How to create Horde mechanics?

[Hugh_Janus]

Hi everyone, I need help please.

I've been trying for a good while now to get what I want with no success at all.

What I want to do is create a random amount of enemies, say between 20 and 50 that appear at the top or side of the screen. Not unlike Space Invaders but with a horde mentality that will charge towards your player character.

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!

[zip2kx]

What part do you have issues with? The creation part or the AI?

[Hugh_Janus]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Creation.

I'm banging my head against a wall just trying to work out how to randomly generate say between 20 - 50 enemies (imagine a space invaders block of aliens) that appear either at the top of screen or sides.

The AI I think I worked out with a single enemy.

Thanks.

[zip2kx]

oh ok.

This is how i would do it:
Create a counter (or use a global value, doesnt matter).

Start of frame
-Set Counter to random range 20-50

Then:
Counter is greater then 0
-Start Fast Loop "spawn" 1 times.

On loop "spawn
-Create Enemy
-Set Y position to 0 (top of the screen)
-Set X position Random(Frame Width)
-Sub 1 from Counter.

That would in theory create enemies at the top of the screen at random spots until the counter is 0.
Try and see if that works.

[chrilley]

I made a small example using fastloops to spawn enemies from all sides of the screen. Note that at the current spawn rate you might hit maximum object count pretty fast so make sure to adjust numbers and conditions for what you need!

[Hugh_Janus]

Brilliant, thanks!!

You're a pair of superstars!! hehe