Progress Update 10/17/2011

The work on the lighting framework has been finished. I managed to separate the lighting system from the framework, since it was inside the main function, in order to be able to include as much point or directional lights as required by the final scenario.

I have attached my code to load .X files, and it is working; but it is giving some problems with loading the textures. I won't mark the activity finished until it is completed, which will be on Wednesday at the latest. Also the work to integrate the sound library that I used on the previous project will start this week.

As I mentioned last week, I already have an idea for a scenario that will utilize animation and level scripting to guide the player through it. The main idea is a character (the player) trying to rescue an NPC in an environment that is divided in different tiles or areas, which can cause damage or heal the player. Also certain zones in the level will cause instant death, previously warning the player about the danger.

The animation will be used in the following way:

• The walking and standing animations will reflect the health of the player.
• Animation of the NPC will reflect its need for help.

Level Scripting:

• The tiles in the ground will reflect in some way that they are bad or good for the player (For example fire effect or Health kits).
• NPC's sound cues will vary depending on how close is the player to him.
• Location of the player will trigger events reflecting danger in the instant death areas (falling rocks for example).

At the moment this is the very simple scenario idea that I have. I'm pretty sure that more ideas will come out as I'm working on it but as for now, I think is better to keep it simple and doable. I'll see how the time constrains work at the end.

Here is the update schedule for this week:

Download Thesis Schedule Update 10/17/2011