3 replies to this topic

[ChainedHollow]

I've read before suggested game projects beginners should do, just a small list, but admittingly I am anxious to begin bigger work. One of my goals is to complete a full 2D sidescroller game, but I know I am lacking many skills, experience, and knowledge to do so.
Anyway, I'm wondering if you guys have any suggestions of some game projects I should do to work my way up?

I've done a complete blackjack game on Windows using XNA, and Tetris using SDL. I'm considering doing Breakout as well. So yeah, what projects should I do before a 2D sidescroller that might help me gain the experience I need. Thank you!

Edited by ChainedHollow, 14 December 2012 - 04:58 AM.

[jbadams]

My normal suggestions are to develop Pong, and to then expand upon that to make Breakout. These two games cover the overwhelming majority of the basics you'll find in more complicated games.

If you are able to create both of those games you should be able to tackle at least a simple sidescroller -- if you've created Blackjack and Tetris already you're making great progress though!

[J. Evola's Apprentice]

Just read this: http://www.gamedev.net/page/resources/_/technical/game-programming/the-guide-to-implementing-2d-platformers-r2936
and start to code.

[minibutmany]

My first game ever was called "grocery store" where you had to click on a shelf to restock items before weird looking customer sprites got to the shelves. As time went on they get faster and faster but if they get to an empty shelf, game over. I was pretty bad at programming when i wrote but I completed the whole thing in my PJs one morning before eating breakfast. Instead of rebuilding Tetris or pong sometimes it's fun to come up with your own simple but original idea. This can give a little taste of what it feels like to code something from complete scratch and maybe even a little experience in game design. Plus when your done you end up with a fun little game to play instead a program that sits on your hard drive never to be opened again.