Brainfold On Python, game development and everything

Generalizationismic

Phew, been a busy week, but today I got quite a lot done again. I generalized the code for input mapping, component subsystems (which are responsible for managing the entity components of a game world) and collision handling, and I'm quite happy with all of them at the moment. Terrain is also a bit more interesting now (see screenshot below). If I have time, tomorrow I'll continue on gameplay. Though after that, there will most likely be a whole week without any progress for Real Life reasons.

My biggest problem at the moment is choosing starting locations for units. They need to be more or less level, but with procedural terrain it's not always granted that there will be level ground at all. To start with, I think I'll first randomize the general area the unit will be placed at, then look for a location nearby that's level enough. If a location can't be found, move the heightmap around to create a level spot. Later I'll probably try to handle things like starting between two huge cliffs or facing a cliff wall that prevents you from shooting in that direction at all.

Another problem with starting locations is that since I have physics simulation going on, it will be really difficult to find starting positions that are stable. The problem will be even greater if I later introduce units whose shape is a bit stranger. I think I'll solve the problem by first finding an approximate starting location for units, then running physics simulation at high speed for a while without drawing, then check if units are upright and settled down. If not, find a new starting position and repeat.

I have also been brainstorming the shmup with a friend. It's most likely going to be my next project. We got some wild but doable ideas bouncing around, it should be really interesting. But more on that later as things get a bit more solid.