Would like to start an RPG...(Rowdog's first post)

Newbie & Debugging Questions
#1

Hey all, I’m a high school student in AP Computer Science A. We took the AP test last week, so now we have the rest of the school year to work on our final projects, and I’d like to make an RPG. This is my first year with Java, and I know little more than the curriculum created by the College Board. I’m probably one of the more advanced programmers in my class, and I’m a quick learner(when I put my mind to it :stuck_out_tongue: ). So far most everything I’ve done has been in applets, and the only game I’ve made is an unfinished Subhunt. I just want to make a simple 2D turn-based RPG, which I can add to and improve once I have the core game made. So, for all you experts out there, I have a few questions.

Is this a realistic undertaking for someone at my level? I have about three and a half weeks to complete it.
What would be the best way to go about it? As said before, I’ve pretty much only used applets, but I can go a different way if it would be more appropriate.
Are there any tutorials out there that I could use to start with?

Respectfully,

James

#2

Wow - 3.5 weeks is not long! I suspect you will have to forego graphics, perhaps make it text-based. You could create classes for characters, rooms and items. Items could have properties such as “hideable”, “wearable” and “eatable” that you can check for before performing an action. You will need to implement a stats/level/fighting system. And of course you need some semblance of a story! The problem with a text game is that you need to implement a parser to analyze the commands that you type in. This can be quite difficult.

The other alternative is go the Nethack route and have a very simple graphical game with rooms represented by lines and stick figures. When you approach an enemy you go into “fight” mode and a combination of stats and randomness determines the winner. If you win you “level up” and gain more stats.

Just some random thoughts. Good luck!

20thCB

#3

Very ambitious. A NetHack-like game would be a reasonable proposition as you can just use a non-prop font to draw the graphics :wink:

Cas :slight_smile: