Advice for making a game? (Graphics,etc)

Hello. I'd like to make a Dr. Mario game with some features/gamemodes I haven't seen in the official games. I want to accurately recreate the behavior of the original gameplay, but from scratch.
Anyways, I was wondering what the current opinions on graphical options are? Right now, I'm just playing around with g.drawRect() & g.drawArc(), but I'd like to eventually have it look very nice. I'd also like to have great AI. I've heard of java2d, java3d, jmonkey, jogl..
I'm just looking for some opinions on these graphics ("API"s?) options, or any hints you can give.

user5830515 wrote:
Any suggestions for AI?That is a subject that fills entire books, articles and many a thesis. Its a tough subject for which I have one recommendation in your novice state; program it like you would anything else. Think about what the AI needs to do, then figure out how to do it using what you already know. Don't even think about going any deeper than that until you've done about a month's worth of reading into the subject material. Seriously, it is a broad subject.
Just to illustrate an example, I tend to create 'behaviors'; a class structure that define how enemies and/or NPCs act. A behavior could be brave, aggressive, easily scared, terminator, wandering, etc. Enemies can have a certain behavior assigned to them and might switch behavior depending on events. Each enemy will have a think() method that allows them to update their own state based on the world around them and what the behavior is telling them to do.

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Good Resources for making Flash Games?

I'm new to Flash, and I'm working on getting through a book on the basics. What I'm wondering though is, are there any good resources out there for making games in Flash CS4. I know I'm going to get some "learn the basics first" replies, and yes I know I need to get a solid grounding in those, but I want to be able to start gathering resources, and look ahead to what I'll be able to do with Flash in the future.
By resources I mean books, other websites, your own advice about game making, etc...

i started developing in flash about 2 weeks ago for the same reason and have written a little animation and started writing a multiplayer game, which will be fully functional and properly skinned soon. If you are like me, you have a vague understanding of object oriented programming, know at least one other programming language and can adapt to all this event-driven stuff. Here's my story in brief.
I started with some dev center videos and then went to AdobeTV for more videos, especially to newbie channels like Douge Winnie's. I think I also played along with some flash down under videos to learn more action script 3 (very important in a game, I would say).
I'm sure you want to get onto your game project right away, but you are probably 3-5 mini projects away from that. If you don't do some toy projects you'll just end up doing a crappy job on your game or plain old getting stuck. The mini projects, whether they are elements of your game, or exercises in videos, will force you to find the ressources you need to learn from.
If you want to make a multiplayer game, try smartfoxserver - it is very well documented with little tutorials and stuff. Some tutorials on
this youtube channel too (where he mostly just runs you through the documentation). Smartfox has a few good examples of nicely built interactive programs. Just make sure you are using their actionscript 3.0 stuff.
Lastly, understand and use Components. They will save you a lot of work. smartfoxserver has components (called bits) and so does flash. I imagine you can even download extra components. These are things like scrolling text boxes, buttons that look like buttons, etc.
Cheers,
Alejandro

What methodogies should i consider for making a game?

Im at the begining of making a game. I was wondering what design methodoligies i should use for constructing the game. The game will be in the form of a classic arcade stlye shoot-em up.

In my workplace, we have identified five general methodologies; the waterfall, the v-shaped, the prototyping, the incremental and the spiral development patterns.
For you, I would suggest doing the incremental (iterative) or the spiral pattern. What they have in common is that you start with a very basic, very rudimentary working system and add increasingly sophisticated functionality.
Incremental (iterative) makes you add components. For example, a graphics framework, then sound code, then the ability to save games and so on. Presumably other components include support for joysticks and gamepads.
Spiral on the other hand has you make a complete, rudimentary package from the start and you consider the risks involved in adding the next layer of sophistication. "Is it worth swapping out my sprite based 2D graphics system for a 3D model-based system?"
But keep in mind that "design methodologies" are really nothing more than a way for you to organize your work such that you can offer a reasonable accurate schedule and a cost for implementing the project. For example, you could say it would take you about X number of days to switch from 2D to 3D and you can then determine if your game is going to be that much better for the work you put in.
However, I suspect you're really done this for the fun of it, you just want to dabble in Java and have a bit of fun with it. In which case, I would not bother with a design method any more elaborate than a program logic flowchart and a crude schedule of what to code first.
Hint: threads containing rudimentary controls and a basic 2D graphics framework that can move an image around the screen are probably the first thing you should code.

