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Virtuality is like dreams.

A tree has grown in the midst of the silence. You keep dreaming about the same place. At first, there was only emptiness. Then, a tree appeared. With each new descent into the dream, you find yourself able to move with greater ease—until, eventually, the dream might pull you in for good. You have to wake up in time.

A tree has sprouted here—which is unsettling, as it wasn’t there last time. A small island has emerged, too, surrounded by what looks like a river—though it is actually just a void. Now, you are viewing this same world through virtual reality; it is an exact replica of your dream. You call the number printed on the virtual reality headset’s box and find yourself transported into the very world you saw in your dreams.

The virtual reality equipment is old—a relic from the 90s. You are provided with a modem to connect via a specific phone number—a sequence consisting entirely of the digit "1." After the dial tones, the tree appears once more. This time, you are flying, descending slowly toward the tree. You realize that you must experience the next dream to see what else will manifest. It’s like a loading sequence—a level loading. With every dream, more and more is revealed.

Virtuality is like dreams while wide awake, reads the text on the virtual reality headset’s box.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Moss – Visual Decor and Information

This program is dedicated to the BASIC programming language—a fantastic language that, for me, harks back to the 1980s; it even came bundled with MS-DOS! It’s truly wonderful. This program allows you to keep track of the current state of BASIC and its modern-day dialects.

It covers five specific programming languages: QB64, QB64 Phoenix Edition, FreeBASIC, BBC BASIC for SDL2, and PC BASIC. You’ll see buttons—click one, and something happens. If you select the "Software" side, it opens the application for writing code; if you select the "Web" side, it takes you to the website for that language, where you can download the latest version and see what’s new. Think of it like a vinyl record or an audio cassette—Side A and Side B.

This new version of the program—"BASIC Moss"—includes several updates. "Moss" is actually a series of programs focused on various types of software; for now, "BASIC Moss" covers these five BASIC dialects. In this new version, minor inaccuracies have been fixed, and secondary windows are now centered relative to the main window.

Descriptions for each BASIC dialect have been expanded. They now contain more text—sourced directly from the official websites of these languages—which is a definite improvement! Previously, there was only the bare minimum: a link to the website. (You can still reach the website by clicking the button for a specific language under the "Web" tab.) There is simply more descriptive text now, offering something fresh.

Additionally, a "Visual Decor" mode has been introduced, featuring various color schemes—which I am currently still developing. This means the window no longer has to look like a standard, generic Windows window. I’ve added support for different colors, along with a color-selection dialog—a nice improvement. Some features are already implemented, including settings for the form background, text color, and button background. Here’s how it looks so far.

Think of it like the graphics settings in a video game: you can choose your own color scheme. There’s a preview panel at the bottom, so you can see what it looks like before applying your changes. I’ve also included a few presets—for instance, a "Windows 3.11" style, a green-themed one, and a "strict" (minimalist/standard Windows-like) style. It’s still a work in progress, though.

I’m a fan of the BASIC programming language, which is why I decided to build this software. I have more improvements planned. The Moss project is intended to be a collection of software tools—though, for now, it consists of just one: "BASIC Moss."

I’m still exploring the program myself; it needs more content, and I need to define a clear direction for its future development. Currently, it covers five dialects of BASIC, allowing you to visit their respective websites and launch the environments.

The program is looking a bit more interesting now, thanks to these color schemes—and you can always revert to the default look. You can also read a little bit about each version of BASIC. The "Moss" project continues; I’ve returned to working on this software—it’s quite an engaging endeavor.

I should probably look for more websites dedicated to BASIC and track down some additional dialects. Right now, there are five buttons, each representing a different version of BASIC. BASIC is a great programming language—depending on the dialect, it can be a nostalgic, retro experience or a tool perfectly capable of modern development.

Moss version 0.1 – most first version. In this version there is Basic Moss! For comfortable launch of Basic. 5 types.

Moss: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/moss/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

Cold Corridor

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra for the MS-DOS platform. Role-playing games have always held a strong appeal for fans who love immersing themselves in virtual worlds—so, off to a realm of fantasy and magic!

This piece is my take on Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). The dungeon features a soaring chamber—a long corridor with a high ceiling. It’s freezing down here; a bitter chill permeates the air, and the very stones are cold to the touch. In the middle stands a sealed chest, carved from stone and immense in size.

Should you open it? It’s the classic dilemma—the kind that might haunt your dreams later. Healing supplies aren’t infinite, after all, yet the urge to see what’s inside is hard to resist. Is it the right choice to try and open it? Or should you examine it first? What if it’s a trap? A monster could emerge, or a massive shard of ice might come flying out of nowhere, striking like an arrow.

Everything here is so mysterious. Every dungeon demands its own unique approach, with its own distinct quirks. Why is this chest sitting here? It’s just another vast corridor—as if it were built for giants.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

A white plush bunny – hopping is such a joy!

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the Tiny Toon Adventures video game for the Dendy (NES) console—one of my all-time favorites. It’s about a cheerful, kind-hearted rabbit who absolutely loves carrots and has the ability to transform into other creatures, each with its own super-powers. The first level is so delightful—full of grass and sunshine! The second, however, is a gloomy castle. Wow—what a turn of events!

This is my drawing based on Tiny Toon Adventures (NES). A white bunny is hopping onto a fresh patch of grass. He’s white, fluffy, and he just loves to hop—well, he is a bunny, after all! What a wonderful day! The sun is shining, the grass is growing—it’s the perfect time to hop!

And there’s plenty of room to hop around! It’s a cheerful, kind, 8-bit world—just like something out of your childhood, where all your plush toys, little animal friends, and companions have come to play. Let’s hop! The weather is fantastic—it’s summer! It feels just like the first day of summer—it’s always like that here!

Ahead lie endless hops across an infinite summer field. You could even wander off the path and take a little nap in the grass. There’s a meadow, a lake, and a stream where you can stop for a drink. Oh, and there are frogs, too—hopping frogs! But that’s a whole other game.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

An Autumn Corner

An orange autumn. It is already cool and quiet. An orange sunset. Large mushrooms are growing. There are columns, built by someone unknown. And trees, stripped of their leaves. An autumn wind—cool. Everything around is covered in orange leaves. Even in the air, leaves seem to hang—somewhere off in the distance.

Leaves and mushrooms. This is autumn. You woke up here, and now you wander about. No one told you how to leave this place, or how you arrived. You simply woke up here one day—just now. And here you are. It is a quiet place. Autumn.

There is plenty of open space here. Beneath your feet, nothing but orange leaves. You approach a mushroom. The wind begins to blow—then it stops. You stop, too. You and the wind—are you connected somehow? Probably not. It’s just the wind. It’s only a dream—a dream about autumn. Where were you yesterday? I don’t remember. Today, it is an autumn park—a park that seems infinite.

