Need Partners (D&D fan preferably)

Printable View

10-01-2008
C_ntua

Need Partners (D&D fan preferably)

I was just trying to learn C++ so I started creating a D&D (4th Edition) character builder, since it is a good example to learn classes and stuff. But now I am tempted to actually make it working, meaning to be able to create a character, move and fight an encounter normally.
I have almost finished the code needed to create a character, the board and the appropriate functions needed for the characters to act. But it is kind of bigger than I thought. So I would like to cooperate with more people to finish it. Mostly I would like the experience in working together with other programmers to accomplish the project.

What I want exactly is for someone to create a graphic interface for the code I have.
Then we also need code for all the powers and feats. I have a basic code how to accomplish this, but writing all of the powers and feats might take some time. But if 2-3 people are interested it wont be a big deal.

So whoever is interested can post here :)
10-02-2008
Raigne

I am willing to coordinate with you on this. I am a fan of D&D, am avidly learning DirectX, so just let me know I guess.
10-02-2008
C_ntua

Well, I need a couple of days to finish completely the code and organize it a bit in order to be readable (things came up, didn't really have much time).

Generally, I am thinking something simple. Like a window that is divided in 3 sub-windows. One would be the screen, the other a text output and the third a text input. Like:

-------------------------
SCREEN | INFO
|
-------------------------
OUT
-------------------------
IN
-------------------------

Currently mine is printing at the console. So the function will have to change. I ll finish the details to make sure everything will be ok and I ll post here the code with some basic explanations :)
10-03-2008
Raigne

What is the purpose of the in/out windows?
10-03-2008
VirtualAce

Sort of like this?
10-04-2008
C_ntua

Yeah. The out box would be the "game" talking to the player. Like "missed". "Welcome". "Select your weapon". And stuff like that. Or in my version, when you want to attack for example it prompts you to choose your weapon. That information should be displayed in a OUT box.

Of course this solution is to make it more simple, so that its window displays certain things. The inventory box maybe the only one that has multiple functions, like displaying the itesm or the stats or the powers depending on the command given. I ll probably have the first code ready in less than a day so we can work from there.
10-04-2008
C_ntua

Well, I believe this code should suffice to see what I have done
Here are some explanations for the graphics:
-There is an array of Object* pointers. This is the board. Every enemy, heroe, tree etc etc is an Object object. Every Object has a symbol which is displayed on the screen. In the graphic mode the symbol should be an image or a shape with fixed dimensions equal to one "square".
-The repaint() function prints the board and everything on it. This has to be changed probably in the graphic mode.
-Every cout has to replaced with code to print on the windows.
-The command system is always choose from a list. Like "1. Standard, 2.Move, 3.Minor". You choose 1. Afterwards you choose your standard action etc etc. This can be changed with buttons. Buttons will be better generally. They will need some more code, but they might make simpler the options.
-The command window with or w/o buttons will probably have to be enabled only when it is the players turn.
-The movement on the map will probably be utilized with the arrow keys (no diagonal move). Instead of that it can be done by clicking on the map.

Now, I haven't yet write code about how the feats and powers will work. So if anybody has an idea please feel free to share. What I think is this.
First of all, the powers and feats and generally the other abilities will be objects. The character object will have std::vector s that will store them.
The character will have an attack() function. This attack function will have default values to work as a basic attack. The power will be able to call the attack() function through a use() function which will fill accordingly the parameters. Like selecting the attack stat, the defense, extra attack, different damage etc etc. If it has a secondary attack it will call attack() twice. Now if the power doesn't make an attack or is an utility it will have to be written by scratch.
Now, the abilities (like race traits) and feats are a bit more tricky. I can't find a general way to use them. The only thing I think will be appropriate is for each trait/feat have a keyword. So when you call attack() that can search the trait list and if the keyword is "Damage" or "AttacK" it will add those bonuses. It will actually call a use() function that will return the appropriate values if some requirements are met. Like call "Attack" and have the right weapon equipped to benefit from a Weapon Focus.
If the trait adds a bonus to the second wind for example, as the dwarf, then it will replace the second wind (which will be simulated as a standard power) power from the list with a different one. Or something like that.
Any ideas on that?
10-04-2008
Elysia

A quick run through your code reveals a number of bad things.
Firstly, you should hide your variables inside the class. If you don't want to bother with get/set, this may help:

Code:

#ifndef UtilityMember_h__ #define UtilityMember_h__ #include <boost/type_traits.hpp> #include "FriendTemplateClass.h" namespace Stuff { template<typename T> struct ParamType { typedef typename boost::remove_cv < typename boost::remove_const < typename boost::remove_pointer < typename boost::remove_reference<T>::type >::type >::type >::type BasicType; }; template<typename T, bool IsFundamental> struct ParamPolicyInternal // IsFundamental = false { typedef typename boost::add_const < typename boost::add_reference<typename ParamType<T>::BasicType>::type > ::type Type; }; template<typename T> struct ParamPolicyInternal<T, true> { typedef typename ParamType<T>::BasicType Type; }; template<typename T> struct ParamPolicy: public ParamPolicyInternal<T, boost::is_fundamental<T>::value> { }; #define Template \ template \ < \ typename Type, \ typename Class = Dummy<Type>, \ typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type (Class::* GetFunction)() = &Dummy<Type>::GetFunction, \ void (Class::* SetFunction)(typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type) = &Dummy<Type>::SetFunction \ > template < typename Type, typename Class, typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type (Class::* GetFunction)(), void (Class::* SetFunction)(typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type) > class CUtilityMemberSpecial { private: TYPE_FRIENDLY(Class); Class* m_pClass; typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type m_Data; public: CUtilityMemberSpecial(Class* pClass): m_pClass(pClass) { } CUtilityMemberSpecial(typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type NewData, Class* pClass) { Data = NewData; m_pClass = pClass; } CUtilityMemberSpecial& operator = (typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type NewData) { (m_pClass->*SetFunction)(NewData); return *this; } operator typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type () const { return (m_pClass->*GetFunction)(); } }; template<typename Type> class CUtilityMember { private: typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type m_Data; public: CUtilityMember() {} CUtilityMember(typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type NewData) { m_Data = NewData; } CUtilityMember& operator = (typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type NewData) { m_Data = NewData; return *this; } operator typename ParamPolicy<Type>::Type () const { return m_Data; } }; } #endif // UtilityMember_h__

CUtilityMember<int> m_AttackStrength;
Is all you have to do to hide it. Later, you can use CUtilityMemberSpecial if you want further customization. Better encapsulation. Good for the overall health of your code.

CAccessorie is actually spelled CAccessory.
Your BOARD should probably be boost::array (and not a pointer!). It will detect out-of-bounds for you. And is it really necrssary to make it a pointer?

readStr should really use std::getline instead of std::cin.getline.

Race should probably be an enum.
I don't know if it's a good idea to name the struct and the instance of the struct by the same name (skills).

And lastly, you have too much code and too little code that runs the game.
Take it easy. Write the code to run the game, and add utility code to support it as you go.
If you have to change something in your utility classes now, you may end up breaking all the code.
And you don't even know if the current system works! Another good reason to write actual code to test if before going berserk and adding all sorts of different code to make the "system" work.
10-04-2008
C_ntua

Yeah, you are absolutely right about the too much code. That is why actually I asked for some help, because I was writing the code just to learn C++, so I didn't bother writing code for it to actually be "playable", so I cannot really test it.
So if somebody writes an interface I will be able to test it and debug it accordingly.
And hope it won't go berserk :)

I don't fully understand the hiding of my variables. But that is of course of my lack of experience with templates, so I ll need to study what you posted first I guess :)

Yeah, it is not really a good idea. I will change the skills struct name.

I ll change the array into the boost::array since I see it is better, rather than a [][].
But, an array with what??? For example, when selecting a target I need to scan the board and find where is a valid target. Then I need to interact with that target's object. So I use a pointer. I cannot use a board with Object, since I want also to interact with objects from the derived classes of Object. There are alternatives, but I find this the simpler.

I will change cin.getline() with std::getline()...whats the difference though?

Well, I should have an enum for races and keywords. I have that in mind, I ll just do it in the end when I decide how much races will be playable.
10-04-2008
Elysia

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_ntua

Yeah, you are absolutely right about the too much code. That is why actually I asked for some help, because I was writing the code just to learn C++, so I didn't bother writing code for it to actually be "playable", so I cannot really test it.
So if somebody writes an interface I will be able to test it and debug it accordingly.
And hope it won't go berserk :)

If it's too much, perhaps start off with a console?

Quote:

I don't fully understand the hiding of my variables. But that is of course of my lack of experience with templates, so I ll need to study what you posted first I guess :)

The need is because - what if you at some time decide to manually "balance" other variables if you, for example, change the defense of a character?
Then you would need to change your code everywhere where you set the defense because one simple thing changed. Or, if you made a set function, you could change modify the function all you want, without having to change the code where you set the defense.
It's called encapsulation, because you can write changes without breaking the code that is dependant on it.
My get/set wrapper is a way to encapsulate without (again) changing your code.