Advice on making a cloud graphic

I'm trying to make a cloud to be used for a cloud computing graphic. I used the elipse shape tool to draw a shape and then I just copied it three times, and used the Shape Builder tool to combine the separate shapes into a single one. Can anyone give me any suggestions to make this look more like a cloud?
Thanks.

There are various online tutorial for creating cloud from Illustrator.
Based on the intent, you need for a cartoon or need more realistic approach the steps and efforts may vary.
What you have designed with the ellipse tool I guess is nice for a cartoon illustration but for having a real cloud like look
I personally like :- http://www.gtpdesigns.com/design-blog/view/tutorial-create-realistic-clouds-in-adobe-illus trator/
making the variation based on my requirement.

Programs to use for making video games

I am interested in trying to make my own video game. I just upgraded to a 15.4" MacBook Pro with a 2.33ghz intel duo core 2 processor, 256mb Graphics cards, 120gb hard drive, and 3 gb of ram. I am new to this whole gaming thing, and need to know what kind of programs to get to start doing it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

hi,
well motion could certainly help with producing some graphic elements to use in a game. You could produce explosions and other particle animations. It all depends on what kind of game you want to make, if its a true 3D game you will need a 3D engine which is a whole other kind of fish. And in any case to bring all the graphic elements together with the UI and rules of the game you will need to delve deep into coding. For that you will need to chose an application that can compile code into an application. There is a progrm that is pretty easy to pick up, is very powerful and can compile to Windows and Linux as well as Mac.
go here:
http://www.realsoftware.com/
I must warn you though that coding is a dark and scary place.
have fun
regards
adam

Advice for Making Screen Recorded Videos for FCP

I want to use some screen recording software to record some tutorials on using various features of a website. The video will later be imported into FCP where I will edit it, add transitions, titles and voice overs. The final videos will be uploaded to YouTube.
1. Can anyone recommend a size that I should use when recording my screen? Should I start as high as possible and later downconvert?
2. What is a good size to upload to YouTube these days for something like this where I want to make sure the user will be able to see the details of a link, button, etc.?
Thanks!

This is an excellent app that will allow you to edit, add bells and whistles, and compress and post all within the application:
http://www.telestream.net/screen-flow/overview.htm
MtD

Need advice for making a board layout in Ultiboard easy to assemble/troubleshoot

I was wondering if anyone has a good method to go from a Multisim schematic to an Ultiboard layout, keeping specific legs of the circuit separated geographically for assembly and troubleshooting purposes. I have a circuit with a few analog filters that are tuned to different frequencies, so they have identical components, just specced to different values. This project is slated for only short run purposes, and will be assembled by hand (the parts are mostly through-hole).
It would be really convenient to be able to automatically make each leg identical for troubleshooting and assembly. I know that I could slowly work it out myself with a schematic and the ratsnest, but I was hoping for a quicker way, and I see a whole lot of functionality in Ultiboard that I don't know how to use yet.
The method I've been using so far has been pretty rough. With nearly 250 components, I've been saving the schematics multiple times with each subsequent leg added, and exporting the netlist to Ultiboard one at a time with previous components locked into place. It's a painful process, but it works.
Thanks in advance for your advice!

