5 replies to this topic

[Iscaria]

I'm interested in purchasing the software, but have a couple questions before I commit. For a while I've been interested in making a couple games, nothing big or extravagant just something to pass the time and show my friends. My two ideas are an action platformer (Similar to Castlevania) and an RPG (Similar to the original Final Fantasies). I'm not going for a modern look though, I want these games to resemble an SNES game in almost every way. I'm prepared to design all the graphics in Photoshop so that's not a problem. I'm not very familiar with coding though, I got halfway through learning C++ and gave up. Also I'm sure this software is capable of creating an action platformer, but what about an RPG complete with random battles and a battle screen etc.? Also I'm not really thinking about a mario platformer, more like a hack -n slash with enemies that get cut in half, squashed, etc. Is this possible? Thanks for the advice in advance.

[GameGeisha]

All of these are possible if you devote enough time to learning GM.

GameGeisha

[Iscaria]

What about the programming language how does it compare in difficulty to C++?

[Bcm27]

There are two ways to use GM, either using the D&D method (limited compared to GML but still powerful) and GML or game making language, I've heard that GML is similar to C++ although I really have no idea.

[iam1me]

GML instances are referenced via #s, they are functionally very similar to pointers in C++. However, in GML you don't have stuff like value vs reference passing, you don't have references vs pointers vs instances, etc. There's a lot less to the language and so there's fewer subtleties that you have to worry about. You can also supplement GML heavily with D&D constructed using the interface, or use no GML at all.

It's a nifty program and a good place to begin learning some basic programming concepts.

I would never recommend C++ for developing games for a beginner - just knowing C++ isn't enough to be able to create graphical applications. You have to combine it with large APIs (like Win32 & OpenGL) which are themselves difficult to learn.

If your not afraid of programming, I'd recommend Java. Its similar to C++, but simplified in many respects (no pointers). Its very easy to begin making visual applications with Java, as the language was constructed for just that. It will also give you far more control than you can get in GML. However, you will also have to put in proportionately more work.

[ParodyKnaveBob]

I'm interested in purchasing the software, but have a couple questions before I commit.

Howdy, Iscaria,

I expect some (all?) of your questions could be answered by doing two major things:

1. Visit the YoYo Games Sandbox and look at the games marked Featured and Legend. This will give an idea of capabilities.

2. Download the free GameMaker Lite, take tutorials, build your own stuff, and see how open-ended and complex yet simple it all is -- and then imagine the possibilities with the extra features given by the little $40 price tag.

That's my quickie advice. I hope it helps,