This new release improves the collision detection system. The old implementation was limited to circle-hitboxes with a maximum size of 64x64. The new system removes the size restriction and adds support for line-segment collision shapes as well as using multiple collision shapes per object. Basically it's now possible to create lasers and very large objects.

The most important change for this version is the move to LUA for the main scripting language. The old scripting language was fast but limited. The performance overhead of LUA is larger, but the extra functionality and ease of use are worth it.

In addition to the internal engine changes, a practice mode has been added which lets you play any unlocked stage.

Changelog:

 v0.9 2010-01-07
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bugfixes:
    - On-screen keyboard was broken.

improvements:
    - Added support for writing scripts in LUA.
    - Update to tools (new TextureConverter & repository creation tool).
    - Improved collision system which lifts the maxsize=64x64 restriction and
      gives a choice between line-segment and circle collision shapes.
    - Added sixth stage + new playable character.
    - Added the option to change starting lives.

The Fate/Stay Night VNDS port is generated from the original game files by using a specially written program. The convertor program had some silly assumptions about folder structure and also didn't work if the default system encoding was something other than CP1252. You also needed to run all the substeps manually, including extracting and converting all the images and sounds.

I've since fixed all those problems and added a little GUI window to tweak all the quality settings. The voice quality was pretty low in v1.0, so I've increased the default quality considerably. (The old quality setting was 70, it's now 90). I've also increased the music quality, added a step to remove redundant JPEG headers and I'm now pngcrush'ing the sprites. The convertor also has an optional setting to reduce the number of colors sprites use (decreases image quality, but also file size).

In addition the download contains new versions of my VNDS sound encoder and image convertor programs. The old version of the image convertor sometimes generated JPEG images unreadable by VNDS -- this should no longer be the case.

As usual for feature requests and bug reports visit the VNDS forum or send me an email.