Best way to make a weapon selection system tied to mouse wheel

Ok, here's what I'm trying to accomplish. On mouse up and down, I want the next weapon or previous weapon to become available for use (this was actually easy to accomplish). I set up the weapons in numbered order (i.e. 1 = regular, 2 = spread, 3 = rapid) and moving the mouse wheel up or down would change the weapon selection counter +1 or -1, enabling the weapon for use.

My issue now is what if one of the weapons wasn't available and I want to skip over it? Let's say 'spread' wasn't available for selection and I moused up from blaster. I want to skip over the unavailable '2' and go to the next available weapon which is '3'. If '2' and '3' weren't available, it should loop back to '1'.

The only way I can think to accomplish this is in a referential database but that doesn't look possible in MMF2. How do others accomplish this? Thanks!

--Jarred

What I'd do is compare the current weapon setting against a global value associated with each potential weapon.

Example:

If (mouse wheel is rotated down) and WHEELCOUNTER = 2 and SPREADGUN = 0 then WHEELCOUNTER = 3
If (mouse wheel is rotated down) and WHEELCOUNTER = 3 and RAPIDGUN = 0 then WHEELCOUNTER = 4
If (mouse wheel is rotated down) and WHEELCOUNTER = 4 and LASTPOSSIBLEGUN = 0 then WHEELCOUNTER = 1

and etc.

This way if you put these comparisons before the actual part that assigns the guy the gun, it will skip to the next available gun you possess, and if you get to the end of all the possible guns then it circles back to your regular gun that's always owned.

This may not be the best way to handle it, but that's what I'd do.

I know your solution would work Del, but I was hoping to avoid that ;D

There's got to be a way to do this where I can have an infinite number of weapons and don't have to account for every possible scenario where 1 isn't available.

Beats me but I'm sure there's a way to do it.
This place has loads of programming Gods, they just have to come down from the clouds and see this thread :D

Idea: Should work but I didn't actually try it

You would need to add your weapon data to a hidden list box
As you scroll the wheel you select the next item in the list when it gets to the end of the items in the list box you jump back to the first item
(Or last item in the list if your scrolling the other way)

As you scroll you retrieve the data from the list box and parse it out to get the details of the selected line.

I might go build a little example of this seems pretty cool.

^^ what Jeff said X)

or a good old array,
where X index would be weapon type,
Y0 value would be "available/not available"
(Y1 if needed would be player no#)

...that and some nice fastlooping XD
avoiding empty Y0's and jumping from >dimx to first valued Y0 line shouldn't be a problem!

Jeff. Your method does sound really cool. I shall sit at the computer until your example shows up. he he.

Marv

Thanks All. Now I feel dumb XD I didn't know arrays were an option (which makes perfect sense as a method). I was originally going to make my own array with nothing but variables but that was a disaster.

I'm going to start putting this together but I could probably use some help with the fast looping syntax to make X++ where Y=0.

it's actually very easy, you just need to store which way you are going.

wheel-up: set scroll to 1, set weapon +1
wheel-down: set scroll to 2, set weapon - 1

current weapon unavailable, and scroll = 1: set weapon +1
current weapon unavailable, and scroll = 2: set weapon -1

current weapon available: change weapon.

let's say you have 5 weapons
if weapon = 0, set weapon 5
if weapon = 6, set weapon 1

SoftWarewolf, do you have an example of how to insert the 'current weapon unavailalbe' in to the event? I keep getting a syntax error with the 'Loops - on each object' :(

I'd do it with a loop as it's fast and clean. You'll need an array for storing which weapons you have and a value for the weapon browsing direction. Also, I'll assume that the values stored in the array will be 1 if you have that weapon and 0 if not.