You can use the group replica place and the copy route options to do exactly what your asking. Since it seems your new to this package, it will most likely take the same time to get to the finish line if you do it manually or the method I mentioned.
Signature: Looking for a footprint, component, model? Might be here > http://ni.kittmaster.com

Advice for Making Screen Recorded Videos for Premiere

I want to use some screen recording software to record some tutorials on using various features of a website. The video will later be imported into CS5.5 where I will edit it, add transitions, titles and voice overs. The final videos will be uploaded to YouTube.
1. Can anyone recommend a size that I should use when recording my screen? Should I start as high as possible and later downconvert?
2. What is a good size to upload to YouTube these days for something like this where I want to make sure the user will be able to see the details of a link, button, etc.?
3. Does Premiere hae any built in way for me to create arrows and use them to point to different parts of my video or will I need to make these in Photoshop and import them into Premiere?
Thanks!!!

I do not edit screen captures, so these are only saved, not personal experience
Screen Capture
Fraps http://forums.adobe.com/thread/871095
-and http://forums.adobe.com/thread/943772
Camtasia http://forums.adobe.com/thread/836800
and http://forums.adobe.com/thread/453044
and http://forums.adobe.com/message/3202148
Jing by Techsmith http://forums.adobe.com/message/3692768

Advice for Friend - upgrading his mac, etc

Hey what's up guys? My friend has a dual-1ghz G4 mirrored door mac. Right now he's running Protools (through the Mbox) and Reason. He just ordered NI - Kore & Komplete. He wants a more powerful mac (leaning towards laptop) and Logic Pro.
What do you think he should do regarding the computer situation? He doesn't have unlimited funds fyi (the NI stuff was at a student discount and special offer or something)

He could get an iMac as an alternative to one of the
laptops. Unfortunately none of the NI stuff has been
ported for intel yet, looks like it will be at least
the fall before they ship anything.
I think the MB's are pretty appealing for the price,
for someone on a budget going up to the Pro doesn't
get you that much more.
ah he didnt know that NI wouldnt work on an Intel yet. maybe he should hold off on a new computer. unless he could use a laptop as a node to his G4? is that possible?

Any Mac software for making wills, living trusts, etc.?

I believe Nolo used to make WillMaker for Mac, but it's now known as Quicken WillMaker and their website only shows a Windows version. Anyone know of any other similar software for the Mac?

Hello! I've never found any software that I would trust in regards to the matter. They are generally a one size fits all type program. If you are concerned enough to be looking for software then do the right thing and see a lawyer in YOUR state. The last thing you would want to do is leave a will/trust that turned out to be invalid in your state because of a technical error. This is one area where adequate counsel is a must. Tom

Which php and my sql tutorials should i learn for making websites like fb, utube etc..?

http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_ref_ftp.asp this is a link for php......on this page what should i learn for making websites like fb,etc...and also tell me about my sql http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp ....what should i learn about my sql....for making big dynamic websites....

on this page what should i learn for making websites like fb,etc...
...what should i learn about my sql....for making big dynamic websites....
Everything and a whole lot more...
David Powers has written some good books on PHP to help you get started.
http://foundationphp.com/
Killer PHP Video Tutorials
http://www.killerphp.com/
PHP Academy
http://phpacademy.org/
Lynda.com PHP & MySql Essential Training
http://www.lynda.com/PHP-tutorials/php-with-mysql-essential-training/435-2.html
Nancy O.

Need help/hints/tips with a method for connect 4 game.

