Java 2D Game toolkit
by Quest Johnny · in General Discussion · 09/09/2004 (2:26 pm) · 39 replies
I was wondering if anybody had come across a toolkit for making simple 2D Games but using Java. Naturally, I'm waiting keenly for May to finish the Torque 2D Retro, but in the meantime..
I've seen a few out there, but apart from Java SDL, nothing really seemed to fit the bill. I'm looking for something that handles sprites, animation, sound, music and some simple networking (though of course the point of using Java is largely for networking..)
I've seen a few out there, but apart from Java SDL, nothing really seemed to fit the bill. I'm looking for something that handles sprites, animation, sound, music and some simple networking (though of course the point of using Java is largely for networking..)
About the author
#22
@Andrew
I'll see if the artist who was going to do the art for games 0 & 1 is still going to do it. I don't think she is, but I'll make sure.
Somehow, I think you'd rather be programming than doing art.
But, in any case, I'll need some art for game 3 (a 2d space shooter). Game 2 isn't a problem - I can draw a few squares myself (it will be a Tetris-like game to teach people to make puzzle games).
You're working on a "simple" MP RPG in Java? I have enough problems getting everything together for a one-player RPG. I've finally gotten to where I'm good enough that I can do it, but I just don't have the time. An MP RPG would be a whole different story.
09/13/2004 (6:56 pm)
Sorry about the last post. I sounded a little whiney at the beginning. :)@Andrew
I'll see if the artist who was going to do the art for games 0 & 1 is still going to do it. I don't think she is, but I'll make sure.
Somehow, I think you'd rather be programming than doing art.
But, in any case, I'll need some art for game 3 (a 2d space shooter). Game 2 isn't a problem - I can draw a few squares myself (it will be a Tetris-like game to teach people to make puzzle games).
You're working on a "simple" MP RPG in Java? I have enough problems getting everything together for a one-player RPG. I've finally gotten to where I'm good enough that I can do it, but I just don't have the time. An MP RPG would be a whole different story.
#23
The big thing to consider is your end users... how easily can they run a java applet in their browsers... compared to running Flash.
Microsoft doesnt really support Java anymore, unfortunately, but you cant blame them for competing against Sun, I guess.
If you dont want to use the Flash IDE, then there are other programs that can create swf files too, but I dont know of any off hand.
Heres something about the open source SWF file (Flash target format):
www.openswf.org/
(Flash can also compile platform independant .exe files.)
Some online multiplayer games that use flash:
www.globulos.com/
www.robostrike.com/
Here's the start of a little RPG game based on Zelda, with basic controls working:
www.geocities.com/mclelun/webrpg.html (click inside the Flash movie)
This shows some really cool stuff you can do with physics:
www.illogicz.com/flash5/physicsengine/examples/springs.php (click and drag the balls)
www.illogicz.com/flash5/physicsengine/examples/unfinished.php(click in movie, then use arrow keys)
09/13/2004 (8:21 pm)
Hey, no problem. I know alot people don't like Flash for being gimmicky.The big thing to consider is your end users... how easily can they run a java applet in their browsers... compared to running Flash.
Microsoft doesnt really support Java anymore, unfortunately, but you cant blame them for competing against Sun, I guess.
If you dont want to use the Flash IDE, then there are other programs that can create swf files too, but I dont know of any off hand.
Heres something about the open source SWF file (Flash target format):
www.openswf.org/
(Flash can also compile platform independant .exe files.)
Some online multiplayer games that use flash:
www.globulos.com/
www.robostrike.com/
Here's the start of a little RPG game based on Zelda, with basic controls working:
www.geocities.com/mclelun/webrpg.html (click inside the Flash movie)
This shows some really cool stuff you can do with physics:
www.illogicz.com/flash5/physicsengine/examples/springs.php (click and drag the balls)
www.illogicz.com/flash5/physicsengine/examples/unfinished.php(click in movie, then use arrow keys)
#24
www.flashplayer.com/games/megamanghostsngoblin.html
Controls are Left and Right Arrow Keys, Z, and X (You can also do a Dash move).
09/13/2004 (8:47 pm)
Here's a great example showing a simple 2D sprite game in Flash:www.flashplayer.com/games/megamanghostsngoblin.html
Controls are Left and Right Arrow Keys, Z, and X (You can also do a Dash move).
#25
I think that only Java 1.1 comes packaged with Internet Explorer, but you should be able to download plugins from Sun.
09/14/2004 (8:51 pm)
Microsoft doesn't support Java? Java applets seem to be working fine for me in the newest version of Internet Explorer on Windows XP.I think that only Java 1.1 comes packaged with Internet Explorer, but you should be able to download plugins from Sun.
