2D Platformer Engine/Pipline suggestions Created 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:03:17 UTC by Notewell Notewell

Created 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:03:17 UTC by Notewell Notewell

Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:03:17 UTC Post #308669
I've very recently started thinking about potentially building a platformer. However, I don't have an engine to work with. I do have a project using Actionscript I coded last fall, but it's an early version, and I think it's far too buggy to use, especially because I've forgotten basically all I know about actionscript besides that it's a pain in the ass to work with, and likely won't be able to fix it (again) without some serious work re-learning it.
So, rather than relearn a language I'd only ever use once, I'm looking for something that might streamline the process and make it fun enough to make that I might consider doing it again.

Now, I've looked at Stencyl, and it seems like it would be a fairly good choice. However, in order to distribute your work in it as a standalone game, you have to pay for a yearly subscription to the "Pro" version. It also looks like you need to be always connected to the internet to use it. So, does anyone know otherwise? If Stencyl has the ability to work offline, and you can move projects between the "Pro" version and the free version, (or vice versa) I'll likely use it.

Otherwise, does anyone know of any other alternatives to Stencyl that they could recommend?
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:06:45 UTC Post #308670
Use Allegro and build the rest of the engine yourself :)
rufee rufeeSledge fanboy
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:12:01 UTC Post #308671
Just go with Game Maker.
Stojke StojkeUnreal
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:29:02 UTC Post #308672
Unity. It's 3D, but you can easily set it up for 2D games. It's probably the fastest prototyping platform out there at the moment - I'd definitely check it out.
Daubster DaubsterVault Dweller
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 12:33:15 UTC Post #308673
I second Unity. If I could learn to use it, anyone can.
Habboi HabboiSticky White Love Glue
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 13:16:34 UTC Post #308674
Alright, thanks, keep them coming, I'm looking into all of these suggestions.
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 14:10:29 UTC Post #308675
will this be top-down or a side-scroller? (or both)
Captain Terror Captain Terrorwhen a man loves a woman
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 14:25:59 UTC Post #308676
If you prefer to make games with no programming, try Construct 2 at http://www.scirra.com/
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 14:44:51 UTC Post #308677
Construct 2 requires licensces , Construct classic however is a bit rough around the edges but you can do what the hell you want with what you make with it.
Instant Mix Instant MixTitle commitment issues
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 15:23:33 UTC Post #308678
what is rimmy using for his side scroller?
Captain Terror Captain Terrorwhen a man loves a woman
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 16:02:40 UTC Post #308679
This would be a side-scroller.
Rimrook's using Stencyl, which is what I looked at first. However, it's a bit (read: lot) outside my price range at the subscription cost for the pro version, and I'm not entirely sure if you can upgrade to the pro version from the free version, or how the licensing works for the free version, either. The site's not entirely clear on those points.
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-01 18:56:28 UTC Post #308689
Unity. Easy as shit, free download, free license for commercial distribution, and tons of tutorials.
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-02 06:18:12 UTC Post #308699
I hafe the free fersion of Stencyl. You also DO NOT need to be connected to the internet to install it or use it. I made almost eferything I hafe so far completely offline. The only thing that you get from the pro fersion is pro support, and the ability to publish to iOS defices and smart phones which also costs more for development kits for those defices. The free fersion has a lot of good stuff and is practically the pro fersion anyway.

Despite the flaming at Stencyl out there, that comes from people who made games in flash before stencyl came around and the Arcade sites blew up with crappy clones of simple games coming from amateurs. With time and effort, you can make some sweet stuff, you can make anything!

Whatefer you choose to work with, I'm sure it will be the right thing for you and the game alike.

(My V key isn't working on this old keyboard... and if you're wondering, I typed that one using ALT+86)
Rimrook RimrookSince 2003
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-02 22:52:29 UTC Post #308733
I've downloaded Stencyl to give it a try. It's going to take a little getting used to, especially the behavior code snapping interface, (Which doesn't seem to like me at all, parts won't snap together with the events, argh!) but I'll keep trying to figure it's quirks out. Failing that, I'll probably give unity a try.

Hopefully the secret to making text boxes like in the RPG example game will fall into place soon, Those would need be an integral part of the game if I end up making it, since the humor would be mainly via dialog, and the humor I have in mind is why I want to make it.
Notewell NotewellGIASFELFEBREHBER
Posted 12 years ago2012-08-02 23:17:12 UTC Post #308734
Don't use stencyl. Stencyl sucks. Use construct classic. Much more versatile.
Instant Mix Instant MixTitle commitment issues
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