This is a corner of the park, yet the park itself is endless. It expands like the universe, growing constantly at its edges. You appeared in a corner, but now, everything is growing everywhere. All around, there are leaves—a mist made of leaves.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Alice in the Park – Alice in an Autumn Forest

Alice in the Park is a digital fairy tale presented through a series of windows containing text. Alice has seemingly fallen asleep and found herself in a magical autumn forest, where adventures—and a variety of creatures—await her. She encounters characters like a caterpillar and an ant, and discovers places such as a valley of mushrooms and an ant village. The story is told through illustrations, with occasional animations interspersed throughout.

The entire experience is built around a multi-window interface—a key feature, where each window represents a segment of the narrative. It begins with Alice walking through the autumn forest—the opening module. You view an image and read the accompanying part of the story. The visuals vary, and the collection of stories follows a cohesive plot—much like a TV series, where each installment picks up exactly where the last one left off. It functions like a long, continuous film or an interactive quest, presented in the format of a storybook or fairy tale: you simply look at the pixel-art illustrations and read along.

The story is composed of various modules, each with its own focus. In a narrative module, you read the text and click a next button—much like turning the pages of a book. There are also transition modules, which ask you to choose your next path and then show the outcome of your decision. These are distinct modules containing several windows: one poses the question of where to go, while others display the consequences—each presented as a new page in the fairy tale, where you view an image and continue reading based on the path you chose.

There are no bad endings here; it is essentially an endless, branching storybook where you decide which direction to take next. Some modules may even feature animations—sequences of images that bring the scene to life. Otherwise, everything remains the same. And the story does have an end—in the form of a conclusion. This is yet another module: the story-conclusion module.

It, too, is multi-windowed. You are asked: what happens next? Perhaps Alice has been dreaming the whole time—all these adventures were just a dream. And how does she wake up? You are presented with three options to choose from, and each choice opens a separate window. That is how the story ends. You then return to the main window, from where you can start the story all over again—reading everything, looking at the pictures, perhaps making different choices, and arriving at a different ending.

A module here represents a segment of the story. Everything functions automatically. There is a starting point, a transitional module, and finally, a conclusion module. In terms of architecture, it is akin to a text-based adventure game, featuring branching paths—specifically, two branches that lead to two different story arcs, which eventually converge at a certain point to avoid an excessive number of diverging storylines.

Alice finds herself in a remarkable setting: an autumn forest. There is a path, surrounded by fallen leaves—or perhaps it’s a park, filled with trees and various types of vegetation. It is clearly autumn, and a light breeze is blowing as Alice walks along the path.

Along the way, she encounters various little animals—amusing creatures, such as a caterpillar or an ant. The autumn forest eventually gives way to other locations, such as a dark, gloomy forest or a withered autumn field. Between these locations, you are always prompted with a question about where to go next. Eventually, you reach the end, and Alice wakes up.

This is the very first version of the program, written in Visual Basic for Windows. It utilizes a multi-window interface, incorporating both text and images. And control buttons. There is information: page number, image title. And so, Alice falls asleep… and finds herself in an autumn forest.

Alice in park version 0.1 – most first version. In this version Visual Basic Fairytale. With autumn forest, module transition and ending story. Most minimum.

Alice in park: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/aliceinpark/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

Three – In a World of Sand and Sea

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra for the PC (MS-DOS). Adventures and character progression—what could be more exciting? Perhaps stumbling upon yet another dungeon and discovering an intriguing item inside—a powerful sword, perhaps, or a new spell?

This is my illustration based on Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). Three adventurers have disembarked from their ship, finding themselves on an unfamiliar archipelago. Such is the call of adventure! They have arrived in search of new spells, magic, weapons, and armor.

Sand. It’s hot here. They saw many things while crossing the sea, but now there is only sun and warmth. For the moment, the landscape seems quite barren. The ship didn’t even stop—you simply jumped overboard, and now you’ve arrived at your destination: an archipelago ripe for adventure, filled with the new, the unknown, and a world brimming with mysteries.

It is a world of sand and sea—or so a passerby remarked when asked about this place. Not exactly the most detailed information! It’s sweltering out here; it would be wise to find some shade—or perhaps a small dungeon—to put one’s skills to the test.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Road Sector – Night Racing

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Vice: Project Doom for the Dendy (NES) console. It features excellent graphics, and the game kicks off as a racing sequence—very much in the spirit of The Road Warrior. Later, it shifts into an arcade-style action game, reminiscent of Power Blade. It’s a truly cool 8-bit action title, blending racing with run-and-gun gameplay. I’d love to see a film adaptation of it on a VHS tape!

This is my own illustration based on Vice (NES), depicting an outpost sector of the city. The roads here are treacherous, and the racing is perilous. It’s highly recommended to equip vehicles in this sector with rocket launchers—small-caliber, short-range rockets are just the right fit for a car.

Racing competitions take place throughout this long, dangerous stretch of road, which is full of unexpected encounters. A racer in a red car—who hasn’t revealed his name—has clearly prepared his vehicle with great care. He drives a high-speed red machine, outfitted with rocket launchers on both the left and right sides. He’s banking on this setup to help him survive this treacherous road sector.

Deep into the night, the city lights begin to flicker on. The race is about to begin.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

DX4MDK2 Virtual Reality 95

There is a tree growing on this planet. And not just one. There’s also something resembling a gramophone, along with some dried flowers. It feels like a hidden realm tucked away behind a wall—a world contained within a monitor, which emerged in 1995 following the release of Windows 95.

This world is like an entirely new universe. You’ve arrived here via an old-school virtual reality headset—though one powered by an upgraded processor. A rare piece of kit: an i486DX4 100 CPU, a SVGA VESA 2.0 graphics chip, black gloves wired up to the system, and a headset—a bulky contraption that covers half your head, yet fits surprisingly comfortably. Rumor has it there’s a more compact version built on a Pentium II processor—closer to a standard pair of glasses, albeit a bit larger. But this one is a black, triangular helmet, much like the one worn by the protagonist in MDK2.

And here you are. You can feel the silence of this world—a quiet, restful sanctuary. There is a sense of calm all around, bathed in a deep, violet-hued light. Hanging above is something that looks like a disco ball—another planet, much like the one you’re standing on. There isn’t much else to see, but you could try to reach that spherical object. It’s like an arcade game set in 3D space: you have to leap, push off, and fly—or perhaps swim—your way over to it. Now, that’s more like it! Time to explore what else this place has to offer.

Just like that, you open a 3D graphics file—and discover an entire world inside!

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Alice in the Park – Fairytale program

This is a story-based program—a fairy tale, of sorts. It’s about Alice—much like Alice in Wonderland, but in this version, she’s in a park. It’s not a book, but a computer program built using Visual Basic (specifically, the modern version, VB.NET). It features beautiful, retro-style illustrations reminiscent of the classic Sierra adventure games for the IBM PC, accompanied by a narrative that follows Alice’s journey.