Hi!
I'm currently trying to get my "movepiece"-method to make it so that players can only drag a piece into the empty square at the bottom row, and if the square is not empty the method will move up one row and check if it's empty if not, repeat until
6 are checked if no one is empty then move is invalid.
I've been trying out while loops and for loops but i think i might set the wrong conditions for exiting the loop...
Here the code for the method without any loops simply adds pieces.
/// <summary>
/// Method that performs the actual move.
/// The old piece gets overrun by the attacking piece.
/// The attacking piece's position becomes null.
/// </summary>public Piece[,] MoveAttackpiece(int[,] changearray)
int origX = changearray[0, 0];
int origY = changearray[0, 1];
int targetX = changearray[1, 0];
int targetY = changearray[1, 1];
pieceArray[targetX, targetY] = pieceArray[origX, origY]; //swap
return pieceArray;
The game is using winforms and a 2D array(pieceArray)to draw the game board
I'm using a Constants class for declaring the height and width of the board, which the pieceArray is based on, Namely const int BOARDESIZEx and BOARDERSIZEy.
And while i'm at it when i did different loops for tryng to make the piece move down/up (based on if a square in bottom row was empty or not) the program crashes and i get the "Null Reference Exception unhandled"
at this part in the game.CS (the earlier code reside in a class named Squares.cs)
if (changearray != null)
//Building string to print (split over several rows for readability but also to avoid calculations)
Piece attackpiece = pieceArray[changearray[1, 0], changearray[1, 1]];
string message = "";
if (move % 2 == 1) message += "TURN " + move / 2 + ":\r\n"; //integer division, as there are two draws per turn
message += attackpiece.Name + ": "; //Walker:
message += IntegerToChar(changearray[0, 1]); //Walker: A
message += (changearray[0, 0] + 1) + " - "; //Walker A1 -
message += IntegerToChar(changearray[1, 1]); //Walker A1 - B
message += (changearray[1, 0] + 1); //Walker A1 - B2
if (move % 2 == 0) message += "\r\n"; //blank row inserted after each completed turn
Board.PrintMove(message);
I've tried making
While(piecearray[targetX, targetY]!=null)
pieceArray[targetX, targetY]==pieceArray[targetX, targetY +1];
return array;
but that didn't work and i don't really know how to make the game start at bottom row.
I appreciate any help or tips on how to get this to work since it's the only thing left for making the game work as intended.
Cheers and thanks for reading.
PS: if there's anything you wonder just ask and i'll explain as much as i can.
Regards Gabbelino
Student at the University of Borås, Sweden

Let's look at what's wrong with the following code.
While(piecearray[targetX, targetY]!=null)
pieceArray[targetX, targetY]=pieceArray[targetX, targetY +1]; // I assume the "==" in your post above was a typo.
Suppose, for the sake of argument, that targetX is 2 and targetY is 3, and that pieceArray[2,3] is not null. The line inside the loop will then become...
pieceArray[2,3] = pieceArray[2, 4];
...and this line will keep being executed as long as pieceArray[2,3] is not null, which if pieceArray[2,4] is not null will be forever (infinite loop).
I suspect that your loop should look something like this...
for(int i = 0; i < BOARDSIZEy; i++)
// Look for the first available square in the target column.
// When found, set the piece on that square then break out.
if(pieceArray[targetX, i] == null)
pieceArray[targetX, i] = pieceArray[origX, origY];
break;

TS1424 I cannot connect to the iTunes Store so I can purchase coins etc for my slots game. Can I please have assistance in fixing this problem?

Hi, I cannot connect to iTunes so that I can purchase coins etc for my slots game. Can I please be assisted in rectifying this problem? Thanks :)

Hi alèna,
If you are having issues connecting to the iTunes Store, you may find the following article helpful:
Apple Support: Can't connect to the iTunes Store
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1368
Regards,
- Brenden

I have been looking for a solution for making my videos capable of playing on anything such as: DVD player, Mac, PC, etc.

I have been looking for a solution for making my videos capable of playing on anything such as: DVD player, Mac, PC, etc. I have not found a format that will play with all of these. Is there a format, software, or do you encode it? I am new to production. I can make a video and make it work for a certain thing just not all.

There is no such thing as universal format and that is that. You are looking for the magic pearl that doesn't exist and rather than waste your time on a futile search, it would be better to actually read up on the various formats and their limitations, including how playback devices may or may not support this and that.
Mylenium

I am looking to purchase an Apple G4/500 to submit graphics etc. across the internet for an independent newspaper. Will this tower work for this purpose ?

I am looking to purchase an Apple G4/500 to submit graphics etc. across the internet for an independent newspaper. Will this tower suit my needs to start ?

Thank you for helping me consider all of this. I am a novice at this newspaper project so I am unsure of what all I need to consider. I will find out and go from there. I do not have a lot of revenue to start with so when I found a deal, I thought it may be a consideration to start with.

Advice for making a game? (Graphics,etc)

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