12 Putting the parts together into a complete game

 

This chapter covers

  • Assembling objects and code from other projects
  • Programming point-and-click controls
  • Upgrading the UI from the old to a new system
  • Loading new levels in response to objectives
  • Setting up win/loss conditions
  • Saving and loading the player’s progress

The project in this chapter will tie together everything from previous chapters. Most chapters have been pretty self-contained, and we haven’t taken an end-to-end look at the entire game. I’ll walk you through pulling together pieces that have been introduced separately so that you know how to build a complete game from all of those pieces.

I’ll also discuss the encompassing structure of the game, including switching levels and ending the game (displaying Game Over when you die, and Success when you reach the exit). And I’ll show you how to save the game, because saving the player’s progress becomes increasingly important as the game grows in size.

WARNING

Much of this chapter uses tasks that were explained in detail in previous chapters, so I’ll move through the steps quickly. If certain steps confuse you, refer to the relevant chapter (for example, chapter 7 about the UI) for a more detailed explanation.

12.1 Building an action RPG by repurposing projects

12.1.1 Assembling assets and code from multiple projects

12.1.2 Programming point-and-click controls: Movement and devices

12.1.3 Replacing the old GUI with a new interface

12.2 Developing the overarching game structure

12.2.1 Controlling mission flow and multiple levels

12.2.2 Completing a level by reaching the exit

12.2.3 Losing the level when caught by enemies

12.3 Handling the player’s progression through the game

12.3.1 Saving and loading the player’s progress

12.3.2 Beating the game by completing three levels

Summary