Hello AGS Community!
I am a newcomer and know practically nothing about game coding. At the moment I consider the choice of game engine for my future game development, hence my question.
I would like to develop a game of mixed genres eventually, i.e. Level 1 is adventure game (keyboard control) - lots of talking, gathering objects to the inventory and puzzle solving (think The Cat Lady ), Level 2 is platformer like the very first installment in Prince of Persia series (1989) and Level 3 is beat'em up. All 3 levels are sidescrollers, so we watch characters move sideways - left and right.
And the question is: Is it possible to develop such project with AGS? Are there any snippet/example projects available in the community? Maybe some free games made with AGS, the authors of which would like to share their code?
THANK YOU for understanding, kindness and friendly guidance.
I believe it is more feasible than it was when I did it. There's a great controller plugin that I coded, that is imho, like 20 million times better than what I had to use.
Yes that's possible, the only caveat is that AGS is focused at point & click genre which means you would have to script everything beyond that from scratch.
There were few arcade platformers in the past, and one of them had its source open:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=49687.0
EDIT: hmm, links seem to be broken, maybe these will work:
https://gamejolt.com/games/the-art-of-dying/21047
You can do this in AGS with the right experience in programming, It will be hard because you say you are a complete beginner. It's not always a case of copy and pasting someone else's code, you need to understand it. I'd recommend using a different engine since you are a beginner. The people on this board are very helpful but you may find it easier in other communities because you will have a lot more free examples for the genres you are looking at, more people in your situation asking the same questions.
If you are making a point and click adventure for your first game than AGS is absolutely the best choice.
There's loads of engines out there aimed at multiple genres such as Love2D, Game Maker, Pico 8, Construct, PyGame. Loads more.
Good luck on your game development journey!
Here's a recent example
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=57034.0
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=56851.0
While it's possible, I don't think it's easy for a first project since it would require to script every action. If your first project was a point and click game, sure AGS is the easiest solution available to pick up and create something.
I agree with others that for your case, a different engine would be more suitable (love2d, game maker, godot, ...).
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 31/05/2019 15:33:56
I believe it is more feasible than it was when I did it. There's a great controller plugin that I coded, that is imho, like 20 million times better than what I had to use.
Dualnames, you say it's feasible, yay! Are you willing to share your controller plugin?
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Fri 31/05/2019 16:10:18
Yes that's possible, the only caveat is that AGS is focused at point & click genre which means you would have to script everything beyond that from scratch.
Crimson Wizard, that's what I'm wondering about - is there a way to avoid re-inventing the bicycle? Any snippets, open source game codes or templates that you know? Such as the game that you provided link to.
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Fri 31/05/2019 16:10:18
There were few arcade platformers in the past, and one of them had its source open:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=49687.0
EDIT: hmm, links seem to be broken, maybe these will work:
https://gamejolt.com/games/the-art-of-dying/21047
Thank you, honey bee! You showed care by checking if the link was still valid.
Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 31/05/2019 18:29:44
You can do this in AGS with the right experience in programming, It will be hard because you say you are a complete beginner. It's not always a case of copy and pasting someone else's code, you need to understand it.
Retro Wolf, I understand making a game will require me to dive into coding. The question was if such project is doable with AGS. If you say it is, then I guess I can try, after reading the manual, following tutorials, exercising a lot, with some help from the community... See, the price in the right engine choice is time, and it is precious. Least of all I wish to spend half a year on learning something only to discover it will never be helpful for hitting my aim.
Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 31/05/2019 18:29:44
The people on this board are very helpful but you may find it easier in other communities because you will have a lot more free examples for the genres you are looking at, more people in your situation asking the same questions.
That's the most unusual welcome that I've seen in my life :-D It's like 'You may come in, but you won't' )))
Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 31/05/2019 18:29:44
There's loads of engines out there aimed at multiple genres such as Love2D, Game Maker, Pico 8, Construct, PyGame. Loads more.
