Project breakdown

Let’s consider the example of the classic game Super Mario Bros, released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console in 1985. For those unfamiliar with the franchise, the general idea is this: the player takes control of Mario, who must traverse the many hazardous obstacles and creatures of the Mushroom Kingdom in the hope of rescuing Princess Peach from the sinister King Koopa, Bowser.

Note

To have an even better understanding of how the game works, check out this video of its gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLl9XBg7wSs.

The following are the core features and mechanics of games in this genre:

• Two-Dimensional Movement: The player can only move in the X and Y directions, using a 2D coordinate system. Refer to Figure 10.1 to see a comparison of 2D and 3D coordinate systems if you are unfamiliar with them. Although our SuperSideScroller game will be in 3D and not pure 2D, the movement of our character will work identically...