You really don't need to understand how it works (but it would be a good idea), only that CUtilityMember expects the type of the variable.
So if you have

int x;

You can replace it with

CUtilityMember<int> x;

The CUtilityMemberSpecial wants the type, the class and get/set pointers. Here's how it can be done:

CUtilityMemberSpecial<int, Character, &Character::GetDefense, &Character::SetDefense) x;

And in the constructor, initialize it with the address of the class instance:

Character(): x(this)

Quote:

I ll change the array into the boost::array since I see it is better, rather than a [][].
But, an array with what??? For example, when selecting a target I need to scan the board and find where is a valid target. Then I need to interact with that target's object. So I use a pointer. I cannot use a board with Object, since I want also to interact with objects from the derived classes of Object. There are alternatives, but I find this the simpler.

There's a problem with this.
It's a pointer, so it requires you to allocate space for it.
So then, how do you know which position requires CObject, which requires CObjectDerived and CObjectDerived2?
It just won't work very well.

So you should make an array with a CObject or CBoard or something.

boost::array<boost::array<CObject, BOARDX+1>, BOARDX+1> BOARD;

Remember that the board should contain all useful functions that you need for the board.
You don't need several classes... just one.

Quote:

I will change cin.getline() with std::getline()...whats the difference though?

std::getline reads into a std::string instead of a char. It's more C++, and you shouldn't have to worry about providing a big enough buffer.

Quote:

Well, I should have an enum for races and keywords. I have that in mind, I ll just do it in the end when I decide how much races will be playable.

Well, fair enough I guess, but you're going to have to change your code later when you switch to an enum, and the faster you do it, the less code you have to change.
10-04-2008
C_ntua

The board of pointers won't allocate space. It will just point to the objects created. The rest will be NULL. Generally, no information is needed. Only the position, which is stored inside each Object. The board just keeps tracks of all the objects created. I could just use a vector<Object*> to do this.
But then if I want to move a character one space north, I would have to search the whole vector to see if another object is on the specific location. Now you just have to search if board[x_pos][y_pos] != NULL. It is kind of simpler.
Now, there are two ways for me to see if it is derived or not. One is to create every function of Character:Object as virtual to Object. The other is (which I use) to use the name of the Object in order to determine the derived class. Inanimated objects will just be Objects with names like "Tree", "Rock" etc etc. The heroes will be "Character", the enemies "Enemy" and things like that

Well, I have functions to set stats, like setDef(), setStat(). But I guess what you are saying is more general and would be better.

I don't understand though how what you propose will work. Like I do CUtilityMember<int> defense; Then if I want to change the defense what do I do? I understand the get/set concept, but I don't understand how this works with this specific method
10-04-2008
Elysia

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_ntua

The board of pointers won't allocate space. It will just point to the objects created. The rest will be NULL. Generally, no information is needed. Only the position, which is stored inside each Object. The board just keeps tracks of all the objects created. I could just use a vector<Object*> to do this.
But then if I want to move a character one space north, I would have to search the whole vector to see if another object is on the specific location. Now you just have to search if board[x_pos][y_pos] != NULL. It is kind of simpler.

I think I'm getting why you want pointers to this.
But I don't know if it's a viable method.
The problem is that you wouldn't know what type of object is stored at the location, so either you would need to know exactly what's stored, store some type information or use polymorphism.
Btw, you could simply create a function named is_empty() and call it to check if it's empty instead of checking if a pointer is NULL.

Quote:

Now, there are two ways for me to see if it is derived or not. One is to create every function of Character:Object as virtual to Object. The other is (which I use) to use the name of the Object in order to determine the derived class. Inanimated objects will just be Objects with names like "Tree", "Rock" etc etc. The heroes will be "Character", the enemies "Enemy" and things like that

Essentially, you mean that you "look up" the type and process the object accordingly?
Not the best design, but a better design would probably require some more advanced knowledge.

Quote:

I don't understand though how what you propose will work. Like I do CUtilityMember<int> defense; Then if I want to change the defense what do I do? I understand the get/set concept, but I don't understand how this works with this specific method

It's simple.

