Blizz-ABS vs. XAS

[legacyblade]

Yes, I know you're going to implement the features. I was just giving people who haven't used blizzABS an idea of what it's best for right now, and what XAS is best for. I can't wait for those updates, and I can't wait to see what you manage to pull off with them O_O

[Makasu]

My this is a rather touchy subject for you eh Blizz? Don't get me wrong I love BABS! Its one of the best. I dont' know the first thing about scripting seeing as how I'm an artist. But on the setting up enemies using comments thing if that is going to happen then nevermind. I don't necessarily have a better idea. And I encountered problems with the name chanign thing but that may have been my fault in the end.

The diag jump thing was that you could use it to jump on tiles that weren't able to be jumped on. I don't know if you addressed that or not because I haven't been around here lately.

I do understand this script completely and the config and all of that. Its just that Mo's seems easier to set up enemies based upon factors. TO ME. but thats because I'm not absolutely used to doing it the BABS way because I've been using different battle ABS for a while now. But I'm sure tha in due time I will get used to it and appreciate you for all the hard work you're putting into this.

Its an excellent system no doubt about it. But the main problem with most ABS is that they're either going off of other ideas or trying to beat another one in terms of flashiness or what has more features which leads people to overlook bugs and things like that. I couldn't care less if the system had no added features if it play s damn good and gives me the least amount of errors then its a-okay in my opinion.

[Blizzard]

It's not so touchy, but I think you understand me when I say that it starts annoying when people repeat the same things over and over, praising XAS's features that you have to do with scripting but disregard Blizz-ABS's built-in features. -_- I guess I snapped a bit there, I apologize.

You can tell me what error you are getting with the name changing. It's still possible that it's a yet unrevealed bug.

I'll look into the diagonal jumping once more. It's possible that I missed something.

I know that it can be easier to set up a few comments at the beginning. But trust me, as soon as it takes overhand, nothing can save you. That goes for Blizz-ABS event naming as well. -_-

I appreciate your appreciation (lol). IDK how buggy the other systems are (I've heard bad stuff =X ), but there hasn't been a bug report (except for bugs caused by the user) in the latest update of v1.99 so far. O_o I wonder if I killed them all...

[Satoh]

...

I appreciate your appreciation (lol). IDK how buggy the other systems are (I've heard bad stuff =X ), but there hasn't been a bug report (except for bugs caused by the user) in the latest update of v1.99 so far. O_o I wonder if I killed them all...

Nope, the programmers first law states that there is always one you missed... but that it is not always an important bug.

However, I've yet to find any bugs with it... so I'm betting on the latter.

[Blizzard]

I know that. "You can only formally verify that there are bugs, but you can't formally verify that there aren't." Though, I think it is possible to achieve a bug free code. But I'd say it's based on pure luck.

[Satoh]

Hopefully you're a gamblin' man then.

All I can say definitively is that I've had no problems with it that I didn't create(through my sad earlier attempts at scripting... which you've seen >.> )

[Blizzard]

You were doing fine with your scripting. I didn't manage to pull off an alternative EXP system as first script. But then again, I worked on my own, I didn't ask anybody. You can become great if you take your time.

[tucows]

well of course blizz abs is the best abs cuz it gives you the oportunity to work fast, but as the people have said with some extras it will become better and i like the freatures specialy the combo system that will be implemented and the dodge ability. well i will add a suggestion eventougth is for more like 2d scrolling games this can make arpg feel beter well this kind of game can be easily created with the actual abs but something that could help is a better jumping ability istead of using squares to jump you maybe can configure to work with other kind of calculation you know what i mean but this is optional this just can make bliss abs to be capable to even create other kind of games.

[Sase]

Out of curiosity (I dont remember), does Blizz ABS have the Defend-function. If it does, it is like in Zelda that you can move with it, but you will face the same direction.

[Blizzard]

It has a defend function, but you freeze and can't move. I'll add that moving and facing direction lock as optional feature.

@tucows: I will create a "gravity plugin" for Blizz-ABS that allows much easier and more convenient creation of 2D platform games.

[Phasedscar]

The only thing I can think of adding other than the features you've already mentioned Blizz, and the ones Lagacyblade was talking about is adding in more frames for animations.  Perhaps 8 instead of 4, and allow for diagnal walking and attack animations.

However those can be done in add-ons for Blizz-ABS and there are already movement frame scripts out there.

Personally I like the ease of customizability with BABS far more than XAS's eye candy.  I found XAS to be exceedingly annoying to customize to any great degree, and I got more than enough errors with it when I was trying it out.  Granted this was over a year and a half ago I tried it, but the point remains.  And honestly, since you introduced the BABS config program, I will never want to switch.  That allows for such ease of use, that I couldn't honestly think of going back.  Beside, you actively work on BABS when you have the time, and I know, in the long run, XAS will have nothing on Blizz-ABS.

