Two Heads Better Than One

I thought it would be a good idea to start a project with a few
other programmers, maybe a longish (by long I mean short,
say, 1,000 lines or so) game. I figure two or three people
working on a long (to me anyway) game would go a bit faster
and I thought I'd have more fun with it anyway. But I'm not
too skilled at programming yet. I am on my way to working with
windows but still restricted to console programming. I would like
some people to work with that aren't way above my head.
No graphics, sound, or windows, anything like that. I was thinking a Text Based RPG, or something. And of course only
in C++, not C. Just email me at [email protected] if you want to help
start a project, make sure also to include your email adress.


:eek: :confused: :D ;) :rolleyes: :( :) :mad:


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Good to see some realistic game goals to start with. Its the first topic I've seen personally like this, and I like it.

Just one comment I'd like to make is think more OOP and you'll get more knowledge out of your game. Most games I see in the game source topic are just a few long functions, main, a lot of cout's, way too many if statements, a lot of global variables (the devil), and usually no classes. I really don't see what this accomplishes because all you have done is copy, and then pasted tutorial #2 about 10 times. I'd think about reusability; maybe predefining all speech somewhere (categorized maybe so you can give NPC's random speech, without a hell of a lot of if statements), and possibly add personality to choose speech; a random map generator for wild zones, say 50x50 (# for rock, $ for tree, etc), and add coords; encapsulate person, derive npc, monster and player from that, so npc could do anything your player does if you chose it to; think about seperating all these classes than you can USE (engine) from code actually using them (scripts).

Theres a lot more I'd say, but the ideas obvious.. you'll learn more if you try putting logic into your game.

Thanks for the ideas... I suppose you wouldn't want to start a project with a newbie
like me would you?

Text based rpgs are good, the problem is when you mix two heads you end up with very... strange code. So you end up having to co-ordinant who does what how :P.

So, it might be a good idea to make a standard for your project, like "Dont have 300 if's in one function, only use strings no char arrays, short > int unless you need more room, use doubles no floats, if you're going to add a class, comment on it! In fact, COMMENT!" < Thats not to bad of a standard, though it's going to end up restricting a bit much :P. It really depends on the project.

Mmm, why 50x50 dae? That would not fit well into an 80 (or is it 81?)x25 console window -,-. Unless it was a scrolling map.

Oooh and one question, What is your OS/Compiler cause thats important when you try to organize a team.

Good luck ;).

Okay first of all Your absolutely right, Blackroot, it will be hard to integerate code by two people. That's why I was thinking about laying the groundwork first. Like, okay you write the map generater, I'll design the monsters. What, you want the monsters? Fine. I'll make the maps. That kind of thing. And with the whole program, before we even start writing code...

My OS: Windows ME

My Compiler: Dev-C++ 4.9.8.0

With OOP, framework is easy. I strongly suggest you make a class for each element such as map, monster, weapon, etc. This style of programming makes your code very flexible, and will help get rid of frustrations if you're working in a team.

EDIT
BTW Blackroot, short isn't really > int.

I have thought of classes for weapons and monsters, armor,
and... okay that's it. I never thought about a class for a map...
NICE IDEA! Thank you... I was thinking a lot of random events
never repeating themselves, but maps, just maybe are a good idea, and a class would simplify them. That should prove USEFUL.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MadCow257

EDIT
BTW Blackroot, short isn't really > int.

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I know, its half the memory but can hold less :P. Anyways, that was an example -,-.

Random events are harsh if you want them to never repeat, its basicaly impossible, its impossible if the user plays long enough anways.

Mmmm a new genere (that spelt correctly?) of console games would be fun, why's it have to be an RPG? Mmm their are lots of other thing you can do with a console. Though, everyone seems to adcance to 2d when they are able to make them :P. But then again, RPG's are all context so they're different everytime :P.