Code:

class Character { public: CUtilityMember<int> defense; }; int main() { Character c; c.defense = 10; // Set cout << c.defense; // Get }

No code changes at all. But the great part is that you can change this to another class later without breaking your code:

Code:

class Character { int Get() { cout << "Character::Get!"; return defense.Data; } void Set(int x) { cout << "Character::Set!"; defense.Data = x; } public: Character(): defense(this) { } CUtilityMember<int, Character, &Character::Get, &Character::Set> defense; }; int main() { Character c; c.defense = 10; // Set cout << c.defense; // Get }

Now you can customize HOW you want to do your getter and setter AND it won't break your original code (it will still compile!).
This is the power of getter and setters.
My class simply translates the syntax from .get() and .set(...) to .var = x and .var.
10-04-2008
VirtualAce

If you want to use my small framework you really don't need to know anything about MFC. I have functions that will output to each window.

You should, however, understand interfaces and how the objects talk to each other. In many instances you will need to derive from an interface to provide the underlying implementation of the interface. My interfaces describe the basic behavior and your code will implement that behavior as it relates to your game.

I'll put it all into DLLs and finish the interfaces if you want to use it. Right now it is set up for implicit linking but I can set it up for explicit linking so I can alter the DLL and essentially send you a revised version and you won't have to make any code changes.

There are far too many templates in that as it stands right now. You really don't need all of that.

I think you would need at least the following objects:

1. Stats class
2. Abstract character base class
3. Abstract game object base class (for items and such)
4. Inventory class
5. Map class
6. Room class
7. Parser class

When you start out you should be looking at the objects in terms of their behavior and not how they implement that behavior. Also if you don't want to hardcode your stats you will need to come up with something that is flexible enough for that.

Code:

class IStat { public: virtual ~IStat() { } virtual unsigned int getValue() const = 0; virtual void setValue(const unsigned int value) = 0; virtual void incrementValue(const unsigned int increment) = 0; virtual void decrementValue(const unsigned int decrement) = 0; virtual void clearValue() = 0; virtual void setMaxValue(const unsigned int max) = 0; virtual unsigned int getMaxValue() const = 0; virtual std::string getName() const = 0; virtual void setName(const std::string &name) = 0; }; struct CharacterStat { std::string name; unsigned int value; unsigned int maxValue; }; class IStatMgr { public: virtual ~IStatMgr() { } virtual bool addStat(const std::string &name,const CharacterStat &stat) = 0; virtual bool removeStat(const std::string &name) = 0; virtual CharacterStat &getStat() const = 0; virtual void getStat(const CharacterStat &stat) = 0; virtual void getAllStats(std::vector<CharacterStat> &stats) = 0; virtual void clearAllStats() = 0; virtual unsigned int getStatValue(const std::string &name) const = 0; virtual void setStatValue(const std::string &name,const unsigned int value) = 0; virtual void incrementStatValue(const std::string &name,const unsigned int increment) = 0; virtual void decrementStatValue(const std::string &name,const unsigned int decrement) = 0; virtual void clearStatValue(const std::string &name) = 0; };

This is just an idea of what your stats interfaces might look like. The IStatsMgr impl class would essentially just be a container for IStat objects. Each character then would have an IStatsMgr impl or you could centralize this in a CharacterMgr constainer class.

I think its very important to get a rudimentary design down on paper. It doesn't have to be fancy or tried and true UML but it should illustrate the relationships between objects. As well it will help you later when actually coding when you feel as if you have hit a brick wall. Remember - in design you want to look at the objects in terms of their behavior not how they actually implement that behavior. This approach will help you design your system.
10-05-2008
C_ntua

Thanks for the ideas. I ll try to utilize them at one point. Kind of busy at the moment but I ll post here when I am ready :)
10-23-2008
Dae

Sorry to poke my head in here, but if you want to learn the concept behind Elysia's CUtilityMember, here's an example without the templates.

aka setters and getters
aka accessors
aka encapsulation
aka information hiding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_hiding
http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/j...on.html?page=1

Purpose: If you change the internals of the class, you don't want it to effect clients using that class. If you use simple variables, and later find out you need to validate, or process that variable before it's used, you have a problem. The variables are directly accessed from memory, but you need a function call. This is why you see functions such as getLength, setLength, getName, setName, getDistance, setDistance. You might want to check the name against something before allowing it, or do something else with it. In getDistance you would want to calculate the distance between some points. Instead of calling is calculateDistance, you abstract the fact it's calculated, because other classes don't need to know that - it's not important to them - they just want the return value, and call it getDistance. At the same time we can avoid the hassle of typing getDistance all the time and overload the = operator and access operator.

main.h

Code:

class Latitude { private: int Data; // wrapped variable public: Latitude(); // constructor public: Latitude operator=(int data); operator int() const; }; struct Point { Latitude Lat; int Lang; // instead of using a basic int variable, convert to it's own class wrapper };

main.cpp

Code:

#include <iostream> #include "main.h" Latitude::Latitude() : Data(0) { } Latitude Latitude::operator =(int data) { // only allow latitudes between 0 and 255 if(data > 0 && data < 255) this->Data = data; return *this; } Latitude::operator int() const { return this->Data; } int main() { Point *p = new Point(); p->Lat = 500; // ignored std::cout << p->Lat << std::endl; // 0 p->Lat = 200; // works std::cout << p->Lat << std::endl; // 200 return 0; }

The purpose of the templates is to be generic, allowing you to turn your variable into a getter/setter class any time you want.

