Hello everyone - I apologize if this has been asked before - I'm going to run the risk of repeating a probably common question.

I have a mid range pc, and a low end mac (imac). I want to fairly rapidly create a puzzle-style game in the genre of popcap type games -- like bejeweled, qbeez, etc. I'm sure that there's already a great set of libraries, or specialized apps (blitzbasic? gamemaker?).

Im more or less looking to see what the concensus is for the best 2d puzzle game making software. I have the idea pretty much specced out the game idea, and I want to try to get it implemented quickly without alot of concentrating on the underlying engine...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I recommend Multimedia Fusion (www.clickteam.com)...The only downside for you is that it is PC only with no mac support.

I hear that MMF 2 will have Mac support (possibly?) but that is about a year away.

Alex

Macromedia director is probably your best chance.
And you can shockwave the game too ;)

pat.

Director's big problem is it's outragous price. But other than that, yeah, I'd say Director for sure.

~Hanford

I have a registred copy of gamemaker (overmars) so I'm thinking about either trying it out there or going more hard-core perhaps with doing it in flash. Perhaps if I can get a prototype running I can better evaluate whether it's worth it or not to try to invest in something like director. Thanks for your help everyone!

I recommend GameMaker. I've enjoyed doing my puzzle game in it so far.

Cool! I've been impressed with it so far, esp the new particle system. Know of any locations that have coding tips?

You might want to try aftergrasp http://www.aftergrasp.com/

Not sure how fast it can go though.

pat.

I've got a bunch of links and I'll try to post them when I get back to the office next week. In the mean time, go look for a game on the GameMaker forums called "Macky & Pentell". They guy who wrote it just released the GameMaker source for it and it looks like a Capcom Shooter that you would see in the arcades.

Also the GameMaker forums have great links that would help you. And there is a new beta that was just announced a few weeks ago that adds alot of new features found mostly in C++ type languages.

-Cartman

The one i am developing right now. I looked into GameMaker... i tried to like it but... it sucks. The games made on it run sluggish. the particle engine i've seen in action doesn't look to be promising either. all of the menus in the game look similar. doesnt seem like it lets you have a lot of creative freedom with it.

Currently in development but here is some information:

www.falloutsoftware.com/piranha.php4

it's very flexible too.

greg damon
www.falloutsoftware.com