[tuxracer-devel] Speed Boosts

[Drakkin <dr...@so...>]

Hello all,
I've been reading the developer archives, and noticed a conversation
back in April about adding speed boosts. Well, I've found a way to
implement them now without a change in source code.

The map I'm developing does not use the rock terrain, so I simply
created a new graphic tile (Snow with a red bull's eye) and I loaded
THAT in place of the rock texture. Then, I altered the rock's friction
to a negative value, effectively changing the rock into a propelling
surface.

Now, I do have one problem... It seems textures are stretched within the
engine with no apparent way for the course developer to alter them. My
bulls eye texture (directly drawn onto a copy of the snow texture) gets
stretched out to a size of about 3x3 or 4x4 (In relation to course map
pixels). Would it be feasible to allow texture stretching values to be
defined within the course script?

In fact, if we were to think even grander, wouldn't it be nice to allow
for an expanded list of possible terrain types? I'm seeing something
like this:

tux_terrain_type_0 ../common/ice.rgb 1.5 1.5 0.25 0 0
tux_terrain_type_1 ../common/snow.rgb 1.5 1.5 0.35 0 0
tux_terrain_type_2 custom.rgb 1 1 -2.2 0 0

The first parameter is obviously the texture file name, next two could
be the X and Y stretch factors, next is friction. We could then have a
damage modifier (Will this LAVA damage tux? How much?), and finally, a
special modifier. This modifier could be used to activate special
functions within the engine, like a reflector (bounce tux away like in a
pinball machine), a special lighting condition, the location of a 3-d
powerup (silver herring health bonus), etc.

You may even wish to include the grey-value used to represent this
terrain on the map image. For example:

tux_terrain_type_9 extralife.rgb 1 1 0.35 0 7 80

The 80 represents R80 G80 B80 on the map. This would allow the developer
great flexibility when applying the finishing touches. Think you'd like
to swap the low health bonuses with the 50% health bonuses? Why re-paint
the map when you can swap two values in the config file?

Anyway, these are just some "wish-list" items I've come up with while
playing with my maps. I'll probably have more as time goes on.

I'd also like to add, before I sign off, that I've enjoyed playing Tux
Racer. My thanks go out to Jasmin and everyone who's helped along the
way. This is by far the most fun I've found in a developing game.

Good night (or day) to you all.
Troy Corbin Jr.