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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Tutorials => Topic started by: Cammy on November 13, 2012, 11:47:09 AM

Title: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 13, 2012, 11:47:09 AM
This is an on-going tutorial Rebel and I are making which will explain how to use Backbone to create your own video games. Backbone is a game creation kit for AmigaOS 3.x which is fully GUI-based, there's no programming or scripting required to make your very own games, similar to but much more powerful than SEUCK.

Eventually I would like to publish this tutorial along with others in our own free Amiga guidebook, but for now we're posting it online so people can follow along step by step, hopefully creating their own games along the way.

With Backbone you can create platformers and run & guns like Ruff & Tumble or Superfrog, as well as overhead shooters like Alien Breed or The Chaos Engine.

You can download Backbone for free from Aminet here:

http://aminet.net/package/dev/misc/Backbone_Full
http://aminet.net/package/dev/misc/Backbone_Upd
http://aminet.net/package/dev/misc/Backbone_Key

Also you should install Personal Paint if you haven't already got it, it's a very good program for working on game graphics.

http://aminet.net/package/biz/cloan/PPaint

Extract the Full archive and install it first, then extract the Update and install it over the top of the files from the Full archive, then extract the Key and copy it to the Backbone drawer. Now you have a fully working and registered copy of Backbone installed, and you can start making your own games.

In this tutorial we will be using this image for both the blocks and the objects. You can download it and use Personal Paint to convert it to an IFF/ILBM file for use in Backbone.

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/PlatformTiles.png)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 13, 2012, 11:47:57 AM
Backbone Tutorial

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial01.png)

Getting Started

Load Backbone and start a new project. Select "New" from the Project menu, type the name of your game in the ASL requester that opens, and press OK.

Click on "Screen Setup". Click on "Recommended", then close the window. Now open it again and click "Recommended" again (a bug sometimes prevents Backbone from remembering the first selection). Change the settings as follows:

Resolution: Lowres
Colours: 16
Block Size 16x16
Screen Height: 176
Screen Width: 256
Normal Scroll Lag
Slide Horizontal Scrolling
Chunky Vertical Scrolling
Side View
Gun: Weapons Enabled

Close the Screen Setup window and select "Save" from the Project menu. Always remember to save your work frequently!

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial02.png)

Creating Your Player Character

Click on "Image Editor". Change the Colours to "16" and turn "Auto Mode On". Click "Pick Image" and select a bitmap image with sprites on it from the ASL requester. The image should open and you should be able to click and draw a box around the first frame of the object you want to create. Generally the sequence will start with the standing still frames, followed by walking, jumping, falling, dying, climbing, crawling and shooting frames. Clicking "Pick Image" again will let you select the next frame, and automatically move to the next one so you can pick it up. If you ever make a mistake, you can just click or scroll back through the frames and re-select the one you want. When you have picked up all the frames of your object, or at least as many as you have for now, click "Save Objects" and type the name of your object, then click "OK" to save.

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial03.png)

Assuming you have just created the object for your player character, close the Image Editor window and click "Edit Player". Click "Pick" to select the Player Object File and select the player character object you have created. You may customise the options to suit your needs, but for this example tutorial change the settings as follows:

Move Speed: 4
Fall Speed: 5
Jump Speed: 7
Acceleration: 1
Climb Speed: 2
Jump Height: 48
Crawl Speed: 3
Energy: 100
Lives: 3
Height: 20
Crawl Height: 14
Width: 8
Invincability Timer: 30
After Death: Restart Level
Powerhead Off

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial04.png)

Now click on "Set Frames" and adjust the settings to include the First Frame and Number of Frames for each of the player's positions. Don't select any weapons yet, this setting lets you choose particular frames for each of the weapons you pick up throughout the game. We will come back to it later, for now just make sure your player has Still, Moving, Jumping, Falling and Dieing frames, and close the window.

Close the "Edit Player" window and select "Save" from the Project menu.

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial05.png)

Creating Your Blocks

Click on "Block Maker" and then "Load Picture". Select the bitmap image with your blocks on it from the requester and click "OK". Click the mouse button once you have viewed and confirmed you selected the right picture. Click on "Grab Blocks" and type the name you'd like to call this block set, then click "OK". You will now be asked to click on the last block to cut out from the image. Click "OK" then select the last block in the set. Backbone will cut out the blocks and save them, so press "OK" and close the Block Maker window.

Save your project.

Click on "Edit Blocks" and "Pick File" then select the Block file you just made and click "OK". Click "Solidity" click once on each of the blocks that are used for the ground. This will put a box with a large X over each of these blocks, representing that they are fully solid and can't be fallen or jumped through. Now click twice on any above-ground blocks that are used as floating platforms or tops of objects that can be jumped onto. This will put a half-box with a squashed X in it, representing a block that the player can move in front of, but still jump on top of. Click three times on any tiles that are ladders or ropes, and four times on the tiles representing the tops of those ladders and ropes. You will see the ladder pattern and a ladder with a platform top to represent these kind of blocks. Click on "Done" once you have finished editing the solidity of the blocks.

