2D Game choices

The options that have been discussed for the final 2D game include;

• Frogger
• Snake
• Space invaders
• Breakout

Snake

We first decided snake might be the simplest choice of game because there is only one moving sprite however once the snake has eaten a block it must add a block to its length which could cause a problem. I also think it would be a harder choice because the snake moves automatically and you change the direction and the body must follow the first block. We have decided against this game.

Advantages

• Simple design
• Simple game play
• Small game
• Few sprites

Disadvantages

• Difficult code
• Few additional features

Frogger

Frogger was suggested but I think with several different moving sprites at different speeds and a multi-directional sprite (frog) there would be a lot of code. The game might also include a random function which takes up move time. I think frogger was too big of a game to complete in the time scale while learning a new language.

Advantages

• Creative images
• Interesting game play
• Many extras
• Few sprites
  

Disadvantages

• Lots of code
• Lots of different sprites
• Copy write
• Repetitive game play

Breakout

Breakout was suggested to be an easy game to write however we could not think of many features you could add to create a more interesting game. I think the movement of the ball alone would take time to perfect and making it bounce off a moving platform I think would cause further problems. We also struggled to think of any additional features to enhance the game.

Advantages

• Simple game
• Attractive layout
• High score challenge
• Few sprites

Disadvantages

• Scoring code

Space Invaders

We have decided that space invaders is the best choice of game, we know it is not the simplest game but because of the duplication of images and code I think we can complete a simple game in the time given and enhance it without too much effort. By making a simple game we can add several features which will improve the game play without taking up much time.

Advantages

• Interesting game
• Duplicate code
• Lots of simple extras to add
• Simple graphics
• Left and right keys only
• Interchangeable colours, spaceships and background
• Easy score feature

Disadvantages

• Lots of moving sprites

We have decided as a group to create space invaders as a 2D game because it seems to have more advantages and less disadvantages than the other game choices.