6 replies to this topic

[burnt_casadilla]

I've made two games in Java, a brickbreaker clone and a random ball game. I really don't know where to go now tho. I was thinking a tetris clone maybe? But I don't even know where to start with that lol. Suggestions?

[jbadams]

What do you want to do? What was your goal when you decided to learn Java?


A tetris clone might be a good next step in your learning, especially if you're still not sure how to get started working towards a new project. You could try working through this TDD (test driven development) tutorial, which has you create a tetris game by writing code to pass the pre-written tests, and then begin writing your own tests and code to finish off the project.

[burnt_casadilla]

I want to eventually create a mario clone and then make my own platformer. I have no knowledge of how to use sprites and load images yet tho. i just draw with swing lol

[jbadams]

Alright, we have two ideas for how you could proceed then:

• Create a tetris game. You could try working with the tutorial I linked to above, or if you're finding that a bit above your level you could look for one of many other tutorials covering the subject.
• Learn how to load and draw images.

Perhaps you could combine these ideas and make a tetris clone with simple sprite graphics?


Is that enough of a starting point to jump into, or would you like either more alternatives, or more specific instructions?

[burnt_casadilla]

I like working with the knowledge i have now in order to create a game and then ask questions when i need help with something. Thats the only method thats worked for me so far lol

[destructivArts]

Here's some ideas: Progression

[EpicWally]

I, as well, am very new to game programming, and I just finished a tetris clone. My roommate, who is a programmer, suggested that as a first project as well. While I first thought it sounded like an impossible task, it really didn't end up being that bad. It was only the 2nd game I've programmed, the first being a maze where you try to get from the start to the finish without running into a goblin, and it took about 6 hours including some trial and error. Both of these were text-based though, using characters on a JTextPane in lieu of real graphics, which I figured was good enough for proof of concept. It really does make a pretty good early project, and there are tons of resources out there on how to do it if you get stuck. Good luck with it!

As a side note, I like the Progression article that destructivArts linked above. I think I'll use that for picking my next project or two, because I am currently stuck in thinking what I'm doing next as well.