RagDoll Development

Gamasutra is running an interview with Mark Healey, developer on the Bullfrog title Dungeon Keeper and, more recently, developer of the Steam-powered beat em' up RagDoll Kung Fu. From the article: "GS: Were you influenced by any gesture interface work in particular? MH: Yes. I remember playing a demo where you could push crash dummies down some stairs, I forget what it was called, maybe it was 'Stair Dismount' or something like that. I almost got a little buzz that you could be like a puppeteer. " Update: 12/06 23:49 GMT by Z : Oops. It's on the Steam service, not made in the Source engine. Wrong (tm).

Comments

Porrasturvat

[TripMaster Monkey]

From TFA:

Yes. I remember playing a demo where you could push crash dummies down some stairs, I forget what it was called, maybe it was 'Stair Dismount' or something like that.

Mark is of course referring to the venerable Porrasturvat (Stair Dismount), which can be found here, along with Rekkaturvat (Truck Dismount) and many, many Porrasturvat mods.

Re:Porrasturvat

[antdude]

Also, here. Very popular in demos scene.

Source?

[thebudgie]

From what I've read about Rag Doll Kung Fu it isn't actually based on the Source engine, but is in fact a standalone game. The only thing it has to do with Source is it being available through Steam.

Re:Source?

[HD Webdev]

From what I've read about Rag Doll Kung Fu it isn't actually based on the Source engine, but is in fact a standalone game. The only thing it has to do with Source is it being available through Steam.

Yes, in fact it's clearly stated on the rag doll kung fu home page.

"Rag Doll Kung Fu is the first wholly independently developed game to be distributed through Steam, using custom physics and graphics technology to give you a really fresh and unique games experience! It is not a 'Mod' and does not use Valve's Source or any other existing game engine.

Re:Rag Doll Kung Fu?

[josteos]

Its entertaining for a bit, but I found it hard to control. Once I figured out how to control it, I was able to make it to the final level in one sitting. Lost its replay value right there.

The "cut scenes" are funny - Mark Healey & friends (badly) acting out their wannabe kung fu dreams. The game was innovative, fun to play, surprising, hyperkinetic and funny. I didn't try multiplayer so I can't comment on it.