[Starrodkirby86]

It's like programming at some applications. I mean, XAS works wonders when you're an experienced programmer. But once you're an experienced programmer, you might as well just make a complete rewrite of XAS or just be a lazy person like all experienced programmers are and jump to Blizz-ABS. We all know the classic Video Game debate of Graphics or Gameplay. The people of XAS particularly are attracted to the Graphics and they're convinced it's the best because of it. That's similar to games of now generation as those are graphically powerful. But gameplay is what really matters, and even if graphics stink, Blizz-ABS is the perfect epitome of great gameplay, with more features, a better AI, and the like.

Obviously this debate isn't more of a debate anymore and is just a "Compare ABSs to Blizz-ABS and see how Blizz-ABS can top that" thread now...But oh well, that's a good thing! Debates usually lead to flames, and I'm glad there's none here...Sure, a very obvious angry rant, but I mean, that's better than a giant flame.

I'm sure once you get XAS regularly without all that graphic flare it'll look like a piece of roadkill. Or just a very primitive system...

[filosofem]

   
Blizz-like abs .... but the Xas this in my language, then it is easier ...
  but I recognize the ability of Blizz-abs ..
Abs is a powerful .... Both are .... both XAS with Blizz-abs ...

vantagen
Blizz-abs.
is to talk to the author ^ ^

Xas
Mog the Numca I saw a post in his forum bunhu ¬ ¬

but use the same ASIM xas, because of my imdioma, which is Portuguese 

[Blizzard]

Well, if you can find somebody to translate a Blizz-ABS version to Portuguese, you could use it.

[cstb]

Good job, SRK. Ok, now back on topic.
And thanks for the support, Galatea. ^_^

cw7, you can't use customizability as argument because:
1. Blizz-ABS is easier to customize because it's coding is way better.
2. You can customize ANY script which makes your point of "customizable AI" obsolete.

Also, Blizz-ABS AI is customizable as well. I only took the time to make an easy interface for users. You have several defined options which you can use without any scripting knowledge. With some scripting knowledge you can customize it yourself while with XAS you need A LOT of scripting knowledge because of the messy coding. Blizz-ABS 2.0 will even have a better coding. I am planning on separating semantically Blizz-ABS specific code and putting it all at one place. Things like that would be the enemy dying process which is currently part of Game_System.

And what about the devastating super attack? Hello? Are you even reading what I said? That's just a normal skill wrapped up as "Special attack". If you REALLY want a special attack on button press, you can add that easily in Blizz-ABS. Do you have any idea how big the code of a secondary weapon is in Blizz-ABS which is equipped instead of a shield? Take a look:

Spoiler: ShowHide

# Secondary Weapon plugin for Blizz-ABS created for Aqua

if $BlizzABS || BlizzABS::VERSION < 1.99
  raise 'ERROR: The secondary weapon plugin requires Blizz-ABS 1.99 or higher.'
end

class Game_Controls
  
  alias update_attack_aqua_later update_attack
  def update_attack
    return true if update_attack_aqua_later
    if $game_system.attack_button && Input.trigger?(Input::Key['G'])
      $game_player.use_attack2
      return true
    end
    return false
  end
  
end

class Map_Actor
  
  def use_attack2
    self.battler.weapon_id, self.battler.armor1_id =
        self.battler.armor1_id, self.battler.weapon_id
    use_attack if self.battler.weapon_id != 0
    self.battler.weapon_id, self.battler.armor1_id =
        self.battler.armor1_id, self.battler.weapon_id
  end
  
end

class Game_Actor
  
  attr_accessor :weapon_id
  attr_accessor :armor1_id
  
end

Now, how about you tell me all you can do with your enemies WITHOUT touching the scripts? Can your enemies in XAS learn? Can they evaluate a party member as dangerous and defend more when they engage into one-on-one combat with him? Can your enemies in XAS concentrate on healing? Can they organize a group of other enemies and lead them into collective attacks? Can your enemies in XAS keep a safe distance from you?
Did you know that allowing enemies to escape is as easy as adding the "Escape" action in the enemy database? What do you have to do for this in XAS? Does XAS use database enemies or do you have to define them MANUALLY IN EACH EVENT just like in Near's ABS with comments?

You are not making valid points here. I can also just say "OMG BLIZZ-ABS PWNS XAS SO HARD BECAUSE IT HAS A CUSTOM INPUT MODULE". While we're at it, how's XAS with custom controls?

What about compatibility? Does XAS support Tons of Add-ons, CRLS, SDS, RO Job-Skill System, any CMS or any of my other scripts? And does it support SDK? Blizz-ABS is practically fully compatible with SDK 2.x! Also Blizz-ABS supports my Full Reflection System which means you DO have Reflect. And what is "sealing enemies" supposed to mean? Care to explain?

