koobas.hobune.stream
Where to start (with mixed experience)?
Hello CommUnity! My names Chris, and I'm just getting my feet wet here. To preface, I'm sure the general answer will be "Just do it!", I'm just a little lost as to how to begin...
I want to develop a 2D side scrolling adventure (metroidvania) that is story driven. I want to start really small, like with one level, to get my bearings straight. I've got a lot of experience with graphic design, but not game related. I also just recently published a tabletop RPG, but after thinking over what I really want to do creatively, I think this is it. I also have some web design experience (mostly wordpress), but I think that will at least help some with coding.
I've laid out most of the first story, got storyboards and concept art halfway finished, and based on the 2D intro video I think I have a good road map for things I will need to code for. I'm leaving a lot of elements I want out, for now, because I know it's best to start small. At this point though I don't actually know where the start of the race is. Should I be hacking apart the tutorial and rebuilding from there? Start completely clean?
I feel like a noob. Help :)
Don't bother buying any (real, made of paper) books on Unity - they're mostly overpriced, badly edited, and out-of-date.
There are however some excellent free video tutorials around. My personal favourite for beginners is http://cgcookie.com/unity/cgc-courses/lunar-landing-series/ . I know it's not exactly the same genre as you're intending to write, but that doesn't matter - it covers basic input, scripting, sound, graphics, and production pipeline, which are all completely transferrable. Sit down with a drink and follow along. They also have a slightly more advanced series: http://cgcookie.com/unity/cgc-courses/unity-tower-defense-course/
There are also good example projects on the Unity Asset store, but it can be hard to pick apart and understand other people's code for a beginner unless you know what to look for. For some people it can help to start with a full-working example, but some people might be put off by the complexity of a complete project.
If you get stuck on a particular technical issue (and you've already searched and didn't find an answer), then post on these forums with a clear description of the problem and some kind folk will probably answer pretty soon ;)
Thanks! I'll check out the tutorials today and start digging in. I appreciate a point in the right direction :)
