Lanschilandia Games

24 Oct 2024	Misc Section and Button Update
This site has been in dire need of big and important updates, so as you can hopefully see right now, the top-navigation buttons have been made a bit nicer and rearranged in a grid. Unfortunately, the new Misc button would have pushed them to an uneven number and immediately broken the grid, so the News button has been removed and the news can now be seen by clicking the site logo. I'm gonna miss having a button that says "News", but since the news are directly on the home page and the link just took you back there, it probably makes more sense this way. But what's that about a Misc button, anyway? Short answer, it's where I put stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else, like the Sokoban clone list. It also links to the new under-construction Add-ons page - where I'm going to be sharing custom levels and the like for games I didn't create - as well as some entirely unrelated things I made mostly for study purposes and decided may be helpful for others to have. In short, it's a colourful mess, and it may be best to just take a look and see what's there.
27 Apr 2023	Sokoban List
In some unusual news, I've been working on a filterable list of Sokoban clones and similar games lately. It's not yet linked from anywhere else on the site (and frankly I'm not sure yet where it would go), but here it is for now. The list is inspired by Martijn's Boulder Dash Fan Site and might be a perpetual work in progress, due to the sheer amount of games to cover (although I'm doing a little bit of quality control). Each game has a website or download link, and most info should be self-explanatory, but be sure to look at the bottom for some detailed explanations. This is a WIP, but please contact me if you see any errors or have more info to add!
18 Apr 2023	Lobotector on Kliktopia
It's not really news anymore, but I made a game for a contest on The Daily Click a while ago! It's called Lobotector, and (as was the theme of the contest) uses assets from Clickteam's example games for Klik & Play and The Games Factory. Use your mouse and clickiness to protect Lobo from all the stuff that's being thrown at him. Survive and set new high-scores! It's now on Kliktopia and makes use of their online high-scores, so go check it out! I might add it to the games section here as well, but it's really quite small. Be sure to check the readme for help!
17 Apr 2022	Pop Rock 'N' Roll is here!
Without further ado, Pop Rock 'N' Roll is now out! Wow, I kinda skipped over the teasers there, didn't I? After 6 years, here's what started out as a "quick 1-2 week project" and somehow turned into my first non-free game on itch. With all the work that's gone into the game, digitally painted backdrops and soundtrack, I'm hoping there's enough content here to warrant not making this one free. Let's see how this goes! I'm happy to say that it's lots of fun, and it has the familiar extendability with a level editor and full support for custom levelpacks. And there's a demo on its page, so go check it out! It's got 5 levels and the editor! The page also links to the itch.io project page, which has a discussion board. Let me know what you think!
24 Sep 2020	Pop Rock 'N' Roll - Survival of the Floatest
There hasn't been much news on Pop Rock 'N' Roll, so here's a blog post talking about my considerations for the survival mode. On that note, there is also a new blog, so I no longer need to use our host Grifkuba's blog to share my musings. For those wondering about the state of the game, it's definitely still in progress, it's just going at a snail's pace due to general lack of interest (mine). There are assets needed that take a long time to create, as well as a lot of boring work to be done before I'm at a point where I feel confident that I can start putting more work into the game's levels. When that happens, there will probably be more to show off, but when that is, only time will tell.
23 Mar 2020	Gophirith's Mirrors 1.2
A new bugfix release of Gophirith's Mirrors is now out! This update fixes a major bug that can cause keyboard inputs to become unintentionally sensitive, as well as several sound- and display-related problems. Check it our here!
10 Oct 2019	Soko Banish - Patch 1.5.1
A new version of Soko Banish has just been released, fixing most of the bugs on the known bugs list, replacing the rather useless hint system with full solution replays, and more. You can find it in the game's download section, as well as a simple patch if you already have version 1.5.0 installed. The editor has also been updated to 1.4.2, fixing many bugs and adding features such as hiding layers and a recent file history. It also supports adding intro messages to levels, which are shown when the level starts (in version 1.5.1). Simply download it and replace the executable and help file with the new files from the zip. I hope everyone has a spooky Halloween!
