Archive for March, 2013
Arena.Xlsm Version 1.1b is now available here: Download Arena.Xlsm
Special thanks to my volunteer testers, and all of you who submitted feedback and bug reports!
Note: There is currently not a way to import your current v1.0 game data into v1.1. I’m working on this feature but it will take time and I didn’t want the Excel 2007 guys to have to wait any longer just to get started!
I want to thank all of you for the immense amount of support. As of the time of this writing, this website has received over 150,000 views (since the game was released 5 days ago) and has been featured in some very impressive media outlets all over the world including: Игры@Mail.Ru (Russian), Rock Paper Shotgun, BBC News, Tweakers (Dutch), Geek.com, Gizmodo, Eurogamer, TECHsme.sk (Slovak), pikabu (Russian), origo (Hungarian), The Next Web, CNet, and The Escapist. (I’m aware that there are other blogs that have picked this up, thank you!) This is much, much more than I was expecting. I am quite overwhelmed on the time management side of things as I did not anticipate this kind of a reaction. I still have other obligations for my time such as the MBA which I am still expecting to complete in the next month and my volunteer obligations including preparing free tax returns for deaf individuals at Silent Voice.
As far as the game is concerned, I am trying to keep up on everything. This includes:
Anyways, thank you for your continued support. Thank you for your patience. Most of all, thank you for playing and I hope that you’re enjoying the experience! 🙂
First and foremost, thank you all so much for the feedback and bug reports! It really helps me nail down issues.
Here are the following top 3 items I’m looking to address in version 1.1.
Anyways, that’s what is in the works! I hope to get this out this weekend. Please feel free to post your opinions or suggestions in the comments or you can reach me on twitter @CaryWalkin or by e-mail.
Thanks!
Edited: More bug reports indicated that this may be more widespread than initially thought
EDIT: Fixed! Download the latest version of Arena.Xlsm here: https://carywalkin.wordpress.com/download-arena-xlsm/
1004 run time error (Unable to set the Text property of the Characters class).
The error pops up as soon as you kill the first enemy.
The error appears to be limited to a few players using Excel 2007, I have identified the code that is causing the problem. I need to test the fix before releasing it. If all goes well, the fix should be released next weekend. In the mean time, as a temporary workaround, if you have access to Excel 2010, you should be able to play the game free of any errors.
Sorry for the delay.
Thanks for your patience.
Cary Walkin
The following screenshots have been taken from game play:
You can now play the full version of Arena.Xlsm!
Official Mirror: Arena.Xlsm hosted on itch.io
Download version 1.3 directly here: Arena.Xlsm
Key Features
You can also access the official Arena.Xlsm wiki here: http://arenaxlsm.wikia.com/
The Arena.Xlsm photo gallery is here: https://carywalkin.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/arena-xlsm-gallery/
FAQ
What are the system requirements for this game?
Arena.Xlsm has been tested to work on PC versions of Microsoft Excel including Excel 2007, Excel 2010 and Excel 2013. Arena.Xlsm will not work on Mac versions of Microsoft Excel.
When I open the file I can see the screen but nothing happens when I click on buttons.
Arena.Xlsm uses Excel macros to execute the programming for the game. In order to play the game you must enable macros. For detailed instructions see the wiki: http://arenaxlsm.wikia.com/wiki/Macros
Where can I find additional information on the game including strategies?
Please consult the official Arena.Xlsm wiki at http://arenaxlsm.wikia.com/
How can I create a permanent save file so that when I die I go back to that save file rather than dealing with the consequences of death or so that I can transfer a save file from system to system?
It is important to keep in mind that Arena.Xlsm is at its core, an Excel spreadsheet. To make a permanent save file, simply make a copy of the Arena.Xlsm workbook and rename it. Such as “Arena (Level 4 Combatant).Xlsm” Now if you ever die or want to transfer the file, simply open the copy you created to load your saved game.
RPG… does this game have a lot of level grinding?
The leveling system acts primarily as a gatekeeper to gradually introduce new story, enemy types, spells, etc. The amount of kills needed per level should be approximately 3-6 kills regardless of level. Level grind can ruin the pacing of a game so I’ve done my best to keep it to a minimum.
When I try to send version 1.3 over GMail it says that it detected a virus. What gives?
There appears to be a problem with GMail’s virus detection system resulting in a false positive. While I am discussing the issue with Google, I have created an alternate edition of Arena.Xlsm v1.3 which will work with GMail. The GMail Edition is encrypted and requires the password “arena” to open. You can download the GMail Edition here: Arena.Xlsm GMail Edition.
I have a bug report or feedback, how do I get a hold of you?
I can be reached by:
E-mail: cary (at) carywalkin.ca
Website: http://www.carywalkin.ca
Wiki: http://arenaxlsm.wikia.com/
Twitter: @CaryWalkin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArenaXlsm
Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/r/arena_xlsm/
LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/carywalkin
Cary Walkin.CA 