Hidden functions in AGS

[blueskirt]

I'm not sure if this thread belong in the adventure talk and chat forum, feel free to move it where it belong if that's not the case.

I already knew about the ALT+X function but today I just accidentally discovered the ALT+R function, to record replay, which I would have found terribly useful to know back when Art Of Theft was released.

Don't you think it would be a smart move to write a text file, listing the various hidden functions of AGS, that game makers could then bundle in their games so the people outside this community, who aren't familiar with the hidden functions, could learn and use them?

[Gilbert]

The Alt-R key was mentioned in changes.txt (around V2.53 I think). As far as I remember this is a "hidden" and not official one because the recording feature is not stable and perfect at the moment.

I do agree that it would be good if someone takes the time to make an unofficial document about these keys though. Also, unofficial keywords, variables and functions in scripting.

[blueskirt]

But I was more talking from the point of view of players here. A lot of those hidden functions can be useful for players and not just developers, but in general, readme.txt files explain the interface but not a single word is ever mentionned on these functions.

[Ghost]

The boolean "on" property of characters. Apparently the same as setting a character's transparency to 100 (off) or 0 (on), but faster to write

cCharacter.on = true/false.

[Gilbert]

But I was more talking from the point of view of players here. A lot of those hidden functions can be useful for players and not just developers, but in general, readme.txt files explain the interface but not a single word is ever mentionned on these functions.

Yeah, I see your point. But talking about recording in particular,the problem is it's not considered to be a reliable feature, so players may be confused when it glitches, form lost of synch to other strange things happening. That's why it's not officially documented (I think it's also a reason why some other features are "hidden"). If it is to be suggested to players as a feature (be it in the game's manual or whereever it's appropriate) make sure that it's coupled with a notice that the feature may not work, to stop them from complaining.