I've looked up those engines. Love2D seems even harder to learn, since it is not an engine, but a framework based on Lua. I found no examples of point and click adventure games in their showcase section. Pico 8 is a console simulator that is only perfect for small pixel-art games. P&C adventure tutorials with Construct 2 are nearly non-existent or hard to find. Plus it's not free. Game Maker is complicated due to versions incompatibility. If you develop a game in Game Maker 8.1, it won't work with GameMaker Studio 1.4 or GMS 2, because they completely re-wrote the engine. And they don't support previous versions.
Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 31/05/2019 18:29:44
Good luck on your game development journey!
Thank you, sweetheart! Good to get encouraged by more experienced game makers like you.
Quote from: eri0o on Fri 31/05/2019 19:13:57
Here's a recent example
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=57034.0
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=56851.0
eri0o, both games have great style. And I like the idea. Very close to what I meant by writing about platformer/adventure.
Quote from: eri0o on Fri 31/05/2019 19:13:57
While it's possible, I don't think it's easy for a first project since it would require to script every action. If your first project was a point and click game, sure AGS is the easiest solution available to pick up and create something.
Hmm... What if I tried to make three separate short games first - each in the aforementioned genres? What do you think about this plan?
Anyway,
thank you, bunny! Your reply gave me some fresh ideas.
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Fri 31/05/2019 23:36:56
Hmm... What if I tried to make three separate short games first - each in the aforementioned genres? What do you think about this plan?
Yes, this is definitely a good idea. Try to make a short adventure game in AGS. This will help you to learn AGS, figure out if it is the right tool for your big project and also have you improve on your game making skills.
It is generally recommended to start small for a first game. You can always go big afterwards.
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Fri 31/05/2019 23:27:36
Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 31/05/2019 18:29:44
The people on this board are very helpful but you may find it easier in other communities because you will have a lot more free examples for the genres you are looking at, more people in your situation asking the same questions.
That's the most unusual welcome that I've seen in my life :-D It's like 'You may come in, but you won't' )))
Nah, it's more like you are walking into a restaurant and asking for a haircut - people will be welcoming but probably can't help you a lot ;)
Quote from: cat on Sat 01/06/2019 07:24:10
Yes, this is definitely a good idea. Try to make a short adventure game in AGS.
Thank you, sunshine! I've seen games made with AGS - it's a great tool for indie developers of adventure games.
Quote from: cat on Sat 01/06/2019 07:24:10
Nah, it's more like you are walking into a restaurant and asking for a haircut - people will be welcoming but probably can't help you a lot ;)
So you think I won't be able to make a platformer or a fighting sidescroller with AGS whatsoever? Sorry, I'm confused. So there is
ABSOLUTELY no point in learning AGS if I want to realize a game with different-genre levels? Please give me an honest answer. Some people here say it is possible, while others say it isn't. Your metaphor with a restaurant and a haircut would be appropriate if I asked whether I could build 3D models with AGS instead of using Blender, Maya or similar software :) The question of engine choice is serious one, because - like I said before - no one wants to waste time on learning something irrelevant to their objective.
Indra Anagram
Almost anything is possible with AGS... But you may be better off looking at other game engines before you make your choice.
Slasher
I am just very confused right now, you complained about point and click support on other engines, but you said your game isn't a point and click. I came for AGS because of the versions in game maker driving me nuts. But I also like and code in love2d. One of the projects I linked is mine and is open source in case you want to checkout how I did. AGS extends with C++, in case you want to do something to out of ordinary. I do think love2d is simpler for your targets - I would pair with Tiled in that case.
Or try a weekend jam in ags to learn by trauma :P
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 12:05:21
So you think I won't be able to make a platformer or a fighting sidescroller with AGS whatsoever? Sorry, I'm confused. So there is ABSOLUTELY no point in learning AGS if I want to realize a game with different-genre levels? Please give me an honest answer. Some people here say it is possible, while others say it isn't.
It's quite possible. Jack has made at least 2 fighting games for MAGs this last year. And there have been multiple platformers attempted. But since AGS is meant for adventure games, it requires a lot more effort to make other genres than it would be to make them in an engine meant for them.
