Thread: First attempt at tetris clone...which api should I use?

  1. #1
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    Question First attempt at tetris clone...which api should I use?

    I know pretty much the basics of the C++ language and think I am ready to start making graphical games. I have been making text based rpgs for some time now. I am just curious as to what API should I use. Win32, Allegro, OpenGL, DirectX....I know it's preference but what would be eaiser? I am not to interested in which has more options I just want to get the basics of making a tetris clone down. I know almost nothing about Windows programming and even less about the other 3.
    Knowledge is power and I want it all

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    I'd suggest looking into SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer). It's cross-platform (though I have no idea if you'd even care about that) and doesn't just encompass graphics - it can also take care of your sound needs and whatnot.

    Some of the references I used are linked to from http://www.libsdl.org/tutorials.php, but I'm sure somebody else out there (if they're even agreeing on SDL :P) could link you somewhere even better. They should be a good start, at least.

    G'luck!
    psychobrat at gmail

  3. #3
    The Reel Thing
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    A really good engine that I've used, and would reccommend for beginners is Irrlicht (http://irrlicht.sourceforge.net). It's capable of 2D, and 3D graphics, XML parsing, has loads of other features, and is really easy to learn. I've been using it for about 2 weeks, and I'm already pretty comfortable with it.
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    Registered User Queatrix's Avatar
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    It would help to learn more about the basics of Win32 before moving to OpenGL or DirectX.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cool-August
    It would help to learn more about the basics of Win32 before moving to OpenGL or DirectX.
    DirectX maybe but it's not nessessary for OpenGL

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cool-August
    It would help to learn more about the basics of Win32 before moving to OpenGL or DirectX.
    Cool, thanks for the tip. I eventually plan to move onto which ever of those two I don't choose (if I choose one of those). What would you consider the basics of Win32 api? I just recently got a hold of "Programming Windows Fifth Edition" by Charles Petzold and its a doosey, almost 2000 pages in a hard back cover makes this thing look like a monsters. I just read a chapter called "The Basics" and the only thing it talked about was how to create a window and how each line of code worked.
    Knowledge is power and I want it all

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  7. #7
    Registered User Queatrix's Avatar
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    Okay, maybe I was not clear about that, more than just the "bare bone basics". I meant become very associated with it.

    Edit: I mean, become associated with it to the point that if when you use it with your DirectX programming, it will be like, no problem.
    Last edited by Queatrix; 10-11-2005 at 01:27 PM.

  8. #8
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    I think SDL is a great (and the best) choice because after learning it, you can incorperate it into OpenGL when you move onto that. Plus its a good library.

    You would need to read maybe 2 short tutorials on win32 programming before moving onto OpenGL, but I'm not sure about DirectX. I personally wouldnt choose Irrlicht because its not an API, and I believe knowing an API is more useful than an engine. Allegro? well.. its an less-so popular API, with less useful abilities, so I wouldnt waste my time.
    Warning: Have doubt in anything I post.

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