Calculating an arc/trajectory

[McPhisto]

Hi there,

I'm making a small platform game that has automatic jumping between platforms. I need the game to calculate an arc between two points that will result in the player's character making a smooth jump between two platforms. Right now, as soon as the player hits the edge of a platform, it goes over a 'jump' trigger that will then work something out with the appropriate trigger on the other platform.

Ideally I'd like it to calculate a jump arc dynamically, based on both the x distance between the platforms, and the y difference - so there might be a platform that's close but some distance below, or one that's on the same height but further away.

Does that explanation make sense? My problem is that I'm really bad at maths, and while I've been trying to get results using the Sine Wave or Vector movements, I haven't been able to get anything working. If anyone has a moment, do you think you'd be able to give me some advice on this?

Thanks!

[wizkidweb]

Well, to calculate the bézier curve, you can use This Article on TDC. It's quite a good article, and I have found it very useful, but I make more apps than I make games.

You could also use a fastloop jumping engine, or alterable values to calculate the distance between two platforms:

(platform 2 position-platform 1 position)-Width of Platform 1

and the height of the jump, which could be increased/decreased based on the frame rate (usually around 50).

[Ross]

You could also just use the Move by Bezier object

[McPhisto]

Ah, great, cheers man, I'll take a look!