
   BFS: The Noel Software Purchase
   

   We at Blazing Fire Software have purchased the rights to the entire
   line of Noel Software (Thomas J. Smith), including their main game,
   Galaxy Five (G5).

   Before making a public statement to the world in our newly released
   version of ROK, we wanted to make sure that we had actually received
   the source code for the software.  On March 10th, we finally got a
   look at the G5 source code...

   It's a mess.  At least, in my opinion, it is. :-)

   Well, not really a mess, but it's quite a bit different than the way
   we coded ROK, etc...  It will take most likely about a month to finish
   the conversion and release a new version of G5.

   Expect G5 to be released in early April.  I'm hoping I can get it done
   by then.  Check our newly redesigned web-site (bfs.home.ml.org) as often
   as you can for more information on G5 as we give it out.

   Also, in the next few weeks, you'll be able to purchase G5 using our
   online ordering system.  Have this awesome RPG door registered for life!

   

   Since our original announcement on our web-site regarding G5, we have
   received hundreds of e-mails with questions...  We've taken the most
   popular questions, and answered them all in one big FAQ type file.  I
   will include that here.

   

   Just what is Galaxy Five (G5)?

   G5 is a Space-RPG-Style door-game playable on almost every BBS platform.
   It is simply a great game.  I played it, and loved it.  Thomas J. Smith
   created an excellent door here, but unfortunately, never had the time to
   keep up the support of it.  Luckily, we were able to purchase the rights
   to this great game, and now we're marketing it as our own.  It's a game
   similar to ROK, LORD, etc, but with a space twist on it, and unique
   options that make it a great door for any BBS.

   What is the new version going to cost me?

   For those of you who have previously registered G5 with Thomas J. Smith
   (the original author), we will be charging a small upgrade fee.  For
   others who have not registered G5, the cost of registering it will most
   likely be either $10.00 or $15.00, depending on how much work goes into
   converting the G5 code.

   Why are you charging an upgrade fee?

   I know I'm going to get a LOT of angry e-mails for this, but...The entire
   G5 code (which is over 25,000 lines of code -- ROK is over 32,000), will
   NOT work with our current programming doordriver (DDPlus/KDrive).  This
   means that when we receive the source code, we will have to sit down for
   like DAYS and convert the code to what we use.  This could take a VERY
   long time, and in order to cover the cost of what we're doing, we're going
   to charge a small upgrade fee.  For the price of say, $5.00, you can keep
   your copy of G5 for your entire life.  I think that's a great deal,
   considering a few months ago you didn't even know if the game you
   registered was going to be supported at all anymore.

   How much did you pay for Noel Software?

   Enough. :-)

   When can we expect the new version of G5 to be released?

   Early April.  Hopefully!

   

   So, yes, the rumours are true.  BFS has acquired the rights to G5.

   Blazing Fire Software now looks to the future - which now includes G5!

   Please re-post this wherever you can.  Thank you!

   Devon Brooks - of BFS, Inc.
   E-Mail: bfs@sk.sympatico.ca
   [WWW] : www.bfs.home.ml.org

