You know, the shadow was a very late addition. I was trying to think of ways to 'warn' the player they were too close to the ground. Hence the 'beeps' when you get too low.
But it really wasn't enough - and then I had a EUREKA! moment - a shadow was the obvious thing to do, and I'd completely missed it!
So, how does it work? Really bloody simply!
You have a separate actor called 'shadow'.
Constrain its X position to the player's X position - this allows it to move left and right as the player does.
Constrain its Y position to a value - I think it's '27' in this case. This keeps it at the same height (on the ground)
Making it smaller and larger was just genius, even if I say so myself
Because I'm already tracking the player x and y coordinates as global variables, I made the rule within the shadow:
If player y > 50 (for example) change shadow height and width.
If player y <50 AND if player y> 30 change shadow height and width
if player y <30 AND if player y>20 change shadow height and width
See? Simple! But I think it works pretty well. It's a nice touch, glad you noticed it!
Actually, just an idea, but making the shadow constrain to the ship only when the ship is closer to the ground wouldn't be better for performance? Also, constrain the y position is not really necessary is it? Can't you just set the Y position of the shadow to 27? And again, tracking the Y and X pos of the player is really necessary? Can't you just access them from the instances itself, so that you have 2 constrain attribute less? Just suggestion though, maybe you are already doing everything I'm saying (Level 9 reached, I'm taking it slowly)
Hachiko said: Actually, just an idea, but making the shadow constrain to the ship only when the ship is closer to the ground wouldn't be better for performance?
QS: Not sure
Also, constrain the y position is not really necessary is it? Can't you just set the Y position of the shadow to 27?
QS: That's a good point, thanks! I was just trying to be thorough and overdid it there!
And again, tracking the Y and X pos of the player is really necessary? Can't you just access them from the instances itself, so that you have 2 constrain attribute less?
QS: I actually need to track player x and y for a few reasons - mainly radar blips, so that enemy bullets can 'home' in on you, and for the Kraken to know you're near so they can shoot at you. Add to that the shadow, the distance from the ground etc etc - I'm sure it could all be done 'in instance' but if I discover a mistake, it's far easier to fix if you have a prototype rather than an instance in each scene. - I just find it easier to work that way.
QS - there are other optimisations I've thought of, but I need to speak to Ian about them when he gets back off holiday.
Just suggestion though, maybe you are already doing everything I'm saying (Level 9 reached, I'm taking it slowly)
QS - Congrats on getting to level 9! Are you still having the same problems as before?
Excellent job on Kraken! Gave you a 5 star review on the Canadian store. One tip I want to give, not really a huge deal, but at first I wasn't aware I could do a charge up shot, perhaps add an indicator such as a charge meter or even a charging sound when the button is held. Just my 2 cents. Other than that, runs great and looks sharp on iPhone 4.
NexusGameStudio said: Excellent job on Kraken! Gave you a 5 star review on the Canadian store. One tip I want to give, not really a huge deal, but at first I wasn't aware I could do a charge up shot, perhaps add an indicator such as a charge meter or even a charging sound when the button is held. Just my 2 cents. Other than that, runs great and looks sharp on iPhone 4.
Not a problem - I already had it down for the next update - but well pointed out, thanks!
Yeah, I still get those problems. Fire won't always fire, and I found out that the ship takes a bit of time before rotating when you press an arrow, maybe that's why I find it lagging(problems seems worst with more monster on screen). To re-answer to your answers Having it constrain only when the ship is near the ground of course will improve performance, since as it is now, there's always a constrain attribute (or more?) firing continuosly for the shadow. At least, if the ship isn't near the ground, the performance should improve a bit. And for the other one, I understand it's not "easy" to work with instances, but like that you would have two constrain attributes less, with the shadow, that's 3 constrain less, not bad As it is now, ships fires continuosly his X and Y position, while all the other peeps change continuosly their X and Y position in relation to that of the ship. Using instances, ship wouldn't fire anything. As always, only suggestion I'm all over performance when it comes to gamesalad.
Oh, that's fair enough. I'm sorry you're still having issues
There are lots of areas I could optimise it further. I *will* try to get it working better on lower spec devices. I think what really stops that happening is spawning all those bullets when you fire.
We'll see - I welcome your tips!
Right - I'm off down the pub now to get unbearably wonderful.
Expect me back in a few hours, singing, telling you all that you're my best mates and that I love you all!
QS: do you have the game available on both iPad and iPhone? I wanna play with the iPad version due to CPu being wiz bang. Can you post links to the app store. Also. When is that speccy game you showed at the london beer be available? I really want to sink my teeth into that classic title :-)
BinaryBiscuits said: QS: do you have the game available on both iPad and iPhone? I wanna play with the iPad version due to CPu being wiz bang. Can you post links to the app store. Also. When is that speccy game you showed at the london beer be available? I really want to sink my teeth into that classic title :-)
Marc_n_Soph said: Bought it and its awesome. Good work m8, really, really well made game.
Nice one QS, been waitin for this, and its DEF worth the wait!!
Marc n Soph
Thanks man,
As you can (probably) tell, I'm a tad drunk. Came home to a review that said 'worst concept ever' on the UK store.
It really boggles the mind. Did they not *read* the description? If they couldn't read, did they not LOOK AT the screenshots? If they didn't see the screenshots, did they not try the link I provided to gameplay video?
Seriously, I try and be upfront and honest about my games - this is what they do - here are some screenshots - here's a video!
If you like it, buy it. If you don't, don't.
Oh well, eh?
