Sometime ago we were all set to programme the MW2 systems in Actionscript 2.0 since it would be a real hassle to have to get adjusted to a new syntax of Actionscript 3 (and the new quirks that might come with it like this example).
Then I decided I should at least try to find out if there was a significant performance improvement if we switched from AS2 to AS3. I think the chart below speaks for itself:
I found the comparision chart here. You can check it out for more performance comparisons.
It seems that most of the improvements impact calculations and loops rather than the graphics rendering. This will make an important consideration for us since MW2 will be more intensive on the graphics so we might want to just ignore the preformance boost in favor of being able to code faster in a familiar language.
However, better math caculations means we can do more path finding, generate larger maps, have more moving NPCs on screen. Which means that the MW2 world would be alot more vibrant. Of course, it also means we need to buy a copy of Flash 9 (a.k.a. Flash CS3 Professional), US$699! which will probably cost more in Singapore.
A document from Adobe on the tuning that has been done for AS3 can be found here. A review by CNET on Flash 9, here.
Another consideration will be if our wrapper, Mdm Zinc, will have a patch to make it copatible with Flash Player 9. A possible alternative would be Apollo. I'm guessing since it's from Adobe it would certainly be compatible with Flash 9. Here's the video primer for those who haven't seen what Apollo is all about below:
8 comments:
do you already have most of the coding done for whatever you chose? (f9, adobe, or, apollo)
We've done quite a bit of coding. But I'd say we've done only about 5% of what's needed for MW2. :-P
We will have the demo prototype ready by August 10th to show to Singapore Media Development Authority.
The prototype will have the new chracter art, design of the imperial city, new battle system, new MAW designs, new rendering method of the MAWs in 3D, new character interaction system and a brief sequence of Ron's past.
Does that mean beta is coming somettime in November? [=
I think MW-Online will be out by December so its BETA should be out by November.
MW Assault 2 is due for release about then too.
MW2 will be the slowest project to develop. Upon reviewing the scope of work we have for MW2 as well as the quality we require, it's going to be tough to put a fixed date to it.
Can we use your design for the "Emperor MAW"? I thought of a good place we could use the design in MW2. We'll give you credit for the design of course and probably free copy of MW2.
Where is the Emperor? I cant find it in the forums.
I didnt even know that MD is making maw designs too...
It's in the artwork section somewhere.
Apollo is cool, though having program it in FlexBuilder, i do find it tedious and slow.
The debugging functionality is basic. However, thing could probably improve by ten fold, if the dev env include source code beautifier and the decouple of actionscript from its GUI. The latter could save so much time, because one just simply output result in console rather than keep waiting to generate underlying flash output.
This is the first time i have looked back to see how your doing on MW:2 and i have to say it has been way to long. Don't get me wrong i about ready to explode with excitement. I just really wish your team would update your progress. And if you have, stupid me. Plz respond
From a loyal Gamer. :}
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