Code:

---

+ On mouse wheel Down
- Set value browseDirection to 1
- Start Loop "browse", Times Max weapons count

+ On mouse wheel Up
- Set value browseDirection to -1
- Start Loop "browse", Times Max weapons count


+On Loop "browse"
- Add value browseDirection to value selectedWeapon

+ On Loop "browse"
+ Value selectedWeapon is equal to 0
- Set value selectedWeapon to Max weapons count

+ On Loop "browse"
+ Value selectedWeapon is greater than Max weapons count
- Set value selectedWeapon to 1

+ On Loop "browse"
+ Value at Array Index X of selectedWeapon is equal to 1
- Stop Loop "browse"

---

The loop will go through the weapons array and either stop at the next available weapon or return to the one currently selected. Of course, this assumes you always have at least one weapon available. If not, it'll need some adjustments.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jarred

Thanks All. Now I feel dumb XD I didn't know arrays were an option (which makes perfect sense as a method). I was originally going to make my own array with nothing but variables but that was a disaster.

I'm going to start putting this together but I could probably use some help with the fast looping syntax to make X++ where Y=0.

---

If you plan to use arrays you should basically recreate the logic behind what SoftWarewolf said,
i.e. "search weapon loop" that loops through array until it finds "available=1" to activate next available weapon
scroll direction tells the loop to search backwards (id: DimX-loopindex) or forward (id:loopindex)
if search goes bad (no item available after/before current), just restart the loop from the beginning/end

It's also to be considered if you're planning to support multiplayer and how (multiple "item" banks on the same array or multiple arrays)

If you need I could setup a quick example, I like working with arrays X)


EDIT: just as Chrille said XD
plus, I'd add a Y2 "available 0/1" value in the same array if you need the same trick for second player etc.

EDIT 2: mmm, no.... multiplayer and scroolwheel could'nt be a viable option, unless multiple mouses are connectedd... d'oh >:)
but maybe you could setup the same logic with scrollwheel/joystick/keyboard, so in that case you should consider adding to your project some Y dimensions/ dedicated variables for other players

I did Jeff's version here:
Attachment 16354

Mmmm... this could actually be easier to handle/code :pacman::pacdot::pacdot:

We always tend to say "array" but... to be honest... well....
this maybe cleaner/quicker to code! XD

You coud use "strings" as weapons IDs (so be careful not to duplicate names)
and removing lines based on list text would selectively empty your inventory...

this seems to work perfectly.
+1 for Jeff and Willy XD


EDIT: unless you need other "builtin" features like saving/loading, which would be quicker/cleaner with the array, while still definitely doable with list object

Where I'm not able to follow is:

+ Value at Array Index X of selectedWeapon is equal to 1

I don't seem to have that option? I only have 4 options to choose on my array:
1) Is the index to the X dimension at the end?
2) Is the index to the X dimension at the end?
3) Is the index to the X dimension at the end?
4)Loops --> on each object

Is this an issue with MMF2? I'll parse the value of the Y to a variable for checking but I fell I shouldn't have to...

You should do that with "compare two general values" under "special" actions

:o ....still learning. Thanks!

This version handles saving and loading.
However it does not encrypt the save file. Look into some encryption extensions for that.

Attachment 16356

Oh!
I never saved a list file, never noticed that option and thought that was not builtin feature :o

So I correct my previous statement: that was definitely easier/quicker to do with list object than with an array!

As for encryption, builtin array doesn't do that too, then I'd say it's quite on par.

Thanks everyone. A lot of good info here.

Note for people trying to use the arrays; if you plan on using the array to store numeric values instead of text, make sure that's reflected in the array properties or you'll tear your hair out trying to get the array to store and display your written values ;D

to jarred, late reply: i thought you already had the available weapons stored somewhere, flags on an object would make sense, just put on flag 1,2,3,4,5 when you get a weapon, and use the event internal flag currentweapon is on/off.

i would use two different values for currentweapon to be safe, one to fire the events i mentioned and one to actually give you the selected weapon (when you know the flag is on) or use Chrille's version which is probably the best one ;)

i am skeptical of lists since it's a big string of text, but maybe it's faster than i think it is.

Hi. You shouldn't be skeptical of List Objects because you think they are slow. Easier to use in this case than Arrays.

Marv

Since the original post asked that the weapons be in a predefined order, how are you manipulating the List object so that as you pick up new weapons they are added to the list in the proper order? Sorry, I haven't checked out the sample file yet, but are you keeping a set of events that is hardcoded to insert the weapon into the right spot in the List?

