XNA: Extreme Pool

This features both standard ‘speed’ pool and an ‘extreme’ version. The standard version is limited to potting balls as quickly as possible.

The extreme version features a ramp in the middle of the table. If the cue ball passes through the pink spot then the balls on the table will shrink or grow for a short time. There is also a random chance of any ball on the table moving on its own while taking a shot.

Movies

Download

Win32 executable and source (XNA Framework required – redistributable included)
Pool.zip (3.6MB)

Postmortem: Birds (XNA Team Project)

Introduction

This game was the result of a first year team game development project. The team consisted of three Games Programming students and one Games Modelling and Animation student. The project was voluntary and not assessed, but there were prizes for winning (a Nintendo DS per team member and priority on trips to the UK XNA launch event and Rare Headquarters). Best entries would also be displayed to industry and placed on the university’s website.

The criteria were:
• May be based on existing game or an original idea.
• Must have a two player co-operative mode.
• All code and artwork must be original.
• Prototype to be developed in Game Maker.
• Full version must be developed in XNA Game Studio Express.
• “There are no provided tutorials […] it is a test of what you’re able to find out on your own.”
• Deadline: 4 weeks.

XNA Launch

I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the UK launch of XNA at Warwick University on Wednesday. It was a great day; the speakers were interesting and Microsoft were extremely generous. I missed out on a free XBox360, but did come away with a free creators’ club membership and .NET book.

However, the highlight for me was seeing my XNA game used as the university’s display game. Even better, people were actually playing it (one pair even played it through twice) which was a really great feeling.

Poor quality photo follows!