And her journey takes her quite far. What’s presented here is the beginning of the story—a complete cycle, if you will. It starts with "Alice in the Park," which serves as the entry point. From there, you reach a crossroads: Alice can choose to head toward an ant village or a valley of mushrooms. These would be new, distinct story modules—though they haven’t been created yet. The transition leads to the story’s conclusion—another separate module—where you can choose one of three possible endings.

The experience involves reading the narrative and viewing the accompanying illustrations. It uses a window-based interface, where each module appears as an individual window, appearing one after another. Currently, all paths lead to the story’s conclusion. Within a given module, there may be multiple windows—for instance, a prompt asking where to go next, followed by a window revealing the outcome of that choice.

At its core, it’s simply a story—ideally, an endless one, with Alice constantly on the move. In theory, there should be various points where the story could conclude, but for now, the narrative is quite short: it begins with the "Alice in the Park" module, includes one transitional module, and ends with the story’s conclusion.

Alice in Wonderland is my favorite fairy tale; it’s so unusual, and so many fascinating things happen within it. Naturally, I wanted to create my own take on it—my own version, Alice in the Park. Perhaps she simply fell asleep and drifted into a world of dreams. It’s like a forest. Or a park. And that’s where the story begins—an entry point into a dream, into a narrative.

I’m continuing to write the story as I go. It’s a simple tale, with various branching paths—all of which, in theory, need to be fleshed out. Let’s say there are two main branches; for the sake of simplicity, they eventually converge back into a single point. Right now, I’m focusing on the "mushroom valley" path—though it’s actually an autumn field that Alice walks through for a long time, before eventually reaching the mushrooms. Then comes the choice: do you head toward the ants, or toward the mushroom valley?

The project consists of images and text—that’s the core of it—all structured as a computer program. The program has a general framework, designed to be expandable later on. I’ve already written the section where Alice is in the field, so I need to build that module, as well as a transition module that leads from the field to the next location.

Everything here has a fairy-tale quality; it’s like a dream. Alice walks through an autumn forest, observing her surroundings, while you read the story—which is now presented in the form of a program. It’s a modular structure, with all the parts interconnected to form the narrative.

For now, the story begins with Alice suddenly finding herself in this autumn forest, walking along a path—because there’s nothing else here, just a well-laid path surrounded by autumn leaves. Further on, she encounters ants and interacts with them, along with various other creatures.

Eventually, she reaches a signpost, which marks the end of the story. While it might seem like you have a choice of where to go, the current version leads directly to one of three possible conclusions—each a little story in itself. For instance, Alice might wake up in a park, with a book in her hands.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

An Icy Sea of Crystals

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra, originally released for the MS-DOS operating system. It is an adventure and role-playing game set in a vast, open world—spanning multiple floppy disks—featuring plains, deserts, dungeons, and some truly extraordinary towers and locations. Only the most seasoned adventurers will ever get to see it all and discover the secrets of the Isles of Terra.

This piece is my own creation, inspired by Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). An unusual and inexplicable event has unfolded: ice has descended upon a world that once held only meadows and arid deserts. What you see ahead are not clouds, but an ocean of ice—a vast expanse of crystalline shards resting within a frozen, magical sea. This sea is now drawing ever closer to the mainland.

We are at the edge of the realm, where observers report a biting chill blowing in from beyond. A massive, icy barrier—resembling a fog, yet composed entirely of frozen crystals—is approaching. The mages believe it will not encroach upon the land itself, but will instead remain at the very fringe. Yet, there is a fear that strange and otherworldly creatures might emerge from within it. While the deep freeze may not sweep across the realm, a frozen ocean of crystals will stand at its threshold—and no one knows what might emerge from this icy sea of crystals.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Cosmic Vegetable Garden

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Gun Nac for NES console—a classic shoot-'em-up. It features things like carrots and quirky little characters. It’s been a long time since I last played it; I really should pop the cartridge back in and fire it up on my TV. It’s a fantastic game—part of a series that also includes titles like Guardian Angel and Zanak.

This is my drawing based on Gun Nac (NES): carrots from outer space and cheerful little figures soaring through the void. It’s a moon-like planet—seemingly empty at first glance, but then—aliens! Giant carrots and little beings, all capable of flying through space. It’s 8-bit fun at its best!

Your starship emits a massive energy beam—a beautiful, sweeping blast that cuts through space like a shower of confetti. You’re moving at such high speed that you have to stay sharp—you might even get eaten by a carrot by accident! At these velocities, it’s hard to tell what’s edible and what isn’t. The little characters love to snack while they fly, too—it’s a whole cosmic vegetable garden out here!

They’re busy harvesting their space-grown crops, while you’ve arrived to hone your starship-piloting skills among the asteroids. Quite a lively little scenario, isn’t it?

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

In the World of Clouds 94 Plus

It is always a bright day here—filled with clouds. The sky is a dreamy, lovely color. It is the most beautiful day—the very best part of any day. And there is water here—like ice; it looks like ice, yet it is water. A tree grows here, too—a green one, an ordinary green tree.

You navigate using a virtual camera. To enter, you connect via a modem and put on a massive virtual reality headset—just like in 90s movies. You also slip on gloves wired with cables that run from your fingertips. The headset is black; the gloves are black. And suddenly, you are in a virtual reality—a reality that communicates with an internet server.

You can glide through this aerial realm without limits, moving like a camera—or perhaps like a bird in flight. In this world, conventional notions of boundaries do not exist. You are in "spectrum mode"—an observer’s mode. Welcome to the World of Clouds 94, the "Plus" version. It features an enhanced camera-processing system.

The graphics are improved, and the world itself is more expansive. Version 94 offers a fresh perspective on the internet—envisioning it as an entire world, a world of clouds. There are no windows here—just pure, unadulterated clouds. In version 94, it’s clouds, all the way through. You can be anywhere!

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Alice in the Park – A Visual Basic Tale

I love fairy tales. And fantasy. Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories. I’ve already written my own version, titled Alice in the Park. It’s structured like an "endless story," composed of individual, self-contained episodes. Alice walks through a park, encountering something new each time. Now, I want to turn this into a story-based project using Visual Basic.

This is the very first, simplest version. The main window displays a background image, with a menu bar at the top containing options like "Start Story" and "Settings"—where you can choose between Russian and English. Once you hit "Start," the story begins.

The story itself is organized into modules—think of them like episodes or a season of a TV series. Each module contains several pages, typically featuring one image per page (though this can vary). You view the image and read the accompanying text.

The information provided is minimal: just the page number and the title of the image. Then there are "transition" modules. When a story module ends, you reach a fork in the road—a choice of where to go next. Will you head right or left? Into the woods or across a field? The choice is yours. These modules also include narrative text that sets up the decision, along with images—perhaps an animation—to mark the conclusion of that segment.

There is also a final module for the end of the entire story, which features three possible endings for you to choose from. That’s the core concept for now. The primary building blocks are the story modules and the transition modules; the transitions determine which story module follows next. Currently, there is one story module and one transition module.