Interesting thread,
add some thoughts about latest clever observations:

1) to properly decide you should clarify whether:
a) you need to store your weapons in predetermined order or not
b) you need this system to support multiple players
c) you need to store (and save?) other values/infos about those weapons or just their availability (ex. ammo count, powerup level...)
d) you need to store/save additional data about your game (...that could all be packed in a differently setup array)

2) as for list speed, some time ago I tested list objects + fastloops for a random map generation,
and that was hugely slower than same setup based on array + fastloops (about 2 seconds vs 0).
But that was a large project building up hundreds of cells,
so I'd say for small scale and few steps at a time it's surely fast enough.

For my purposes, the array is awesome. I know I'm going to use them a lot and this was a really good exercise to reintroduce them to me. The only thing I'm dreading is creating referential diagrams on paper to keep track of what means what at each dimension...but still incredibly useful.

I admittedly have never tested the "internal list object" that by definition is a "faster list object" :)
so I have no actual speed comparisons to report on that
(side note: I see it's windows only, don't know if viable for Jarred?)

As for my tests I would clarify that I was talking about standard "list object",
as the one used in the examples posted,
and I agree that it would better (cleaner & easier to setup) suit these singular weapon scrolling needs in comparison to an array,
even if slower (I guess because, differently from the "internal list", it is sort of a "GUI" object and has to show the highlight moving etc.)

(.....although I have a love affair with arrays so I can't question anyone choosing that way XDXD)

Given this warm endorsing by Snail, I will for sure test internal list on future plans, seems a really interesting thing :)


EDIT: knowing about internal list speed before I would have never tested a simple "list object" against an array for my purposes... well, next time!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by schrodinger

(side note: I see it's windows only, don't know if viable for Jarred?)

---

Eh, I'm developing on Windows but hope to do ports to the other platforms (of course no mouse movement there). Arrays just always seemed to be the most logical way to set up info to me. Plus I want to control 'upgrade' type additions so the array let's me keep that nice and tidy :) I'm already on a 5x5 grid and reworking my code to poll the info from the array (which will make future updates and changes a breeze :) )

Good to know about the lists tho. If I notice sluggishness it's good to know there are options to make things speedier.

Now that this thread has taken this direction, I HAVE to ask you, Snail,
if you have ever tested to such extent the speed of "Named Variable Object"?
(even if the answer could doom me to endless hours of re-coding :( )

Since you state, if I comprehend correctly, that on average usage (that is, 3 array cells vs. 1 internal list row)
the internal list beats the array,
I have tested the Named Variable Object against the standard Array, and the latter was the winner,
but I had anyway to stick to NVO for some additional needs (and + great features like builtin encryption)

BUT now I'm thinking...
if array > NVO
and list > array (in average usage)
...how an average NVO usage would score against an internal list???
(that, given its different structure from standard array, is pretty similar to an internal list, I'd say, so 1 row against 1 row?)

I'm curious if you ever had the chance for testing.

Additional question: does the internal list still performs great on growing index dimension? (let's say... > 50.000 indices)

So far NVO proved really useful for me, although sometimes I recognize that little glitching I didn't get with array.
Next question would be: that little sprint in speed could be worth the insomniac week recoding? XD
Ok, I'll try to answer that on my own...


EDIT: I just realized that I'd have to additionally parse the string,
because in my project I have to store a single value, but in a specific "composite" and traceable index,
and if internal list works as standard list, its "index" would be the row number,
so I'd have to use some string solution to store an additional ID, like "ID|value"
and then tokenizing/searching that would easily make it slower than NVO... (?)

That's a really interesting insight,
and a great point one usually don't think of:
work you have to do "around" the object may actually overcame the performance advantages you get from the object in itself.

As for the speed test... gosh.
It's so sad seeing those values ineluctably written on that pitiless white background :(

Fact is, I need something that can store an integer value in a three-index reference,
and that could handle negative positions. NVO seemed the only solution.

