6 replies to this topic

[Stainless]

I'm writing a space game, it's a cross between a game I wrote in the 80's (FOFT) and a sort of Star Control 2 type of thing.

In FOFT I actually wrote a programming language (SIMPLE) and gave the user the ability to write programs for the ships computer (EDI) . A bit over the top I admit.

In the new version I still wanted the ships computer to be an important part of the game, though not programmable.

So I wrote a computer class that has memory, offline storage, and processor speed, so the player can buy new computers for his ships.

Then I wrote a program class so the player can buy new programs for his ships.

So I needed an interface to let the ships computer run programs, and gui elements can get values from these programs. This turned out to be very easy. A couple of base classes and and a couple of vectors can model the whole thing.

The first program I wrote was a scanner app, basically the ships radar. While doing it I realised that I needed the alien ships in the game to have computers as well, and that triggered a bit of a brain wave.

This can do all my basic AI.

All I need to do is write behaviours as programs for the ships computer, and they can do everything.

At the moment I just have a radar scanner written and an ecm prog, it works beautifully. Now I'm going to do a prog for heat seeking and radar seeking missiles so the ecm can really have a work out.

Has anyone else used this sort of system?

[rouncer]

Interesting! so there is an app store you fly to to buy "apps" for your space ship. Got any screenshots?

[Stainless]

Just started coding the computer and combat side of things, not much on screen at the moment but a lot going on underneath.

Galaxy and planet generation done. Resource management. Lot's of shaders..... etc.

[rouncer]

hey, no pressure, i dont care if its star control 2 over again, i loved that game.

[Stainless]

Then look at The Ur-Quan Masters, a fan made remake that's complete and free.

It runs ok on modern machines, you just need to turn on auto combat as the actual combat bit is too fast for manual play.

My game has some original features that I don't think have ever been done before. They are a result of my target platforms. I want to release it next year when Antix Game Player will be shipped on top end TV's.

The problem with a TV as a gaming platform is the input device. A remote control is a terrible input device, imagine trying to play Elite on one.

This problem has been knocking about in the back of my mind for a while.

Some TV manufacturers are aware of the problem and are looking at solutions, one is designing it's own game controller that will ship with the TV, and an upgraded version available for sale. Another is looking at using XBOX and PS3 controllers.

In the mean time a full featured game that is playable on a TV is my aim.

[fireside]

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In the mean time a full featured game that is playable on a TV is my aim.

Sounds like a good idea. There are some new markets opening up in that area and those are the easiest to break into. The OUYA looks kind of interesting but is based on the free to play concept. You would need to port to Android, though.

[Stainless]

Ah no Android.

AGP is platform independent and has an Android back end, as well as many others.

In fact the port of Plant's versus Zombies I just completed runs on more Android devices than popcap's in house Android port.