Rebelstar / Laser Squad

Sorry to disappoint I haven't make it yet but I would really like to.

<img src="http://www.cpcgamereviews.com/r/rebelstar.png" border="0" />

I still have a few challenges to overcome before attempting a turn based tactics game.

I think my main problem will be the enemy AI.

Each unit has action points that it must use to either move or shoot. I have some ideas about to do that within Construct however, I am not sure how I will be able to iterate through the enemy units one by one. I will have to see about making a simple proof of concept soon.

Perhaps posting this in the "how do I..." section might be more useful for you, as you'll have more users that are prepared to answer questions and offer advice there :)

Fair enough Brent. I will do that.

I finally started on my re-make of Rebelstar. Rebelstar is my all time favourite strategy game from the era of micro PCs. It was the fore-runner of XCOM and Lasersquad.

So far:

1. graphics mostly sorted

2. Solid layers done

3. Path finding all working.

4. I have started an initial implementation of the turnbased system. Each unit starts with a certain amount of "time". The actions cost time. I have worked out how I will do the enemy AI, I think it will be good enough to make a challenging game.

I intend to release the source when it is a bit further along. I will start a thread in the "work in progress" forum.

czar

I remember those, really ahead of their time. I'm assuming this will be single-player, so you could look into creating some grid-based LOS systems using events, for player FOV, grenade area etc.

Here's a really quickly implemented grid LOS done for a game jam (click on Stealth Chess):

If you're using a tilemap for the levels, Easystar is a good alternative to the stock pathfinding behavior:

For proper raycasting in C2 instead of messing with the LOS behavior or fiddling with sprites then the Chipmunk physics behavior is the way to go:

Let me know if you want some pointers for that one, it can be tricky to figure out.

mattb

CHeers, I will follow up those links.

My next experiement is implementing the turn sequence and making the enemy make smart moves. I have a few mechanics in mind which will mean the enemy is going to put more resources into responding to significant threats.

Thanks for the links — The built in pathfinding was starting to do my head in with cutting corners etc - I will check out the easystar alternative.