I've worked on at least 1 game every month for the last year and I still have no clue where to even start with making a fighting game. And this last month I attempted to make a Donkey Kong clone and still haven't figured out how to properly restrict the controls to work right.
But if you're willing to research how to make the game genres using C++, you should be able to use that knowledge to make them in AGS.
AGS is meant to be a an engine specifically geared to point & click adventures. However, the fact that is, you can code it pretty much to do what you want. The proof is right there, there's almost no gender that hasn't been done with AGS...
Duals awesome fast paced platformer: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=53389.msg636532865#msg636532865 which started as a MAGS game and ended up as a commercial game.
But remember you'll have to code it all your self.
If your question is just: is it possible to do this? The answer is yes.
You should also consider what your objectives are for the game. As that might also point you into another engine.
Anyway, welcome and do so games. :) Try MAGS for a feel of time frame into doing stuff. Or do very short games just to figure out to code X or Y...
My plugin is even open-sourced <3
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=57129.0
To
Slasher:
Quote from: Slasher on Sat 01/06/2019 13:28:01
Almost anything is possible with AGS... But you may be better off looking at other game engines before you make your choice.
That's some kind of a vicious circle here :-D The reason I'm asking my question is to decide if AGS is good for doing what I'd like to do. You say 'Yes, AGS is the right tool, but you better consider some other engine' ))) Believe me or not, I found some old post by another beginner who asked nearly the same on Construct 2 forum, and the reply was something like 'You better look at AGS' ???
Nevertheless,
thank you for your reply, sunshine!
To
eri0o:
Quote from: eri0o on Sat 01/06/2019 14:01:43
I am just very confused right now, you complained about point and click support on other engines, but you said your game isn't a point and click.
I'm sorry for confusing you. My English is bad. In the initial post I mentioned The Cat Lady as an example of the adventure game that I'd like to make level 1 be like. Is it point and click? There is no mouse control there... Guess I misused the term :( When considering the engines listed above I checked out if there was a way to create something like this.
Quote from: eri0o on Sat 01/06/2019 14:01:43
I came for AGS because of the versions in game maker driving me nuts. But I also like and code in love2d. ... I do think love2d is simpler for your targets - I would pair with Tiled in that case.
Yes, that's exactly what pushed me away from GMS! Love2D seemed suspicious because it's not an engine... probably I should look closer at it, if you say it's your favorite.
Quote from: eri0o on Sat 01/06/2019 14:01:43
One of the projects I linked is mine and is open source in case you want to checkout how I did. AGS extends with C++, in case you want to do something to out of ordinary.
Big thanks, sweetie! Didn't notice download and source code links last time. I'll try to understand your code after learning basic tutorials. So, you say go study C++ first, eh?
Quote from: eri0o on Sat 01/06/2019 14:01:43
Or try a weekend jam in ags to learn by trauma :P
Too early for that :grin:
To
VampireWombat:
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 14:06:39
It's quite possible. Jack has made at least 2 fighting games for MAGs this last year. And there have been multiple platformers attempted. But since AGS is meant for adventure games, it requires a lot more effort to make other genres than it would be to make them in an engine meant for them.
1. Possible you say. That answers my question fairly well.
2. Sorry for my horrible ignorance... Since I'm a newcomer here... Who's Jack? Could you please provide links to his fighting games?
3. See, I want the final big game to combine elements of 3 genres. There seem to be some other engines, but they either require lots of space, or lack tutorials available online, or their abandoned community resembles a desert inhabited with arrogant scorpios :-D
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 14:06:39
I've worked on at least 1 game every month for the last year and I still have no clue where to even start with making a fighting game. And this last month I attempted to make a Donkey Kong clone and still haven't figured out how to properly restrict the controls to work right.
But if you're willing to research how to make the game genres using C++, you should be able to use that knowledge to make them in AGS.
Have you tried to pair up with someone here? Maybe with a person who's proficient in C++? Anyway, let's unite and figure out how to do such genres together.
Thanks for replying, buddy!
