A retro-gamer's dream..

[nyrebellion]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to LOVE and could use some helpful suggestions. I tried to assemble a team on another game development forum in 2011. Unfortunately, I didn't have much to show because I was and still am an ideas man. I'm a decent writer who's also working on short-film scripts that are to be produced within 2013-2014. Every now and then I have the sudden urge to play the original Megaman, Zelda & Sonic games. My favorite consoles were NES, SNES, & GENESIS. Being a gamer since 1991 and a loyal subscriber of Gamepro magazines until 2001, I always daydreamed of making my own game.

The other day I watched Indie Game: The Movie. I realized that like these developers, I also work at home and rarely make enough to pull through as it is. Their level of passion and dedication was just incredible and inspiring. Shortly after, my urge to come up with an idea for "my" game dawned on me again.

My idea probably isn't the most original but the little boy in me is dying to see it made so it's gotta be a good sign.

Basically, the idea is for a platform game. It would be similar to Sonic The Hedgehog, running from left to right and going through loops. Then, I'd also like to implement the rail-shooter styled, automatic-weapons from Contra or Metal Slug. This way you run with a smooth, animated character and jump when needed to but can also shoot targets from a distance. There are no limitations as to what add-ons there will be for the character at this time since these are just ideas at such an early stage. Also, I remember enjoying the 3D backgrounds that some later Castlevania games had in their 2D titles. It would be nice to run through roller-coaster inspired environments and have animated backgrounds.

At the moment, all I feel I can do is write. Should I form a team or learn LOVE? I was looking into the 2D engines and this looks like one of the friendliest engines to learn. Everything else out there seems intimidating and for people who are already at an intermediate level that I can't even comprehend. I don't even know anything about LUA other than it's a programming language. I'd love to hear some feedback from some of you who have made some games in the past. If you have some great advice and possibly a link to one of your older projects for me to take a look at and gain some inspiration from, I welcome it all with an open mind.

[scutheotaku]

Welcome!

Well, first of all, I think it's important for ANY game designer to understand the game creation process, have some basic (or advanced!) programming and technical skills, etc... This is even more important for a small indie team, as it can be really beneficial for the project if you are able to fill in a little where needed.

With that being said, I'd suggest that you do learn LOVE. As you are learning it, design and code a simple game and finish it. This will be invaluable experience, and will give you something to show so that, when you're trying to form a team later, people don't think you're just another guy with big ideas who will get bored a week into the project (this is a VERY common sight on game dev forums, and one that makes many people very cautious about working with others [who wants to see their hardwork thrown away because of a missing team member?]). If you're more of an artist type than a programmer, just create a very, very simple game with great art. If you're neither a programmer type or an artist type, then just make a simple game that is fun. Oh and, despite how it may seem, a good, responsive platformer is definitely not a simple thing to make

Once you have some experience, start looking around for people to work with. Maybe just make a thread full of your ideas and ask if there's anyone who wants to help. Just make sure to show your experience so that, again, people won't assume that you're another fly-by-night type. Your idea will be fairly complicated to make, so you really need to push that you are serious about it, have thoughts things out, are dedicated, and that you're willing to do whatever needs to be done.

As far as whether you should use LOVE & Lua...go for it! LOVE is certainly not the only 2D framework out there, but it is a really good one *especially* if you don't let being held to any particular programming/software design style. As for Lua, it's very easy to learn and use for both programmers and non-programmers alike.

For information on getting started with LOVE and Lua, I direct you to my post here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12317#p73769

Also, while I stress that you should learn LOVE and Lua at least a little bit (not to mention finish at least one simple game) first, this community games "project" may interest you:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=12326

Have fun!

[micha]

I agree with what scutheotaku wrote.

I want to add one thing: A lot is possible with programming. The question is if you manage to implement/program all your dream. The only person to answer that is yourself, so start learning löve and find out what you can do and what is to difficult/complicated etc. for you.

Another thing I experienced is that starting a game is really easy, but finishing one with an ending, menus and stuff is really difficult and takes a lot of effort. Also on the way in your game you might find that it is not fun enough or that you didn't think about certain details before. So grab a simple idea and try to finish one small and simple game.

[scutheotaku]

Another thing I experienced is that starting a game is really easy, but finishing one with an ending, menus and stuff is really difficult and takes a lot of effort. .

Yes! As the saying goes, the last 10% takes 90% of the time. Worst of all, this part of it isn't much fun for most people. I can't tell you how many game projects I've started that have gotten all the way to this point before being shelved...I'm a bad example on this

[nyrebellion]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll be looking at that post with the links to tutorials now. You've both been much help.

[scutheotaku]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll be looking at that post with the links to tutorials now. You've both been much help.

Great! Good luck!