We used a very simple yet handy tool called XamlPad to preview XAML-scalable vector illustrations. Now, we are sure that the scalable clipart for the game is going to work fine in different resolutions. We can include these vector illustrations in Silverlight 3 applications.

Expression Design is a very useful tool if we need to create special effects with 2D XAML vector graphics. Using this tool, a digital artist can create and manipulate vector graphics. Also, this tool can define a name for each shape. Thus, we can later add some code to change some of the properties of these shapes by using the names to identify them.

For example, we can change an eye's color. However, we need 2D XAML vector graphics that use nice names to identify each shape. The following picture shows Expression Design editing our well-known Halloween monster to provide nice names for the shapes that define the eye's background and background border:

Using expression design, we can also add effects to many shapes and layers. Hence, if we are going to work hard with Silverlight 3, it is a very important tool for the digital artists involved in the project.

You have to win the game contest. As you know, there is no restriction on the number of games per participant. What about preparing another completely different game to participate in this contest?

Take a classic game that is based one screen and does not have scrolling capabilities, similar to the Invaders game. Prepare scalable vector graphics in an XAML format to represent its characters. However, this time, prepare some additional animation frames for each character. We will use them in the following chapter to prepare that game using a new framework.

You can do it. If you are not a good artist, you can download free clipart from the Web and then use the techniques and tools previously explained to create vector graphics in XAML format that are ready for use in Silverlight 3 games.