It uses a simple, custom data format: an image paired with text, available in both Russian and English. It includes the names of the images in both Russian and English. From an outside perspective, it’s essentially a collection of text files. The files that handle the transitions between story segments are slightly different, but, by and large, it’s all just a bunch of text files. Within a transition module, there’s an additional folder containing more text files and images—that’s the key distinction; there’s a nested structure. The design assumes that a single page might contain multiple images, which you can flip through as you read the text. There are "forward" and "back" buttons for navigation. That covers the technical side of things.

"Alice in the Park" is Alice’s dream. She travels through various locations—starting in a forest. As you flip through the pages, you follow Alice on her journey. She encounters whimsical creatures—a caterpillar, an ant—and engages in conversation with them. You’re essentially reading a fairy tale, much like a short book, but in a digital format—built as a program in Visual Basic. It centers on the combination of text and imagery.

After reading a section of the story—a complete module—you reach a transition point. Where will you go next? You’re presented with a fork in the path: either toward the Mushroom Valley or the Ant Village—the choice is yours. Each story module is a separate form—a distinct window—as is each transition point. Everything functions automatically; you simply read the story and use the forward or back buttons to navigate the pages. It’s a narrative—not a text-based adventure game—presented in the form of a computer program.

At this stage, the beginning of the story is available, along with the overall program structure and one transition point, which currently leads to the story’s conclusion. There are three possible endings. Alice has entered a dream world, where she wanders through a forest, meets various creatures, and experiences all sorts of things. You are invited to embark on this journey with Alice—a fairy tale brought to life in Visual Basic.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

A Tower of Glass – A Wizard in Flight

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III for the PC (MS-DOS). Islands of magic, sorcery, elementals, and dungeons—you will encounter a wealth of spells, incredible tales, and breathtaking sights. The islands of Terra await adventurers.

This is my illustration based on Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). You have reached the summit, and there stands a tower—clearly magical, crafted from glass and stone. A vast stained-glass window stretches all the way to the top; you have never seen a structure like this before. And it is no dream.

A wizard in a simple robe—yet he is flying. There are several wizards, or perhaps it is just one, conjuring copies of himself. He drifts through the air, his face hidden from view. He knows you are there, though he pretends not to—or so you think. You are at a loss for words.

Such are the wonders of this world. You have traveled a long, arduous path, battling many monsters along the way. And now, you have arrived—at the final destination. After hours of climbing and combat, having ascended a rocky mountain along a stone path beneath a bright, clear sky, you find yourself confronted by something you cannot comprehend.

The wizard asks you to leave. It seems there is no reward to be found here; it would be best to depart this tower and head back down.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

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The Autumn Katana

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Ninja Gaiden II for the NES—an 8-bit ninja adventure, likely from the 1980s or very early 1990s. In essence, it draws from those VHS-era ninja films, where ninjas—dressed in a kaleidoscope of colors, much like the Power Rangers—leap about. Here, a ninja with a katana is in the thick of a serious, grand adventure.

This is my illustration based on Ninja Gaiden II (NES). It’s a cold autumn day; it rained yesterday. The ninja sprints along a stone path, vaulting over enemies—there are so many of them that only his speed, combined with the swing of his katana, can save him. Magical power even allows him to take flight for a brief moment.

But some of his foes possess magic of their own. They guard the Sword of Autumn—the Autumn Katana—and it won’t be easily won. You’ve become hopelessly lost in this labyrinth; some sort of sorcery is at play, rendering your original map useless.

A teleportal opens in October, remaining accessible for just 30 days. Those who dare may attempt to claim the Autumn Katana. This enchanted realm, existing outside of space and time, is protected by guardians—many have tried, yet none have succeeded.

Fortunately, it’s only an 8-bit game cartridge. If you lose, you’ll simply see a "Game Over" screen—you can always try again tomorrow.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

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MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Hi! Cool Games. Cool u have fun wiith the making games. They  are  really funny. 

Dreams of trees—enormous water lilies.

Enormous water lilies. And moss-covered trees. They are moss. It is a dream world. The water is clear and refreshing. A world where moss grows, and the trees are made of moss, too. Rising from huge water lilies. The water is shallow, though there may be a current.

It is quiet all around. You can hear the water murmuring. In places, it feels cool. You should make your way to a water lily soon; it is probably best not to stay in the water too long. It is chilly. The moss is pleasant to the touch; it is full of moisture.

And further on, more of these enormous water lilies grow. They are vast—larger than the trees. Such water lilies do not exist in reality. Only in dreams.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

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MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Malenkiy Soft Version 0.2 “Little Star” – Durka, Note, and Little Star

The Malenkiy Soft  collection is expanding with three more programs. Once again, these are list-based apps.Yellow Note is a simple note for just a few lines or words. Psycho Durka is a list of negative events in your life. AndI Am a Little Star is a list of happy, fun achievements—or simply all the good things that have happened to you.

The first program is Psycho Durka. It’s a dark program—a black square. It’s a list of negative events in your life—episodes that are deeply traumatic. I hope things like that don't happen to you every day. It features red text. You record events that had a negative or even devastating impact on you. After all, it is the  Durka. It’s a stylized program.

The second program is more neutral: Yellow Note. It’s a very simple little app for basic notes—just a single sentence or a couple of words. It serves as a reminder to do something important—like watering the plants, for instance. It’s just enough to keep track of what you shouldn't forget. It’s yellow, like old paper, and you can jot things down in it.

And the third program rounds out this release: I Am a Little Star. It’s a very cheerful, positive story—your story. It’s a list-based program featuring a bright purple design with Little Stars. You choose the Little Star icon yourself; they’re stored in the Data folder. You can even add your own 32x32 pixel images. Then, write down all the good stuff—whatever you like. I watered the flower. I worked out. It’s sunny outside. Good vibes.  I beat a level in an action game. I leveled up in an RPG. Completed a quest in an RPG. Whatever you want, as long as it’s positive. And it turns out you’re like a Little Star—just like a singer or a musician.

All three programs are actually similar in terms of functionality. They have similar buttons and actions. They’re based on lists—essentially text files. You can open a file, create a new one, and write to it; that’s what these programs have in common. They have settings, too—usually a choice between Russian and English, a default file selection, and some program-specific features.

The last things I did were create icons for the programs and make some final tweaks right before the release. I didn't change the release date, though, because the main program was actually finished on that original date. To my dismay, I found a lot of bugs in the code—or rather, in the logic. I fixed those, too, getting everything to a functional state. After all, these are version 0.1 releases, so that’s acceptable. The reason for the bugs? My programming skills had really slipped—so much so that I made a lot of logic errors. I’ll fix them, though—slowly, from version to version.

