Frequently Asked Questions

What is GridWorlds?

GridWorlds is a retro, tile-based, fantasy role-playing game construction set.

What can I do with GridWorlds?

Once you set up an account, you can build world maps, populate them with inhabitants and monsters, and link them together with portals. Of course you can also play the game by creating characters to explore worlds you or others have made. As development continues, I hope to turn GridWorlds into a full-fledged online role-playing game, including equipment, combat, magic, quests, and more.

What browsers does this site support?

Since GridWorlds relies on some heavy-duty JavaScript and CSS, it only works with modern Web browsers. I target the most current released versions of Firefox and Safari. I also do my best to maintain compatibility with Internet Explorer 7, but you will have the best experience sticking with more standards-compliant browsers. Older or obscure browsers such as IE 6, Opera, or OmniWeb are definitely not supported and never will be. Anything on this site that actually works in those browsers is purely coincidental.

I'm too lazy to upgrade my browser. Why doesn't this site work?

Well, you just answered your own question, didn't you?

Is this just an Ultima/XU4 clone?

No, not really! Although I borrowed some of the tile graphics from various open-source projects to get started, I eventually hope to have custom graphics made (any volunteers?) Nonetheless, GridWorlds is heavily influenced by Ultima, Rogue, and many other tile-based computer RPGs, so you will certainly see a lot of resemblance to those games.

When is this going to be done?

Since GridWorlds is a hobby project, I can only work on it in my spare time. My goal is eventually for it to become a fully functional game, but I have no idea how long that may take. In the mean time, try building a world and let me know what you think.

Are there other retro games I can play right now?

Sure, there are lots, including role-playing games, strategy games, board games, platformers, etc. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:

• NetHack
• Avernum
• Battle for Wesnoth
• Cave Story (Doukutsu Monogatari)
• Kingdom of Loathing
• Colossus
• Open Transport Tycoon Deluxe
• Ur-Quan Masters
• Defenders of the Crown
• FreeCol
• Ultima: The Reconstruction - great site with many links to Ultima remake projects, including XU4, Nuvie, Exult, and Pentagram

And here are some other excellent retro gaming resources:

• The Underdogs
• Classic Game Maps
• Armchair Arcade
• Game FAQs - includes FAQs and Walkthroughs for many classic games
• RPG Classics
• MAME - Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator
• Asimov Apple II Repository - FTP downloads of hundreds of classic Apple II games (emulator needed)
• Vintage Gaming Network
• Retrogames

Is this free (as in beer)?

Yes, for the foreseeable future. Since it's still in the early stages of development, there's not much I could charge for even if I wanted to.

Is this free (as in freedom)?

Sorry, no. Currently I have no plans to release the code as open source.

What technologies does GridWorlds use?

GridWorlds is written in Ruby on Rails on the server and a whole lot of custom JavaScript on the client. I use the excellent JQuery, JQuery UI, and JQuery Tabs libraries for some of the effects. The database is MySQL, the blog is WordPress, and source control is via Subversion. Both the site and blog are hosted on DreamHost.

Are these questions really frequently asked?

No, not really.