Fencing simulation game

[Nusy]

I would like to make a fencing simulation game, but I don't know how to start... My questions are:
1, Graphics or photos?
2, What should I base it on? Java, VirtuaBasic, Flash or what?

Thanx.

[Talyn]

I think it'll be much easier and better if you made it a mod not a full on game. Many people have tried modifying HL, Q3 and other games like that with stable and quite flexible engines and have been quite successful (with kungfu/katana mods anyway ).

[Charred_Phoenix]

C++, all the way.

[Nusy]

Hey, hey, a bit easier, please!
I'm a very beginner programs writer (I was learning Basic for a year, and now I want to start to learn something)... I'm just in digital photo techniques.

[C.J.]

Well, exactly what features do you want to implement in your game?

[Iwant2bafencer]

It seems that Flash is one that a lot of people can get into without having to download stuff. At least I dont have to download anything for it. I dont know if it's the same for everyone else, but it seems so.

[Charred_Phoenix]

The only problem is, Flash is very implementation dependent. My advice to you would be to start learning C, and then move on to C++. Whether you plan to use it for this game or not, it will be a very worthwhile experience. Good luck.

Edit: Oh, and if you /aren't/ going to use C++, I suggest you use Java and realtime rendered graphics. (or if you can't be bothered, use pre-rendered, but still don't use photos)

[mhoneth]

You could also use Microsoft's .NET framework. It allows you to combine VisualBasic with C#, or simply use C#. It is easy to learn and fairly fast.

As far as design goes, I would definately like to see a first-person game (Quake, etc), which allows me to see and play just like it is on the strip. That way I could practice attacks, parries, wrist movements and footwork with a dynamic opponent rather than a dummy in my garage.

[The0ne]

That's virtual reality buddy!

[C.J.]

Originally posted by mhoneth
You could also use Microsoft's .NET framework. It allows you to combine VisualBasic with C#, or simply use C#. It is easy to learn and fairly fast.

As far as design goes, I would definately like to see a first-person game (Quake, etc), which allows me to see and play just like it is on the strip. That way I could practice attacks, parries, wrist movements and footwork with a dynamic opponent rather than a dummy in my garage.

I have never heard of people trying to write a game with .NET. Are you kidding me? And using Visual Basic to write a Quake-like game? Yes, unless it is a Word or Excel based fencing game, I don't think what you are saying makes sense. And for something like Quake, you need to know OpenGL, or MS' DirectX. I don't think any of them is for beginners. Flash is probably the best choice for a beginner, if you want to see some result fast.

[mhoneth]

The real need for speed is not generally within the application itself, but rather in the drawing API that it uses. DirectX 9 has full support for .NET languages, and gives them access to just as fast a 3d engine as pure C++. GDI+ is also screaming fast and accessible from .NET.

Furthermore, I did not necessarily link the two paragraphs; the first one suggests an option for game development, and the second one provides a comment for what I would like to see in a fencing game.

[Nusy]

Originally posted by C.J.
Well, exactly what features do you want to implement in your game?

Ahh... I thought of a FENCING LESSON-part, and of a BOUT-part. At the BOUT, you could choose of some levels...

[blue_falcon]

I kind of agree with Talyn. Modifying an existing game such as Quake III (or maybe even Quake II!) may be your best bet in terms of implementation.

Even better, see if you can find documentation on how to modify something like Heretic -- that game uses some edged weapons, didn't it? (That is, if any of you remember that blast from the past!)

[Charred_Phoenix]

You could also use Microsoft's .NET framework. It allows you to combine VisualBasic with C#, or simply use C#. It is easy to learn and fairly fast.

If you bother with either of these languages, it will be the biggest mistake of your life. Well, I may be exaggerating a little... but seriously, don't go down that path.

I kind of agree with Talyn. Modifying an existing game such as Quake III (or maybe even Quake II!) may be your best bet in terms of implementation.

Even better, see if you can find documentation on how to modify something like Heretic -- that game uses some edged weapons, didn't it? (That is, if any of you remember that blast from the past!)

I don't know all that much about the engines of either of these games, but I imagine it would be rather difficult to implement all the moves of fencing. Most game engines that include knives and things work like so:

1. The user presses the key to 'fire' the weapon.
2. The game accesses a database that allocates a certain action, which is fairly rigidly constricted in scope.
3. (sometimes) hit checking occurs.
4. It subtracts hp from the opponent.

That is, you never really have direct control over the weapon, so you could, perhaps, modify a game so you could run about and stab people with an epee, but it would be nothing like fencing.

Just my two cents.

[Soldier]

I've seen games with multiple "fire" buttons corresponding to a variety of possible moves with an edged weapon. Additionally, you could combine these moves with different body movements to carry out various different attacks/defenses.

[Charred_Phoenix]

I've seen games with multiple "fire" buttons corresponding to a variety of possible moves with an edged weapon. Additionally, you could combine these moves with different body movements to carry out various different attacks/defenses.

Ah, I'm not really a gamer, and even when I do game, it's mostly adventure and RPG, so I really wouldn't know. I'm guessing there probably aren't many FPSs that have these functions AND are suitable for modding, am I right?

[Soldier]

I'm not enough of a gamer to be able to say very well, or even recall the one or two that I did play.

[C.J.]

I think what you are discussing here is completely out of the possibillity for a beginner programmer to achieve. Think Flash. A game more on the level of tic tac toe.

[Soldier]

Might want to hold off on fencing-level games, then...all technical issues aside, the simple straight-up algorithms for rules on movement, right-of-way, etc. would be crazy, let alone actually getting controls in there. I saw some people do an algorithm flowchart for Pong here for extra credit...it's nuts, man.

[leia]

hmm,
a simulation fencing thingy would be to dissapointing to the real thing.
i mean, even if you were the top programer in the world, you wouldent be able to programe the exhilaration of the bout, all the different moves, the speed. just imagine versing a computer manipulated oppenent? bleagh
mabe im being anti computer game... but hey, i cant see how anyone could do it.