Learn AS3 at FlashGameTuts

As promised, the series on programming tutorial websites continues with this post.

This time, the language is AS3, and the link is http://www.flashgametuts.com/tutorials/category/as3/

AS3, or Action Script 3, is the premier language used for programming the plethora of amazing flash games out there. Although facing heavy competition from the HTML5 gaming industry, flash games are still the go-to for the small game freaks. (Take a look at a previous post concerning flash games here.)

From mesmerizing games of the highest quality like Strike Force Heroes and Kingdom Rush to casual games just for fun, like Burrito Bison, flash games come in all types, genres, and satisfy people from all age groups.

Making flash games is a fun and easy process that allows you to unleash your imagination while not having to spent hours in front of the computer burrowing through thousands of lines of codes just to find a missing semicolon.

Flash Gaming Tuts is a great place to start learning AS3, following their user-friendly and easily understandable step by step tutorials on scripting games from multiple genres.

See you next week, cheers! 

Learn to program games with makeflashgames.com

All of us have played games at some point in our lives. Whether it be zipping through a castle infested by ancient spirits in Skyrim or arranging gems in Crush Candy Saga, games, through our PCs, smartphones and gaming consoles, has been providing an unmatched level of entertainment, information, and stress free time for people belonging to all age groups for decades.

But for the more curious and inquisitive ones among us, a burning question that arises every time we watch a marvelously executed interactive NPC pop up and run the show in a game, is How the hell was this made?

Programming, obviously.

But before you can delve into millions of lines of C++ and Java code that forms the heart of such amazing games, you have a steep learning curve to negotiate.

And there is perhaps no better way to start your journey in game programming than going for Flash Games or HTML5 games. These simple and easy-to-code games even have a huge market, with multiple websites jockeying for getting an exclusive release of well made games.

Sure, there is a myriad of tutorials of programming available on the web. Some are easier, some are advanced, and all may seem viable. So where to start?

I shall try to present several good programming tutorial websites over the course of the next few weeks. But first, here's a damn good one:

http://makeflashgames.com/

As the website description states, "Each Flash game tutorial here is specially crafted to guide you from a newbie in flash game development, to an expert. Follow them in sequence for a gradual learning curve!"

It sure is one of the best places to start your journey to become a successful programmer.
Enjoy!

Create free to vote lists with TheTopTens

This post is about a website that you'll constantly run into in Google when you search with keywords like 'Best', 'Top' etc. What's the first item on Google when you search for 'Best rappers of all time'?

A toptens list.

So what is toptens? It's a website that essentially allows you to create a list for anything you want, add entries, and make it public for the whole world to vote on. A survey site? Well, not exactly, but it can extremely efficiently conduct massive public surveys. More like a website for the whole world to let their opinion be known. (Just take a look at the top ten cruelest insults list!)

With thousands of lists on every topic under the sun, and many more being added on a hourly basis, this is a very interesting site that can get you hooked. (Nothing like getting your opinion out while maintaining anonymity, eh?)

A simple signup process to create a toptens account also allows you to create your own lists. Pretty interesting if you ask me!

QWOP : Most challenging game ever?

Most challenging game ever? You mean more challenging that fighting your way up to division 1 in FIFA online? More challenging than the Ebony warrior in Skyrim?

Maybe.

The concept here is simple. You use the Q,W,O and P keys to control your character, aptly named as Qwop, to run 100 meters. Simple, right?

It may sound simple, but this game has developed a reputation for bringing even the most hardcore gamers to their knees since it's release in 2008. It has been a viral sensation, with iOS and Android versions being released recently. It can still be played online, HERE.

After the brief story, you find yourself at the starting line. You press W, expecting to go full steam ahead. Instead you jump into the air, perform a spectacular scissor kick, and crash land on your head. Ouch.

After a few more tries, you'll find that getting a few meters is challenging enough, let alone going all the way to 100 meters. You'll soon see why this might just be the most challenging game you've played.

So is this the most challenging game? Maybe yes, maybe no. But no matter what you do, this game is guaranteed to leave you either hopelessly addicted, or rambunctiously tearing at the keyboard in frustration. 

At least, every time you end up going heads over heels, the game says 'Everyone is a winner'. Encouraging enough, isn't it?