LBaP! Lesson 11 Update

In this lesson, a new level has been added to the project. ‘Beetroot Bridge’ features a variety of example obstacles including an “instant death pit” - a common mechanic found in almost all platformers. There are also examples of a stationary enemy and trigger based obstacles throughout the level as well as a falling platform similar to the ‘Donut Blocks’  first seen in Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES.

Additionally, you will find a detailed explanation of the design choices relating to each mechanic. These aim to provide a foundational understanding of obstacle design which you can apply when creating unique hazards in your own games. Of course, now that our game contains hazards, I have implemented a player death sequence, too.

Having shared a test build on the Gumpy Function Games Discord Server, I also go into detail regarding my own method of squashing bugs during development and we will explore why excessive use of local variables in a GBS project can lead to devastating outcomes - just ask Joel Jarman, the creator of ‘Fall From Space’!

Lesson 11: Creating Obstacles

The following concepts are explored in the lesson:

• Creating A Level Template Scene
• Implementing A Pause Game System Using The “Display Dialogue Method”
• Efficient Soundtrack Implementation
• Implementing A Player Fail State Using Triggers (Or Instant Death)
• Moving An Actor Using Actor Properties And Value Modifiers
• Setting Up A New Level Scene
• Trigger Based “Instant Death” Obstacles
• Actor Based “Instant Death” Obstacles
• Creating A Falling Platform Using Local Variables
• The Dangers Of Using Local Variables
• A Few Pathways To Solving Bugs (Including An Example)
• A Note On Non-Modal Dialogue Boxes When Changing Scenes

In the next lesson, I’ll be designing another level but this time populating it with a series of enemy examples ranging from simple moving enemies to those with more complex behaviors.

Thanks and happy coding!

- Tom (Gumpy Function)