To
Cassiebsg:
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 15:00:58
AGS is meant to be a an engine specifically geared to point & click adventures. However, the fact that is, you can code it pretty much to do what you want. The proof is right there, there's almost no gender that hasn't been done with AGS...
Duals awesome fast paced platformer: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=53389.msg636532865#msg636532865 which started as a MAGS game and ended up as a commercial game.
Oh, great, such an example! The graphics is beautiful! And this proves it IS possible to make a platformer on AGS, even with some advanced coding. Impressed.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 15:00:58
But remember you'll have to code it all your self.
So... don't folks on this forum help if someone gets stuck with code/scripting? :shocked:
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 15:00:58
You should also consider what your objectives are for the game. As that might also point you into another engine.
I stated my objective in the initial post. Need an engine that enables me to create a game that has each level in 3 different genres. Sidescroller, keyboard control. I know AGS is for adventure games. Now you confirm it is also good for other styles too... with C++.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 15:00:58
Anyway, welcome and do so games. :) Try MAGS for a feel of time frame into doing stuff. Or do very short games just to figure out to code X or Y...
Thank you, hon! Have no idea what MAGS is yet, but will google that) Yes, I plan to do 2 - 3 very short games each in the aforementioned styles first.
To
Dualnames:
Quote from: Dualnames on Sat 01/06/2019 18:27:29
My plugin is even open-sourced <3
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=57129.0
Thank you, ducky! How nice! It's much much easier to start something following the senior specialist's experience. Please explain what the plugin does. Is it only for joystick? Or can I also set a keyboard control?
To
ALL:
Guys and girls, you are amazing. Very hearty greeting of yours.
Erm, a little note if I may, I can see that mentioning C++ in this topic is possibly leading to more misunderstanding.
AGS supports plugins written in C or C++. They are usually used to expand engine with abilities it does not have on its own. There are already existing ones, like plugin that adds joystick/gamepad support.
But the question is, would you really have to write another one for your game? It's a very rare occasion when someone really needs to do that.
PS. We've made this racing game in AGS without any plugins:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55534.0
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 21:03:00
Erm, a little note if I may, I can see that mentioning C++ in this topic is possibly leading to more misunderstanding.
AGS supports plugins written in C or C++. They are usually used to expand engine with abilities it does not have on its own. There are already existing ones, like plugin that adds joystick/gamepad support.
But the question is, would you really have to write another one for your game? It's a very rare occasion when someone really needs to do that.
Crimson Wizard,
thank you for clarifying that! That's what I actually thought. After following the links that other commenters provided I wondered if there were any already existing plugins around. That would make things WAY easier,, of course. I'd have to learn coding and scripting anyway to put those plugins in the right place.
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 21:03:00
PS. We've made this racing game in AGS without any plugins:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55534.0
Wow, car racing! And you say you didn't use any plugins? How long did it take you to code this?
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 21:18:48
Wow, car racing! And you say you didn't use any plugins? How long did it take you to code this?
Roughly 1 month, it was made for MAGS competition. But I had an idea of how to code car physics and some other stuff beforehand.
Quote
So... don't folks on this forum help if someone gets stuck with code/scripting?
Of course we do. (nod)
What I meant is that the behavior needs to be coded. Unlike when you do an adventure game and can use the built in behavior... Say this, Walk there, etc. And all the "internal" coding is already handled.
Oh, and MAGS is the Monthly AGS competition, where every month a new theme is set and you have 1 month to make your game. ;)
EDIT:
The 2 of Jack's games mentioned above:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/
To
Crimson Wizard:
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 21:29:39
Roughly 1 month, it was made for MAGS competition. But I had an idea of how to code car physics and some other stuff beforehand.
Hey, cookie, it was your 10th project! Now of course you were able to manage it for 1 month. I've just downloaded Last'n'Furious from Dropbox, since mediafire link seems broken. Will try to play it)
Thanks for the link!
Btw, do you happen to know any of the sidescroller/platformer/fighting plugins that work with the current AGS version?