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial06.png)

Other Block Details

You can create animated blocks for your levels, which can be made up of up to four frames of animation each. Animated tiles can have their frames playing in an ordered or random loop. The sequence of frames follows horizontally to the right of the first frame.

Blocks can have parts visible in front of the player, giving the appearance you are walking behind something in the foreground. Every foreground block needs to be overlaid on top of another tile, which the player will pass between. The foreground object should be surrounded by colour 0 in the palette, these areas will be clear, showing the player as you pass between the tiles. When creating a foreground tile, click on the background block first, then the object that will be drawn over the top. Remember when placing the tiles to use the background tile in your level map, not the foreground one, it will be overlaid automatically by Backbone.

Some blocks can be destroyed in the game if the player picks up the PowerHead collectible item and hits the block with their head. Click on the "Destroyable" button. To make a block destroyable by PowerHead, it must be clicked on twice so the tile has a small, crossed rectangle in the lower half. This represents that it must be hit from below to be destroyed. The other methods of destroying blocks weren't implemented in Backbone so don't use them. When a block is hit and destroyed it will change to the block beside it, to the right. If you want it to change to a blank or non-solid block it must follow the destroyable block.

You can also have blocks that hurt or kill the player upon contact with them or by falling on top of them. There are four Danger levels for blocks, they can hurt the player and drain their energy the whole time they are in contact with the block, or they can kill instantly as soon as the player touches them. They can also have these properties, but only when fallen on top of, and won't harm the player if they walk past them, represented by a small or large X and a small rectangle below. Applications for these types of blocks could be water, lava or spikes for example.


Editing Your Levels

Finally we get to the fun part! After saving your game, click on "Edit Levels", then "Edit Level", which will open the editor for Level 1 using the first Block Bank you created. You can cycle through available Block Banks for later levels when you have made them. The first thing you should do is click "Pick Block" and choose a solid block and begin drawing your platforms. When choosing a tile, click carefully. Backbone lets you pick up multiple blocks at the same time, so you can sometimes accidentally pick up more than one when you don't mean to. Clicking the Right Mouse Button in the editor will delete a block. Build your level. Before you can leave, you must set a sensible Starting Position, as well as making one condition to finish the level. To save time for now, choose a single Condition and choose an area to End At. This means your player must get to this area to finis the level. Additional finishing conditions can be added, such as forcing the player to get to a certain area first, such as a checkpoint, before they arrive at the end point. You can also require the player to kill a certain amount of enemies or collect certain objects before they can finish the level.

Once you have finished building an area large enough for your player character to play in, close the level editor window and click "Yes" when asked to save the level. Click OK, close the "Edit Levels" window and save your project from the Project menu.

(http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneTutorial07.png)

Creating and Testing Your Game

From the Creation menu, select "Create and Run", and click "OK" in the ASL requester, and Backbone will compile your game to your Ram Disk. Once it has finished compiling, click the "OK" button and your game will start. If you did everything correctly, you should be able to run around and jump inside your game world. Try to see if all the jumps are possible, if there are any areas where you get stuck, and if all areas are accessible so you will know which parts to fix when you edit the level again. To quit from your game, press Ctrl C.


To be continued...
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: bloodline on November 13, 2012, 12:23:00 PM
Nice one! I have never looked at Backbone before... Looks like a great way to test out game ideas and assets!!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Templario on November 13, 2012, 03:56:46 PM
Good work Cammy, with this tutorial for the people of Amiga classic.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 13, 2012, 03:57:24 PM
NICE! Downloaded this and as soon as I get finished with work I will give it a whack.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: giZmo350 on November 13, 2012, 05:05:14 PM
Thanks Cammy & Rebel! I always wanted to make my own games!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: som99 on November 13, 2012, 05:15:39 PM
Thanks Cammy and Rebel for your work put in to the community! You two rock :D
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: giZmo350 on November 13, 2012, 05:26:36 PM
For best results, should this be installed on an AGA machine or can any Amiga be used?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: SamuraiCrow on November 13, 2012, 07:02:00 PM
@Gizmo350

I think Backbone was written in AmosPro so it should work on any Classic Amiga with the proper amount of RAM.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: phoenixkonsole on November 13, 2012, 07:13:39 PM
Nice!
Is it possible to make 2 player games with Backbone?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: ChaosLord on November 13, 2012, 07:22:24 PM
Quote from: gizmo350;714837
For best results, should this be installed on an AGA machine or can any Amiga be used?

You can use any Amiga you want, but for best results you should use an AGA Amiga because AGA Amigas have more bandwidth, which allows blitting to proceed faster.

Remember it was written in AMOS so its not some sort of speed demon.  Running it on an AGA machine helps it a little.  Having a fast CPU helps some too.

