This stuff is awesome! Visit kawaiinot.com.

Fun stuff aside, I learned a lot at this convention. It’s my third time out, and I’m starting to feel comfortable. I can talk to people that come up to the booth, and I can exchange information with them without sounding like a recorder. I feel much more competent. Still, I have a long way to go before I can do what my boss or the affiliate manager do.

SimpleRotationBasedMovement.zip

Alright, that’s the source code for a top-down navigation system.

I’m not going to hold your hand and give you any math lessons. Instead, I will simply inform you that the system uses a rotation, position, velocity, and some fancy math to find the next point to go to over a period of time. Specifically, this means that a new point is calculated anytime the Update method is called in the default Game1.cs file created by the XNA Game Studio 2.0 Game Windows/XBOX 360 Project.

All you really need to do is copy the MovementProperties.cs file to your existing project and add this line of code to your Game.Update method:

MovementProperties.Update(gameTime);

You will need to add a “using” reference to IMACM any files that need it (i.e. Game1.cs). With that, you’re ready to use the MovementProperties class. Simply instantiate a MovementProperties object, like below:

MovementProperties spriteMovement = new MovementProperties();

If you want to set the properties in the instantiation then pass in a Vector2 variable for positioning the sprite, a float variable for rotation, and a float variable for velocity in that order:

MovementProperties spriteMovement = new MovementProperties(new Vector(0f, 0f), 0f, 0f);

You can also change it’s position, rotation, and velocity separately, like below:

spriteMovement.CurrentVector = new Vector(100, 100);
spriteMovement.CurrentRotation = MathHelper.Pi;
spriteMovement.CurrentVector = 5.0f;

When you set the position (CurrentVector) you must use a Vector2 variable, but if you need to set only the horizontal or the vertical position of a MovementProperties object, then you can easily access it with the CurrentX or CurrentY property, respectively:

spriteMovement.CurrentX = 350f;
spriteMovement.CurrentY = 500f;

If you’re wondering about all the fs after the numbers, that’s how you cast an integer number (C# reads numbers as integers by default) to a float number. When working with movement based on a rotation you need floats to keep the numbers pretty. Otherwise, things tend to move jumpily/jerkily. This is also useful if you develop your game for multiple resolutions because it’s more accurate to convert a float placement to a screen than it is to convert an integer placement.

Also, make note that rotation is based on radians. That means that, pi is the same as 180 degrees. You can use the MathHelper class for other basic rotations. MathHelper.PiOver2 is 45 degrees. The rotation is clockwise, so if you have a sprite of an arrow with a default position facing up:

oSpriteMP.CurrentRotation = 0; //Arrow faces up
oSpriteMP.CurrentRotation = MathHelper.PiOver2; //Arrow faces right
oSpriteMP.CurrentRotation = MathHelper.Pi; //Arrow faces down
oSpriteMP.CurrentRotation = MathHelper.Pi + MathHelper.PiOver2; //Arrow faces left


Within the Update handler you can do stuff like change rotation or velocity based on input. Check out the files for a simple example of movement.

I have to share a room with three other guys, but I’m not complaining! I’m starting to get excited. Most of the day is spent at a convention. The purpose of the convention is to make business contacts and learn more about the industry. I am not good at public relations or sales. I don’t care about that stuff. However, there are a lot of things you can learn there.

The real fun begins in the evening. There are usually parties. These are sponsored by some of the biggest names in the industry, so it’s usually an open bar. Actually, I’m really looking forward to seeing the street where the sky is covered with lights. I really wish I could see a Cirque du Soleil show, but I probably can’t afford it. Plus, I would much rather have the GF with me for that type of event.

Anyways, I’ll try to post about my trip while I’m there, but don’t get your hopes up.

Actually, this little mutt gets into trouble quite a bit. He likes to go after trash outside and socks inside. Plus, he is scared of the fire hydrant. Still, he is peppy, and very lovable. He barks a lot though. Jeez louise, this guy can bark. He is getting a lot better, but since he is a puppy he has to pee VERY frequently. Jen lets him run around whenever he has taken care of his business. Here are some more pictures. Enjoy!

If the conduit between you and the divine is as straight forward as prayer, then why pray in a church? Why not at home or at work? Why not pray on the street corner? Why do so many people insist that you need to go to church to keep in touch with the guy upstairs? Is the preacher privy to a secret channel? Does he open this mainline to god on Sunday mornings? Does god hear you better when you’re under his “roof”? Isn’t the whole of the sky and the universe beyond his “roof”?

I think people go to feel the communion. However, it’s not the communion with the divine spirit they seek. They really want to commune with each other. If god is almighty, then it doesn’t matter if it’s one or one hundred people praying. He hears you! But, it feels good to worship and see others worship. It feels good to believe and for others to believe with you. After all, praying at church is nothing like praying at home before bed, or at the dinner table over supper. Why is it different? Could someone answer that? I feel my opinion is valid and right, but if you disagree then please, share your thoughts with me.

I’m about half way through, see if you can get through all the puzzles. PLAY UNTANGLE!

Update: I beat it! It’s possible, but you have to take it slow. I used one point as a base and then just moved any connecting points around the board to remove the cross. Eventually after some trial and error, it worked! Check it out!

I own only four models. Two are midsize models from opposing factions (Iron Condor and Sky Guardian). One is a small little spider (Battle Arachnid), and the last is a giant cannon-toting behemoth (Combat Crawler X2). It is so cool! I’ve only just started experimenting with making my own creations. I’ll get some pics up later when I have something I feel is worth showing.