To
CassiebsgL:
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 21:41:45
Of course we do. (nod)
What I meant is that the behavior needs to be coded. Unlike when you do an adventure game and can use the built in behavior... Say this, Walk there, etc. And all the "internal" coding is already handled.
Pheeewww! ;-D You scared me. Now I feel better.
Yes, I'm aware AGS is for making adventure games in the first place. Was wondering if it's suitable for other things beyond as well.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 21:41:45
Oh, and MAGS is the Monthly AGS competition, where every month a new theme is set and you have 1 month to make your game. ;)
Thanks, baby! Now I know what it stands for. What a great incentive for growth! This way a developer becomes responsible to make it or break it.
Quote from: Cassiebsg on Sat 01/06/2019 21:41:45
EDIT:
The 2 of Jack's games mentioned above:
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/
Wonderful! Is that possible to see a code after you download any of the games?
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 20:53:03
1. Possible you say. That answers my question fairly well.
2. Sorry for my horrible ignorance... Since I'm a newcomer here... Who's Jack? Could you please provide links to his fighting games?
3. See, I want the final big game to combine elements of 3 genres. There seem to be some other engines, but they either require lots of space, or lack tutorials available online, or their abandoned community resembles a desert inhabited with arrogant scorpios :-D
Have you tried to pair up with someone here? Maybe with a person who's proficient in C++? Anyway, let's unite and figure out how to do such genres together. Thanks for replying, buddy!
1. That's good.
2. Jack is Jack. Jack is the username.
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/ (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/) and https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/ (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/) are the ones I know of.
3. Ah, okay. Only other engines I've really tried are RPG Maker and GDevelop with a tiny bit of Unity several years ago.
Not really. I've not had enough interest. It was just something I tried for a minigame. Left and right movement is easy. Jumping is even fairly easy. But it's when I tried restricting climbing to ladders that things started not working as well.
And C++ is by no means needed. Was simply a suggestion for a way to learn since a lot of concepts can be used in AGS and there are tutorials available.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 22:02:00
2. Jack is Jack. Jack is the username.
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/ (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2283/) and https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/ (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2343/) are the ones I know of.
Thanks, patty! CassiebsgL has given these links too.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 22:02:00
3. Ah, okay. Only other engines I've really tried are RPG Maker and GDevelop with a tiny bit of Unity several years ago.
I'll check out the engines you named... except Unity, of course. I already read about it -- my computer won't survive it :-D
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 22:02:00
Left and right movement is easy. Jumping is even fairly easy. But it's when I tried restricting climbing to ladders that things started not working as well.
Such a relief. Left and right movement and jumping thing.
Btw,
what do you mean by saying you tried restricting climbing to ladders?Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 22:02:00
And C++ is by no means needed. Was simply a suggestion for a way to learn since a lot of concepts can be used in AGS and there are tutorials available.
Ah, alright. I found a book by Michael Dawson called
Beginning C++ Through Game Development.
Heard of thisi one? Do you think it's going to be helpful?
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 22:00:37
To Crimson Wizard:
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 21:29:39
Roughly 1 month, it was made for MAGS competition. But I had an idea of how to code car physics and some other stuff beforehand.
Hey, cookie, it was your 10th project! Now of course you were able to manage it for 1 month.
Hmm, yes and no. The projects mentioned on my profile list are mostly ones where I either did testing or helped with some advice. I really just made 2 or 3 AGS games myself so far. But I worked on other games that used different engines in the past.
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 22:00:37
Btw, do you happen to know any of the sidescroller/platformer/fighting plugins that work with the current AGS version?
Ah, I feel like I need to make more clarifications.
There's plugins, and there are "script modules". Script modules are scripts written in AGS scripting language for certain purpose, like game mechanic or additional math functions. A person may write a script and pass it to others to reuse in their games.
For something like sidescroller/fighting mechanic you'd rather look for a script module, because this is how people would usually do that.
I've already posted a link to open source platformer before ("Art of Dying").