#26
Microsoft started this whole MS-Java Virtual Machine before... but they've scrapped it now... and I think they are generally phasing java out of everything. I think their alternative for developers now is C# and the whole .NET thing. If there's any support for it now, its only for legacy reasons.
They say one reason for Microsoft being opposed to Java is because "the default interpretive mode of Java is a liability, in that bytecodes designed for a virtual machine do not lend themselves as well to native optimization."
Basically, Microsoft is against anything that is not "Windows-Only"... which is really unfortunate in a lot of ways.
09/14/2004 (11:01 pm)
I'm using IE 6 and XP Pro... if I happen to go to a page with a java applet, a dialog comes up and saying something to the effect java is not working you need to download a plugin... and when I click it, it goes to some bogus Microsoft page saying No Java Installed... In order to make it work... I have to go to the Java webpages and burrow through some links before I can find the proper runtime, download, and install it.... not something the average user is willing to do.Microsoft started this whole MS-Java Virtual Machine before... but they've scrapped it now... and I think they are generally phasing java out of everything. I think their alternative for developers now is C# and the whole .NET thing. If there's any support for it now, its only for legacy reasons.
They say one reason for Microsoft being opposed to Java is because "the default interpretive mode of Java is a liability, in that bytecodes designed for a virtual machine do not lend themselves as well to native optimization."
Basically, Microsoft is against anything that is not "Windows-Only"... which is really unfortunate in a lot of ways.
#27
The JavaScript environment is still supported in Explorer - that would be suicide to remove that. But yes, the JRE is gone from Windows. Imagine how much more popular Java would be if Sun had just let MS continue developing their JVM and distributing in all their OSes? Microsoft has submitted C# and the CLR as a quasi-open standard and there's several projects implementing them already. Heck, Novell is even backing the Mono project! But you don't see MS out b***ing about it.
Aww krap. I'm waay off topic ... 2D game development: How about using AWT ? (j/k)
09/15/2004 (5:21 am)
Sun screwed themselves when they opened the Java can of worms with Microsoft. Rather than work *with* MS, they got their pant(ies) in a wad and took legal action. When you're as big as MS, *everybody* wants a piece of your pie. Especially in a day-n-age when it is "fashionable" to hate the Bill Gates Empire.The JavaScript environment is still supported in Explorer - that would be suicide to remove that. But yes, the JRE is gone from Windows. Imagine how much more popular Java would be if Sun had just let MS continue developing their JVM and distributing in all their OSes? Microsoft has submitted C# and the CLR as a quasi-open standard and there's several projects implementing them already. Heck, Novell is even backing the Mono project! But you don't see MS out b***ing about it.
Aww krap. I'm waay off topic ... 2D game development: How about using AWT ? (j/k)
#28
I don't know too much about the Sun-MS lawsuit. But the results are bad for me since I primarily use Java. And when I tell people where to download the JRE, they never seem to be able to find it.
AWT: You have to use the AWT for 2d game development in Java. When we're talking about toolkits, we really mean things like Sprite classes and so forth.
09/15/2004 (6:57 pm)
Ah. I would have downloaded the SDK right away for developing Java games, so this computer probably didn't have any Java plugin installed. I just didn't notice because downloading the SDK is probably the first thing I did.I don't know too much about the Sun-MS lawsuit. But the results are bad for me since I primarily use Java. And when I tell people where to download the JRE, they never seem to be able to find it.
AWT: You have to use the AWT for 2d game development in Java. When we're talking about toolkits, we really mean things like Sprite classes and so forth.
#29
09/15/2004 (10:53 pm)
Heh..I was just trying to make a joke ... Like saying I'll write DOOM suing GDI. But my lack of real Java coding knowledge makes the joke on me!
#30
I think you pretty much need AWT to do anything graphical in Java....
Re Javascript: I believe that's a completely different thing... I dont know the origins of Javascript, but I think its only relation to Java the language is the word "java"... but I could be wrong.
Did anyone try that 2D flash game I posted earlier? (The ghost and goblin one)
09/16/2004 (12:46 am)
Well, I get your joke, if its any consolation... ;)I think you pretty much need AWT to do anything graphical in Java....
Re Javascript: I believe that's a completely different thing... I dont know the origins of Javascript, but I think its only relation to Java the language is the word "java"... but I could be wrong.
Did anyone try that 2D flash game I posted earlier? (The ghost and goblin one)
#31
The artist who was doing the art for games 0 and 1 never replied to my email.
So, if you still want to the art for them, email me at fletchergames@planet-save.com, and I'll send you an art list.
@Will
I think that Javascript was intended to have syntax similar to Java's, but it really isn't more similar to Java than to anything else.
I tried to play that flash game you posted, but my putzy little 56K modem took a while to load it.
