, shown above, it means that you can walk in that direction.  Clicking that arrow would immediately display the below image...

...thus giving the appearance that you took a step forward.

However, in Stonewall Penitentiary, using the mouse and keyboard, you can move ANYWHERE you want to, at any angle you want to, fluidly, as if you were really there.  You use the keyboard's arrow keys (or any other key you configure controls to) to move forward, back, left, and right.  So, if you are standing in the cafeteria and press the up arrow, you will start to walk forward, as shown (in reduced quality) below.

Furthermore, using the mouse, you can turn to look in any direction (even up and down!) at any time.  So it really gives you the feel of being inside the game.

If you are able to type, then you will be able to play Stonewall Penitentiary.  There are no time limits or action sequences requiring fast keyboard reflexes.  As stated above, the game remains solely an adventure.

Again, I know that some of you may not be happy about this change.  I only ask that you accept that I made this decision because it was the right move for this game.  If any of you has any questions about this change, please feel free to e-mail me at info@upforums.com.

Thanks for reading this, and thank you all for your continued interest and support!