There was also a module called PLATENG which stands for "platform tiled engine": https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=40922.0
Also, by strange coincidence, I was thinking about trying to make a fighting game in AGS recently :P. (idk if I will)
PS. Regarding C++, don't want to discourage you, but as a C++ programmer myself, in my honest opinion it's really not the best programming language to begin studying programming with :).
It has extra things that are not present in many languages and that makes it harder to use correctly. IMHO script languages like Lua, Javascript or Python could be better to start with something.
But this is my personal view on things.
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 22:33:32
Thanks, patty! CassiebsgL has given these links too.
I'll check out the engines you named... except Unity, of course. I already read about it -- my computer won't survive it :-D
Such a relief. Left and right movement and jumping thing.
Btw, what do you mean by saying you tried restricting climbing to ladders?
And C++ is by no means needed. Was simply a suggestion for a way to learn since a lot of concepts can be used in AGS and there are tutorials available.
Ah, alright. I found a book by Michael Dawson called Beginning C++ Through Game Development.
Heard of thisi one? Do you think it's going to be helpful?
Patty? But I don't want to be served on a bun. Are you by any chance an NPC from Animal Crossing? The nonsense nicknames remind me of the game...
I don't recommend RPGMaker. It's only really useful for making early to mid 90s style JRPGs. It's great if you don't want to do any programming at all, have no graphics skills, and want turn based battles. If you want anything else, you're better off with other engines. GDevelop is good if you want to make a very simple platformer. Following a tutorial, you can make one within an hour. It probably could be used to make the type of adventure game you described. But not so sure about a beat em up...
Well, AGS is meant for making adventure games first and movement is done by walkable areas. So I had to disable up and down movement except for when on ladders. But the method I used has caused the character to sometimes move erratically once he hits the ladders.
I have no clue. I was speaking more of tutorials than books. Which is why I used the word tutorial.
Edit: I recommend listening to Crimson Wizard more than me.
Fire up AGS... Select Serra Style Template, give your game a name and start creating your first game...
Select resolution size and filter (say 3d9) 32 bit.
Make it a short one roomed game and long enough to get the hang of how AGS works.
Create a background and a character (create and import from a paint program) and maybe an object or 2.
Use the built-in help files to assist with the coding. You will find many functions and commands. You will also see examples...
AGS uses its own scripting so you only need to add as the examples suggest.
Use your imagination to make a short scene... usually trying to find the key to a locked door.
Above all... study the help manual for the things you want to do..
When you are happy with the result you can then think about whether you want to use AGS or not for future games.
Along your journey ask us for help you may need.
Suck it and see...Taste and try.....
Author of over 60 games...
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sat 01/06/2019 22:33:32
I've realized that you've been vague enough about what you want to do that many of the answers may not be as useful as they could have been.
What kind of platformer are you wanting to make? Just walking and jumping? Or are there going to be attacks and/or powerups?
And what kind of beat em up? Something like Streets of Rage, Double Dragon, River City Ransom? Something more modern? Or something simplistic with just a punch?
Or are you wanting to make a hybrid kind of like the game Dex? https://store.steampowered.com/app/269650/Dex/ (https://store.steampowered.com/app/269650/Dex/)
If you're wanting something really simplistic, then I could provide you with a base this week.
To
Crimson Wizard:
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 23:09:04
I really just made 2 or 3 AGS games myself so far.
Then the fact you only spent 1 month on coding a car racing game (which is beyond what the engine was initially built for) is even more astonishing.
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 23:09:04
A person may write a script and pass it to others to reuse in their games.
I think this is right. When/if I manage to make a adventure/platformer/fighting game, I'd publish it for everyone to use. Because I believe the more tutorials and open source projects are there, the more people who wish to develop their own games will get in. People benefit from teaching and helping each other.
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 23:09:04
I've already posted a link to open source platformer before ("Art of Dying").
There was also a module called PLATENG which stands for "platform tiled engine": https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=40922.0
Thank you, dear! I haven't tested PLATENG yet, but the screenshots look very promising. The year is 2010. Will this module work with the current version of AGS?