Edit:
Doggone it!  I just realized... due to the way it is probably coded... it probably makes no difference whatsoever if you use an ECS or AGA Amiga. :(  It probably opens a PURE ECS screen using 32-bit alignment which means you won't get the speed boost on AGA.  AGA gets its speed boost from 64-bit alignment.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: yssing on November 13, 2012, 09:19:41 PM
Is the source for backbone available?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 13, 2012, 09:36:09 PM
Has anyone played with this yet. I won't get chance to use it till the weekend but I want to know if it had the ability to do rpg stuff. I have had an idea in my head for a while but not had the ability to do anything about it.

And my pimped out 600 should eat this software easily then?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 13, 2012, 09:50:29 PM
Unfortunately you can only make single player games in Backbone, the source code isn't available, it's not AGA-enhanced, and it's not really suitable for RPGs, sorry!

Backbone games can be a bit slow when the screen size is large and there's a lot going on, but any Amiga with a 030 and Kickstart 3.x should be able to run the games well. The software itself even works on a 2MB 68000 A600, and so do the games, slowly.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 13, 2012, 10:04:03 PM
That's cool. Maybe that's something I eventually learn myself. But for the time been I shall give this a go.

Due to the needed resources to run this would you say an emulated environment would be best?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 13, 2012, 10:13:41 PM
I would never say an emulated environment is best, real Amigas forever!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 13, 2012, 10:29:12 PM
I wonder if we could get the author to release the sources. I'd be willing to offer some prefab graphics, if we could.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 13, 2012, 11:07:42 PM
Quote from: Cammy;714872
I would never say an emulated environment is best, real Amigas forever!

Figured it would be wrong thing to ask you :P
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: RedskullDC on November 14, 2012, 01:18:59 AM
Hi Methuselas, et al.
Quote from: Methuselas;714874
I wonder if we could get the author to release the sources.


I'm pretty sure this question has been asked before, and Alastair no longer has either his machines or the source. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong).

Looking at a dissassembly of the executable, it does indeed look like AmosPro code, as SamuraiCrow mentioned. (The startup code looks for AmosPro gui.library).

A lot of register-relative code, which can make it a little difficult to decipher.
Having said that, probably wouldn't be fantastically difficult to reverse engineer though if there was sufficient interest?

Cheers,
Red
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: SamuraiCrow on November 14, 2012, 03:59:51 AM
I think building blocks of code as shared libraries and then tying them all together with an editor would make more sense than reverse-engineering an old game engine.  Of more interest would be the file formats used by the old engine.

Once I get some time I think I've figured out a way to implement the ScrollingTrick code in system-friendly C using MrgCop() in Graphics.library to make a shared library out of it.  Once that's done I can make another one that gets similar results using Mesa so it will work on graphics cards if necessary, using the proper library for the proper hardware.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 14, 2012, 06:17:49 AM
It wouldn't take long for me to crank out some 16x16 and 32x32 blocks to use. That being said, provided it was backwards compatible with Backbone (for the time being) and open sourced, I'd be down to setup some graphics. Maya still supports Amiga IFFs as well, so I could make some top down dungeon blocks, if wanted.

Off Topic,

Samurai, all the under the hood stuff for BTBuilder is done, so now it's 100% compatible with both the PC and Amiga BTCS binaries. In fact, we've added up to 960x600 support, 9 (I think I did 9?) tilesets, animated picture slots, sound, blah blah. Dulsi took a break to do some reading and I'm currently focusing on some low poly animation work so I think we're done til the new year, but pretty much we're at the point where the Editor needs to be done, so you might want to have a look. Oh, it's got a crude, but effective map editor now, but it doesn't allow you to lay down specials or modify them. Maps, Monsters and Spells, though are xml compatible and can be hand edited, if need be.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: commodorejohn on November 14, 2012, 08:37:26 AM
Quote from: Cammy;714872
I would never say an emulated environment is best, real Amigas forever!
Hear, hear!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 14, 2012, 09:24:06 AM
Lol I have it ready on my 600 and a 030 ;-) just a shame I have to wait to finish this set of night shifts before I can have a play. :'(
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: gertsy on November 14, 2012, 09:48:02 AM
Quote from: Cammy;714872
I would never say an emulated environment is best, real Amigas forever!


Ohh yeah, Too true!

This cosmic dance of bursting decadence and withheld permissions twists all our arms collectively. But, if sweetness can win, and it can, then I’ll still be here tomorrow to high-five you yesterday my friend!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: utri007 on November 14, 2012, 05:36:27 PM
What are pixel size limits of chracters?? How many frames are possible to add chracter?? Like turnin 360 decrees, 8? 16? frames?? Other helpfull info?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: BooBoo1200 on November 14, 2012, 05:40:19 PM
Quote from: yssing;714864
Is the source for backbone available?