Note that none of this is really necessary until you run into a problem, or need to calculate one of your variables before it's used (such as distance) and don't want to both with getDistance/setDistance. Otherwise you can ignore this stuff for now, and easily add it later.
10-23-2008
VirtualAce

Closed. Please don't bump old threads.

EDIT:

Re-opened to see if there is still any interest in the topic.
10-27-2008
C_ntua

Thanks Dae. I fully understand know and is indeed very useful!

Sorry for the delay of the topic. Didn't have time before to continue with my project.

Well, lately, I've been studying C#, just to close my knowledge of C,C++,Java,C#. So, naturally, I tried to create again a game, to get used to C#/Visual Studio and Windows.Forms.

So, I re-created the code, this time in C#.

So, if anybody is STILL interested, I ll post the project I created. Basically, now I have the graphics and most of the code. But a lot of things still are needed. I make this post if anybody is interested to help and/or just view another (rather bad?) code.

Though, note these:
1) The code is not perfect. My purpose is to have some working code and then make it perfect if I see to it. Even though I read Dae's notes for example, I didn't use them in my code. I would like to explain myself, not to seem that I ignore good advice. Basically, I am not that big of a fan of OOP. I like having a rich library as .NET to work with, but when it comes to simple things I like the variable-based approach, in which you can make lots of lots of little nasty bugs. So you will see that most of the stuff are public, no set/get etc etc
2) You don't have to read all the code to make sense. My job is to create the basic code, I need help though to writing the code for all the powers, classes, feats etc etc.

So, first let me explain a bit the code and files:
1) base.cs: In this file there is the basic classes. Like Character, Game, Weapon etc etc
2) Power.cs: In this file there are all the powers. I have made the powers as this. I have a class Power and which will have a lot of static functions. Those functions are accessed from a delegate list in the Character class. Here I would like some help. There are a lot of powers in the game and if anybody is really interested it would be most welcome if he/she can write a power or two.
3) Item.cs: Here will be the items created. I will create weapons for starters. If anybody can add a few weapons again most welcome.
4) The rest....

Some things to note:
1) So far you can move and attack. You move by pressing Move button. Then you use the arrows. You have 4 steps to make. You can cancel the move with <space>. You attack with the Standard (action) button. You double click on the target and some message should be displayed in the down-textBox. You have one character and one dummy target.
2) In order to add to the powers look at the basicMelee attack. Something similar should be done with the rest of the powers. Note that there are not restrictions of what the power can/should change. If for example a power moves a character it will directly move it. If it lowers its str it will character.str -= something. Also note that an ArrayList is passed to the power functions. This should contain everything necessary for the power. If a lot of thing need to be decided you can make something like a wrap function. Something that asks for the player to enter input and pass that input to an actual power fucntion through the ArrayList.

Also, class and race and other stuff are not added yet. They don't need to be added at this point. Basically they will update the already existing stuff of the character, nothing else. So powers can be written even though classes don't exist. If you need more variables add them to the Character class, preferably with a comment so I know what is added and postback the code.

Of course if anybody wants to make suggestions about the code, again most welcome. Thank you for you time...:)

EDIT: I uploded a .txt file, which is really a .rar file. I hope there is no problem with this...
EDIT2: If anybody is interested, post here before you create/change anything. Because at that point I might have already changed some minor things.
10-27-2008
Raigne

Just thought I would throw in a few things for the hell of it.