So, before releasing this version, I spent extra time working on the code and reviewing everything. On the plus side, I actually took the time to test my program. I used to do less of that; I was more confident in the code I wrote—I’d check it, sure, but casually. Now, verifying functionality is a distinct final step before release.

I’ve returned to software development. It’s been a long-held dream of mine to learn how to write small programs—using Visual Basic or Delphi, for instance. C# is another suitable language.

This release features three whole new programs! Wow! I actually did it. You could say I’m getting back into programming. This is my first real result. Little Starting with a clean slate. And, as the saying goes, we’ll be adding to the list. Introducing: Little Soft. Version 0.2, “Little Star.” Durka, Note, Little Star.

Malenkiy soft 0.2 "Little star" - most newest version. With this version three new programs. Psycho Durka, Yellow little notes, I am little star.

Malenkiy soft: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/malenkiysoft/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

hi! Thats cool! Should to be a cool game! Looks kinda of atari 2600 imagination connsole videogame kind. U are ratehr talented dude! Thats looks great! According to screenthot! I have nothing against to try it out. But little busy, u know...always busy..hard to find a time to free time something. Maybe weekend. To try for 1 minute, 5 minutes. Actually id like to try. But when i do all the things, and u know, there are always lots of things to do...II need to try this this wekend!! U cool!!! 

I put this on my list to do..but u know... 

At least looks funny, and Contra is a cool classic title.  Should to be funny things!!

Dungeon Marble – The First Riddle

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra for PC (MS-DOS). An adventure in a fantasy world—a realm of vibrant landscapes and dark dungeons filled with diverse creatures. It is wonderful to encounter a new creature—sometimes one with a fascinating design—or to visit a new location and be amazed. The world is full of wonders! And magic!

This is my drawing inspired by Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). There is marble flooring with patterns—unique designs on every single tile. A secret likely lies hidden within them, though it remains a mystery for now. I probably need to find a clue—some text or a manuscript hidden in a cupboard, a wall, or a chest.

The adventure began with a riddle. You never know what comes next. You have your sword ready; you have your spells prepared. Yet, it all started with a riddle—another unexpected turn.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

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Techno-kinetics

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Super Contra for the Dendy console. It’s an 8-bit, super-intense action game—incredibly varied and packed with excellent sprites. There are even top-down levels. High-octane action. Techno-bases and robots. Explosions galore. And a variety of colorful bullets and lasers. The game was impressive for both its graphics and its fast-paced gameplay.

And here is my drawing inspired by Super Contra (NES). The magnetic field has shifted. A base hovering over the ocean—right in the middle of a storm. Strong, choppy waves. A sky heavy with clouds. The mission: stop the device that’s altering the magnetic field—and the climate. But it looks like this isn't the place. It’s a trap!

A massive number of mercenaries at the base are already moving toward you. And there are bound to be robots and cyborgs in the mix, too.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Hi!! Amazing image!!! Looks big and with lots of pixels!!! So happy to see it! Gives good mood, for positive, retro games, 16 bit super nintendo gfx. Or maybe as cool as neo geo!!! Absolutely  10/10!!!

Sunrise in the Retrowave World 

A retrowave sunrise. After the night in the world of retrowave, dawn breaks. Colors emerge. Computer-generated colors differ from real ones; the digital sun is different, too. Trees—there are trees here. Shifting from deep red to the violet daylight cast by the retrowave sun. 

Deep red. That is the night—the color spectrum. Then comes the violet day. You see the brilliant glow of the grid. A beam of light falls from above; it is the very light from which this world’s grid is woven. You arrived just as the day was beginning. You witnessed the night, and soon you will see the day.

A vast white line replaces the horizon—this is the light of the grid. Everything is permeated by the grid; it is the foundation of this world. To your surprise, a blue circle turns out to be water. You have entered the world of retrowave and are witnessing the changing of time—a rare spectacle.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

I’m a little star—and so are you! Notice all the good things around you!

It’s a little program about a little star. A yellow one in the sky—the kind you see in cartoons. A happy one. Or a purple one; the background is purple. It’s another list-based program—this time, for your good deeds. Your little successes. It’s simply so you can look at the list of good things you’ve done and feel happy—to see what a great job you’ve done. It’s a themed list, visually speaking, though of course, you could record anything you like.

The program’s defining feature is the star icon and the short-message format—literally just one short sentence or a couple of words. You choose a star icon (they’re stored in the "Data" folder as 32x32 pixel images, or you can draw your own) and write a single line—like "I beat Icewind Dale," "I watered a flower," or "I went for a walk." There is a scroll function, but the layout is designed for short messages—no heavy details, just positivity. Something good you’ve done.

It’s a fully functional program now, with a few control buttons: Open List, Add New Entry, and Settings. Well, not "settings" in the sense of a mood, but actual configuration options. They’re simple: choosing the default list file and selecting a language (Russian or English). A simple program.

This program is all about positivity. Award yourself stars and feel good. You can record even the tiniest things here: "I went for a stroll," "I beat a level in a game," "I leveled up," "I finished a game stage," or even the most trivial moments—"I had a delicious cup of tea," "I watered the windowsill flowers," "I saw the sun." Then, just add a star.

And the background is purple—a mysterious, magical kind of background. And then there’s the star icon. It’s great! It’s a small program that’s essentially a list—a text file. It uses its own recording format, but it’s stored in plain text. There’s a date—say, September 1, 2026—followed by the star symbol and the short entry itself. Then a blank line, and the next entry follows. There are two blank lines at the very end; that’s due to how the file is read.

The "New Entry" button opens a window where you pick a star from a list and set a date. It defaults to the current date for convenience, but there are arrows to adjust the numbers or you can type the date in manually. You type in the line describing the event and hit the button. When the program opens, it loads the default list file.

The idea for this program came to me a long time ago. I was just sitting there thinking about lists—that was the technical implementation side of things. I don't really remember the rest. Music definitely had a strong influence—specifically a Cher performance from one of her tours, the one where she’s wearing purple and there’s an ankh involved. That was a major influence. Maybe it was a sunny day outside, or springtime—though essentially still winter.

And it’s always fun to do something interesting. That’s part of the idea, too: recording interesting things in the list. Like how you progress through a game—methodically, regularly. You beat the first level, put the second level behind you, level up your character to 10, find a rare item, complete an epic quest, or clear out a huge dungeon in a game like Neverwinter Nights. Role-playing games are practically made for lists like this.

Although the program’s style is really all about positivity—just simple, positive events happening around you in real life. You’ve even had some tea—that’s already something to be happy about. It’s winter, yet the sun is shining. Now, that’s a great observation. Go ahead and write it down. By the end of the day, you’ll find you’ve gathered so many good things—more than you ever imagined existed. You just usually don’t pay attention; you don’t focus on them. But with a program like this, you will! Notice all the good things that happen to you and jot them down on your list from time to time! You’re a star, after all!

Malenkiy soft 0.1 "Vhs and garden" - most newest version. With this version 3 programs. I watch Vhs,Do you put water on flowers?, Seedling box.

