Astral Objects: powered by TGB
by Mike Lilligreen · 01/27/2008 (10:41 pm) · 14 comments
As is perhaps typical for a hobbyist, T2D/TGB has always been an on again, off again affair for me. Having taken a large break for most of 2007, I downloaded TGB 1.6 when it was released and checked out the included projects as a starting point to relearn the editor and Torquescript. While the behavior playground is a nice showcase for how easy and useful behaviors are in TGB, in some ways it lacks the flair of a complete or semi-complete game like the old side scrolling shooter was in T2D.
One of the saved scenes in the behavior playground is a simple example of an asteroids-like game. Having found this rough diamond, I thought this would be the perfect way to teach myself the new method of putting together a game via behaviors. Since the gameplay is rather simple, it also kept the target of creating a finished product within reach.
I set out with the following goals: 1. Only use the artwork provided with the playground, 2. Keep the majority of game logic inside behaviors and thus easily modifiable within the TGB editor, 3. Give back to the community through the creation of a TDN tutorial series based on this game.
6 weeks, 22 behaviors and only 2 new png files (the TGB and Astral Objects logo) later, I can finally share the finished game. As with any game for any developer, there's still a ton of things both big and small that I would love to keep tinkering with, but it's time to move on with other ideas and projects in TGB. Overall I'm quite happy with the result and I've learned quite a lot about what is needed to create a somewhat complete game package.
All that is left now is to finish up the last two sections of the tutorial series, plus make any changes based on the community's feedback of the game. Hope you enjoy this remake of a near 30 year old arcade title - powered by TGB.
The windows version can be downloaded from the TDN Asteroids Tutorial Hub Page or direct here: tdn.garagegames.com/wiki/images/3/3a/TGB_AstralObjects.zip
One of the saved scenes in the behavior playground is a simple example of an asteroids-like game. Having found this rough diamond, I thought this would be the perfect way to teach myself the new method of putting together a game via behaviors. Since the gameplay is rather simple, it also kept the target of creating a finished product within reach.
I set out with the following goals: 1. Only use the artwork provided with the playground, 2. Keep the majority of game logic inside behaviors and thus easily modifiable within the TGB editor, 3. Give back to the community through the creation of a TDN tutorial series based on this game.
6 weeks, 22 behaviors and only 2 new png files (the TGB and Astral Objects logo) later, I can finally share the finished game. As with any game for any developer, there's still a ton of things both big and small that I would love to keep tinkering with, but it's time to move on with other ideas and projects in TGB. Overall I'm quite happy with the result and I've learned quite a lot about what is needed to create a somewhat complete game package.
All that is left now is to finish up the last two sections of the tutorial series, plus make any changes based on the community's feedback of the game. Hope you enjoy this remake of a near 30 year old arcade title - powered by TGB.
The windows version can be downloaded from the TDN Asteroids Tutorial Hub Page or direct here: tdn.garagegames.com/wiki/images/3/3a/TGB_AstralObjects.zip
#2
01/28/2008 (5:42 pm)
You mean "asteriod like". Don't use the Atari term "Asteriods" as a direct representation of the game (advice not orders lol). Call it something else and then credit asteriods as an inspiration for gameplay mechanics. 
#3
01/28/2008 (9:02 pm)
Wow awesome tutorial, good work!
#4
01/28/2008 (9:13 pm)
Thanks for the advice Vashner, I've changed the game title. Guess I didn't really think much of it when researching all the free flash games called "Asteroids", but you're right - better to respect any existing trademarks by other companies.
#5
01/29/2008 (10:00 pm)
I like the new name. Good save. The game looks cool too. 
#7
02/03/2008 (8:30 pm)
Awesome tutorial. Iam currently working myself through it.
#8
Each asteroid that spawns remains stationary. I double checked with the asteroid demo that was included in the behavior playground and the asteroids don't move around in that either!
My only guess is that the Random velocity behavior is faulty, or due to my version game builder (1.5.1)
Any help would be appreciated!
02/05/2008 (10:23 am)
Hey, Thanks for the great tutorial. I just completed section one but I've run into a problem.Each asteroid that spawns remains stationary. I double checked with the asteroid demo that was included in the behavior playground and the asteroids don't move around in that either!
My only guess is that the Random velocity behavior is faulty, or due to my version game builder (1.5.1)
Any help would be appreciated!
#9
I think The template behavior that disables the "master" asteroids, are also present on the asteroids created by the spawn machine so they remain stationary, as if there not being treated as clones.
If i delete the template behavoir from the master asteroid it will move around but the ones being created still aren't functional.
02/05/2008 (6:32 pm)
I may have worked out the problem but I'm still lost!I think The template behavior that disables the "master" asteroids, are also present on the asteroids created by the spawn machine so they remain stationary, as if there not being treated as clones.
If i delete the template behavoir from the master asteroid it will move around but the ones being created still aren't functional.
#10
Behavior Bugs: Spawn Area, Random Velocity, etc. -> TGB Private Forums
Behavior Playground Asteroids Solution -> TGB Public Forums
02/05/2008 (7:53 pm)
Chiefy: Try these for a solution:Behavior Bugs: Spawn Area, Random Velocity, etc. -> TGB Private Forums
Behavior Playground Asteroids Solution -> TGB Public Forums
#11
02/05/2008 (8:47 pm)
Looking over the TGB change log, it looks like the bug you are experiencing got fixed in version 1.6 Chiefy. I've imported the game into 1.7.1 and it works fine, so feel free to download the newest version of TGB from your account page. 
#13
02/22/2008 (2:17 pm)
This is awesome! Nice work :)
Torque Owner Ed Johnson