Game Design

[URSvAir]

Hi all,

I was wondering if any of you could help me out with something. I have an idea on how to implement an RPG engine made for the C++ console with images to make it into a 2d game. Does anybody have know a graphic library that is easy to use and to learn as I am still fairly knew with C++?

Thanks all.

[quirkyusername]

I like SDL http://www.libsdl.org/
a lot of people prefer SFML http://www.sfml-dev.org/

SDL is definitely a lot simpler to set up.

[URSvAir]

Is it easier for a begginer to use and learn though?

[quirkyusername]

I think so yes, but it's debatable. How much experience do you have programming in C++? Games development is far from easy.

[ultifinitus]

After extensive use of both, I'd recommend SDL. However both have flaws.

Games development is far from easy.

This is true, however it will make you a better programmer =]

[anonymous23323124]

SDL is definitely a lot simpler to set up.

If you follow one of the available tutorials, setting up SFML is not so difficult either. And frankly it's good to have to build the library oneself. Building SFML forced me to learn how to use CMake, NMake and Make. It can frankly be reduced to two downloads and 8-12 terminal commands.

[URSvAir]

Thanks all,

I know game development isn't easy. I started out with AS3 for 2 years and now I know it like the back of my hand. I made lots of games on it too, but I'm moving onto C++. I have been reading through a book (Beggining programming with C++) for around 5 months now (reading for about 50 hours or something). And still, I'll need something simple to understand the basics before moving onto directX or OpenGL.

[kong288]

Well I LOVE allegro. So easy.

For some reason I don't see allegro a lot though. Hmm.

[Disch]

I would recommend SFML over SDL if for no other reason than SDL revolves around concepts that are outdated (blitting, dirty rects). Whereas SFML takes a more modern approach and allows for use of more modern techniques (shaders).

But yeah, SDL is definately easier to set up. I personally didn't have any trouble getting SFML set up, but I have witnessed other people struggle with it.

[kong288]

Allegro :(

[strychnine213]

Well I'm going to break the SDL cycle her and say use Ogre3d ;D (*Watch's the hate comments start a'rollin*)

[URSvAir]

wait a sec, Ogre 3d. I heard that before. It's on my IDE, how easy is it to set up compared to SDL and SMFL?

[Gandalf20000]

I don't have any experience with SDL or SMFL, but I've tried Ogre once or twice. It's a pain in the rear end to get it to link with the compiler properly, but the basic tutorial application is really easy. It's as simple as creating the main function and creating a tutorial framework object and calling a few functions. Getting past the tutorial framework might take a bit more work, though.

[URSvAir]

Thanks all. I think that I'm probably going to try Ogre3D this weekend and if that's too hard ofr me I'll go and learn SDL instead.

Once again, Thanks all.

[ultifinitus]

Thanks all. I think that I'm probably going to try Ogre3D this weekend and if that's too hard ofr me I'll go and learn SDL instead.

The most important thing is to come to a decision and stick with it! Wish you luck!

[brokenbot]

allegro is nice as well.

Allegro is a gaming library. That gets no play in this forum for some reason... hmmm. Allegro.cc

sfml is very very nice. It's object oriented so mess with that because you're in c++ forums.

sdl is also nice.

I would say sfml is probably the easiest to understand with its oo design.. Very nice.

sdl or allegro if you're messing around with c... although c++ can manage with it.


EDIT: kong288, haha I was just thinking the same thing. I'm too lazy to read the whole damn thread though... just like the first 3 post in till after I write.

[kong288]

Yes! Allegro! >:)