Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 22:39:17 GMT Server: NCSA/1.5.1 Last-modified: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 17:50:45 GMT Content-type: text/html Content-length: 5011 EECS 498-2 Assignment 3

EECS 498-2: Assignment 3

Program an Arcade Game

Assigned: September 13, 1996

Due Date: October 4, 1996


For assignment 3 you get to take your first crack at actually programming a game. We will provide you with code (which we'll call the Arcade Package) which handles most of the low level messy stuff (such as selecting the video mode, setting up a back buffer and page flipping). You have to design a (fairly) simple arcade game, draw the graphics and program the inner workings of your game. You have three weeks to create a working arcade game, so design and software engineer carefully to make sure you are done. We expect a game on the order of Centipede.

Grading Criteria

Your grade on assignment 3 will be based on 4 factors:
Is the game fully fuctional?
The most important thing that we're looking for is a working game. If the game is almost but not quite finished or still contains bugs your grade will suffer. When you design your game make sure you can finish the project within the three week time frame. Create a schedule and stick to it.
Is the game nontrivial?
You won't get a good grade if your final game is just pong with different colors and a bigger paddle. Your game doesn't have to be original (i.e. a clone of a classic arcade game is fine) but it should be something you are proud to hand in.
Is the game well designed?
We talked about designing a game and some of the design sins that are commonly made. Make sure you show us that you were paying attention in class and learned something.
Is your code well structured and commented?
We will be looking at your code and the easier it is to read and follow the better mood we will be in when it comes time to decide on a grade.

Tools

To do this assignment you will need to use a C/C++ compiler (such as Borland C++ 4.2 which is available on CAEN machines), the Arcade Package (which is available on the class webpage), and a paint program (such as the Windows Paint program also available on CAEN machines).
C/C++ Compiler
The Borland C/C++ compiler is available on CAEN machines and should work well for this project. Make sure when you create a project you set the Platform to DOS (Standard) and the Target Model to Large. If necessary we may have an evening session to introduce people to the compiler and the Arcade Package.
The Arcade Package
This code has been written specifically for this assignment. It handles all of the low level stuff that is such a pain in game programming. On the class website you will find a simple Pong program which was written with the Arcade Package. All you have to do is replace the pong code with your game.

Notes on the Arcade Package:

Paint Program
You will have to create graphics for each of your game objects. You can use any paint program which creates PCX files. The Paint program in windows is appropriate as is the shareware program Paint Shop Pro.

What you hand in

Three weeks from today (which is October 4th) you will hand in the following items.
  1. A floppy disk with your game executable.
  2. Printouts of all your code.
  3. A manual for your game.
  4. A write-up containing an explanation of your code (what the data structures are and how the program is organized) and anything special that you would like to point out to the grader.
We will then begin the grueling task of playing all your games.

Additional Notes