I recently decided to make a pocket pc version of 1942 (1945) to showcase the capabilities of Game Editor.
My Software
As well as Game Editor Pro I use
• Photoshop
• Cool Edit Pro
• Music Sculptor
Graphics
Ari Feldmans graphics are fantastic, free and are ready to use. I just cut out what I needed and copied them into my data folder.
I also used:
• Pictures I found on Google image search.
• Graphics that come with Game Editor and it’s demo programs.
• Bits I made myself using photoshop.
• Smoke designed by Zoiba at the Game Editor forum.
Sound
Richard Wagners "Flight of the Valkyries" was found on the web. I tried using an mp3 but it didn't really fit the computer game feel. The intro music is by the same guy.
The sound effects are from a personal sound library that I have been building for many years.
Coding
The coding was pretty simple really. I built one item at a time. Made sure it worked then moved onto the next.
The plane simply follows the mouse.
The view has a hidden “collision mask” which activates enemies as it scrolls upwards.
All actors have a local health variable. Being hit by a bullet reduces health. Tougher enemies start off with more health.
The “smart bomb” simply activates a white flashing square.
The “fade to black” effect is a black square set to the front that fades in and out.
I had a problem where smoke coming from the plane would prevent mouse clicks on the plane. This would stop it shooting.
So I moved the click event to an external actor. This actor uses an activation event to tell the plane that it is firing.
I often use invisible actors as markers to show where things are. The beginning of the level, for instance, or where the splash screen is. It just makes things easier.
Conclusion
So there you go. If you have any questions or comments I can be found at the Game Editor forum. If you have a highly paid game design job for me I can be found there also…
Posted by makslane
I try using this effect in my sprites, it makes the colors more vivid and convincing.