10 Nov 2018	Boss Balloons & Terrible Toads
Pop Rock 'N' Roll sneak peek time! Here's a picture of the first boss as it currently appears in the test level. What could these two be up to? Stealing all your candy, most probably. If only someone with a spinning crosshair cursor could pop their ride! With Soko Banish work largely out of the way (for now), I may be able to devote more of my time to this project again and you may be seeing a few more pictures and posts as time goes on (there was a Twitter-exclusive look at some editor updates a while ago and I strongly recommend following me there). The problem with posting about it is that no one's gotten to play it yet and I don't want to give things away, which makes it hard to be particularly informative. Tricky tricky!
31 Oct 2018	Soko Banish Levelpack - Pumpkin Patch
A new add-on levelpack has been added to the Soko Banish downloads section, complete with its own graphics theme and music. Arrange pumpkins in 20 all-new levels using elements like orb traps and breaking floors, but don't get spooked... Enjoy, and Happy Halloween! If you too have new levels to share, please send the zipped up levelpack folder to my contact email and I'll see if I can post them.
03 Aug 2018	Soko Banish 1.5 is here!
Soko Banish 1.5 has just been released, adding features like custom skins, solution saving and basic point & click mouse controls. Go grab it on the Soko Banish page! The Level Creator has also been updated to 1.4.1 to offer better support for the new skins and fix a few bugs - it's a separate download, so remember to update it as well. (IMPORTANT: Soko Banish 1.5 or higher is now required to use the editor, as it takes its graphics from the game's skins directory!)
06 Jul 2018	Soko Banish 1.5 - Skins and More
The next (and possibly final for a while) version of Soko Banish is in the works, bringing with it exciting features like custom skins and saving solutions. Check out my blog post for a quick rundown of what's coming!
20 Apr 2018	Level Creator Update 1.4.0
The Level Creator for Soko Banish has been updated to its next milestone version, 1.4.0. This is a major feature update adding tons of useful functionality, such as: - Level testing! - Undo/redo - Easier handling of levelpack files - Random object placement - Pasting ASCII levels from clipboard And much more! It also fixes many bugs and issues remaining in the previous version and adds new cobweb decorations to use in your levels. As usual, you can update your editor by downloading the latest version and replacing your old "levelcreator.exe" and "edithelp.txt" files with the new ones. A complete list of changes can be found in the updated help file. Enjoy, and don't forget to share your creations with us!
16 Apr 2018	Soko Banish Crash Solution
Some people have been encountering crashes when trying to go past the title screen in Soko Banish and it seems to be related to the game being installed in C:\Program Files (x86)\. If you are having problems playing the game, please make sure it's NOT installed in Program Files (x86)! I have removed it as the default installation directory, but I may not be able to fix this (quite puzzling) behaviour, so be sure to avoid that folder as a work-around.
31 Mar 2018	Upcoming Editor Stuff!
The Level Creator for Soko Banish is getting an enormous update, adding much-needed features like level testing, undo/redo and a more comfortable way of managing levelpack info, level order and custom graphics, as well as tons of bugfixes. Excitement! Check the blog for a quick overview of major features. There's still a lot of testing to be done, but the new version should hit sometime in the next weeks. Be sure not to miss it when it's out!
24 Mar 2018	Soko Banish - Patch 1.4.2
Patch 1.4.2 for Soko Banish has just been released. It is largely a bugfix patch that also replaces one level and makes some small improvements to the graphics. Grab it here: Soko Banish game page.
05 Mar 2018	Soko Banish - Patch 1.4.1
Soko Banish has received an update, fixing bugs and adding features, notably the ability to track your best times/steps on your profile. Grab the new patch on the game info page to upgrade! - Best times and steps are now saved and shown (if enabled). - Stand-alone levels can be played by dragging files on the program. - Undo/redo is much faster when held down for many steps. - Level list can now be scrolled up/down with the mouse wheel. - Fixed a bug with tracking progress in packs without a levels.txt. - Pack description looks better and no longer flickers. - Fixed a problem with the leaf effect graphics. - "void.jpg" background tiles better; "snow.jpg" less blurry. - Darkness effect is slightly brighter. - Temporary files are cleaned up once more. - Various small bugfixes.
