Some help with ideas for app or game in competition

I am going to the state competition in SkillsUSA after getting 1st at district.

At the state level, we can pretty much make whatever we want.

I was thinking something like an application that encrypts files with XOR.
Or a game such as tetris or space invaders.

We have approximately four hours to code the project, and more time to plan it.


I have been learning SDL for game programming and I think I can be good enough at that to write a nice looking and fun game in four hours.


Anyone have any ideas or suggestions?

peg solitaire would be do-able, as long as limit to straight gameplay

Actually, you are better off using a higher-level language like Ruby or Python.
C++ shines when performance is critical, not when something needs to be get done quickly.

O_o

Well, you know, unless...

... he is using a library that provides the same primitives.
... he plans on using SDL regardless.
... he already knows C++.

How familiar are you with C++ and SDL?

What you can do in four hours depends on your experience.

Here is a test: Tetris has only a few rules. How long does it take you to write down every algorithm necessary to implement those rules? (I'm just talking about listing them.)

Soma

Quote:

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Originally Posted by phantomotap

O_o

Well, you know, unless...

... he is using a library that provides the same primitives.
... he plans on using SDL regardless.
... he already knows C++.

Soma

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1. Libraries can only take you up to a certain level. Design decisions of a particular language limit its inherent capabilities. In short, all languages are not equal.
2. He said he has been learning SDL. He may as well learn something else.
3. Agreed. If this is the only language he knows, then it's a no-brainer.

if you are well versed in image manipulation and events with SDL and are also well versed in C++ and you have your logic nailed before you start coding then you can 'easily' write the marble solitaire or a picture slider puzzle or something...if you are allowed to have your graphics prepared beforehand also then it might even look good...