Welcome to ZStoner's Hideout

	You are visitor number... ...since Jan. 14, 1997

Site last updated Mar. 6, 1998.

News for March 6, 1998:
Stoneroids News!  I'm working on a new version of Stoneroids.  Better special effects, better gameplay, and FINALLY, high score saving!  Yes, the most requested feature has been the need to permanently save high scores -- and rightfully so.  Stoneroids is a great game and a world-wide automatically updating high score list will only add to the fierce competition.
But AOL has always been a pain to implement such things because their limited CGI scripts (only 3 wimpy scripts, and no custom ones).  Add to the fact that I don't know CGI scripting and you have a problem.
I'm working around the problem now by using AOL's guestbook CGI script.  High scores will be coming soon hopefully by the end of March.  Look for Stoneroids98 coming soon!

JavaCraft: Warcraft II Map Viewer for Java

I've finished the first release of the cool new applet. It's called JavaCraft. Its purpose is to read and view a Warcraft II Map files (.PUDs)... all in a little Java applet. You don't need WarCraft II to see these files. Very cool!  Other cool features include the ability to download straight from the applet, changing terrain types, and more.  WarCraft II fans should really get a kick of the cool War II utility.  If you try it out, let me know what you think about JavaCraft!  (Requires a Java 1.1 compatible browser)
(Last Updated: Feb 19, 1998)

Experience the realm of  JavaCraft today!

MenuPanel: Implement real Menu Bars in your Java applet

This is for all you amateur Java writers out there... I wrote a Java class called MenuPanel that allows you to implement a Menu Bar in an Applet.  Normally, you can only add a MenuBar to an external Frame window, but my class allows you to have a real working Menu Bar in an Applet panel or in any other Container. Check out my Menu Demo featuring my MenuPanel class. If you like it, you can get a copy of the source code and try it yourself! (Requires a Java 1.1 compatible browser)
(Last Updated: Jan 8, 1998)

Stoneroids:  The Award-winning Arcade Game for Java
I released a Stoneroids update! Stoneroids v0.96 fixes keyboard problems known to UNIX browsers.  UNIX users can use the I/J/K/L keys to move the ship.  Also I've improved the tracking for the aliens. It's the greatest shoot-em-up ever experienced in Java! If you've got a Java-enabled browser, buckle up and get ready for a thrill ride...
(Last Updated Oct 20, 1997)

Have you played Stoneroids! lately?

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Stoneroids Q & A:
Q1) I'm a Netscape fan. Can I run it with Netscape?
A1) I've found that Stoneroids runs much faster with Internet Explorer than with Netscape Navigator.  But as of Navigator 4.04 though, the performance is about the same now on both browsers.

Q2) I'm using AOL 95's built-in browser. Even though the Stoneroids applet itself runs OK, the web page it's on looks like crap. What's up with that?!?
A2) Even though AOL's browser (Win '95 version) has an embedded version of Internet Explorer, it isn't perfect. It has some display problems and doesn't properly format all pages. In this case, the a blue background should be seen (like the one in this page), should be the background displayed in the Stoneroids' applet page. This doesn't slow applet performance, but can make the HTML text harder to read (which isn't essential to play the game). Your solution is to use an external web browser like IExplorer or NNavigator.

Q3) The game seem sluggish and slow to respond.
A3) The game runs smoothest if your display is in 800x600 mode. 1024x768 is okay, for P100s and up -- 800x600 can provide playable frame rates for any Pentium class machine!

Q4) The game is too hard and I die all the time!!
A4) That, my friend, is the whole point! You didn't want me to write a sissy game, now did you? Patience, practice and powerups are the only remedies I can offer you.

Q5) Is there any additional help other than the key commands to control the ship?
A5) You want a FAQ? Here it is... You are on your own. I want this game to provide you with a challenge and so the surprises await you (both good and bad).

Java Applet Programming and Game Playing
When you put them together you get a Java Game Programmer!!
...And oh yeah I almost forgot... I do have a life! ;-)

I got nothing yet to share with you, but I'll be adding web links soon...
Including a link to my new Java Game "Stoneroids"

And Here it is... Play Stoneroids!

Visit my "Hot Links & Sponsors" page!

Comments? Suggestions?	Web Page Created: Jan. 14, 1997
Web Pages and Java Applets designed by Bruce Stone.	Last Updated: Mar. 6, 1998
Froth up your Java with