24 Feb 2018	Level Creator Update 1.3.2
The Level Creator for Soko Banish has been updated to v.1.3.2. The new version comes with minor improvements and various bugfixes, mainly related to the ASCII import function, level size and save prompts. To update, simply download the latest version and replace your old "levelcreator.exe" and "edithelp.txt" files with the new ones. A complete list of changes can be found in the updated help file.
21 Feb 2018	Soko Banish Levelpack - Kingdom Come
A new add-on levelpack has been added to the Soko Banish downloads section, containing 100 new classic Sokoban-style puzzles by Tammy Spahn (that's me). Most of them were created through a mixture of manual design and using a generator to find more difficult solution paths, and some are quite tough as a result. Go check 'em out! If you too have new levels to share, please send the zipped up levelpack folder to my contact email and I'll see if I can post them.
23 Nov 2017	GNOP 2.0 is out!
GNOP 2.0 is out now! This new release of my Pong clone from 2005 is a complete overhaul of the game - right down to its core engine - and full of exciting features. Customise and personalise your gameplay experience with new graphics, sounds, music and more! Check out the download page - it's freeware!
12 Nov 2017	Menu Icon GFX
A small sheet of menu/interface icons has been added to the Resources page. They can be used for functions such as loading, saving, undo, redo and opening a help file. They are CC0 licenced (public domain), so use them in any way you like!
07 Oct 2017	Quick, Play!
Here's a look at GNOP 2.0's new title menu, in case you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of new settings and would rather just want to "Quick Play" a game of Pong. Pick one of the saved configurations & set the AI strength or control schemes and you're good to go! Watch the background for a "live" battle between AI players that updates with the currently selected settings. It's a preview and an attract mode! Now all you need is some quarters...
04 Oct 2017	GNOP is Back on the Ball
The in-development 1.3 version of GNOP is now known as GNOP 2.0 to reflect a bazillion of changes I've been making, including a complete overhaul of the core engine and many, many new features to customise almost every aspect of the game right down to the sound each paddle makes when it bumps into the side walls. Check out my coverage on the blog to get a glimpse of all the cool things to do in the upcoming release!
27 Aug 2017	Level Creator Bugfixes
The Level Creator for Soko Banish has been updated to v.1.3.1. The update fixes various bugs and minor glitches, mostly relating to changing level sizes and browsing levels via the next/previous menu options. To update, simply download the latest version and replace your old "levelcreator.exe" and "edithelp.txt" files with the new ones. A complete list of changes can be found in the updated help file.
22 Aug 2017	Soko Banish 1.4 is here!
The newest version of Soko Banish is now up for grabs! Featuring a complete overhaul of the game's visuals, new game elements, support for larger puzzles, improvements to the Standard level pack and much, much more. Get it here!
17 Aug 2017	Level Order and Chaos
The Standard level set is being updated and rearranged in the upcoming release of Soko Banish! Several puzzles will be fixed & improved, and playing them in order should provide a more coherent experience. I talk about my thought process here.
11 Aug 2017	Soko Banish Rocks
Introducing Rocks and Grates, two new puzzle elements in the next major release of Soko Banish! Rocks are obstacles that can be pushed like soulstones, while Grates are special floor tiles that can be walked across, but not pushed across. Read more on the Blog!
04 Aug 2017	Ruin Improvement
Soko Banish is receiving a complete overhaul in the upcoming major update, so I decided to write up a little blog post and showcase some of the new graphics. Go take a look!
03 Aug 2017	Soko Banish 1.4 - The Future!
Development on Soko Banish 1.4 is officially underway! This next major content update will bring much needed improvements like larger levels, new in-game graphics, saving level states and a whole lot more. There is no release date yet, but we'll keep you updated here and on the Lanschilandia Games Twitter. You can also expect a few behind-the-scenes blog posts as I cover the upcoming changes and additions to the game, so stay tuned!
22 Jul 2017	Soko Banish - Patch 1.3.1
Soko Banish has received a bugfix patch. If you're using 1.3.0 and want to upgrade, head on over to its info page to grab it! (If you're downloading the game for the first time, you won't need to patch it.) - Walls no longer disappear when switching to fullscreen mode. - Screen resolution now resets when fullscreen game loses focus. - Fixed a bug that caused Ardos to revive if he died while pushing. - Ghosts don't quiver when moving against a wall anymore. - The floor tile graphics are once again randomised.