Yes - It temporarily leaves the Amos code in Ram disk before deleting it when compiling a game - So just copy before deleted  
or the whole source is included with the Backbone package but encrypted(or something)

Ive knocked Backbone befor but Big! respect for the programmer
The code is large but multipurpose - Anyone want to go through it and document it LOL!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amigadave on November 14, 2012, 06:00:26 PM
Nice thread Cammy!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: trekiej on November 14, 2012, 06:04:23 PM
Way to go Cammy.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 14, 2012, 07:41:38 PM
Quote from: utri007;714950
What are pixel size limits of chracters?? How many frames are possible to add chracter?? Like turnin 360 decrees, 8? 16? frames?? Other helpfull info?

I think the block size is a max of 32x32 and frames are 16 fps, but it's been *AGES* since I played with Backbone. I don't even think I have any of the old games I worked on anymore.  Everything is sprite based, so if you're using 360 degree turning, it's best to do left, right, front and back sprites. If I remember correctly, you can have character animations for each of those.

@Cammy,

Correct me if I am wrong, Girl, but aren't you limited to only one block map per level? I seem to remember having to have all my blocks, sprites, gun sprites and enemies all on the same block. It made reusing sprites a pain in the @$$, I seem to remember. Also, was there a pixel size limit to the block maps? I ask, 'cos it would be really easy to create png files that you could then overlay upon one another to reuse sprites over and over again, thanks to alpha channels.

Anyways, if you want some new background blocks, let me know.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on November 15, 2012, 05:20:10 AM
Cammy, Great post.

I have an issue when a player dies over a "dangerous" tile and then re-spawn at the same place, then it dies again.
Do you know how to prevent that? I set the payer to be invincible for 10s, but is not working.
Thanks
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: woof on November 15, 2012, 08:37:55 AM
@SamuraiCrow
>Once that's done I can make another one that gets similar results using Mesa

For RTG you should better use directly CompositeTags() : just have a look to Aminet/CompositePOC = there is C code to draw a tiles based map with "sprites" on OS4

Alain Thellier
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Minuous on November 16, 2012, 11:34:55 AM
According to amiga-news.com, there is a playable demo of the game available here for download, but I don't see a link to it...
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: lionstorm on November 16, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
it is in this thread : http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=63290
direct link is http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/BackboneGame.lha
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Minuous on November 17, 2012, 04:36:08 AM
Thanks lionstorm, I have now notified them of the correct links...
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: OlafS3 on November 17, 2012, 07:10:35 PM
Quote from: Cammy;714872
I would never say an emulated environment is best, real Amigas forever!


Just for information, the level works on Aros Vision (Aros 68k). The positioning seems not be correct still?

Screenshot:
http://www.natami-news.de/Aros/BackBone.png
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 18, 2012, 03:27:26 AM
Quote from: amiman99;715009
Cammy, Great post.

I have an issue when a player dies over a "dangerous" tile and then re-spawn at the same place, then it dies again.
Do you know how to prevent that? I set the payer to be invincible for 10s, but is not working.
Thanks


You need to change the Player details so he restarts the level after he dies, rather than continuing from the point where he died. Either that, or you make his health and invincibility higher and make sure to provide a way out of all spikes and lava pits.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Cammy on November 18, 2012, 03:33:19 AM
Quote from: Methuselas;714969

@Cammy,

Correct me if I am wrong, Girl, but aren't you limited to only one block map per level? I seem to remember having to have all my blocks, sprites, gun sprites and enemies all on the same block. It made reusing sprites a pain in the @$$, I seem to remember. Also, was there a pixel size limit to the block maps? I ask, 'cos it would be really easy to create png files that you could then overlay upon one another to reuse sprites over and over again, thanks to alpha channels.

Anyways, if you want some new background blocks, let me know.


Yeah, you are limited to one set of blocks per level, so you have to make sure the block set contains all the ones you want to use, but this is only for background blocks. Objects like enemies and the player are all separate files, you cut them out frame by frame with the Image Editor and save them as an Object. Background blocks are limited to either 16x16 or 32x32, but objects can be any size. The more objects that need to be on screen and moved around however, the more the Blitter will struggle and the game will go slower with too much action on screen.

If you'd like to add to the block set please feel free. The idea of this one is to make several sets of graphics that anyone can use or modify for their own games. We'd like to upload them to OpenGameArt as well. More enemies, collectibles and anything else that people could put in the games are welcome too. I'd love to provide Amiga users with a huge amount of material they can use in their creations.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: AmigaClassicRule on November 18, 2012, 03:43:31 AM
I am wondering if backbone are capable of doing the following things:
 
1) Have a dialog box appear: http://media.indiedb.com/cache/images/games/1/16/15041/thumb_620x2000/rpg_dialog_box.png
 
Where I can use it to have the hero talk, or you talk to an NPC or something like that.
 
