Need Advice re TGB - Best engine for this job?
by Spiderbunny · in General Discussion · 10/13/2006 (7:59 pm) · 3 replies
Hello!
I am working on a design and artwork for a fast-paced sidescroller and I'm to the point where I need to start considering what engine I can use. At this point I must assume I will be the only person working on this game (though that's not necessarily the case, I just want to be realistic). Since I am an artist first and a coder...oh...several steps away from that I need is something I can pick up fairly easily. I am not afraid of a challenge but I'm probably not up for getting back up to speed with C++.
My first thought was to use Gamemaker. It can probably do the job though perhaps not with all the features I want. However, I am receiving a lot of recommendations to use TGB instead. Another plus is that we are using it at the casual games company where I work so I'm gaining some familiarity with it there...at least from an artist's POV.
The gameplay for this sidescroller is pretty simple. It's meant to be a fast-paced, cute-bouncy, hacky-slashy game in which the player can move his or her character around the 2D map in order to complete their objective. If you are familiar with MapleStory the general look and gameplay is very similar (no MMO angle, much faster pace and more goal-oriented though).
I want the player to be able to design their own character at the start of the game choosing from some basic options. I also want the player character to be able to 'costume change' when equipping new items. Again, similar to MapleStory or even GaiaOnline and similar games. I'll own up, I'm female and this game is sort of a personal project and the things I like most in games include: killing things as rapidly as possible in a cartoony Tarantino sort of way and cute characters with large wardrobes. I think I'm in a demographic of one and I'm sure no one else would be interested in such a game. Definitely a hobby project. :D
Now I'm pretty darn sure TGB can handle this but I just wanted some reassurance before I dove in and made the investment. I hope I am not babbling like too much of a newbie game designer--please don't kill me too much if I am. ;)
Thank you~!
Sandi
I am working on a design and artwork for a fast-paced sidescroller and I'm to the point where I need to start considering what engine I can use. At this point I must assume I will be the only person working on this game (though that's not necessarily the case, I just want to be realistic). Since I am an artist first and a coder...oh...several steps away from that I need is something I can pick up fairly easily. I am not afraid of a challenge but I'm probably not up for getting back up to speed with C++.
My first thought was to use Gamemaker. It can probably do the job though perhaps not with all the features I want. However, I am receiving a lot of recommendations to use TGB instead. Another plus is that we are using it at the casual games company where I work so I'm gaining some familiarity with it there...at least from an artist's POV.
The gameplay for this sidescroller is pretty simple. It's meant to be a fast-paced, cute-bouncy, hacky-slashy game in which the player can move his or her character around the 2D map in order to complete their objective. If you are familiar with MapleStory the general look and gameplay is very similar (no MMO angle, much faster pace and more goal-oriented though).
I want the player to be able to design their own character at the start of the game choosing from some basic options. I also want the player character to be able to 'costume change' when equipping new items. Again, similar to MapleStory or even GaiaOnline and similar games. I'll own up, I'm female and this game is sort of a personal project and the things I like most in games include: killing things as rapidly as possible in a cartoony Tarantino sort of way and cute characters with large wardrobes. I think I'm in a demographic of one and I'm sure no one else would be interested in such a game. Definitely a hobby project. :D
Now I'm pretty darn sure TGB can handle this but I just wanted some reassurance before I dove in and made the investment. I hope I am not babbling like too much of a newbie game designer--please don't kill me too much if I am. ;)
Thank you~!
Sandi
About the author
Artist looking to move into designing and coding. It's okay, you can giggle...A LITTLE. ^o^
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#2
I will also definitely keep an eye open for the platformer framework. Sounds very interesting to me! ^-^ Should I choose TGB I will work my way through those tutorials as well.
As far as MapleStory... Yes, it's a really unusual concept for an MMO and is implemented in an interesting way. I'm something of a Korean 'free' mmo addict in as far as I feel the need to at least try each new localization. I'd actually put off MapleStory for awhile since I couldn't imagine a sidescrolling mmo but it does have it's appeal (especially character customization both with in-game items and premium 'cash mall' items). Unfortunately it falls into the typical grind far too soon...at least for my short attention span. :D
Thanks again!
Sandi
10/14/2006 (2:16 am)
Thank you for your reply, Thomas! I'm sorry I forgot there are TGB private forums which will indeed be helpful should I decide to go wit TGB (at this point likely, I'm thinking). I tend to be able to muddle my way through things but being able to get some feedback is always appreciated!I will also definitely keep an eye open for the platformer framework. Sounds very interesting to me! ^-^ Should I choose TGB I will work my way through those tutorials as well.
As far as MapleStory... Yes, it's a really unusual concept for an MMO and is implemented in an interesting way. I'm something of a Korean 'free' mmo addict in as far as I feel the need to at least try each new localization. I'd actually put off MapleStory for awhile since I couldn't imagine a sidescrolling mmo but it does have it's appeal (especially character customization both with in-game items and premium 'cash mall' items). Unfortunately it falls into the typical grind far too soon...at least for my short attention span. :D
Thanks again!
Sandi
#3
10/14/2006 (3:18 am)
TGB would be a good choice, I reckon. Like yourself, I'm an artist first, coder fourth. Or somewhere thereabouts. :p Torquescript is pretty easy to learn, and there's a good community about. As for your game idea, it sounds neat. Paperdoll stuff is always fun, though a bit of a nightmare, art asset-wise. :p 
Torque Owner Thomas Buscaglia
As for your question, yes TGB would be able to handle this without modifying the source. Obviously to make it most efficient you would probably want to modify the source, but it wouldnt be absolutely neccesary. There is a lively group of developers working on platformers in the TGB private forums aswell as a platformer MiniTutorial free on TDN for TGB licensees. In addition, there will be a barest-possible-bones platformer tutorial (basic movement and collision for absolute beginners) included with TGB soon. A fairly robust Platformer Framework for TGB is also in development, but the release date on that isn't yet in sight.
I hope this answered your question.
Good luck on your project, whichever engine you choose to go with. ;)