Coding a platform, side scroller in c++.

[James27]

Hello fellow coders! Well, nice to meet you all and after reading this forum I decided to join it. Just a quick hello first!
Anyway, chaps, I've been into coding for about a year now (or so) starting off with a weeee bit HTML in notepad++ (no I'm not choosing c++ because of the ++ pattern haha) then going to coding stuff in python and thoroughly enjoyed the Turing test and mini game coding at school! However, I think its time I started tested my self a weee bit more and hopefully learn along the way!
Right so then lads lets get properly started! As you can see with the title, I'd love to code a platform, side scroller game in c++. There are a few problems: I know **** all about it! After extensive reading etc etc and some practising I'm progressing but I need some help.
What bits of c++ do I need to learn?
The game info:
Side scroller.
Human character will be controlled by user.
Objective is to jump over or roll under incoming obstacles.
Obstacles will be shapes.
Now, I think I'll use photoshop for the art but getting the photoshop stuff to the code is confusing me, any help?
Also, how do I make it a side scroller?
Thanks all anyway for taking the time to read and hopefully help. Hello and I hope one day to be accepted into the coding community!
Cheers chaps.


As a side note: Reliable URL to a place where I can get c++ for free if possible :)

[TarikNeaj]

Use SFML. Its a great library for 2D. look it up, they have a nice documentation on their website

sfml-dev.org

And there's also tutorials on youtube if you prefer that.

You can get c++ here -

https://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/products/visual-studio-express-vs.aspx

Get the Express 2013 for Windows Desktop version.

[James27]

Thanks mate, however, I'm a wee bit confused about what SMFL is? Is it possible to use photoshop? I'm venturing into C++ new and would love something I know how to use for the art haha ;)
:D

[TarikNeaj]

Oh, sfml is not for the art. Its a library that in a very nice way allows you to make your game.
I just finished making space invaders, and with hard work took me about one week :)

As for the art, you can just easily find a sprite online, or use photoshop as you said yourself.

[James27]

Okay mate, I'll take a look at SFML thanks! But I'm still gonna try c++ as well! Haha ;)

[TarikNeaj]

SFML is C++. Its a library for C++ that gives you tools to build a game using c++, you can build your game engine there.

[James27]

Thanks.

[Manga]

If you are gonna make games with c++, I will also agree that you should go with SFML. It might be a little tricky to set up at first, but that is the hardest part. Learning sfml is fast, easy, and very fun. Baby step your way to your game. Start with a 'Hello World' program. Then make 'Rock, Paper, Scissors.' Finally create a 'Tic Tac Toe' with some AI coding. After that you are pretty much ready to code any game you can dream up. Good luck.

[James27]

Right so, after looking into smfl I've decided to get ready to download it. It says about it being best to use a 32 bit package, even on a 64 bit windows computer. Here are my system specs just in case they help:
AMD a-63420M APU with Radeon(tm) HD Graphics 1.50 GHz.
5.48 GB space (left from 6 GB)
64 bit OS
Which one do you think I should get?
http://www.sfml-dev.org/download/sfml/2.2/

[TarikNeaj]

Just use the 32-bit one :)

[James27]

Errrrr there are 6 32 bit downloads haha...Which one do you reckon I should get? Thanks all :)

[Manga]

It really depends on which compiler you use. One sfml package won't work for all compiliers. Since I use vs2012 I downloaded the package for vs2012.

[TarikNeaj]

yeh Like @Manga said. Depends on what you use. If you're using Visual Studio 2013, you want the c++11.

[James27]

I have absolutely no clue on what compiler I use or what that stuff is, any help there? Into finding which one I have or which sfml I should get?
Thanks again.

[TarikNeaj]

Get "Express 2013 for Windows Desktop"

https://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/products/visual-studio-express-vs.aspx

Get visual studio c++11 32-bit

http://www.sfml-dev.org/download/sfml/2.2/

And here is a tutorial on how to install sfml on visual studios

http://www.sfml-dev.org/tutorials/2.2/start-vc.php

(If this still didint help, feel free to pm me you're skype and I'll personally help you)

[James27]

I have downloaded visual studio and now to get the sfml...
I won't be able to code until a week after June 15th as my mock exams are then and I am revising.

[James27]

This is really confusing. I do no have skype, would email be ok?