Also, what about documentation? Blizz-ABS not only has a manual explaining ALL of Blizz-ABS features but also my continuos support (like Galatea said). Blizz-ABS has been created as a system responding to users' wishes.

I have created an interface for users so they don't have to bother about implementation details. ANYBODY can use Blizz-ABS. I've only met a few people which had problems and those problems were solved by me simply pointing them to the right chapter in the manual. Of course, with a bit of scripting knowledge, you can edit Blizz-ABS. In that case I have provided a fully commented and documentated code. In 2.x I will also provide class diagrams and method descriptions as separate documention for even easier reference and an overview over the entire system so editors will be able to find the spot they need to edit very quickly without searching and browsing the script. Using Blizz-ABS was never easier and editing will become even more easy.

One drawback which I admit is the sprite format. I will change the sprite format in 2.0 to a similar or the same format as it's used in XAS so people can switch easier between the systems. Or in other words: People who used XAS but didn't want to change to Blizz-ABS because of the extra work of sprite conversion will now have a chance to change without bothering about sprite conversions.

If all of this is true, Blizz-ABS is way better that XAS.

[Blizzard]

Everything said in this topic are true fact, everything. Except maybe the parts where people say that it's their opinion, thos are not facts. xD

[computerwizoo7]

Xas is waaaaaaaaay better than bliz abs!!!!! Mwhahaha! 
you can now do even more with version 3.2

[KRoP]

Xas is waaaaaaaaay better than bliz abs!!!!! Mwhahaha! 
you can now do even more with version 3.2

. . .
Please die now.








  It seems you've totally disregarded EVERYTHING blizzard said with a simple "itt's stil cooler!1" argument.  You can't counter several paragraphs of reasonable debating with 2 lines of text and an emoticon.  What makes 3.2 different?  Let me guess, "super cool attackz?"  Do you expect us to know?  Will you really have anyone's respect here if you keep doing this?  I think not!  Try again and with better spelling, please. :l

[Tazero]

Babs is better than XAS cuz xas if flashy yes possibly more compatible with non blizz related scripts but at the same time very har for n00b scripter to use
TAHARO VOTE GOES TO: Daddadadadadaaaaaaddddaaaaaadadadadddadadadadddaaaaaa Blizz!

[winkio]

I'm sorry, but Blizz-ABS is way more flashy than XAS.  Not-laggy stuff always looks better, and they have the same graphics.  Plus, Blizz-ABS actually has useful capabilities, unlike XAS where you have to do pretty much everything yourself.  these are the "new" things in 3.2, with my comments in parenthesis:

Spoiler: ShowHide

-> Final Attack System (Wow, another attack!  yippee!)
-> Counter System (one of the few decent additions)
-> Advanced Status System.(+ 20 New States) (OMG!  NEW STATES!  i coulda never done those on my own!  Never mind that they are prolly better made in ToA anyways)
   ( Reflect / Re-life / Invicible / DeathCount / FAST
     Slow / Stop / Confuse / Seal / Regen / Poison /
     Sleep / Poison SP / Etc...)
-> Advanced Damage System.  (Wow, now lazy people don't even have to make their own skills!)
   ( Drain HP-SP / Damage SP / Level Damage/ Gold Damage/
     Rang Effect / Steal / Fixed Damage / Etc... )
-> Shield System.  (*snickers* BABS had this at what, like 1.5?  lol)
-> Enemy Attack Effects.  (Wait, you mean enemies can attack too? OMG!)
   ( Drain HP-SP / Add States / Blow Power )
-> Advanced Item Effects(Field).  (Very descriptive...)
-> Collapse Zoom System.  (Again, very descriptive...)
-> Hit Effect system.  (Seriously people, wtf do these even do?  Create horrible lag?)
-> Advanced Enemy Action System.   (This may be an AI.  Or a laggy piece of junk.  Probably both)
   (EXP->   shoot(X) / rand_shoot(X,X,X,X,X) )
   (+ 40 New Commands to customize your enemys)
   (Action based on HP/LV/Switch/Percentage ,Random Attack,
    Escape, Reaction , auto states, etc...)
-> Multiple Treasure System. (0..5)  (No way!  It's about time lol.)
-> Auto Animation Command.  (auto rejection comment)
-> Damage Limit.  (Seriously?  This is it's own little addon?  wow)
-> Custom speed moviment. (0..10)  (wait, isn't this like a basic event option?)
-> Improved Collapse Animation.  (Yay, now I don't have to animate my own characters!)
-> Improved Multhits System.  (improved lagginess?)
-> Improved Charge System.   (Now with Duracell Batteries!)

Basically, all that was added was a bunch of pointless junk, stuff that BABS and ToA already had, 2 new useful things, and a shitload of stuff that you could have done better yourself.  And don't forget that everything is split up by enemy/actor/other and then repeated in multiple different areas.