So... Would anyone like to ACTUALLY START laying crap out, or maybe... Well nevermind.
But RPGs are my favorite. You can't do one in 2d anyway... But they're much more complex,
than most other console games anyway. It appears that you guys
have a good store of ideas, can we get started with laying things out, tossing more definite ideas, you know, START the project.
I wanted help too, not JUST suggestions... :p


Also I seem not to be able to post attachments, I was going to attach a game to demonstrate my skill level. If anyone could help with this.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blackroot

Text based rpgs are good, the problem is when you mix two heads you end up with very... strange code. So you end up having to co-ordinant who does what how :P.

Mmm, why 50x50 dae? That would not fit well into an 80 (or is it 81?)x25 console window -,-. Unless it was a scrolling map.

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I assume you've attempted making text based rpgs with two heads before, Blackroot, instead of taking a wild guess that it would be strange? ;) Honestly, I think I've seen solo people give a lot of very strange code for text based games anyhow.

50x50 was an simply an example, which could work in msdos btw.

Start designing a good program architecture and design document. UML works well for that.

Some use cases, translate into functional specs, etc. etc.

Yes it sounds boring, you're weeks without coding, but your code will be better in the end and flow more freely from your brain when you know how it actually all works together.

Sounds interesting...

My AIM name is CartoonFilmmaker
Feel free to IM me if you see me online.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jwenting

Yes it sounds boring, you're weeks without coding,

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I, as you can tell am rather eager to begin the new project -- and delaying it for weeks... Idono. Thanks for the thought though. :D

And at the risk of sounding like I don't know what I'm talking about (and I don't), WHAT WERE YOU TALKING ABOUT???

I thought I poasted my OS and COMPILER yesterday, seeing
how I can't find where I posted it, Here it is again:

OS: WINDOWS ME
COMPILER: Dev-C++ 4.9.8.0
___________________
DENILE
:rolleyes:
ANGER
:mad:
ACCEPTANCE
:cool:
___________________

OS and compiler at this stage are irrelevant.
Unless and until you have a sound design, have all the specs and stuff written down, know what you're actually going to make (a storyboard, etc.), you're going nowhere.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dagger

OS: WINDOWS ME
COMPILER: Dev-C++ 4.9.8.0

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Out of curiosity, why not use Dev-C++ 4.9.9.2 instead? It is the most up to date and as far as I know doesn't have any bugs that can't be fixed by a dev pack or 2.

Quote:

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Out of curiosity, why not use Dev-C++ 4.9.9.2 instead? It is the most up to date and as far as I know doesn't have any bugs that can't be fixed by a dev pack or 2.

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Well... it may have something to do with the fact that my drive D:
quit working right after I installed my current version, and
maybe not knowing there was a more current version might have
played an important roll... :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dae

I assume you've attempted making text based rpgs with two heads before, Blackroot, instead of taking a wild guess that it would be strange? ;) Honestly, I think I've seen solo people give a lot of very strange code for text based games anyhow.

50x50 was an simply an example, which could work in msdos btw.

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I have attempted a 2 person game and It failed miserably because I didint get how he coded. We just coded way to differently. When one person codes strangely, its fine because he gets what he did, but when someone else starts coding, it becomes wildly confusing if you dont see any comments or anything :P.

I know, but it looks really bad on the regular MSDOS console screen :P.

Ontopic, lay everything out, and post your idea on the board, then maybe more people would want to help :P. Of course, starting with two people from the start can help solve some storyline disagreements :P.

My work around for the two person project and finding what to do. I am making a game with my girlfriend, she does storyline and all that good stuff, gives me monsters and their relative strenth... those kinds of things, then I code it all.

All day at work I deal with other people's coding styles, I am rewriting most of the tools that were written about 3 years ago, so most of the original authors either don't work with us anymore, or forget what they were thinking at the time. Working together on a project is all well and good, just make sure there are some style guides, so that both sides can read it.

