I'm currently coming up with concept for a platformer. I know AGS can be used to make platformers, but I'm wondering if there is any software out there (free) that would be better for the job?
There's a lot of game engines out there. At least one free one specific to every game genre you can think of. So in short, yes. However you know that you would never be happy with her. I mean...the other program... ::)
Gamemaker, maybe? (http://www.yoyogames.com/make)
It is not specific to platformers, but it is more generalised than AGS for it.
Well.. if you did use AGS, you'd become really good at scripting.
~Trent
Quote from: Trent R on Sun 05/04/2009 18:30:43
Well.. if you did use AGS, you'd become really good at scripting.
~Trent
That's the main reason I'm a bit wary of using AGS: the scripting. Mind you, the community's so good here I should have no trouble getting the scripting right, It would just take longer. Gamemaker looks good though, so I'll check it out.
EDIT: Uh-oh, just saw the fairly small text on the GameMaker website :
The Lite Edition is meant for those taking their first steps on the path of developing games. It can be used for free but is limited in its functionality. When you are using Game Maker regularly you are strongly recommended to upgrade it to the Pro Edition for $25.Don't know how much is cut out of the 'Lite' edition, but I can be damn sure it's a lot. I will try it, but with caution.
The main thing missing is the 3D capability, the lite version should be fine for a platformer.
Although I've got so say, I don't think I've ever played a properly good Game Maker platformer, the creative and ambitious people and the people who are good at scripting in that community seem to be very much two separate camps.
Another thing you should be wary of is the speed issue. AGS can make platformers, but a smooth-scrolling, speedy platformer with scrolling levels... no.
Try this one here... I had some fun with it a while ago.
Scrolling Game Development Kit (http://gamedev.sourceforge.net/)
Or, a little less "leight-weight" but easy to use
Construct (http://www.scirra.com/)
Quote from: Ghost on Sun 05/04/2009 21:07:26
Another thing you should be wary of is the speed issue. AGS can make platformers, but a smooth-scrolling, speedy platformer with scrolling levels... no.
Care to place a bet on that? :=
Yes, AGS is right for the job of a platformer. That notwithstanding, you will likely have an easier job coding a platformer in Gamemaker.
Quote from: Radiant on Sun 05/04/2009 21:53:16
Care to place a bet on that? :=
That would totally depend on the one who does the scripting ;D With you, I know I wouldn't stand a chance to win, but that's just what I meant to say: A skilled and experienced AGS scripter can surely get the framerate, but Daniel sounds like one of "medium" knowledge, and there are way easier engines/toolkits to get one started.
A another alternative is Multimedia fusion 2 or game factory.of course are not free.but better than Game maker.without any programming.only click and create.special for platformer games.
Link:
http://www.theclickteam.com/eng/index.php
goodluck
Quote from: Ghost on Sun 05/04/2009 21:07:26
Another thing you should be wary of is the speed issue. AGS can make platformers, but a smooth-scrolling, speedy platformer with scrolling levels... no.
I'm still here (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=36928.0), you know! :=
I'll say, having no native support for gamepads is also one main reason you can't be serious about making platform games with AGS. Sure, there are workarounds buy using gamepad-keyboard emulation drivers, or, if someone is kind enough to write a gamepad plugin.
While it is possible to make such games with AGS (and the product could also be good if you put time in it) AGS wasn't designed for such purposes, so I'd not recommend anyone to do that unless he/she really knows what he/she's doing, have an adventureous mind and is prepared to take challenges.