2) Capable to have keys and doors are opened by a certain key you own
 
3) To have a liver and when I switch the liver that door opens or porticolus etc.
 
4) If I am rescuing someone, have that someone follow me until I put that someone at a certain point where that someone automatically moves to the exit. Ones that someone reaches the exit and exit the level I win that level.
 
5) If that someone is following and a monster hit him/her he/she loses HP and if he/she dies, you die and need to restart the level
 
6) Have monster AI be smart enough to climb up or down the stair case
 
7) When the monster see you, it tries to catch you to kill you and if you run away from it and climb stairs, it climb stairs too to following. If you exist a certain range from it, it no longer chases you.
 
8) Have the ability to have teleporters to teleport you at a certain point in the level, the monsters can use it too
 
9) When you fall a certain height you die, and if you fall less than that but still damaging you lose HP
 
10) Have the ability to open an inventory system so you can use the items and interact with them in your level
 
11) Be able to do quest to NPC. Such as the NPC want me to pick something up or kill something and if I do it, that NPC either give me hints via dialog box or give me items I can use in the game
 
12) Be able to use different type of weapons and collect them in my inventory, and the graphics for these weapons change accordingly.
 
13) Be able to set my own music and sound effect
 
14) Be able to push barrel or box or so forth.
 
15) Have a machine belt that if you drop on it or drop an object on it, the belt will move it on the direction it is headed.
 
16) If the object falls on a monster (I specify which object) that object kills the monster
 
17) Have platform that take you up and down or left and right
 
18) If the platform raise you so high up and you hit the ceiling and it still push you up, you die because you get squished for example
 
19) Ability to save your game if you want or enter password to start on that certain point in the level
 
20) The editor provide me some sort of click and play script
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: CritAnime on November 18, 2012, 03:15:07 PM
Just had a play with this on my 600 with a 030 and 32mb fast ram. I can say that it's good but as Cammy has mentioned it does run a little choppy at times. I found it usually does this when scrolling the screen because when a character is stationary it runs super silky smooth. And with the accelerator off it really does struggle. But still it's a great bit of software.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 24, 2012, 08:40:42 AM
Quote from: Cammy;715393

If you'd like to add to the block set please feel free. The idea of this one is to make several sets of graphics that anyone can use or modify for their own games. We'd like to upload them to OpenGameArt as well. More enemies, collectibles and anything else that people could put in the games are welcome too. I'd love to provide Amiga users with a huge amount of material they can use in their creations.

Yeah, after reading the guide, I saw that it's limited to a length of 320 or 640, but it didn't specify height. I can use that to my advantage. Make two versions for each block mat. If you're okay with basic wall types, I can create side and top blocks fairly quickly.  I'll just make a 32x32 version first and then shrink it.

Does anyone have a preference for run and jump or side/top scroller? I am toying with the idea of creating some simple 3d models for either a side or a top scroller. Now, granted, I'll be able to have both, but I just want to focus on one type. Just a player, chaser and shooter model.

I can also do some weapon effects, fairly quickly, mostly fires, lasers and energy-type weapons. Figure I can make 4 of those.

That's just what I can think of off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: bloodline on November 24, 2012, 10:25:51 AM
I actually always hated platform games... But Magic Pockets was one that I really got into... Not sure why that one took my fancy :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 24, 2012, 10:54:15 AM
32x32 640 version:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/arikel_tolifen/Backbone/Backbone640.png)

16x16 320 version:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/arikel_tolifen/Backbone/Backbone320.png)

Just some flame and smoke animations, a few simple blocks and some weapon effects. These are pngs. You'll have to convert them to amiga iff. I haven't tested these, either. Just proof of concept.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 26, 2012, 04:13:35 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/arikel_tolifen/Backbone/Backbone64064blocks-1.png)


Max resolution of 640x384. This gives 240 blocks per block map at a 32x Block and 64 colors. Try this out, Cammy. I can't seem to get Backbone to work right now. There's 2 different oceans and each middle sky cloud is tileable.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on December 14, 2012, 04:36:25 AM
I created a Sprite Sheet and saved it as a PNG. I then converted it to an uncompressed IFF file with PPaint, and BackBone insists that it is not a valid IFF image.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on December 14, 2012, 05:30:29 AM
Quote from: XDelusion;718978
I created a Sprite Sheet and saved it as a PNG. I then converted it to an uncompressed IFF file with PPaint, and BackBone insists that it is not a valid IFF image.


Make sure to convert it to 8, 16, 32, or 64 colors. 32 and 64 colors only work in 320x200 EHB mode. It won't load properly, if you don't have it matching the proper color settings in Backbone.


Really wish someone would disassemble it, so we could enhance it.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on December 14, 2012, 05:39:08 AM
I Take it the "Less Colors" option is not what I'm looking for?

Where do I need to go in PPaint to do this?

Thank you!