Using a 3D array was not viable due to the fact that negative numbers could not exist in index (I needed those for theoretical infinite map directions from any point)
the only solution with arrays was a four-array setup (a four quadrant solution suggested by Simon and Tompa, if I recall correctly),
great solution, but in my situation that performed bad due to the overprocessing needed to fastly switch/chose the right index in the right "quadrant", multiple times for any given moment.
This resulted in slower performance than NVO.

However, now I see what I "felt" in actual gameplay change: Nvo is 13 times slower than array.
Urgh.
But I posted this while ago and I had my way since then, so, yes, better stop going off topic :)

Thank you for all the useful infos and smart thinking.

Don't want to flood this thread with my issues, but since it's a crucial part of my engine I'll give just another quick line (XD)

The system underlying the reading/assigning value is quite complex, there lies the bottleneckin my situation, I think.

I substantially do the following about 2-3 times per second,
to generate an average of 12-16 new cells:
-the "choosing" engine loops through all pre-generated square-adjacent cells to these new 12-16 positions
(this means=looping through adjacent XYZindices of each cell and storing their content to a string. This is where four quadrants setup was weak: 12-16 times x 4, on an already "bulky" process, I had to add an additional control to decide from which of the four quadrants to choose)
-basing on above string + further calculations, the new value is assigned to the cell

This done on runtime with NVO works decently.
With single array was perfect... but incomplete for lacking of negative indices.


I could have split the process to make the quadrant jump only in needed cases (that is 0 indices).
That would have slowed down only in few cases, but required a good amount of weighting/crowding the code...

Well, since I'm full immersed in rethinking the basis,
I'm now going to masochistically speed-test the associative array...


UPDATE: oh... man... I knew I shouldn't have... Associative Array performs on par with internal list... hell awaits me :(

Total noob question here, so sorry about that but:

I find the approach with the Textbox quite interesting! It would lend itself perfectly to a simple Inventory, where only one Object is displayed at a Time. Basically like this:

User Picks up Key
Textbox add Key
User presses Keyboard Key to switch the active Inventory Item (from Key to Bottle and so on)
Inventory goes to Animation Key of the Inventory Active Object
If Animation = Key and Player is overlapping Door plus pressing Enter, delete Key from Textbox

Unfortunately, i can't find a way to let the Textbox correspondent with an Active Object. Surely it's cause of my lacking abilities, but any ideas would be great from you veterans :)

Thanks!!

If I understand correctly,
you're going to have one single active object displaying (through its different animation) currently selected item in your "list-inventory", right?

Unfortunately, this may be not so automatic,
because animations of an object are dynamically addressable only through their "id number", and not by their "name",
and since list object can't associate "dynamic" ids to the list items, but only incremental ids based on insertion order,
you can't have a direct "text to id" correlation.

So unless you name your list objects something like "11-Key", in order to retrieve the animation "key" at value -11- with some string manipulation (and this would be completely doable, but I don't know if you want to "show" your list object or not.. if it's hidden, that's completely doable and quick solution! ... Heck, if it's hidden you could just name that "11" XD)
you'll have to find some other workarounds...

One way could be with an additional list object,
pre-setted with all your items, written on line numbers corresponding to animation "id".
So that, when player changes "main list" inventory line, you will search that selected text in the second, hidden, "id-list", and then retrieve the corresponding line number and set the animation to that number.

Easier solution could be with active picture: create a folder with all images of your inventory objects, then when player hits spacebar, just load "my_pictures_folder\" +"(list_current_line)"+".jpg" in the active picture.

Many other solutions can be found...
oh, just another: on spacebar you could destroy current inventory item/create object by name ---> "list current line"
and actually create one single different active object for every item in your list and name it in the same way as the list lines.

You can make a simple inventory using the list object like this: http://community.clickteam.com/threads/82241-Simple-cave-story-like-inventory?highlight=inventory

Hey Thanks! Thats pretty much what i thought of. I'm still too stooopid to understand it thoroughly but i guess i have to practice for another month and come back to it :)

Thanks again!