Why would coding style matter? With encapsulation, you're not supposed to know how it works just what it does. As long as a good & relevant naming convention is used, a solid design layout should handle most issues.

Because not only one person will see all the code in the program. Sometimes jobs will overlap and will make things easier if both code with same styles so that it is easy to mesh them together. Besides learning to code in a different style isn't hard, so why not.

I'll help you out. I've been looking for a programming partner for awhile. We just have to layout what style we're going to program with so we don't get confused.
You can contact me at [email protected] or add me to msn with the same address.

coding style matters, but indeed proper planning and design matter a lot more.
Coding style comes into play there as it is needed to ensure a stable and readable interface convention between code modules, which everyone should agree on and follow.

Yes indeed coding style matters, but I plan to work it all out before I start coding,
as I said...

Lol my project is getting pritty dull, its getting done minute by minute :P. Maybe another project with help rekindle my lost hope for my program :P.

Contact me @ [email protected] if you want :P. I'm usualy open... Always :P.

I'd love to try and help...

But as others in the forum will be able to tell you...

I've been HARD at work on my own project. :)

But yeah, some advice: Classes are good. For any function I gaurantee you can think of an "object" that would perform that function.... Thus, a new class is born..

Well It looks like I have three people now. I'm still open to suggestions, though.
Well, seeing how that's almost all you guys have been doing it shouldn't be to hard to

come up with some more. Should it???
Thanks for all the help, and I'll keep replying to anything directed at me, mostly once a day,
though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shamino

But yeah, some advice: Classes are good. For any function I gaurantee you can think of an "object" that would perform that function.... Thus, a new class is born...

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I think that classes are good too, but what's the purpose of a function if it's just replaced by a class? I think classes are good
for storing data... But I don't know why one would use a class
as a function. Classes make code more flexible, as someone
(sorry I forget their handle) on this thread said, But I don't
see any other uses for a class (but how can I if I don't look)?
I haven't messed with them much, but I have started making a
class for maps, but if I get going too much I'll go off the subject.

Making classes for functions is only useful if you intend them to be related to the class you're working on. Or whole sets of functions that you want to have a namespace.

Code:

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class::function(void* args)

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/\ When you have lots of functions its not a bad idea, but when you have alot of headers and you dont know or dont remember what went where, namespaces help alot :P.

I'll help out.

You can contact me at larry @ cartoonlarry.com

i really must suggest using a modular approach to a game engine, it is not hard, and looks as structured as you can get. Really the only part that looks bad is where you start your program by making a window, dont try to wrap this in a module, it is not worth it. :cool:

Say wha? Maybe an example, or is that something I already know...
Hmm... I don't think so. Maybe some code?

What he means is to make your game in parts, so that you can add or remove parts easier. Also the parts allow to debug the program faster.

Here is a guide http://www.skylit.com/faqs/ch14.html I didn't read through all of it, but what I did read seemed to be good.

Woah this sucker is a big thread. I figured it was months old by the size :)

You guys got a storyline? I remember playing text RPGs/Adventures on my old computer from the 80s, surprisingly quite fun. Be interesting to see what you guys come up with.

as others have suggested you should use classes a lot. Easy to program, easy to debug, will definitely shrink your coding and allow you to focus on actually programming the game, easy to make modifications later, easy for working on projects in groups, easy to keep track of stuff like monsters. Makes it easy to create them, store info regarding each one, and discard them when they are dead.. etc..

I've written a game before and trying to do it without classes is a nightmare, but Good Luck if you decide to go that route anyways.

ex:

Code:

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class Monster
{
  public:
    getHit(int hp);
    attack(int power);
    move(int x, int y);
 
  private:
    int health;
    int attackPower;
    int speed;
    int posX, posY;
type .......
    etc.
}

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As for: Two Heads Better Than One
Some might say the 2nd one will just cloud your thoughts.. Okay, that was my one Penis joke for the year.. can I say Penis here? .? oh well, we will see