Tutorial 1.8

Tutorial #1.8 - From an good game to a great game!

So, it looks like our 'star wars' game is nearly finished. I hope that you actually managed to learn something from it. Below is an improvements list that you may like to have a look at:

Graphics
Graphics seem to be the main focus of modern gaming. The more 3D and textured they are the better the game is apparently (grr)! However, that doesn't mean that I'm knocking graphics, they're essential! So long as you've got a decent drawing arm (which I haven't) and a shareware image manipulation package you shouldn't go wrong!

Music
Sound can add atmosphere to a game. Never forget it. If you think that your game is a little bit lifeless then add sound. DIV supports two forms of sound: PCM sound files and CD-audio. Imagine listening to your favourite CD while playing your latest creation!

Fonts
Fonts can add a professional look to your game. If it's looking a little stark and bold, why not play around with the font generator until you have a suitable typeface? Fonts can define your game - big pink bubble writing says "fun, jolly game", while dark and hard writing says "spooky game".

Menus
Although the game I made works fine without a menu, it would be nice if you could just get straight back into the game rather than having to restart it all the time. Adding menus is not too hard and I'm sure that a tutorial will be along soon enough dealing with it.

Joysticks
Joysticks (or sticks of joy as I like to think of them) can really give your game that hardcore coin-op feel. Again, I'll write a joystick routine for you soon - you may even be able to use it in our 'star wars' game :)

Now, for your eyes only, you can take a look at the 'completed' game. I'd appreciate it if you didn't sell it on in any way or I may just have to get nasty with you. I hope that you enjoyed the tutorial. Why not e-mail me with your versions of 'star wars' (just keep 'em small and zipped). My e-mail address is jp50@zombies.co.uk :

DOWNLOAD FINAL VERSION OF 'STAR WARS' (DOS & WIN95/98)

And a final note - the game 'star wars' is in NO WAY related to the film of the same name created in the late 1970s. I don't want any confusion about that!