Maybe have 2 versions: 1 large one with sound and 1 small one without.
After it finished downloading, it looked pretty cool. I didn't play it for long though because I seem to be getting carpel tunnel syndrome again. I guess it's time for a day off.
09/19/2004 (8:06 pm)
@AndrewThe artist who was doing the art for games 0 and 1 never replied to my email.
So, if you still want to the art for them, email me at fletchergames@planet-save.com, and I'll send you an art list.
@Will
I think that Javascript was intended to have syntax similar to Java's, but it really isn't more similar to Java than to anything else.
I tried to play that flash game you posted, but my putzy little 56K modem took a while to load it.
Maybe have 2 versions: 1 large one with sound and 1 small one without.
After it finished downloading, it looked pretty cool. I didn't play it for long though because I seem to be getting carpel tunnel syndrome again. I guess it's time for a day off.
#32
It's simple to use, free, and have all you mention above (handles sprites, animation, sound, music) except for the networking at this moment
You could see some examples made by GTGE here
Or click this to direct play a game in applet mode
Note: need Java 1.4++
09/21/2004 (12:01 am)
How about give GTGE a shot?It's simple to use, free, and have all you mention above (handles sprites, animation, sound, music) except for the networking at this moment
You could see some examples made by GTGE here
Or click this to direct play a game in applet mode
Note: need Java 1.4++
#33
I did look at GoldenT before when I was hunting around.. the animation and so on looked pretty good.. but the sound was choppy and awful.. did you get a similar problem?
09/21/2004 (7:57 am)
I trust it's not limited to applets? I don't want to use applets, just applications.I did look at GoldenT before when I was hunting around.. the animation and so on looked pretty good.. but the sound was choppy and awful.. did you get a similar problem?
#34
games-middleware.dev.java.net/
It lists a few items I haven't seen listed here. I don't know if these will be of any use to you or if you've already seen them, but I figured I'd post anyway as a reference.
09/21/2004 (9:36 am)
I just did a quick hunt and turned this up:games-middleware.dev.java.net/
It lists a few items I haven't seen listed here. I don't know if these will be of any use to you or if you've already seen them, but I figured I'd post anyway as a reference.
#35
Everything is fine on my PC where I make my game with my JDK
But worry not, Golden T will support mp3 and ogg sound.
GTGE is supported windowed, fullscreen (application), and applet mode, and on a few next version, GTGE would be support openGL pipeline
Try this one for a sample in windowed, fullscreen mode or this one for the previous sample in application mode
09/21/2004 (6:37 pm)
Yeah, it's because midi soundbank is not delivered on JRE!Everything is fine on my PC where I make my game with my JDK
But worry not, Golden T will support mp3 and ogg sound.
GTGE is supported windowed, fullscreen (application), and applet mode, and on a few next version, GTGE would be support openGL pipeline
Try this one for a sample in windowed, fullscreen mode or this one for the previous sample in application mode
#36
that page? I can't seem to find any downloads or materials on it.. but I'll keep a watch on it :)
@Paulus - is there any way I can see a game with a smooth sound and music (you know, just so I feel confident about the toolkit?)
09/23/2004 (6:41 am)
@Eric - Is there anything @Paulus - is there any way I can see a game with a smooth sound and music (you know, just so I feel confident about the toolkit?)
#37
The music is awfull because soundbank is not delivered on JRE.
If you have JDK, you could download the game source code, then compile and running the game in your PC, the music would be fine there.
Like I said, I haven't release MP3 and OGG player yet, it's still in progress, still buggy, so I can't give you more than that midi sound.
09/23/2004 (7:44 am)
The sound is fine I guess??The music is awfull because soundbank is not delivered on JRE.
If you have JDK, you could download the game source code, then compile and running the game in your PC, the music would be fine there.
Like I said, I haven't release MP3 and OGG player yet, it's still in progress, still buggy, so I can't give you more than that midi sound.
#38
09/23/2004 (9:15 am)
@Andrew: Gotta scroll down and you should see a section called "Subprojects" .. It looks like most of the resources are 3d-based, however, so I don't know how much help they will be.
#39
Someone asked my chatbots where the tutorials were, and I hadn't told them what to say. So I assume he/she couldn't find it. I probably should have posted a direct link in the first place. :)
09/23/2004 (6:27 pm)
fletchergames.com/articles/javatutorial.htm is a direct link to my java game programming tutorial (which isn't very far along yet).Someone asked my chatbots where the tutorials were, and I hadn't told them what to say. So I assume he/she couldn't find it. I probably should have posted a direct link in the first place. :)
Torque Owner Will Harrison
Actionscript.org
Cool thing is you can see all the code working right on the site.