[ThePhlood]

I am a freshmen computer science major with 3+ years of AP Programming in high school, 3 years as captain of UIL programming team for my high school, and have attended many competitions at places such as, Lockheed Martin. I am very proficient in C languages, Java, and am learning python. I would really appreciate feedback from OCN programmers on what language you think would be best for a 2D puzzle sidescroller game. I have started the game in C# XNA, but I'm not sure if its the best language to program this game of the three I know. So, my question is - Should I program in a C language (C++, C#, C# w/ XNA), Java, or learn more python and code in python. Also, I would like to know what you guys think of the C# extension of XNA for game programming. I'm not worried about doing the game in my best language because I can pick up languages pretty fast. I'll even take suggestions for new languages if they fit better.

I appreciate the feedback!

Thanks,

Ian Hopkins.

TLDR; What do you thing the best language to program 2D Puzzle Sidescroller in is?

 

[Plan9]

QBasic

Seriously though, the answer is simply to use whichever language you'd rather code it in. If you want to learn to use DirectX APIs, then C++ or C#. If you fancy playing around with OpenGL, then maybe C++ or Java. Or maybe you want to learn a new language? Or fall back on one that you're familiar with to get your head around game programming before jumping into a new language? Or perhaps you want this to be cross platform, so Python or Java?

It doesn't really matter - so it's entirely up to you and what you want to get out of this project

 

[EfemaN]

Going off of what Plan9 said, it depends on your direction. C++/C# is a great place to be. I believe XNA is dying; I didn't get into it, but I've seen from different people that there isn't a lot of support for it from Microsoft.
HTML5 and other web-based solutions are getting more popular. Java will get you to Android on top of working basically everywhere.

How good is your linear algebra? You can go really low-level and do DirectX or OpenGL. This will probably be the most rewarding, but the most difficult. Or use something like SDL to go above the absolute lowest level, but have more control. This depends on whether you want to learn graphics programming, or you're more interested in gameplay.

If it's the latter, I'd suggest just jumping on the Unity bandwagon. It's incredibly easy to get started and use, and it supports C# which is excellent from an industry perspective.

Anecdote: I started off doing some simple stuff in Unity, got bored since I'm unimaginative, went to SDL, then had my dreams shattered when this school year (Junior in Computer Science) took over my life. I'm in a computer graphics course right now learning OpenGL, and I think this is where I want to be.

 

[doomlord52]

C variant of your choice, simply because it's good exercise. I'd stay away from Java, but then again that's just because I hate java :/

 

[poroboszcz]

You don't pick a language based on a game genre. Your language of choice depends on the platform you're targeting and engine you're going to use. If you decide to use Unity you'll be using C#, if you want to make an Android game you'll be using Java, if you decide to use UDK or CryEngine you'll be using C++ and UnrealScript/Lua, for a browser game you may use html5 and javascript.

For the type of project you mention I'd recommend something like PyGame or maybe Unity, but there are many others. Have a look around and pick what you like. Also XNA is discontinued by Microsoft so it's probably not the best choice.

 

[3930K]

Quote:

Originally Posted by doomlord52

C variant of your choice, simply because it's good exercise. I'd stay away from Java, but then again that's just because I hate java :/

Java has the worst VM ever.