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I am opening my game tomorrow for Alpha testing, but I've been having second thoughts about the movement/map system. Currently, the world is divided into multiple regions/screens that are further broken down into hexes (see image 1). The player can then move among the individual hexes. I'm not using AJAX so I think all the page-refreshes could lead to massive bandwidth usage.

My other idea is to use a single overall map, and have the players move between specific locations on the map (see image 2). This map is only an example, since I found it online. I would obviously create my own world map. It seems this would be much simpler to execute and easy to adapt to AJAX. But it doesn't allow for the close-up feel of the hex-based system (which I spent a lot of time and headaches developing).

Any thoughts? Which system does everyone prefer?

Image 1:


Image 2:

I love the hex system and if you really streamline your travel page I don't see too much a issue with bandwidth. Quick question, are you using PHP or JS to display the map and the character?

If you are using strictly JS on the map and player location you could use a simple Ajax update and a JS update to move the player. I could give you some help on the code.

If you are using PHP elements then maybe passing many of the variables from one page refresh to the other might help. Of course I am sure you are using links for the map movement which leads to GET methods that can be manipulated.

Almost everything is done in PHP. I pass the new X,Y position to the next page, and then run all my collision checks before re-drawing the map, character, etc. I've experimented with an AJAX movement system, which might work here. That test even had the monster chasing the character in near-real time!

I think with this game, I would just have to scale it up a bit for more mobs. I would just pass the new character coordinates through AJAX, perform collision checks and monster movement, and then return all character and monster coordinates to be redrawn. I would love to try it - I think I'm just being lazy because it would be a major change in code. And one thing I've learned in programming: change one thing, and break 5 others!

yeah it would be a major overhaul changing everything over. If you use Ajax to requery after a move you are still accessing the database correct? I think streamlining your current queries may be looking into also.

Legends of Dhashar is open to the public for Alpha testing. http://www.dhashar.com Obviously, you can't do much: move, fight, buy some weapons. I'm just trying to learn how the game will function with multiple players and if will be well-received in the gaming community. There is a feedback form (test form) accessible in the Quick Links section of the home page.

Remember, your MUST enter a town and SAVE your progress before you quit or you will lose any gained experience, etc.

There are currently six regions (screens) to explore, four monster types, several weapons, and one spell. Please share the game link with your friends.

Enjoy.

If you have any problems, please contact me at http://www.hackworks.net/contact.php

Neat played it. I think there should be a life remaining on the monster your fighting. All I seen is the one for your character.

For now, the monster's name simply changes colors when it's been injured, but I like the idea of have a health bar above (or below) the monster.

Interesting..

While you are still in development, I suggest you have a 'test' account, with the password test, this will allow people to come have a look without needing to create an account..

As to your bandwith issue that you claim.. are you using Divs and Css? or XML?

I use div tags and css. I guess I don't really have bandwidth 'problem' - I just want to keep the bandwidth as low as possible. I'm from a time when system resources where scarce and you had to optimize every chance you got. I used to develop games for 128k RAM and store them on 512k disks. Yeah, I know...I'm old.

haha i miss the 5 and a quarter disks! Games just seemed more exciting when you have to install them with 12 disks!

I remember buying Eye of the Beholder on floppy. Man it was so exciting.