Before the contest started, I mentioned that I was thinking of making something along the lines of Actraiser. Well, I dropped that idea; instead, I'm working on something along the lines of the Mysterious Dungeon games (think roguelikes, but a bit more casual). Today's update: map generation!
Shown here are two maps generated using two different algorithms. On the left is my box stacking algorithm. Basically, it puts a bunch of squares on the map, then figures out how to place the doors so that the entire map is connected. One of the big problems for maze generation is connectedness: you need to ensure that there's always a way to get from point A to point B. This algorithm takes the easy way out by putting a door on every wall that might need one (shown in blue because the brown wasn't showing up well).
Even though the rooms are all square, because they overlap, the end result can be an interesting shape. This algorithm generates a map with an artifical, dungeony feel.
On the right is a tried-and-true cave algorithm. It starts with a random pattern of floors and walls, then uses cellular automata (think Conway's Game of Life, but with different rules) to turn the staticky mess into the smooth, natural map you see here. Of course, this is a great algorithm for generating caves, but it also does well with forests and other natural terrain. (Use your imagination here.)
The third algorithm I want to add is the rooms-connected-by-halls type that you see in a lot of roguelikes. There are variations on this theme, but the one I'm going with is going to be the one used all the way back in Rogue. The general idea is that you divide the map into cells, connect all the cells with corridors, then put rooms in some of the cells. The end result is familiar to anyone who's played pretty much any game in the genre.
Next time, I'd like to talk a bit about the flow of the game, which will tend more towards a traditional RPG than most roguelikes. Meanwhile, if you're interested in this project, you can help:
- If you want to help me make the game, I am taking applications. I am flying solo right now
- If you can't spare the time to help but have suggestions, then please contribute!
- And if you just want to see me finish the project, make sure to bug me for updates in this thread. This is more helpful to me than you'd think!
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