Topic: Lovecraftian 2d platformer?

[ThePerm]

I've been wanting to make a game for years. I am fully capable on the art side. Programming for games never worked out for me though. I just want to make a simple fun 2d platformer. Is there a programmer around that can help? I have messed around with countless editors and engines, I just want someone to help me make something of what would be our own.

[azeke]

It was done. In fact, i'm playing it right now!





But all luck to your project.

[ShyGuy]

What editors have you tried? I played a bit with Scratch but it was way too simple.

[ThePerm]

The point was I didn't want to use anybody elses software. I've used: Starcraft World Editor, Warcraft Editor, RPG Maker 95, Game maker, Hammer(worldcraft), LORD 2 editor, THe Tony Hawk 2 Level Editor, Minecraft, WWF attitude Character Editor, THe Sims, Unity SDK, Spore, an smb level editor for emulators, photoshop, cinema4d, maya, python, 3d studios max, zbrush, Softimage, Doom WAd editor, Wolfenstein files, milk shape 3d, You name it if it came with a map editor or a character editor then I messed with it. I'll mess with scratch right now, but the point is making something I can sell.

[ShyGuy]

What did you think of Unity?

I've found I don't have the right mindset for programming. I just can't get lost in the code for 8 hours at a time.

[ThePerm]

When you download the unity engine you get some huge island level, which runs amazingly on a low end pc. I was able to import some stuff into the level from cinema4d. Imported pretty easily. While I was at it I ported some palm trees from the Unity engine to the source engine.

[ShyGuy]

I wish Notch had built a game level creator instead of an online trading card game. It seemed like a natural extension from Minecraft.

[ThePerm]

i kinda have an ambitious idea for a game editor myself, but thats going to take some good programmers, and some rebels too.

[Morari]

Game editors aren't necessarily a path toward anything other than custom maps. If you're lucky, some will allow for surface level modding. But even then, you're bound by what code is actually available, you immediately limit your audience to those that own the base game, and you often times can't sell your product if you want.

Sadly, artists are common place. Coders are in much higher demand due to scarcity. Unless you have something to show for yourself, you'll never attract a decent coder. You'd be much better off finding a way to bang out the code yourself. A side-scrolling platformer is just about as basic as you can get. There's certainly nothing wrong with that, as some of the best games ever are simple platformers. In fact, the simplicity of design may be to your benefit.

Have you looked into the Unreal Development Kit? It's pretty robust, but is so well documented that even a beginner could jump in with a little reading. The support network, bot official and otherwise, is fantastic. Plus, the EULA allows you, the creator, to sell your game for a fairly reasonable price.

Otherwise, you could look into older game engines that have been open sourced. For example, all of Id Software's engines are available now, right up to Doom 3. While they may not be a natural fit for a side-scroller, it has been done. Again, the community support is great for things like Id Tech 3 and the Dark Places offshoot of Quake's engine.

[ThePerm]

one of the main reason a 2d platformer is appealing is because my computer system runs modern engines very poorly. Also, hammering out a 2d platformer sounds like a good starter project for an indy group. I hear all these indy games get made, but i never seem to be able to lach onto a group like that. I can't seem to find the help.

[ThePerm]

well screw 2d platformer. I have a few tables and a skeleton that chases me. I almost built the combat system similar to Eternal Darkness.

[ShyGuy]

O RLY

Tell us more.

[ThePerm]

ill post screenshots sometime


the way i have it is you can press a button to select a skeleton and then i have it so i can click a check box to select a body part, but i havent combine the two yet.

the skeleton follows you around, i need to animate an attack animation.
theres a wall a table and a lamp  and a ramp. Creepy textures and lighting. I made some john carpenter-esque music.

actually if you remember those screenshots i made for eternal darkness mafia, im using the same lamp and table.