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Game Programming Starter Kit 5.0
Score: 100%
Developer: MacMillan Software
Device Type: Miscellaneous



Function:

So, you wanna make games? Well, there are lots of things you?ll need. Game Programming Starter Kit 5.0 puts a good deal of it at your fingertips.

Performance:

The idea behind Game Programming Starter Kit 5.0 is to offer a collection of useful game development tools and resources in one package for aspiring game developers. There?s no question they did just that. Included, you?ll find an introductory version of Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, which has some nagging aspects to it, but appears to have most, if not all, of the functionality of the professional version. You also get the Microsoft DirectX 8.0 Software Development Kit, putting the power of an industry standard for 2D and 3D graphics in your hands. Also in the box is 3D GameStudio Standard 5.12, an authoring system for 2D and 3D computer games. You have map editing, textures... world building at your fingertips.

These alone would be a worthwhile kit. However, you also get MS DirectMusic Producer, an excellent music composition software that utilizes DirectMusic (and has an excellent tutorial section), and ?Game Design: Secrets of the Sages 3rd Ed.,? filled with insight, stories, and advice from some well-known names in the gaming industry on everything from concept to promotion, level design to programming, and everything in between! Even additional source code for the book is included -- they put it on a CD. Also on that disc, you?ll find an ?e-book? version of ?Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus,? offering guidance on game programming, artificial intelligence and physics.

All of the resources included are excellent. The only thing is trying to sort them all out and take the time to familiarize yourself with everything.


Features:
  • Microsoft Visual C++ Introductory addition
  • BOOK: Game Design: Secrets of the Sages 3rd Ed.
  • e-BOOK: Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus
  • 3D GameStudio Standard 5.12
  • MS DirectX 8.0 SDK
  • MS DirectMusic Producer
  • Additional Source Code on Disc

Drawbacks & Problems::

The only problem (?) is that there?s too much there. Not bad stuff; it?s not like you have to sort through the resources to try to find the useful part -- it?s ALL useful. It?s just a bit overwhelming. (This is reflected in the long time it took me to look it all over decently. I?m over deadline. Way over deadline. There?s just SOOO much stuff in here!!!) However, for you the reader and would-be game developer, that?s a good thing. Pick up Game Programming Starter Kit 5.0 for one or two features and enjoy them. Then go back later and explore the rest of the resources. You?ll be pleasantly surprised at the ?added value.?

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications
AKA Robert Perkins

Windows Panther DX Sega Dreamcast Dream Blaster

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated