This project will be the first part of a two-part game example. We are going to build a classic side-scrolling shooter game like Gradius (http://gradius.wikia.com/wiki/Gradius). This is an action-packed game that requires fast reflexes and quick responses not only from the player, but also from the computer that runs the game. We will see how much chaos we can create onscreen without the game slowing down to process all the mayhem.
In this project, we will work on the basic game controls and add enemies and an environment. We will also create a power-up system, so that the player's character can get stronger during the game.
It is necessary for the player to get stronger because in the next project, we will create a challenging boss fight.
This project will contain more different graphical elements than the previous examples. Next to the player character, we will add multiple enemies, several costumes for the player's weapon, and a layered environment consisting of multiple sprites.
We will use these varied graphics for several different purposes. The color of the enemies will show which type they are and what movement pattern the player can expect from them. The weapon costumes will show how powered up the weapon is.
Also with the multilayered background, we will create a parallax scrolling effect, giving the game an artificial perception of depth.
We will build the game step by step; by first creating a player character, then adding enemies, and finally adding the environment. The following are our objectives:
- Creating a player character
- Creating an enemy
- Adding enemy patterns
- Shooting those baddies!
- Creating background images
- Using parallax scrolling to simulate depth
- Adding scores and power-ups
- Tweaking and balancing