It is now in development new version. This soft will be included in a new version.

Malenkiy soft: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/malenkiysoft/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

Lizards and Flies: The Heroes' Swamp Adventure

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III for PC (DOS). It’s a grand, magical adventure—full of vibrant colors. You set off into a fantasy world, only to discover a sci-fi twist at the end. But for the most part, it’s all about swords and sorcery, wizards and warriors. It’s a great time, featuring SVGA graphics.

This is my drawing inspired by Might and Magic III (DOS). Adventurers are gazing toward the horizon—looking into the distance—and heading that way, crossing plains and swamps. The main thing is not to get bogged down in the mire—to avoid the moment the grass suddenly turns to muck and you sink into the water. That happened to them just two days ago, right here in these parts. But today is different; they’ve gained experience. They’ve chased down and caught huge, fast-flying flies. Now, a new adventure awaits: swamp lizards. They haven't even seen the creatures yet, but these lizards are stealing everything in sight from the village.

A lizard stole the wizard’s staff and the warrior’s sword. That’s exactly why they need to tackle this quest right now—to retrieve their gear. Plus, as the wizard suspects, they’ll likely find a heap of other interesting items along the way. It’s a lucrative mission.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Arrow 1 – The City of Crab-Tanks

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Crisis Force for the NES console. It’s a dose of 8-bit joy—a game with that classic look. There are aliens—or whatever they are—and an endless flight sequence, level after level. You just fly along, watching what lies ahead. It’s an unforgettable feeling. And the levels can be full of surprises!

This is my drawing based on Crisis Force (NES). Alien insects have landed in the city, and their crab-tanks are already firing. Arrow 1 is you, and you’re already in flight. The approach to the city from the ocean is relatively clear—it’s the best entry point for this territory.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

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A tree on a barren plain

A tree in the desert. It feels as though you have been walking for a long time across parched earth. Like a flat plane from a computer game—Might and Magic VI, perhaps—but here, there is nothing but that flat expanse. And you are walking. It is evening. And there—the tree. It is the only thing here. It is a dream-game. Minimalism. Dreams and reveries. And simply walking—moving as slowly as a ship gliding through the water.

What are you doing here? You feel a sense that you—specifically you—are meant to explore this place. It is as if you had spent hours playing Might and Magic VI yesterday, and half the day before that, too. And now, you are dreaming of something similar, yet altered. The world of magic is calling to you—though, for now, only in your sleep.

You finally arrive. It feels like a long journey, yet in the dream, it passes in a heartbeat. One moment... two... You feel the heat and a thirst rising. Then, in the third moment, you see the tree. You seem to drift toward it—or perhaps you walk, the sound of your dusty boots crunching softly. It is as if the clouds have vanished, and your step has become firm and steady.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Marble and the Heavens: The Adventurers' Welcome Hall

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III: Isles of Terra for MS-DOS PCs. A wonderful adventure from the era of 16-bit computing. Pop in your floppy disk, install the game, and immerse yourself in a fantasy world. Orcs, dragons, diverse dungeons, cities, treasures, and the history of an entire world. Varied locations—from deserts to snowy wastes. That’s what Might and Magic is all about—ever since the MS-DOS days.

And here is my drawing inspired by Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). We’ve entered the Cloud Castle. It stood on the ground, yet inside, the floors were made of cloudy marble slabs. It was quite beautiful—but there was no time to admire the view. Huge green slimes were already right there, waiting for us.

They say this castle leads to the heavens. Most likely, it doesn't—it’s probably just a pretty legend. Still, it really is beautiful here. This is the first level of the labyrinth, a soaring hall. It’s a welcome hall, home to the weakest enemies... but those enemies happen to be huge slimes. That’s not what I signed up for. I probably should have spent more time running around on the surface, clearing rats out of the city. But the door behind us has shut; a massive stone slab slammed down. Now, there’s only one way to go: down.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Supernova Life – A Cosmic Phoenix Swarm

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Gradius II for the NES. It’s a fantastic space shooter—classic 80s sci-fi. It actually exists on a real 8-bit cartridge—science fiction brought to life in plastic and microchips.

And here is my drawing based on Gradius II (NES). A supernova has just expanded, marking the start of a new era for this sector of space. Highly charged particles and fiery meteors are flying everywhere, along with plasma ejections. The environment is incredibly dynamic now, swept by intense solar winds. It is dark all around, yet everything in this void has been drawn here like moths to a flame.

Your spaceship has stumbled upon a plasma-based lifeform: the cosmic phoenix. There is a whole swarm of them, and they won't let you go. There are also insectoids and UFOs—at the very least. Plus, there are fiery fragments of shattered planets and bursts of plasma.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

A warm dream about an orange tree

Autumn. A cold autumn outside the window. Or perhaps a bright, clear autumn day—with the wind blowing. You wake up in the morning and think about the dream. In it, you saw a warm marsh. It was in bloom, bathed in bright sunlight; the marsh was dotted with blossoms under those radiant rays. It was warm there. And there stood an orange tree. You gazed at it.

Knee-deep water surrounded you—warm water. You stood there, looking at the orange tree. It reminded you of something—almost like a statue—yet it was simply a tree with a whimsical shape; sometimes branches form such curious patterns. The atmosphere around was pleasant, calm, and sunny. Surprisingly, it was a lovely place. The tree grew on a small, round islet.

You tried to walk around to view the tree from a different angle. The bright, warm sun felt comforting against your skin. You watched the water bubble occasionally—a cheerful sight. There was nothing else around, save for a light mist hovering over the marsh, limiting visibility. You wanted to see what lay around the tree and perhaps venture further.

Such an amazing dream—on a day when autumn had already turned cold.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

I’m a Little Star – look how great I am!

I came up with the idea for this little program a long time ago. The name itself captures the whole concept and meaning: "I’m a Little Star." It’s a list where you record your positive achievements. "I played a game." "I’m cheerful." "I learned something new." "I beat a level in a game," "I watered the flowers." "Good job, me." It’s all about creating a sunny, magical mood.

The program has a light, airy style—a bright, slightly magical, celestial background. And there’s a little star icon involved. You get a set of stars to choose from; for every achievement, you pick a specific star to go with it. The star images are stored in a "Data" folder and loaded by the program when it starts up.

The star serves as a distinctive touch—just for fun. You write down something good that happened to you, then pick a star. That’s the basic idea. It’s not finished yet, but the initial version is ready. It can load the list from a text file using a specific format: the filename of the star image, followed by the date (e.g., September 1, 2026), and then the positive event itself—the note's content. For instance: "I went to school" or "I beat IceWind Dale." The notes are meant to be short—just a brief sentence—though the program does support left-and-right scrolling within a single line.

