I'm not sure I ever explored the marsh but everything else is indeed a nostalgia blast.

The map still looks like a thing of beauty to me.

The latest SoC blog post has some juicy screenshot maps you might enjoy: https://state-mind.blogspot.com/2025/07/17-expanding-valendia.html

SOC was a fever dream that you keep chasing the rest of your life. You know that if it had lasted just one more week we would have finally overthrown the imps, set the lions free and cleared the sewers for good.

It's been really interesting to see the influx of interaction in here this year, 20 years after being a part of the original game. It has most certainly left a mark on those who were there! I find it amusing to think I was 18 when I joined as one of the GM characters, and I'll be turning 38 this year. I look back on who I was at 18 and wonder, "Man, how on earth did State put up with me?" Still, I look upon the entire experience with fondness.

nice, i will play.

I only discovered State of Conflict during Insurrection, but didn't end up playing or being invested in it much compared with X-Isle, so I enjoy getting to learn a bit more about an era that I missed or scarcely experienced through blog posts like these.

Oh wow, every now and then I search for SoC / X-isle looking for any info, I have many great memories playing SoC as a kid, I think I must have been 14 or so at the time but it led to me tinkering around myself with the PlayerWorlds engine and was one of the contributing factors that lead me to taking up software development as a career.

Seeing the old imperial sprites (the banished imp was iconic hah) on your blogpost was a massive wave of nostalgia, and a great read, really interesting to hear more on the process behind it all and what was going on behind the scenes and look forward to reading more.

Happy to hear you're still around and are thinking of hosting the game again, I'll certainly be checking it out again and watching here closely :)

oho, I'll certainly check it out.

So uh, I've actually been working on X-Isle for the past few weeks...

I recently learned that the old XW runs quite well on Win10/11 and that there are still people interested in these Mirage-based games. At first I decided to continue working on XI just to finish the game for my own sake, and possibly give people copies of the complete game to mess around with. But then I realised that I should be able to host the game myself on a cheap mini PC, and finish most of the scripting with a little help from ChatGPT.

So that's where we are now. I'm tying up all loose ends in the game and shopping around for a lightweight mini PC. I'm planning to re-release XI around Autumn 2025 and to host it myself indefinitely. Will people play it? *shrugs* But at least I'll get some closure from completing the game and giving it another fair chance.

I'm following the entries, it makes for an interesting read so far. Keep 'em coming!

I'm particularly intrigued to read about X-ISLE and what happened there as I remember following along in the initial development phase but then life got in the way (as it tends to) and by the time I found my way back (years later), it had seemingly come and gone (along with the cold-boy site) and I regret missing out on it. I suspect it won't actually be all that interesting and boil down to a mixture of burn-out and the age of the 2D MMO having fizzled out, but still, its a big gap for me I'm itchin' to fill in.

I've been posting about State of Conflict in a blog, will post more parts soon: https://state-mind.blogspot.com

Oh wow. Very curious to see what you did with that.

Interesting timing! Do you remember the last time we spoke where I mentioned that I was writing a book based on SoC? It is now officially drafted and into the revision phase! I've been slowly but steadily pouring my heart and soul into writing this, and I'd be honored to share it after I revise the drafts.

Just for fun, I will be writing an extensive series of blog posts about the making of State of Conflict, SoC Insurrection and X-Isle. Lots of fond memories you might enjoy reading. The blog doesn't exist yet, so no need to search for it, but I'll post a link here when it's up. (if Steam allows links...)

:D

Wow, it feels like several lifetimes ago. I will always remember SoC fondly.

Hey gang! Just joining the pile of people experiencing some nostalgia over SoC. Good times. I was reminded of it by an article about RPG Maker in The Guardian. I hope everybody's doing ok

- fragsta/frag_of_lag

Hey Dal! *waves*

Dal here. Quite surprised to see comments for this group as recent as 2024.

Still around, i think we are getting in danger of catching old.

Wow, had no idea this existed. This is Chuteboxe, I took over running SoC after State had moved on. Glad to see you all are still around!

Same ;)

I still think about SoC fondly from time to time even after 20 years. Recognize some names in the group too. Good to see people are still around.

Indeed, glad y'all are still around! - Eldiaz

I'm happy to see you're well, P.

Ha, no... I think I prefer playing them.

State you make any new games yet :)

Hope yall are swell

THE PAST.

Hey State! Glad to see you are still kicking around.

Hey Dirt, Eldiaz!

Hello, Was thnking about you guys!

<-- Eldiaz

What's everyone up to these days?

To answer your over-a-year-old question: Never heard of exilemod until now.

I'm working on a Terminator machinima series using GTA V. Check out my channel at: www.youtube.com/state209

I'm gearing up for the life is feudal mmo beta on wednesday. what are yall up to?

imps need not reply.

Hey Tear, Ohn, Xixul! Yes I remember you all!

This was a great game. It still pops into my head sometimes. And you were a great friend, State. :-D

--Tear

http://www.exilemod.com is this mod "exile", an island where prisoners are dumped in the future done by any of the old SOC group?

Wow, didn't know this group existed until today. Anyone remember Xixul?

Wow XI is back?!

X-Isle has returned. Client and general game info at www.cold-boy.com

If anyone's still interested, www.cold-boy.com is back up and X-Isle will follow soon. Come say hi!

:3

Bradyok is continuing XW development and I might just be tempted to bring X-Isle back from the dead...

What ever happened to Robot Jones?

Oh nostalgia

Someone has been playing Vampire bloodlines I see! Who?

Quanrian Quelasarn casts Cage spell on Solstafir!

:[