13 Jul 2017	Soko Banish 1.3 has Arrived!
Big news about Soko Banish! Version 1.3 has just been released and can be downloaded on the game's info page. If you haven't been keeping up with it, this is a major update introducing a new level select screen and GUI, player profiles to track progress, better undo functionality, a massively upgraded editor, custom tiles and much, much more! Check the readme.txt included with the game and edithelp.txt included with the Level Creator for a list of changes, or just try them out and see for yourself. Now go and solve puzzles old and new! Greifenhausen needs you!
10 Jun 2017	New Twitter!
I have recently set up a dedicated Twitter account where I can tweet a bit more liberally about games and game design than on my personal/writing-focused account. If you've been following @TammySpahn for Lanschilandia Games things, be sure to follow the new account now!
10 Jun 2017	Welcome to Greifenhausen
Soko Banish 1.3 is getting a new title screen! With all the vital GUI functions moved to the new level selection interface, I've been whipping up a splash screen to replace the old title menu in Krita. It's also making me want to overhaul the in-game graphics so the game itself looks a bit more like this, but that won't be happening for a while to come.
03 May 2017	Status Symbols
Here's the new status bar and settings menu for Soko Banish 1.3. Essential GUI functions are finally where they should be - and actually in the game at all! Also showcased are the new step counter and timer, which are both optional for those who care about such stats. Read more on the blog.
22 Mar 2017	Level Select 2: Selectric Boogaloo
As promised, here's a blog post about Soko Banish 1.3's new level selection interface as it currently looks. There are a ton of new features to be excited about - or maybe just to realise how much they had been absent in older versions. It's turning into a much more polished game, so go take a look!
08 Mar 2017	Review: Sokoban Online
I just posted a review of the game Sokoban Online to the blog. I may be reviewing games now and then, with a focus on obscure and indie ones. It's also been added to the link list! You can read the review here.
09 Feb 2017	Level Select Sneak Peek
Here's a preliminary sneak peek of Soko Banish 1.3's new level select screen, or rather the art I've been working on. (Click the image for a larger view!) Other projects are getting in the way (looking at you, Tails of Lanschilandia), but there are exciting additions I can't wait to post more about once they're a bit more finalised. Stay tuned!
09 Oct 2016	Custom Graphics in Soko Banish
Soko Banish 1.3 now supports custom graphics for walls and decorations! 64 template tiles have been added to the editor - if the game detects PNG images with certain filenames in a level pack folder, those will be used as the tile graphics, allowing users to build levels with unique looks and details. Read more!
19 Sep 2016	New Editing Tools and More
Here's a a first good look at the Soko Banish Level Creator in its current development state. Note the new (optional) grid and rulers, graphical changes, more elements on the toolbar and most importantly the assortment of editing tools to pick from in the lower left corner: Draw, Select, Rectangle and Fill. I'm pretty excited about these new features, which should speed up level creation immensely when the new editor is out (especially compared to the clunky 1.0 release). As it cannot save files in the .sok format used by the current game version anymore, that will have to wait until Soko Banish 1.3 is ready, however. Read more about the new tools on the blog!
04 Sep 2016	Sokoban Clone Tiles
A collection of tiles for Sokoban clones or similar puzzle games has been added to the resources page. I'm releasing them with a CC0 Public Domain licence, so feel free to do whatever you want with them - no credit needed, though I will appreciate a shout-out.
27 Aug 2016	Soko Banish Editor Toolbar Updates
For the next Soko Banish release, one of my top priorities is updating the outdated Level Creator, which saw very few changes from its 2006 release in the recent revival of the game. While the most major and important change is replacing the old level format with something smaller and more dynamic, something much more visible and neat being implemented right now is the new toolbar! See this post on the blog to find out what's happening with it.
19 Aug 2016	Welcome to Lanschilandia Games!
Hey! I'm Tammy Spahn and this website is dedicated to my endeavours in independent game design. You'll find my games here (including free ones for download - check 'em out!) and anything related I have to say or share about indie game development. Take a look at the About page to learn more or just go exploring! Thanks for stopping by, -Tammy