I was sitting there one day, feeling that autumn mood—gray skies and all—when I thought of the singer Cher. That’s when the idea struck me: "I’m a little star." What if I made a program where you could mark things with stars and write down your little achievements? A way to celebrate life. I remember Cher once had a performance featuring an ankh symbol and a shiny, disco-style outfit.

I’m a little star. Mark it with a star. And write down something good that happened to you. Anything at all. Think of it as a list of achievements—and they don't even have to be huge ones. "I watered the flowers." "I'm in a good mood." It’s a small program—basically a list-based app with a few control buttons: Open List, Add Entry, and Settings. This is just a first look at the program; not everything is fully coded yet.

Right now, it’s just an idea—a small square interface and some list files. It’s a simple implementation with a bright, cheerful theme. After all, a "star" implies everything is good, fun, sunny, and bright—whether it’s winter sun, autumn sun, or summer sun. The mood remains bright and sunny regardless; it’s all about that sunshine. Positivity is the main thing. Something sunny. Take a look here, and you’ll realize what a star you are. You could have ten achievements or a hundred; the list has no limits. However, the program is minimalist, so it’s probably best suited for files containing just a few achievements each—though you can create as many files as you like. Or, if you prefer, you can write everything into one massive list.

It’s a list of your positive little deeds—or big ones, too. Whatever you like. You can even pick a star icon from the set in the "Data" folder. Right now, the demo includes four star options to choose from, sized 32x32 pixels. This was developed using VB.NET (Visual Basic).

The light purple background creates a magical, upbeat atmosphere—like a catchy pop song. Everything feels beautiful, magical, sunny, and purple, as if you’re up in the clouds, on friendly terms with the sun. You look at it and realize: you’re a star, too. Did you water the flowers? You did! Look at all the positive things you’ve accomplished! You can write it all down and celebrate what a wonderful person you are!

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Marble and columns—at the entrance to the labyrinth.

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Might and Magic III for the PC (MS-DOS). A lifelong adventure—or rather, the life you lead in that fantasy world, right there on the floppy disk. MS-DOS showed just how engaging games could be. Spending hundreds of hours in a magical realm? Easy! After all, it’s Might and Magic.

And here is my drawing inspired by Might and Magic III (MS-DOS). You are standing in a room. Everything here is made of marble; there are beautiful columns. It’s a lovely spot, really. A breeze is blowing from somewhere. You’ve spent an hour traveling across fields and through forests, and now you’ve entered this hall. There’s a trap here. And a button. You need to figure out how to activate the entrance. Beyond it lies an entire dungeon—though it probably won't be huge.

There are three of you today. Three brave adventurers, all from the same village, eager to level up. All three are warriors—to one degree or another. You’re having second thoughts about taking the next step without a thief or a bard—someone who could help with traps. It would also be good to find a cleric and a sorcerer, but they’ve refused to join you for now. The bard sent you here to fetch some items for him, though you’ve already forgotten exactly what they were.

It looks like the adventure is about to begin...

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

The Haunted Castle

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse for the Nes console. The graphics are stunning—it feels just like a mystical movie, especially after the opening sequence. It’s like cinema, but in 8-bit. I was absolutely captivated by it during my 8-bit childhood.

And here is my drawing inspired by Castlevania III (Nes). The castle has incredibly high ceilings—the first thing the adventurers saw. Massive columns stretching all the way up, as if the castle weren't built for humans, but for some otherworldly forces. A strong wind was blowing; the gusts swept through these halls.

Then, the first ghosts appeared. You didn't even notice them at first—not until your companion tugged at your shoulder and pointed. He pointed to a massive shadow slowly moving toward you. It looked like a giant of a man, yet it walked with the slow gait of a zombie. It was semi-transparent, like a phantom, and toweringly tall.

It looks like it’s time to run. The ghosts are slow. You are determined to infiltrate this haunted castle—no matter what.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Trees in the Swamp

It is a shallow swamp here. With a firm bottom. Almost like a river. Only the water is still. Heavy rains create this swamp. And then, for a long time, the weather is either quite warm or cool. Trees grow right in the water here. It is autumn now. It feels like a dream.

About the swamp and you. And the trees. You walk here, searching for a key. To leave this island. It is quite cool now. You are knee-deep in water. The water is cool. And the trees. The leaves are gone. The trees are gray. Brown. The water is dark green. But it is swamp water. You have to find a key here. A swamp key.

There is a lot of space. You can walk through the water for a long time. But it is cool. It is autumn. And the sky is green, too. As if greenery is rising into the air. Particles of green. You can sense so much green in the air. Dried grass. Swampy.

Everything moves slowly here. Like in a dream. Smoothly. Like a ship. Yet you are certain you are walking in boots. It is just that everything is very slow. Like running 3D graphics on an old processor.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

"Yellow Note" – just a few lines, a few words.

This is another program in the "Small Software" series. It is a very simple program designed for jotting down a quick note. The concept is straightforward: a yellow background, a compact size, and space for just a couple of lines. You type something and keep it visible on your screen, or you can save it to a file—or open a text file containing a previously saved note.

The window is tiny—literally the size of a quarter of a notebook page. You use it to write down something simple so you don't forget it, keeping it on your screen, or you save it to a file to open later. It uses a standard text file format. The idea is similar to a notes app on a phone: a small screen area acting as a slip of paper where you jot things down.

The interface is as simple as possible, tailored to these specific needs. There are settings—language selection (Russian or English) and the program version—plus two main buttons: "Read" and "Write." The first button opens a file dialog to load a text file and display its contents. The second opens a "Save" dialog so you can store the file and open it again later.

It has a minimalist, compact design, intended for small text files—just a few short lines. Think of a shopping list or a to-do list with only a few items, or a brief reminder just a couple of words long. That’s the concept.

It looks like a small yellow slip of paper—like an autumn leaf—where you can quickly scribble something down in the simplest form. You can keep the program open on your desktop; the window is small and doesn't take up much space. There are essentially just three buttons: make a note, read a note, and settings.

The main thing—the core idea—is its simplicity and small size, designed for handling short text files and quick notes. It has just a couple of buttons—two, to be exact: Read and Write. Plus, there’s the text field itself where you can jot things down. Just don’t forget to save the entry later if you need to.

It’s handy to keep notes like this right on your desktop and just glance at them occasionally. The window is tiny—literally minimal in size. The interface isn't cluttered; it’s just a simple, straightforward Windows window. Nothing else. It’s a very lightweight application—small in size and simple in its controls. You won’t get lost using it.

I personally like little programs like this. You can make a quick note, save a file, or sketch out a table—whether in Excel, OneNote, or even a PowerPoint slide. It’s great having all this software around you—so many different programs. They might seem similar, but each has its own specific purpose. This one is for *this* task; that one is for *that* purpose. Check the calendar here, jot down something important in the app, and save the file. Look at you—busy with tasks. A professional with a schedule full of notes and to-dos.