1) Don't let the character attack itself.
2) Do not allow window resizing(or set up to handle it correctly)
10-28-2008
Elysia

Hey, that is discrimination. What if the characters wants to attack themselves? ;)
10-28-2008
Raigne

What if he doesn't want to attack himself and accidently clicks the wrong target?
10-28-2008
Elysia

What if he accidentally attacks the wrong enemy? Or heals the enemy?
Point being, sometimes someone wants to attack him/herself... and sometimes you want to heal an enemy.
Be careful of what you do and you will be fine!
10-28-2008
Raigne

I hate to be argumentative, but where(or better yet why) would someone want to attack themselves, or heal an enemy. ( I can understand healing a npc, but not a enemy )
10-28-2008
Elysia

Now that is just the thing - who are YOU to stop the player from doing what he/she wants?
I have found, sometimes, in games, that I want to attack my own characters, or my character him/herself. Why stop it?
10-28-2008
Raigne

Because being able to attack yourself is a nuisance in most cases. Say you have 1hp and you accidentally attack yourself. Now you just died because of a unnecessary addition to the game.
10-28-2008
Elysia

Then do not attack yourself! This is game control issue!
You should not accidentally attack yourself - and if you do, it is the controls' fault.
However, I would still retain the idea of being able to do so, with the proper use of controls. So that I am aware of what I am doing.
10-28-2008
Raigne

I agree with you Elysia. I just don't think it should be as simple as a single-click to attack yourself is what I am trying to say.
10-28-2008
Elysia

There we might agree...
10-28-2008
Dae

Looks like a good start.

Switching to C# is a good idea anyway, merely to get the ball rolling. I decided to start my first C#.NET application a few days ago for that very reason.

Similar syntax, quick, powerful, and less mess (the only thing I dislike is requiring .NET installed). For example you now have the power of that whole accessor (set/get) abstraction called properties in C#, as you may have seen.

Code:

public varType varName { get { return this.var; } //do something protective or productive here set { this.var = value; } //do something protective or productive here }

Are you going to continue with the basic old-school D&D feel graphics, or you wanted help with 2D graphics (gameboy, snes, ff3, etc.). You might want to look into XNA. Although it's primary pitch is for Xbox game development, it's the replacement for MDX (Managed DirectX). As such, you can start up one of those projects, ditch the auto-created class, attach the graphics device to a panel in your WinForms and just use the library/content pipeline for graphics (they have tutorials for this). The content pipeline is an easy-to-use way to incorporate 2D images, 3D fx, audio, etc.

There's a tutorial here which I followed and had me running a simple Mario game in a few hours: http://www.xnadevelopment.com/tutorials.shtml

Speaking of properties, while following that tutorial I changed their code a little to show another way properties can be useful. A simple efficiency tweak in game creation is instead of re-calculating variables every time something is changed (which can happen rapidly), recalculate them when something is changed AND it's requested. In order to do that you have bools (or bits - efficient/convenient) and would use getVar/setVar in C++, a new wrapper class for the variable in C++ (or use a templated class), or the simple property syntax in C# (which also exists in Visual C++ btw, Microsoft's version of C++):

Code:

// source private Rectangle source; private bool sourceChanged = false; public Rectangle Source { get { return this.source; } set { this.source = value; this.sourceChanged = true; } } // scale private float scale = 1.0f; private bool scaleChanged = false; public float Scale { get { return this.scale; } set { this.scale = value; this.scaleChanged = true; } } // size - recalculate if either scale or source change private Rectangle size; public Rectangle Size { get { if (this.scaleChanged || this.sourceChanged) this.size = new Rectangle(0, 0, (int)(this.source.Width * this.scale), (int)(this.source.Height * this.scale)); return this.size; } set { this.size = value; } }

That can be extended one further and check if this.source != value before saying it's been changed. Also noticed you would need to put scaleChanged and sourceChanged back to false afterwards, which is another reason bitwise is more convenient.

I might be interested in helping out with graphics and overall if you are going to use XNA or DirectX, because I need the experience for my other projects (which are 3D).
10-28-2008
Akkernight

Why? I'd play that game non-stop just to attack myself... :P
10-28-2008
Dae

I attack myself in real life, sometimes...

I shouldn't be restricted from doing so in a game. How unrealistic is that?! :P

It's the whole 'friendly-fire' deal, which you could have an option to turn off/on.
10-28-2008
VirtualAce

Quote:

...or the simple property syntax in C# (which also exists in Visual C++ btw, Microsoft's version of C++):

What? Properties in C++? Please do tell. Or were you saying that C# exists in VC++ b/c that statement is just as incorrect. C# exists in Microsoft Visual Studio. If you are saying the property syntax exists in C++ .NET that is a different story than just C++. Also C# also is no longer owned by Microsoft since they handed it over to ECMA for standardization.
10-28-2008
Dae

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubba

What? Properties in C++? Please do tell. Or were you saying that C# exists in VC++ b/c that statement is just as incorrect. C# exists in Microsoft Visual Studio. If you are saying the property syntax exists in C++ .NET that is a different story than just C++. Also C# also is no longer owned by Microsoft since they handed it over to ECMA for standardization.