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 23:09:04
Also, by strange coincidence, I was thinking about trying to make a fighting game in AGS recently :P. (idk if I will)
What would it be like? Would you share the source, if you made it?
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Sat 01/06/2019 23:09:04
PS. Regarding C++, don't want to discourage you, but as a C++ programmer myself, in my honest opinion it's really not the best programming language to begin studying programming with :).
See, I decided to stick my nose into C++ because people here said AGS was built and extends on it.
To
VampireWombat:
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 23:10:29
Patty? But I don't want to be served on a bun. Are you by any chance an NPC from Animal Crossing? The nonsense nicknames remind me of the game...
I meant no offense, sunshine. Why would I try to insult anyone here, especially when you and other forum members are so friendly.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 23:10:29
I don't recommend RPGMaker. It's only really useful for making early to mid 90s style JRPGs. It's great if you don't want to do any programming at all, have no graphics skills, and want turn based battles. If you want anything else, you're better off with other engines. GDevelop is good if you want to make a very simple platformer. Following a tutorial, you can make one within an hour. It probably could be used to make the type of adventure game you described. But not so sure about a beat em up...
In that case I don't think these engines will be helpful. Simplicity is not quite what I seek for. I ask others for support and advice, but that doesn't mean I'm up to something primitive. Open source projects, plugins and modules can make things easier, but they won't rid me of the necessity to learn the engine and coding.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sat 01/06/2019 23:10:29
Edit: I recommend listening to Crimson Wizard more than me.
I'm just a beginner, so listening to everyone and anyone willing to help is important.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 15:03:27
I've realized that you've been vague enough about what you want to do that many of the answers may not be as useful as they could have been.
Not really. I specified the two games that serve as inspiration to me. Have you played The Cat Lady and the very first Prince of Persia? I could be wrong with terminology again, but for me both are side=scrollers. You have keyboard control and see the characters move sideways. Actually there was even a simple shooting scene in The Cat Lady. The hero in Prince of Persia 1989 has to jump over pitfalls, avoid traps and occasionally drink some liguids that restore his energy. He also fights with enemies. In the big game project I'd like level 1 to be adventure game with lots of conversations, puzzles and collecting/using objects, level 2 - a platformer with running through a maze and level 3 - fighting.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 15:03:27
What kind of platformer are you wanting to make? Just walking and jumping? Or are there going to be attacks and/or powerups?
And what kind of beat em up?
Let's say shooting in one scene and attacking enemies with punches and kicks like they do in martial arts. Nothing really sophisticated, though.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 15:03:27
If you're wanting something really simplistic, then I could provide you with a base this week.
What kind of a base?
To
Slasher:
Quote from: Slasher on Sun 02/06/2019 13:53:41
Fire up AGS... Select Serra Style Template, give your game a name and start creating your first game...
Select resolution size and filter (say 3d9) 32 bit.
Make it a short one roomed game and long enough to get the hang of how AGS works.
Create a background and a character (create and import from a paint program) and maybe an object or 2.
Use the built-in help files to assist with the coding. You will find many functions and commands. You will also see examples...
AGS uses its own scripting so you only need to add as the examples suggest.
Use your imagination to make a short scene... usually trying to find the key to a locked door.
Above all... study the help manual for the things you want to do..
When you are happy with the result you can then think about whether you want to use AGS or not for future games.
Along your journey ask us for help you may need.
Suck it and see...Taste and try.....
Looks like a full comprehensive plan, sugar)
Thank you for this: "
Along your journey ask us for help you may need".
Quote from: Slasher on Sun 02/06/2019 13:53:41
Author of over 60 games...
8-0 Heavens!
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sun 02/06/2019 19:21:38
I meant no offense, sunshine. Why would I try to insult anyone here, especially when you and other forum members are so friendly.
In that case I don't think these engines will be helpful. Simplicity is not quite what I seek for. I ask others for support and advice, but that doesn't mean I'm up to something primitive. Open source projects, plugins and modules can make things easier, but they won't rid me of the necessity to learn the engine and coding.