I mean, I'm a man of my word - I told you I'd return singing, telling you all I love you and saying you're my best mates - job done
SingleSparq said: Com'on you reds!! Com'on you reds!! - L-I-V E-R-P double O-L Liverpool's for me! (okay kidding! Robert Carlyle on cracker - best psycho ever)
I'm actually a lifelong Liverpool fan myself - the 'song' is from 'So I married an Axe Murderer' - one of the most underrated films EVAH!
Don't worry about the A-holes who like to rain on ones parade. It's easy to criticize someones work. They paid very little for something that you put a lot of time and effort into.
Everybody should try developing a game - see how much goes into it, the late nights the debugging, the frustration to finally get it to market and for some a-hole get upset cause it didn't "do it" for him at something they paid 99 cents for? Its more a reflection of their psych than anything.
Not always easy to take criticism but when it's not constructive and just plain rude - it's annoying. But your doing the right thing - a drink or too and move beyond it.
"Look at the size of 'is head! It's Huge! Like an orange on a toothpick!"
Finally had a chance to really get into it today, purchased the full version and loving every minute of it! Love the new control scheme too! Posted a review for ya! Congrata on a really awesome game
Yahooo just completed the game. It not easy to beat the game at one goal. I hate the flying saucer hard to hit & alway make me die. Throw in some bombastic missile or bomb on your next Attack of the Kraken2, if you plan to Than I can have my revenge on that stupid saucer!
QS after playing for a while there is only a couple of things i found : 1. Whilst playing the game there is no option to exit to menu, you have to use all your lives and die to get back to the menu. 2.It would make it perfect for me with a joy stick, iv'e tried a and b controls and even though i can play i feel joystick would be awesome. Some more constructive feedback for you cheers
Comments
*bows in respect if it's number 2!*
I hope it doesn't give you flashbacks :O
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Also, constrain the y position is not really necessary is it? Can't you just set the Y position of the shadow to 27?
And again, tracking the Y and X pos of the player is really necessary? Can't you just access them from the instances itself, so that you have 2 constrain attribute less?
Just suggestion though, maybe you are already doing everything I'm saying
(Level 9 reached, I'm taking it slowly)
QS
@Nexus and Eastbound - I hope you like it!
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
I'm very glad you guys seem to like it
Thank you all!
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
To re-answer to your answers
Having it constrain only when the ship is near the ground of course will improve performance, since as it is now, there's always a constrain attribute (or more?) firing continuosly for the shadow. At least, if the ship isn't near the ground, the performance should improve a bit.
And for the other one, I understand it's not "easy" to work with instances, but like that you would have two constrain attributes less, with the shadow, that's 3 constrain less, not bad
As it is now, ships fires continuosly his X and Y position, while all the other peeps change continuosly their X and Y position in relation to that of the ship. Using instances, ship wouldn't fire anything.
As always, only suggestion
There are lots of areas I could optimise it further. I *will* try to get it working better on lower spec devices. I think what really stops that happening is spawning all those bullets when you fire.
We'll see - I welcome your tips!
Right - I'm off down the pub now to get unbearably wonderful.
Expect me back in a few hours, singing, telling you all that you're my best mates and that I love you all!
(or 'Thursday', as we call it round here)
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Also. When is that speccy game you showed at the london beer be available? I really want to sink my teeth into that classic title :-)
You're in my heart, you're in my soul,
You'll be my breath, should I grow old,
You are my lover, you're my best friend,
You're in my soul...
You're CELTIC, UNITED, and baby i've decided
You're the best thing
To happen
To meeeeee!!!
I love you lot! You're brilliant! You're my best mates!
*collapses
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Nice one QS, been waitin for this, and its DEF worth the wait!!
Marc n Soph
As you can (probably) tell, I'm a tad drunk. Came home to a review that said 'worst concept ever' on the UK store.
It really boggles the mind. Did they not *read* the description? If they couldn't read, did they not LOOK AT the screenshots? If they didn't see the screenshots, did they not try the link I provided to gameplay video?
Seriously, I try and be upfront and honest about my games - this is what they do - here are some screenshots - here's a video!
If you like it, buy it. If you don't, don't.
Oh well, eh?
I mean, I'm a man of my word - I told you I'd return singing, telling you all I love you and saying you're my best mates - job done
*hic*
Thanks everyone - you're awesome!
*Collapses again*
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Everybody should try developing a game - see how much goes into it, the late nights the debugging, the frustration to finally get it to market and for some a-hole get upset cause it didn't "do it" for him at something they paid 99 cents for? Its more a reflection of their psych than anything.
Not always easy to take criticism but when it's not constructive and just plain rude - it's annoying. But your doing the right thing - a drink or too and move beyond it.
"Look at the size of 'is head! It's Huge! Like an orange on a toothpick!"
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Just stoping by real quick in the forums to say again CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The game runs flawlessly on the iphone4.
I think is one of the best retro 2D shooter games.
Left a well deserve 5 star review.
Cheers!
Hey fella!
Thank you so much for that, and for your awesome input on the game! It's been greatly appreciated!
Cheers fella - I owe you a few beers, though I think BB will get one from me sooner
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Thanks for your support and input, mate
QS
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Great job, and I'm completely addicted!
I hope you liked the ending!
@cptongsg - that's what the power shot's for - it'll take out the enemy missiles as you approach as it expands
Good against saucers!
Thanks for playing!
QS
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
1. Whilst playing the game there is no option to exit to menu, you have to use all your lives and die to get back to the menu.
2.It would make it perfect for me with a joy stick, iv'e tried a and b controls and even though i can play i feel joystick would be awesome.
Some more constructive feedback for you
cheers