How do I switch between platform directions?

Hey guys!

Me again! haha.

Well, I have this idea for another game. My first game was an infinite runner, and I like the idea of simple controls. However, the infinite runner was a bit too simple, so I want to make a single-screen platformer.

However, I want the running to be automatic. All I want the player to be able to do is jump and (crucially) change the direction in which the player sprite is running (left or right).

I can start the layout with the player sprite running left, and have a button that switches that to right, no problem. However, I need to use the same button to make it go left again.

Basically, I need a button that alternates between running directions (left and right). I think I need something like "if sprite is running left, then go right. if sprite is running right, go left" or some such thing but I can't seem to figure out how to do it.

Any ideas, guys? No capx as this is very barebones and that's about as far as I got. If I can't get the thing to run so no point, right? It should be just a single event, though, if I'm right?

Let me know, please!

And thank you for your support through my game creating journey <3

you could do it like so

on mouse left BUTTON click on sprite_button the player move Right

on mouse right BUTTON click on sprite_button the player move Left

Usually, the player does not move on the X-axis in an infinite runner. Everything else is moving.

Give the button a instance Boolean 'Switch'

On button clicked

____Sub .. Button > Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to false

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

____Else

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to true

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

you could do it like so

on mouse left BUTTON click on sprite_button the player move Right

on mouse right BUTTON click on sprite_button the player move Left

Hi!! Thanks for the idea! Sadly, I'm going to make this a mobile title so I need a single button for a touch interface. Thanks for the idea, though!

Usually, the player does not move on the X-axis in an infinite runner. Everything else is moving.

Give the button a instance Boolean 'Switch'

On button clicked

____Sub .. Button > Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to false

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

____Else

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to true

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

Hey 99Instances2Go

Thanks for helping me again! You've always been great to me. I really appreciate it. As per usual, I'm over my head. Here's what I've got, and it doesn't work at all.

PS: I think I'm not getting the "get it running constantly" part right after all.

: )

On button clicked

____Sub .. Button > Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to false

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

____Else

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to true

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

: )

On button clicked

____Sub .. Button > Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to false

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

____Else

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to true

__________All the other actions you need to switch direction

Haha what a dummy I am.

That changes direction with the code I have, but only one step. The guy doesn't move more than one step. I wonder if I'm missing something to get it to move in that direction until the button is pressed again?

Any ideas? 99Instances2Go ? Anybody? Bueller? (sorry, couldn't resist)

Well the moving things in that case should be a separate event to allow it to run every tick.

On button clicked

____Sub .. Button > Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to false

____Else

__________action .. Button > Set Boolean ... 'Switch' to true

Thing is on the floor

___ Sub Is Boolean instance variable set ... 'Switch'

______________Simulate left.

___Else

______________Simulate right.

But, i dont understand how you make that into an infinite runner.

An infinite runner stays on its position on screen, everything else is moving. No ?

That is the reason why i had it in 1 event.

That's awesome! Thank you 99Instances2Go!

I think I rushed through my OP. I'm not making an infinite runner this time, but a semi-automated single screen platformer. A bit like 10 Second Ninja X, but with automated controls. Basically you can only decide the direction of running and where to jump, and you'll have to avoid obstacles.

I thought I replied to this thread already!

you can do it using Is Mirror condition:

On button touch

• Is mirrored: Set Not Mirrored, do other stuff

Else: Set Mirrored, do other stuff

And you good to go

Ahhh, wel now i am up to date eh.

I thought I replied to this thread already!

you can do it using Is Mirror condition:

On button touch

- Is mirrored: Set Not Mirrored, do other stuff

Else: Set Mirrored, do other stuff

And you good to go

Thank you! I actually ended up using 99Instances2Go 's solution to great success. I'm exporting to Cordova/Cocoon right now to see if I didn't eff up code.

Thanks for chiming in! I think it may be a simpler solution, the one you propose, but I already have this in place, haha.

Ahhh, wel now i am up to date eh.

Haha apologies for the confusion, and thanks very much for the help!

marcoscodas for that you could do it like so

is touching button then move right else

not touching button move left