Not really. I specified the two games that serve as inspiration to me. Have you played The Cat Lady and the very first Prince of Persia? I could be wrong with terminology again, but for me both are side=scrollers. You have keyboard control and see the characters move sideways. Actually there was even a simple shooting scene in The Cat Lady. The hero in Prince of Persia 1989 has to jump over pitfalls, avoid traps and occasionally drink some liguids that restore his energy. He also fights with enemies. In the big game project I'd like level 1 to be adventure game with lots of conversations, puzzles and collecting/using objects, level 2 - a platformer with running through a maze and level 3 - fighting.
Let's say shooting in one scene and attacking enemies with punches and kicks like they do in martial arts. Nothing really sophisticated, though.
What kind of a base?
I wasn't suggesting it was an insult... Just weird. Especially patty. I'll assume something was lost in translation.
Yeah. Especially for what I think you're wanting. Plugins and such can help, but you'd still need to fill in the specifics.
No, I haven't played either. I played a little bit of one of the Sands of Time trilogy, but only when my ex made me play parts she thought were too hard. And I've played a tiny bit of some Android version. But no Cat Lady at all.
If you're not wanting any combo moves or such, then it shouldn't be too hard.
A base as in a game project that's a demo of the things you're wanting. You could use it for learning or modify it for your full game or whatever.
So far I've worked a couple of hours using a reconstructed background using screenshots from Prince of Persia. I have basic walking and jumping as well as being able to jump from one ledge to another if you're standing in the right spot. Simple fighting and simple shooting should be fairly easy using collision. It's refinements and enemy AI that's where things start getting more difficult.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 19:43:39
I'll assume something was lost in translation.
My English is bad.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 19:43:39
Plugins and such can help, but you'd still need to fill in the specifics.
Absolutely.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 19:43:39
But no Cat Lady at all.
The Cat Lady was coded with AGS by Rem Michalski and James Spanos. https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1628/
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 19:43:39
A base as in a game project that's a demo of the things you're wanting. You could use it for learning or modify it for your full game or whatever.
So far I've worked a couple of hours using a reconstructed background using screenshots from Prince of Persia. I have basic walking and jumping as well as being able to jump from one ledge to another if you're standing in the right spot. Simple fighting and simple shooting should be fairly easy using collision.
Wait, are you saying you've coded a demo of a character walking in the maze and jumping from one edge to another? Willing to share here on the forum?
Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 02/06/2019 19:43:39
It's refinements and enemy AI that's where things start getting more difficult.
Have you tested the script module that Crimson Wizard linked to, PLATENG? Is there enemy AI? Is enemy AI some piece of code that makes bad guy characters attack the hero randomly?
Quote from: Indra Anagram on Sun 02/06/2019 23:05:14
The Cat Lady was coded with AGS by Rem Michalski and James Spanos. https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1628/
Wait, are you saying you've coded a demo of a character walking in the maze and jumping from one edge to another? Willing to share here on the forum?
Have you tested the script module that Crimson Wizard linked to, PLATENG? Is there enemy AI? Is enemy AI some piece of code that makes bad guy characters attack the hero randomly?
I've heard of The Cat Lady and seen it on GoG before, but had no idea it was an AGS game.
No. There is no maze. And not willing to on the forum. If you really wanted I'd send it to you directly, though. But I think you'd be better off learning the basics of AGS first. And by that time I could probably have things more refined.
Nope. Hadn't heard of it until yesterday.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Mon 03/06/2019 13:16:02
I've heard of The Cat Lady and seen it on GoG before, but had no idea it was an AGS game.
Actually it was TCL that caused me to look toward AGS. Just didn't know if it was possible to do other things beside adventure games. That's why I posted here.
Quote from: VampireWombat on Mon 03/06/2019 13:16:02
If you really wanted I'd send it to you directly, though. But I think you'd be better off learning the basics of AGS first. And by that time I could probably have things more refined.
Okay. I really need to understand the engine first. Let's keep in touch.
Thank you, gem!