Using GAGE Vs. Not using GAGE

Java 2D
#1

Now I know GAGE makes most game programming in Java a lot easier/faster, at least in most cases. I’m coming here to ask you guys what would be best to do in my situation.

I’m working on a 2D RPG for Java (non-applet). Currently it is simply an ATB (Active Time Battle) System. (Similar to the one in FF3/6). It will include a 2D tile based world map and a map editor at one point I hope…

Here are two screenshots of the battle system. (I know the sprite images used are from FF, but for now I don’t have the time/skills to draw new ones, and it is not like the game is going commercial anyways :P)

http://www.paraduck.net/misterbob/battleDemo.gif

http://www.paraduck.net/misterbob/oooo.gif

This was done without GAGE…however it was quite difficult and time-consuming. Would it be worth it to re-design a game of this type in GAGE? And is GAGE easy enough to learn that it will be worth my time?

Your input is greatly appreciated :slight_smile:

#2

Hi Bob,

These questions often surprise me. I tend to expect people will look at the code/documentation for GAGE and make a decision for themselves. After all, GAGE is partly for learning. Feel free to dive in and take what you want. For example, you’ve already done sprites, but I don’t see any evidence of map rendering. You could take the GAGE map renderer and integrate it with your existing code. Of course, you may even decide to convert over to the GAGE sprite model, as it gives you all kinds of abilities such as built-in collision detection. Now here’s the cool part… You can convert existing code to GAGE sprites by simply implementing the Sprite interface!

So, dive in and make a decision for yourself. The worst that could happen is that you’d learn something. :slight_smile:

#3

I’m using gage w/ my stuff. At least a hacked version of it.
I’m also usig FF tiles. Anyways I have an editor that supprorts, TileBase maps, items placed on maps(Money,powerups,ect) teleports from map to map. and Sprite placement. As well I have an xml based dialog system and hud. The oonly thing I am lacking, partly because I knew how much work it would be is the battle system. Between the two of us we almost have a complete RPG. Perhaps we should combine efforts. Screenshot available at http://k2.ionichost.com

let me know if you are interested.