Quote from: Methuselas;718985
Make sure to convert it to 8, 16, 32, or 64 colors. 32 and 64 colors only work in 320x200 EHB mode. It won't load properly, if you don't have it matching the proper color settings in Backbone.


Really wish someone would disassemble it, so we could enhance it.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on December 14, 2012, 07:19:38 AM
Quote from: XDelusion;718986
I Take it the "Less Colors" option is not what I'm looking for?

Where do I need to go in PPaint to do this?

Thank you!

Project >Image Format. Change the settings to whatever you need, including colors.

Keep in mind that Half Brite modes only half the 16 color you pick, which is the maximum for ECS. In other words, at 32 colors EHB, you'll have 16 half tones and in 64 colors EHB you'll have 48 half tones.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on December 28, 2012, 10:34:35 PM
Hi guys im wanting to make a game using backbone and think cammys tutorial is great, my question is this i have downloaded a load of sprite sheets in .PNG format and i would like to know how i will add these to backbone, do i just change them from .PNG to Bitmap to add them to back bone?

All help appreciated.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on December 30, 2012, 03:38:47 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;720573
Hi guys im wanting to make a game using backbone and think cammys tutorial is great, my question is this i have downloaded a load of sprite sheets in .PNG format and i would like to know how i will add these to backbone, do i just change them from .PNG to Bitmap to add them to back bone?

All help appreciated.
On PC side:
1. Make sure your sprites are in 16 colors, you can color reduce if is more.
2. Go to MS Paint and create canvas size 320x256
3. copy your sprites to it, no spaces between sprites.
4. save it in PNG

On Amiga side:
1. Open PPaint
2. Open your sprite file, open it with screen size 320x256 16 colors.
3. It's possible that the Background color is wrong and you need to swap it.
4. In PPaint,  select with left mouse button color 0 and with right mouse button select that background color , then go to colors menu and and select SWAP BKG to Foreground.
5. Adjust your Swapped colors in the Edit colors, I set the first color to 0,0,0 and the other to what ever it was. I write down the settings before I change it to Black 0,0,0.

I hope it helps.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on December 30, 2012, 06:09:31 PM
Thanks amiman99 i will give that a go :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: STeADi on December 31, 2012, 07:55:58 PM
Quote from: yssing;714864
Is the source for backbone available?
For those asking about the source.  I know Alastair and I'm afraid to tell you he's lost the source code a long time ago.  Sorry!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 06, 2013, 05:39:05 AM
Very soon I will upload my first game demo made with Backbone, using some heavy modified textures provided by Cammy.
The details in the game are killing me, so the progress is slow, but I got help from my friend in the gfx department, so some stuff is looking very nice. even my son provided one graphic detail, an axe. Sound effects are made by me using the DSS8 sound sampler and music by Unknown found on Sound Terrific CD.
Stay tuned...
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on January 06, 2013, 06:12:18 AM
Cool, looking forward to seeing it!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 07, 2013, 01:12:38 AM
Here is a teaser of my game made with Backbone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQr7YoAd_1Q
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 10, 2013, 03:23:45 PM
Quote from: amiman99;721544
Here is a teaser of my game made with Backbone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQr7YoAd_1Q


That looks great, look forward to it being finished :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: AmigaClassicRule on January 10, 2013, 04:37:07 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;721976
That looks great, look forward to it being finished :)

I still do not understand however about the editor and what limitations to expect.

Can I do the following with it?:

1) Have build in click and play events
2) Be able to have an NPC talk to you and ask for a specific items in order to pass or a door or force field etc?
3) Have different colored doors that are locked requiring keys with the same colored as the door to unlock them (using events)
4) Have teleportation event
5) Be able to combine items to make one item
6) Be able to do different AI for monsters
7) Can I have the character die or lose HP based on the height he fall from?
8) What if I want to make a level where I need to collect certain NPC to follow me and have to take them safely to the exit while making sure the monsters don't kill them or harm, is this something I can do?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: jj on January 10, 2013, 04:45:19 PM
Looking good dude.  If any advice would say get rid of or certainley make less loud the sound of the enemies walking.  especially as you can hear them some time befofr they become visible
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: jj on January 10, 2013, 04:50:41 PM
Quote from: amiman99;721544
Here is a teaser of my game made with Backbone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQr7YoAd_1Q

Looking good dude. If any advice would say get rid of or certainley make less loud the sound of the enemies walking. especially as you can hear them some time befofr they become visible
 
I like the way you made the dude dance to the music right at the end of the video :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 10, 2013, 05:42:55 PM
When ever i try and select a bitmap image i get an error saying "File is Not a Valid IFF Picture". all i did was try and add a bitmap image as described in the tutorial ?
I am using a sprite sheet with mario in different stances.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on January 10, 2013, 05:56:02 PM
Quote from: amiman99;721544
Here is a teaser of my game made with Backbone:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQr7YoAd_1Q



It looks like it is coming along VERY well!!! Looking forward to more updates! :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 10, 2013, 07:57:12 PM
Quote from: JJ;721987
Looking good dude. If any advice would say get rid of or certainley make less loud the sound of the enemies walking. especially as you can hear them some time befofr they become visible
 
I like the way you made the dude dance to the music right at the end of the video :)
The music is so good, I made him dance to it :))

Yeah..I might remove the enemies' "walking sound" all together, it kinda ruins the background music.

