We will learn the fundamentals of the super-fast C++ language, a step at a time, and then put the new knowledge to use, so it should be fairly easy to add cool features to the three games we are building.
Tip
If you get stuck with any of the content in this chapter, take a look at the sections near the end Handling errors and FAQs.
These are our three projects for the book:
The first game is an addictive, fast-paced clone of the hugely successful Timberman, which can be found at http://store.steampowered.com/app/398710/. Our game, Timber!!!, will introduce us to all the C++ basics at the same time as building a genuinely playable game. Here is what our version of the game will look like when we are done and we have added a few last-minute enhancements.
Next, we will build a frantic, zombie survival shooter, not unlike the Steam hit, Over 9000 Zombies, which can be found at http://store.steampowered.com/app/273500/. The player will have a machine gun, and must fight off ever-growing waves of zombies. All this will take place in a randomly generated, scrolling world. To achieve this we will learn about object-oriented programming and how it enables us to have a large code base (lots of code) that is easy to write and maintain. Expect exciting features such as hundreds of enemies, rapid-fire weaponry, pick-ups, and a character that can be "leveled-up" after each wave.
The third game will be a stylish and challenging puzzle platformer, which can be played as a single player and coop. It is based on the very popular game, Thomas was Alone, which can be found at http://store.steampowered.com/app/220780/. Expect to learn about cool topics such as particle effects, OpenGL Shaders, and split-screen cooperative multiplayer features.
Tip
If you want to play any of the games now, you can do so from the download bundle in the Runnable Games folder. Just double-click on the appropriate .exe file. Notice that in this folder you can either run the completed games or any game in its partially completed state from any chapter.
Let's get started by introducing C++, Visual Studio, and SFML!