🚀 go-pugleaf

	I've used Game-Maker probably more then anyone else, simply because
I wrote it!  (or part of it).  I think, though, that my input is still valid
because Game-Maker has no competitors (ie, I have no one to insult).
Notice, too, that I could have not advertised my connection with the product.
I choose to, because Game-Maker can easily stand on its own.

So, to answer your questons:

>   Have any of you ever used GAME MAKER from Recreational Software
>   Designs? It is supposedly software to aid in creating arcade games
>   and adventure games, sort of a video game construction kit.

It is exactly that -- a video game construction kit.  You create everything
about your game.  From graphics, to monster movement, to character movements,
weapons, etc.  In the age old gaming tradition Game-Maker supports hit points,
"Power-ups", inventory (weapons, speed boots, extra jumping --anything!).
The playing field(s) consists of a 100x100 map of user-drawn blocks which
can be walls, doors, animations, objects, one-way doors and have gravity
in any of eight directions.  Since each block is 20x20 pixels, each scene
is actually over 60 times the size of the screen!  30 of these playing fields
(complete with their own blocks, monsters, characters, etc) can be linked
together to form a game which can (obviously) be played within Game-Maker,
or converted (using a utility provided with the development package)
to an .exe file and released as Shareware.

>   It seems like it might be useful for amateurs like myself who are
>   interested in game design. According to the ad opposite page 54 in the
>   November 92 issue of Computer Gaming World,

Amateurs are EXACTLY who the program was designed for.  You can create an
entire game without touching the keyboard (except I guess, to type in
save filenames)!  It has a simple, intuitive WYSIWYG interface, and NO
knowledge of programming or game theory is required (ie we DO NOT create
a pseudo language--its all point and click)! 


>     "GAME.MAKER requires an IBM AT compatible 286, 386, or 486 with a color
>      VGA monitor and mouse. Joystick optional."
 
	Game-Maker is NOT one of those previous-generation worn gaming 
engines, with a facelift.  We use the latest video mode (VGA 256 color
mode), and need a powerful processor due to the extensive animation.    

>   The ad also offers the following information.

>     "A technological breakthrough by Recreational Software Desings lets you
>      do the impossible. Now you can create 256 color VGA computer games
>      without programming.

	This refers to the fact that everyone else limits the playing 
screen with cute info bars, inventory, etc, so that they do not have 
to update such a large screen area.  GameMaker uses the entire physical
screen as the "playing screen", and supports smooth background scrolling
(needed because scenes are 60 times bigger then the screen).  

>      +Design unlimited number of animated monsters and good guys

Well...not quite.  Something like 64 per scene with 30 scenes, making
1920 monster types.  Of course, 200 instances of monster types can be 
put on each scene, pushing the number of to 6000.

>      +Animated characters walk, run, fly, hop, pop from scene to scene

You define character movement patterns and link them to almost any key
(FN keys are reserved for stuff like save/restore game, etc).  Thus, if
you wanted, you could have the character duck, shoot a weapon,  even do
a belly flop (although I can't see why).

>      +Design your own sounds
>      +Make arcade and adventure games as unique as your imagination
Yes,Yes.

>      +Modify and enhance GAME.MAKER games"

We include 4 games to help you get started.  The artistically uninclined
can use our graphics in their games, or steal graphics from .gif files
using an included utility.


>   So, has anyone tried this product? If so could you comment on its
>   good and bad points.

Those were its good points.  A lot of young users call up thinking that
they will be able to create the next Ultima in a week.  Obviously not.
Do not expect to create next year's hit commercial video game.
Expect instead to create a state of the art shareware game for use
as product promotion, round-robin games (each friend adds a level),
or to make lots of Shareware users happy.  Expect, also, for the said games
to be fuller in plot, because creators will be able to concentrate on the
story--not the effects. 

GameMaker costs about $89, and can be ordered through KD software
at 1-800-533-6772.

						   Andy.
					stonea@minerva.cis.yale.edu


-- 
                                                  |  Andy Stone |