My friend just created a Mummy for my next level, I will check it out how it looks. In the next level you will see steel bar doors, you will have to press space bar to enter it and see what's inside.

Some tiles you see in the video got changed little bit already for the better, like I said, the game is always evolving.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 10, 2013, 08:00:59 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;721992
When ever i try and select a bitmap image i get an error saying "File is Not a Valid IFF Picture". all i did was try and add a bitmap image as described in the tutorial ?
I am using a sprite sheet with mario in different stances.
Maybe you can PM me your file and I can check it and fix it for you.

Speaking of Mario, I have some tiles for the first level and I was able to recreate the first level with ease with Backbone, but I lost it when deleting some other level.
Lesson one, don't delete middle levels, because you loose all levels you made after that level!!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 10, 2013, 08:34:03 PM
That would be great amiman99 i'll send them to you :)

How do i send a file in a PM?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 10, 2013, 09:26:34 PM
Here is the sprite sheet i have been trying to use, hope you can configure it so that i can implement it into backbone :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 10, 2013, 09:48:15 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;722027
Here is the sprite sheet i have been trying to use, hope you can configure it so that i can implement it into backbone :)
Ok, I got it converted and it's recognized by Backbone.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on January 10, 2013, 09:58:04 PM
Amiman99,

Feel free to use any of my tiles if you'd like. If you want them in a PSD format, for easy copy and paste, let me know. They're organized by group and each on their own layer.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 10, 2013, 11:30:59 PM
@amiman99, thanks very much,works a treat now im having problems loading images to block maker. Is there any where that i can download all the images from that will work for backbone right of the back?
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: jj on January 10, 2013, 11:54:41 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;722044
@amiman99, thanks very much,works a treat now im having problems loading images to block maker. Is there any where that i can download all the images from that will work for backbone right of the back?


Right off the bat dude not back :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on January 11, 2013, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: JJ;722045
Right off the bat dude not back :)



And here I thought it was badger rather than bat or back.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 11, 2013, 12:27:35 AM
Quote from: JJ;722045
Right off the bat dude not back :)


Pmsl that's what I meant lol
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 11, 2013, 12:30:54 AM
Quote from: carvedeye;722044
@amiman99, thanks very much,works a treat now im having problems loading images to block maker. Is there any where that i can download all the images from that will work for backbone right of the back?
The Block maker is for 16x16 or 32x32 tiles for levels, to make objects,like hero, enemy, collectables, you need to use the Image Editor in Backbone.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 11, 2013, 01:02:16 AM
Quote from: amiman99;722053
The Block maker is for 16x16 or 32x32 tiles for levels, to make objects,like hero, enemy, collectables, you need to use the Image Editor in Backbone.


Ah thats great amiman99 very much appreciated for your help :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 11, 2013, 02:24:20 PM
Ok so im was up untill 4:30am trying to get block maker to make blocks for my level but i am still no further forward could anyone here please explain to a noob like myself exactly how to use the block maker in backbone? i have been downloading loads of sprite sheets with charcters and levels etc but when ever i try to add these sheets i get an error saying its not a valid iff file so i downloaded XnVIEW so thati can create .IFF files to work with the amiga but im still no further forward? I am trying to make a super mario game i have my character ready just need to use block maker so i can create a level.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 11, 2013, 06:02:29 PM
Quote from: carvedeye;722089
Ok so im was up untill 4:30am trying to get block maker to make blocks for my level but i am still no further forward could anyone here please explain to a noob like myself exactly how to use the block maker in backbone? i have been downloading loads of sprite sheets with charcters and levels etc but when ever i try to add these sheets i get an error saying its not a valid iff file so i downloaded XnVIEW so thati can create .IFF files to work with the amiga but im still no further forward? I am trying to make a super mario game i have my character ready just need to use block maker so i can create a level.
1. Make sure your tiles are 320x256
2. download and install PPaint on your Amiga, see links in 1st post.
3. Open your tile in PPaint, there might be some color reductions.
4. Save your tile as a 320x256 16 color iff, make sure you select IFF type on the right side of the requester.
5. Adjust your colors, you may have to swap your background and foreground colors so the background color is Black (0,0,0)
6. Save it again.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: carvedeye on January 19, 2013, 10:59:17 PM
Thanks amiman99 i will give that a go :)
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on January 30, 2013, 03:15:10 AM
Here is an update to my game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2imuiHEWKk

There are somethings to fix but is progressing nicely.

