Looking for advice/recommendations
by Christopher McDonald · in Torque Game Builder · 02/06/2006 (5:08 pm) · 9 replies
Hey, I'm just getting started with trying to put together my first game with T2D and
I'm looking for a couple things:
First, I'd like a more full featured image editor than Paint to use. I'm not much of an artist,
so I don't necessarily need cutting edge technology, just something I can prototype with. I saw
that GIMP is out there (and it's free, which is always good), how is it?
Second, I'd like a good book on game AI, something with good coverage of pathing. Programming Game AI by Example by Buckland seems to have good reviews
Thanks for any input!
Chris
I'm looking for a couple things:
First, I'd like a more full featured image editor than Paint to use. I'm not much of an artist,
so I don't necessarily need cutting edge technology, just something I can prototype with. I saw
that GIMP is out there (and it's free, which is always good), how is it?
Second, I'd like a good book on game AI, something with good coverage of pathing. Programming Game AI by Example by Buckland seems to have good reviews
Thanks for any input!
Chris
#2
It has a good couple of pages devoted to pathfinding and also a very interesting chapter on steering behaviours, alot which should be fairly easy to add to T2D.
I bought AI Game Engine Programming by Brian Schwab along with the Programming Game AI book and can say that while it didn't contain as much practical code it had alot of good general theoretical information which helped me get my head around some issues I had with AI in general.
[Edit]
I agree with Jason on the vector-based tip, I've been using Macromedia Fireworks alot and can recommend it, the pricetag on the other hand isn't as sweet tough ;)
[/Edit]
02/06/2006 (5:44 pm)
Programming Game AI is a great book, I read it cover to cover the same day I got it :) you wont be dissapointed.It has a good couple of pages devoted to pathfinding and also a very interesting chapter on steering behaviours, alot which should be fairly easy to add to T2D.
I bought AI Game Engine Programming by Brian Schwab along with the Programming Game AI book and can say that while it didn't contain as much practical code it had alot of good general theoretical information which helped me get my head around some issues I had with AI in general.
[Edit]
I agree with Jason on the vector-based tip, I've been using Macromedia Fireworks alot and can recommend it, the pricetag on the other hand isn't as sweet tough ;)
[/Edit]
#3
Chris
02/06/2006 (8:41 pm)
I'm not familiar with vector-based art, is it much harder to do than bitmaps? Fireworks seems cool, but I don't think I'm willing to drop 300 bucks on it, maybe if I get really serious about this stuff. Thanks for the recommendations.Chris
#4
Graphics Gale
02/06/2006 (9:44 pm)
It may not be what you're looking for, but Graphics Gale is a neat little pixel art graphics editor that's about $16...Graphics Gale
#5
02/07/2006 (3:31 am)
A* is the most widely used path finding algorithm and its well documented all over the internet, i'm certain there will be torque implementations on this site.
#6
http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/en/default.mspx
Right now it's free (in beta) but will be part of their new creative suite. It's my app of choice for creating 2D artwork, or textures for 3D models.
02/07/2006 (7:51 am)
@Chris, check out Microsoft Expression (formerly Creaturehouse Expression 3) http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/en/default.mspx
Right now it's free (in beta) but will be part of their new creative suite. It's my app of choice for creating 2D artwork, or textures for 3D models.
#7
I also use Gimp exclusively. Again, many little quirks, but once you learn to work with it, it's as good as anything else. For image edition and 2d games, Gimp will be more than enough.
02/07/2006 (8:42 am)
A free vector-based drawing program does exist. It is called Inkscape. Just like every other open-source program, it has its quirks, but ultimately worth the learning curve. I also use Gimp exclusively. Again, many little quirks, but once you learn to work with it, it's as good as anything else. For image edition and 2d games, Gimp will be more than enough.
#8
Thanks,
Chris
02/07/2006 (12:47 pm)
Thanks for all the ideas guys, I'll check them out. Another question, does any one know of any free or inexpensive libraries of 2D game graphics or sounds that I could use for prototyping purposes? Thanks,
Chris
#9
Vector graphics may be good for large sprites, but for smaller sprites, bitmaps are really the only way to go. At the very least, you're going to need to do some touchup work at the bitmap level on the sprites to make sure you can see all of the details.
And remember: Street Fighter sprites are all made in bitmaps (from hand-draw concept art).
As to your last question: www.gamingw.net/resource/. Have fun.
02/07/2006 (9:40 pm)
Quote:If you are serious about doing your own art, you should look into a vector-graphics solution.
Vector graphics may be good for large sprites, but for smaller sprites, bitmaps are really the only way to go. At the very least, you're going to need to do some touchup work at the bitmap level on the sprites to make sure you can see all of the details.
And remember: Street Fighter sprites are all made in bitmaps (from hand-draw concept art).
As to your last question: www.gamingw.net/resource/. Have fun.
Torque Owner Jason Swearingen
Microsoft Acrylic is one, though I dont think it's out of beta yet.