You can create a simple note here—just a few words, or a few words per line, spanning several lines. It’s perfect for lists or simple bullet points—no need for elaborate explanations. A quick note is the ideal solution: not a wall of text, just a word or two so you don’t forget. You just jot it down and keep that useful information right in your system. And don’t forget to check off whether you’ve actually completed the task.

Malenkiy soft  0.1 "Vhs and garden" - most newest version. With this version 3 programs. I watch Vhs,Do you put water on flowers?, Seedling box.

It is now in development new version. This soft will be included in a new version.

Malenkiy soft: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/malenkiysoft/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html

Stone and Wood – An Adventure in a Magical World

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game *Might and Magic III* for MS-DOS. An adventure in a magical world. Beneath the stars. Under the open sky. In dungeons and cities. There is something interesting everywhere.

And here is my drawing inspired by *Might and Magic III* (MS-DOS). You begin your journey alone. In this forest. A beautiful sky—clear, with clouds. Truly magical. Filled with stars that lie so far away.

Ahead lies a stone path. There are many trees—massive trees that clearly have been growing here for a very long time. It’s a fine forest, full of great trees. There is stone here, too—paths made of it. That means a city must be nearby. A city of stone. Cities often use stone for construction, whereas villages prefer wood.

The adventure is just beginning. You set out right after the cool morning rain ended. You know you will find other party members along the way—each with their own story to tell.

But for now, you must make your way through the forest. You’ll likely need to help the locals deal with rats... and flies. Then, you’ll venture out beyond the city limits to search for useful items in a nearby dungeon.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Fighters over Green Meadows

Today’s pixel art is inspired by the video game *Exerion* for the Nes console. It’s a shooter with a rear-view perspective—something unusual, as most games of the time used side or top-down views. It had a sort of 3D feel to it—or at least, that’s how people described it back in the 80s. The graphics might not have been the most sophisticated, but it was certainly an entertaining space shooter.

And here is my drawing inspired by *Exerion* (Nes). The green planets of the region. Lord Korn has sent his fighters here, and the Green Meadow Alliance has dispatched its own fighters just in time. Now, the outcome will be decided right here on these green meadows—in a distant solar system filled with green planets and green meadows.

Simple art inspired by a simple shooter. It feels almost like an Atari game—maybe Atari 7800—even though it’s technically Nes. A bit of space sci-fi.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html 

ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

An island with trees.

Trees without leaves. Grey trees. Along the river, you can see there aren't many trees. It is a desolate landscape. The wind is blowing, yet it is relatively warm. Sand or earth—this is the place where you find yourself now. It called to you in your fantasies and dreams, and now you have found it.

It is an island. There is a key here, too, and you must find it to escape this dream. It is as if you arrived here by boat, yet there is no boat to be seen; it will appear only when you reach the river with the key. There are few trees, and everything is monotonous. You move calmly—as if in a dream, as if floating—though you are actually walking. These are your first steps on the island.

You walk silently, gazing at the uniform landscape. Trees—leafless now. Sand or earth. You look all around, wondering about the island's size; it is likely vast. A small river cuts across it. Nothing else is visible.

Dima Link is making retro videogames, apps, a little of music, write stories, and some retro more.

WEBSITE: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html
ITCHIO: https://dimalink.itch.io/

TUMBLR: https://dimalink.tumblr.com/

BLOGGER: https://dimalinkeng.blogspot.com/

MASTODON: https://mastodon.social/@DimaLink

Psycho Durka – a project for tracking dark, distressing events.

In September, I started working with Visual Basic and brought an old idea to life: a simple program for making entries—short notes—centered around a specific theme: the Psycho Durka. It’s designed for recording particularly heavy or traumatic episodes. It features a stylized black-and-red interface.

It serves as a self-analysis journal—a list of bad events, logged by date with a brief title or just a couple of lines describing what happened. This is important for self-reflection and for putting distance between yourself and the event over time. You look back and see: "On such-and-such date, *this* happened." It had a bad, perhaps even disastrous, impact—a negative effect with lasting consequences. Like a wave that gradually fades—a sine wave pattern. A month goes by; you look back and realize it was really hard a month ago—a heavy blow. But now, a month later, you’ve almost forgotten. The effect lingers, but things have improved. After all, what else could you expect? A sense of depression, perhaps? That was the mindset when I first conceived the idea. I had been busy with other projects, but now—in September—it’s a fresh start for me. Another attempt, you could say.

I’ve already had some practice as part of my learning process. I created a local demo version first, then took that demo and refined it into a finished program ready for release. It has a black-and-red look and functions as a list—essentially just a text file containing entries. You can write anything you want, but the suggested theme is the Psycho Durka—logging negative experiences to track your state of mind, gain temporal distance, and try to maintain a sense of normalcy.

When launched, the program opens the text file where all the data is stored, and there are several buttons at the top. That’s how the controls work. The first button is "Exit"—the most important one. Then there are options to read or write. You can open a file containing existing entries or write a new event to a file. And then there’s "Mood"—or "Settings," really. It’s just a stylistic choice; "Mood" is just a label for the configuration options.

"Read" simply means opening a file—specifically, a text file containing these kinds of entries. "Write" opens a dedicated window with various settings for adding a new event. Here’s where the actual entry goes. The format is simple: the first text field is for the date. It fills in automatically, but you can manually enter whatever you like. Below that is the main text field for the entry itself—a description, an event title, or whatever else you want.

There are also some other settings—nothing critical, but they make the program look a bit more substantial. As a Visual Basic enthusiast, I couldn't resist adding them while practicing. I’m learning Visual Basic, so I’m putting into practice what I’ve picked up—throwing in radio buttons, creating menus, making it look like an Office-style application. That’s how I handle the settings.

Then there’s the question of *where* to write the data. There are a few options. You can write to the current file—the one that’s open right now and appears when the program starts. Or, when you close the "Add Entry" window, it writes to that same visible text file. Alternatively, you can write to a default file—a standard, pre-set file. Or you can specify a custom path—wherever you like. If the file doesn't exist, the program creates it; just type a filename, and a new file is made. If you specify an existing file, it appends the data to it. You simply specify the file path, and the program either creates the file or appends to it if it’s already there.

There’s also a setting for *how* to write the data. It records the date and the content itself, but how should they be separated? You can write the date... Then a tab character, followed by the content. Or perhaps a date. Then a line break, with the content starting on the next line.

These are the settings—preferences, really. Here, you can choose the language: Russian or English. You also configure startup behavior: which file to open and the default separator to use. This affects the options available when adding a new entry. You can customize it to your liking; the program will then operate according to those initial settings.

It’s a small program—a compact software tool I decided to develop.

Malenkiy soft  0.1 "Vhs and garden" - most newest version. With this version 3 programs. I watch Vhs,Do you put water on flowers?, Seedling box.

It is now in development new version. This soft will be included in a new version.

Malenkiy soft: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/apps/malenkiysoft/index_eng.html

Website: http://www.dimalink.tv-games.ru/home_eng.html