Scrolling Game Development Kit Forum

I haven't got a chance to finish it yet.  I quit because I think I encountered a bug where I couldn't attack or equip the sword or hammer.  I'll see if I can finish it tomorrow.  From what I saw so far, the game is very good.  Great job on finishing this one!

My biggest criticism has to be the controls and sound/voice.  First, having to use arrow keys + Button to attack makes the attack controlling awkward and difficult.  I got used to it after a while, but it would still be nice to attack while standing still.  (I realize why you didn't add this feature/; difficulty in implementation and to possibly add some difficulty to the game by not having it, but it would still be nice to have:))  I also don't like how you have to perfectly center yourself to go through vertical passages.  This is a very difficult problem to get around without script, but I have solved it in the top down games I am working one if you care to know how.  Don't have time to explain right now, sleepy:) )

I really like the menu as well, although a bit awkward, very good for a non-scripted.  One improvement for it would be the fast map switching method described by bluemonkk in this forum.  I think your game could benefit greatly from this.  I hate having to wait 3-4 seconds while music fades out to get to a menu.

The voice overs were a nice touch, but it would be nice to have the option to not have them.  At least you can hit a key to skip them.


It seemed like my criticisms outweighted my positives, but don't get me wrong.  I really like this style of game, and it pains me to see a good game riddled with bugs/annoyances. Fromm the little I saw, I would definitely give it 4 stars and an easy 5 it was polished a bit more.

As we are on the subject of XML, I will hijack the post 

Is there no way to edit path's that are already made?  I see we can change the relative position of the paths, and add delays.  But i couldn't find a way in the IDE to: add points, change relative positions between points.  I remember trying to find a way one time, but I ended up editing an XML of the project.

I guess its easy enough to delete paths and recreate them again, but if someone wants the path points to line up better, like perfect 45,90 degree angles, or make certain points sit perfectly on a tile, eyeballing it in the map editor is difficult.

I wrote and tested a quick script and it does work.  (durdurd must of did his response while I was working on it)

here it is, just cut and paste it into your current script.:
sub Player_OnSpecialFunction(SpecialObj)
  with specialobj
    if .name = "ScriptConditionalWarp" then
  if ProjectObj.GamePlayer.InvQuantityOwned(0)>"1" then
    call ProjectObj.GamePlayer.ActivateFunction(ProjectObj.GamePlayer.rmap.Specials("WarpToMapA"))
  else
    call ProjectObj.GamePlayer.ActivateFunction(ProjectObj.GamePlayer.rmap.Specials("WarpToMapB"))
  end if
end if

'if .name= other function then
  'perform action
'end if
  end with
What is required for this script to work is 3 special functions.  One I called "ScriptConditionalWarp" which is activated whenever the designer needs, and effect is "raise an event" which lets the script handle the effect.

The other 2 functions are 2 functions that have no activation parameters (only able to be activated by other functions).  The effects of these 2 functions are simple "Switch to Map"  Whichever to maps you used.  I called the 2 functions "WarpToMapA" and "WarpToMapB"

You can name the functions whatever you want provided you change the names in the code too.  Also I used inventory "0" in code, which is #1 in SGDK IDE i believe, and I only required 1 insead of 15000, but these two numbers can be changed to suit your needs as well.

to avoid the instant dissappear and solve some other problems, couldn't you just do this:

Create 2 different sprite defs/templates.

Make the first boomerang a simple shot created with the scripting wizard (shoots off straight in one directions, and deleted at end of path.)  Except "at end of path", or through script on a sprite collision, make a new sprite.

The second sprite can be simple as well.  Make it have no solidity,follow the player sprite.  And have it removed in a collision with the player sprite.

Each sprite must have its own collision class (shot-boomerrang, and returning boomerrang)

You can also make it pretty easy to have one on the screen at a time, make the function that shoots it require an inventory and remove it, and the final collision with the playersprite add the inventory back.  Be sure to get that inventory either at the beginning or when you pick the boomerang up.

if you have visual basic, and are interested in using a compiled COM component instead of script, here is a quick demo I put together a while back.  It gives you a working project to start from if you have no idea where to start.  Just load the SGDKCOMprojectgroup.vbg file in visual basic and hit f5 to play the project.

If you just want to start using regular script, there are dozens of examples to look at on how to start.  Just start from a premade script, or if you want to learn from scratch, the easiest way is to just start a new project and cut and paste a script in a new .vbs file in notepad, attach the script, and try to get the project to start with the script attached.  Once you do, try to add to the script, or add an error to the script (i=0/0) to make sure  its attached and the code is running.

Come here with any questions.

I was recently reminded of these classic comics:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/03/19

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/11/03

warning profanity.


Anyone else have any funny webcomics they can remember?

I think the maximum number of smilies for a professional review is 0 or 1, so i guess yer SOL Zorbio