I'm saying Microsoft's C++ compiler has some alterations (compared to GCC) that allow for "properties" as we know them.

http://blogs.msdn.com/ericflee/archi...ties-in-c.aspx

Pretty sure I've seen better get/set C++ examples in the MSDN docs. A tad messy, but none-the-less VC++ has some interesting differences/extensions from standard C++. I'd prefer it was all standardized though. Would be cool if Window's kernal was designed more like Unix, in regards to sockets, threads, etc. and used POSIX. Then ditch Microsoft's compiler, win32, and cross-compatibility and standardization would be a whole lot less messy.
10-29-2008
Elysia

Wow! Never knew there was such a thing. It really stings that it is not standardized but... oh well. Still, I am already loving this.
11-02-2008
C_ntua

Oh, this is still active? I forgot about it :P

Well, I want to inform that I am in a good point in my program. I almost finished the whole game mechanic. I haven't added classes and feats yet, so I am not 100% sure everything will work. I don't plan the whole thing. I just make code and hopes it works (bad practice, but planning something non-profitable is bad practice also...)

So, in a few days I believe I will post a code that works. It will let you create a game, place the characters. The characters will be able to equip basic weapons and armory. And they will have races but not classes yet. No feats yet and the terrain/hiding system is not yet fully supported. Only cover...

I put some minor rules in the game, that differ from the original. Doesn't change the game experience, I just had to decide somethings:
1) You move with the arrows. No going back. If your characters moves he moved
2) Every distance is measured vertically/horizontally. No diagonals. Counting a diagonal space as 1 square is wrong in 4th. The 0.5 square of 3E was better. You can still attack 1 square diagonally though, for character to have more control.
3) You have two ways of targeting. Target a character you see, or manually choose a square and hope you hit something. As for attacking yourself. Well, why note? It helps me debug :P. But, generally I will let everybody do whatever they want, as long as it is legal. Of course, when an ally passes from an adjacent space you won't be able to make an attack of opportunity. But you can target him with your own powers if you want.
4) A more serious decision is when do you lose your action. Generally when you do something you will lose your action (standard,move or minor), like targeting a character out of range, using ranged attack with a melee weapon. If though, you cannot see a square you won't lose action targeting it. Generally the rule is whatever the character can do, he can do.
5) There are no squares :P I ll admit I didn't put them because I don't know which control to use. There has to be a table... The characters DO move and target squares, they are just not visible to the user. I actually liked the idea. It is more realistic. Characters cannot count distance that accurately. So you can target a fireball but maybe miss 1 of the 10 enemies you wanted to burn. You will know if somebody is 5 squares away but not that accurately if he is 40 squares away.
7) You will choose your close blast area by selecting an adjacent square and a direction. The origin space will be one corner and the direction will determine the upper corner. Not sure this is the best method. If it is an area blast, you will choose with the mouse the origin square and with the keyboard the direction. The wall will be utilized by selecting one-by-one the squares with the arrows.
8) Some minor things that might not work exactly as the rules.
9) Characters invisible will be invisible for the opponent. I will make them blink when you "notice" them but not see them.

That is all. When I am done with the main game some effects can be added and generally make the game more nice.

As for better graphics, Dae, we can think about that after everything else is finished. The code is not much depended on the existing graphics. It just uses some PictureBoxes for the characters and changes there location and disables them/changes color if the character dies.

Yeah, the board shouldn't resize. But that is up to the user. It handles what it needs to handle to work proberly when the board moves.

As a final note I want to say that making a game is MUCH harder than I though. There are a lot small details in D&D that make it easy to mess up. Now I understand why games like Neverwinter Nights have SO many bugs when it comes to the game mechanics. Though they and only they are to blame...

At last, I would STILL like some help with the code. But not now. I will make every game mechanic ready and bug-less (hahaha..bug-less...HAHAHA) and then it will be fairly easy to people to add feats and powers. And in the end monsters. If somebody is interested now he can add classes, which will be a bit more challenging, but won't require to know everything int the code either.

I ll post the game when it is ready, after I do some testing. Hopefully you will play it and tell me some bugs I missed.
11-02-2008
C_ntua

Also, I want to note that I actually use get/set now a lot (thanks for the advise). They were a lifesaver, because I actually had to check and change somethings for example when somebody modifies somebody else's Hit Points. Like check if he died, if he is bloodied etc etc. Or change the maximum HP when the CON changes and things like that. And some more polymorphism which was essential. As for delegates, they are really usefull

Also, I have this.One character class and races that derive from them. How should I make the character classes? They could be functions that change a character, but I would prefer if they where classes, but I cannot think of a possible way. Of course I could make a character class class for every race...
11-03-2008
Elysia

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_ntua

Also, I want to note that I actually use get/set now a lot (thanks for the advise). They were a lifesaver, because I actually had to check and change somethings for example when somebody modifies somebody else's Hit Points. Like check if he died, if he is bloodied etc etc. Or change the maximum HP when the CON changes and things like that. And some more polymorphism which was essential. As for delegates, they are really usefull...

