What game should I start to program next?

[gorf68]

I’ve been working out two possible ideas for Vectrex games on paper, and would appreciate your input as to which I should try first and any suggestions you may have.

 

 

The first game was based on a vague fly-through-the-rings idea I’ve had for a while, but when someone mentioned ‘Master of the Lamps’ I got a bit more of a clue with this one:

As shown in this simple screen mock-up I would have maybe around six circles (or maybe squares for drawing speed) constantly ‘snaking’ out of the screen’s z-axis. With the X and Y axes being controlled level-by-level through a pre-defined set of data values that could be used to hold increasingly difficult patterns to stay inside.

 

A life would be lost when the player strays outside the ‘tunnel’.

Points are earned for collecting lamps, which also follow the route of the tunnel, but randomly float around inside the given constraints.

 

I would keep a high score, and a current score. And probably three lives, with maybe around five levels.

 

This should all move smooth enough with six tunnel parts (I’ve tested this on the vtwist code), the player, a lamp, and the score, lives text on screen.

 

 

 

The second option is to make an Attic Attack type game, where the player has to collect keys to move through doors and traverse a maze made up of different rooms.

Making all rooms look like the mock-up-pic would be easiest, but I think I could do three or fore different room styles.

Doors with keys need the relevant key to be collected before they can be passed through.

First-Aid kits would increase health.

Health would decrees with contact to enemies.

The player dies when the health reaches zero.

A shoot/hit enemy option could be included, but is general it would be run-away based.

 

The objective would be to find your way out, using all keys (maybe three or four)

Key and health locations would have to be set, as would (locked and open) door locations, room type, and the map layout (possibly all held in a 2D array)

 

Scoring could be done by enemy’s killed, or maybe collecting treasure... possibly with a bonus for time taken to complete!?

 

 

 

The screen mock-ups are for illustration only... I’m not saying it will look exactly like this!

So what do you think?

I’ll start programming the idea that you think can be made into the best game.

[GroovyBee]

So what do you think?

 

Both are interesting game ideas.

 

I'll start programming the idea that you think can be made into the best game.

 

Thats probably not the best approach in my opinion. Working on a game because you want to do it is always the best one. If your motivation/inspiration starts flagging or real life takes over for a while then its much harder to let projects you want to see get done slide away in my experience. YMMV.

[gorf68]

I like both ideas, and intended to try out both.

 

What I ment was I'll start the one that appeals to me best based on any comments and or suggestions I get.

The one your comments makes me want to do most...

 

 

The tunnel game would probably be the easiest to get started, but both seem interesting.

[+Gemintronic]

What about a sequel to Dark tower?

http://zetaflight.bl...ctrex-game.html

 

I was truly blown away by the third person 3D effect. Truly a worthy challenge

 

About other peoples ideas. I know the drawback to that. Definitely less energy. I got as far as securing permission to port someone else's space shooter and quickly got unenthused. It set me back a few months so I missed an opportunity for cheap cart production.

 

However, I think gorf68 knows what you doing. Getting feedback is great - especially when it gives you unexpected inspiration.

[ilovethevectrex]

i have a really good idea; super vector bros

[gorf68]

Don't know about 'super vector bros'

But is there a GRIDRUNNER type game for the vectrex?

[gorf68]

I’ve started some coding for a fly-through-the-rings game, but it isn’t going well, so instead I’ve been plating around with some ideas for a Gridrunner type game...

 

I’ve got some things up an running, but nothing worth showing yet.

 

It looks quite doable though!

 

 

 

E.g.

Edited December 4, 2012 by gorf68

[+Nathan Strum]

Quantum might be a good candidate. Highly underrated game.