I'll use same music for now on each level until I find suitable ones for each level.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: XDelusion on January 30, 2013, 03:41:28 AM
Quote from: amiman99;724633
Here is an update to my game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2imuiHEWKk

There are somethings to fix but is progressing nicely.

I'll use same music for now on each level until I find suitable ones for each level.


Looking good!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Doraemon on July 06, 2013, 05:18:00 PM
Hello.
I've installed the backbone as said in the tutorial but if I load a example project and pick create game and run, I get an error.
"Warning!
Error in Creating the G2me!
E-Mail the Programmer!"

I've tryed to mae a simple game, but the same pop up message apears.
Installing and reinstalling makes the same...
Any Idea?

I have a A600 with tha ACA620 , 2mb chip in WB3.1

Thanks
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Rebel-CD32 on August 16, 2013, 05:48:54 AM
Doraemon, I'm not quite sure what the problem is, but if you're still experiencing it maybe you could make a Lha of the Backbone directory with all the files, send it over and I could have a look, try and compile it myself.

I would like to put together a collection of blocks and sprites that people are free to use in their games, so currently Cammy and I are working on a game which uses these graphics as a demonstration of how they can be used, then we'll release the game and all the free graphics, and the Backbone files for anyone to have a look at how it's all put together.

Inspired by amiman99, we put together this first level of Super Mario Bros but it's not really feature-complete, it was just for fun. We just copied the level layout from the original game, all I did was remapped the tiles and sprites to a single 15 colour palette.

http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/SuperMarioBrosTest.lha

You may need to extract it to a SFS or PFS partition, not RAM Disk:
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: guest3110 on August 16, 2013, 12:50:40 PM
Cool.

I think I used something like that before, but in the mid-1990s. Hmm. Trying to recall if it was the same program or not. :insane:
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Rebel-CD32 on September 16, 2013, 12:17:52 PM
It seems I can't edit my post, but I found out the file I linked to earlier has some problems with filenames not having the right names on some people's setups. So I've recompiled the Mario level and uploaded it here:  http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/SuperMario.lha
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Doraemon on September 16, 2013, 07:55:17 PM
Now my install its working fine.
If I make the install with the provideded install scrip all goes wrong.
But Manual install works fine :)
If anyone gets problems, try to install by hand
Thanks for your help Rebel cd32
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on September 16, 2013, 07:55:44 PM
Quote from: Rebel-CD32;748102
It seems I can't edit my post, but I found out the file I linked to earlier has some problems with filenames not having the right names on some people's setups. So I've recompiled the Mario level and uploaded it here:  http://home.exetel.com.au/~amiga/SuperMario.lha
Let me take a look...

BTW, I'm still working on my game, but is very slow. There are some bugs in the engine that I need to get around, like the enemies not stopping were they supposed to and disappearing, or walking in mid air. I guess, I was to ambitious with the idea, so it looks like it will be shorter, but hopefully complete.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on November 26, 2013, 07:29:05 PM
Finally had some time working out bugs in the game and it is almost ready.

The name of the game is "Marco Gregorios Adventures to Unusual Places"

Here are some more screenshots.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Methuselas on November 26, 2013, 08:29:07 PM
Looking good. Is it me, though, or does the main character look like the Grandfather from that movie, Witness?


"Wake up, Book. It's 4:30. Time for milking!"
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on April 19, 2014, 11:47:00 PM
Quote from: amiman99;753486
Finally had some time working out bugs in the game and it is almost ready.

The name of the game is "Marco Gregorios Adventures to Unusual Places"

Here are some more screenshots.

Game is released here:
http://eab.abime.net/showthread.php?t=73383

I tried to put it on Amiga.org news item, but it has to be approved.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Iggy on April 20, 2014, 01:59:04 AM
Working with Cammy, sounds terrific.
She's one of those rare people that reinforce my frail faith in humanity.
BTW - Talk her into posting more often, she is missed.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on April 20, 2014, 04:58:19 AM
Quote from: Iggy;762937
Working with Cammy, sounds terrific.
She's one of those rare people that reinforce my frail faith in humanity.
BTW - Talk her into posting more often, she is missed.
The first level is made with her tile set (modified) and one enemy, so credit is given. With out her tutorial this game probably would not happen.

I think with a good graphic artist you can create some good games with Backbone.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: Iggy on April 20, 2014, 03:52:13 PM
Quote from: amiman99;762953
The first level is made with her tile set (modified) and one enemy, so credit is given. With out her tutorial this game probably would not happen.

I think with a good graphic artist you can create some good games with Backbone.

Good point, artistic ability is vital in creating a decent game.
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: vince_6 on May 13, 2014, 05:05:24 PM
Thank you very much!
Title: Re: Creating games with Backbone - Step by Step for beginners!
Post by: amiman99 on December 04, 2014, 11:13:12 PM
My new game made in Backbone: http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=68480