That is why we have get/set! So of course they are very useful ;)
Also, I think you are jumping too far ahead of yourself. You should probably work out the classes and design them before you move, because there is nothing worse than if you see that the current framework or structure you have does not work and have to redo it.
Start with a good basic structure and evolve it from there!

And as they all say... take it easy and do it in steps and thoroughly test it before moving on, and you will not get so much headaches (oh, how I know those ones!)...
11-03-2008
C_ntua

Good advise, but too late now :P

I have finished creating the game with races and (some) weapons. How to use:
1) Rename the files without the .txt. One is a .rar that has everything and the other is the .exe file
2) There are a few files. In the "Form1" file there is a function called "test". There you can create the game as you like.
3) You move with the arrows and stop your movement with the space. You can shift your character by pressing "s" and then move with arrows.
4) Basically when you have to choose a square you place your mouse somewhere and press <Enter> and the appropriate button is pressed.
5) You enter strings, like when you select your name, in the right textbox. The bottom textbox shows what happens to the game.

Please test the game and tell whatever bugs there are. Haven't tested it a lot, it works on some simple scenarios (except some errors in calculations).

Thanx for your time!
11-04-2008
Dae

Yikes, just came back from a crash. Thought Firefox was frozen, but found dd.exe consuming 100% cpu. It's not exiting properly, there was 2 running. (I ran it twice because it doesn't seem to work- just keeps saying player is off the board or something).
11-04-2008
Raigne

I had the same problem. I couldn't get it to create a character, and doesn't exit properly.
11-05-2008
C_ntua

Hmm. Is there a way to make it exit properly? Except of handling every possible exception that is...
I am making at the moment a character creation screen because the old one was just... awful. Sorry, should have made this first so it will be easier for people to start the game. I ll finish it and post the code here and on the "Post your games here..." section.

Now, you will be able to create a simple character normally on a character sheet (nothing fancy though)
11-05-2008
Raigne

Im not very good at C# but, my assumption is you are handling the exit event wrong for the window.

You could force exit.
Can I possibly get the code from you, and I can look through it and see if I can find the error.
11-05-2008
C_ntua

OK, done for now.
1) You should be able to create simply a creature now. Here are some quick instructions just in case:
-- MAX PLAYERS 3! (even though technically I say 4. So 2 vs 1 is acceptable but not 2 vs 2)
--In the beginning, you enter number of teams, for each team a name and number of players.
--After that the tab should change and you should go to the character sheet. Note: the character is initialized by selecting a Race!
2) After you are done creating all characters (saved with the Save button) and placing each one of them on the board, you will go to the arena tab and fight to death.
--You should be able to change tabs and view the current character.
--You can change/equip weapons by Actions-->Simple-->Switch weapons. You currently have a longsword and longbow to check both Basic Melee and Basic Ranged At-will powers/actions.
--You have to press End Turn to end a turn. If the player playing is unconious this wil be done automatically.
--The game ends when only one pawn is alive. Dead pawns should be white/grey. Unconcious ones pink (though this might not work).

Enjoy and again report bugs. You should be able to finish a normal game. Also, tell me generally if you like it or not

Note for existing bugs:
1) Maybe you couldn't create a player because of my crappy character creation system. Try again now
2) Well, I don't handle exit at all :P. It stacks on a while-loop. Well, that natural in a way, meaning it has a serious bug. My apologies

I ll post the .exe file only this time
11-05-2008
Raigne

Then it is probably a error in your while loop. If you are willing, I am willing to look over it for you. It is probably a simple mistake that we all make at one time or another. I am free for the next 3 hours, but after that gotta go to work.
11-05-2008
C_ntua

OK, i ll post the code. But it has changed since last time, so maybe the error has been fixed. here is the whole project in VS-08
11-22-2008
C_ntua

OK. Now the game with all classes with their basic powers and abilities. Also featuring weapon and armors. The basic core game is ready, except from the whole "seeing" system, which is half-ready. Need to test the game as it is and add the rest of the 1-2 level powers. And feats.

I give again the entire solution and the exe file (in .txt so rename). Report any bugs please :) and tell me how much you like it

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:35 AM.