The Dink Network

So, Dink Smallwood was a really good system for making games:

1. It came with some pretty cool graphics

2. It was easy to hack something together quickly

3. The underlying model was mostly simple

4. You could create reasonably complex behavior with simple scripts...

5. But you could still manipulate things on a pretty basic level

6. Most importantly, the game came with it's own community and mythology. Creating a Dmod always felt more like writing a new chapter, rather than a new book.

On the other hand, in this day and age, one is not filled with desire to create dmods. The limitations of the engine are too painful:

1. DinkC is not very powerful

2. Dink is not very stable, at least if you try to do anything interesting

3. The underlying model is rather idiosyncratic

4. Dmod writing involves many mundane tasks which are difficult or impossible to automate

So the question is, what do we move on to next? I've tried Novashell. Getting it to run on linux was a pain in the ass, and I'm not sure I could do it again. Also, it seems quite complicated, and I don't know how much of a community there is for it. I've also tried LÖVE, but it makes you do way too much work. So what comes next? What's the next cool free RPG engine?

There is still a untapped potential in Dink, but I'm starting to believe we'll never see a d-mod progress beyond the standards set by Pilgrim's Quest, Initiation and Cloud Castle 2. I feel these 3 are probably the best out there, all excelling in different ways.

As for the next step? I don't know. I didn't really like Novashell from what I saw of it, and games like NWN are too restricted by their Dungeons and Dragons heritage.

I don't know, basically.

There is still a untapped potential in Dink, but I'm starting to believe we'll never see a d-mod progress beyond the standards set by Pilgrim's Quest, Initiation and Cloud Castle 2. I feel these 3 are probably the best out there, all excelling in different ways.

You forgot I, Kara Gu.

And you did end up unlocking the CC3 thread, right?

And Christiaan and I haven't quite given up on finishing our respective behemoths either, as far as I know...

I, Kara Gu pushed the boundaries more than most, that's for sure. It's a huge pity we haven't seen more d-mods with that level of creativity.

Fingers crossed for the future... but I can't see where the next big d-mod is coming from at the moment.

there is no next step, dink is dink. if you want cutting edge graphics and gameplay play xbox 360, dink has been left in the dust YEARS ago, we alone are the testament of its survival. if you want to play something else by all means do it its a giant world out there but dink itself will still be here for those of us weirdos still around if you are trying to compare dink to anything current im sorry but you are waaaaay living in the past

as for the next big dmod theres plenty of us with the potentional that is not the question. its just the easy dink c / windmere / necromancer factor.

If you've tried every game creation engine out there like me, you'll find that Dink has many merits those other engines lack. For example, while you may not create the next Metal Gear Solid cinematic wise, the gameplay diversity and other creative elements you can implement without having to bend the much greater limits some other engines put on you, is refreshing.

I wouldn't give up on this yet

me applauds and agrees with joshriot

Potential is one thing. Having people tap into that potential is quite another.

Indeed.

Dink is like a beer keg.

Dink is like a beer keg.
Indeed. His potential lies in how well you're willing to tap him.

I guess that makes me a drunkard.

Dink smallwood could evolve - 3D, more "screens", seemless environment, full mouse-control. Perhaps these things could usher in the fabled and fabulous Dink 2

Actually, having more map screens would be a fantastic step up for Dink. Also, an easily modified stat bar to add in new abilities (Pilgrim's Quest, anyone?) would be good.