Making a Flash DDR Game: Background

So recently, I've been getting back into Flash which coincides with my recent parlay back into the video game world. Man, have things changed. Game consoles are over $400-500 while the market seems to be dominated by a $250 device that involves people really getting into the game. How so? Through specific input devices that allow the user to feel that they make a difference. The success of the Wii was originally doubted, but anyone who played games like Guitar Hero or DDR understands the value of a proper input device.

The Myth of the Wii

For those, who didn't take the Comp Sci path through college, an input device such as your regular ps2 controller is a series of trigger buttons, that are choreographed to trigger a certain signal that is compatible with the software. In lamens terms, button 'x' may equal jump, and 'y' may equal shoot. Technically speaking, a controller can be any configuration, just as long as the signals are trigged. That is the success of the Wii. Many believe that when they move the controller 'Up' that they are really completing a difficult task, but to the contrary that same movement can be mapped to the up button a Playstation or Xbox controller.

Simplifying the Controller

However, deceiving the Wiimote maybe, it still maintains a level of difficulty because character movement is continuous. For example, when playing golf, swinging the golf club corresponds to a swinging of the controller which dynamically operates the software. Games such as DDR and and Guitar Hero lack the dynamic software control. These games contain instant button readings, because they are only comparing a key stroke to the expected keystroke within the game. The logic is as follows, if the player presses "left" at the expected left keystroke, then a point should be added to the players score.


DO YOU KNOW HOW FREKKIN' EASY THIS IS TO CREATE?

This particular game structure is perfect for one to create for a Flash based game. There is actually one already out there, and we're sorry to burst their bubble, but we want you to become skilled to create better games for the future. Yes you can be making the next big Flash cell phone game for the IPhone. So lets get started.