DS Game Maker vs Game Maker (PC)

[Shrooblord]

Hello, forum,

I'm considering buying the DS Game Maker, since I want to create games for the DS (for my own amusement and that of friends primarily). I just have a few questions before I do.

I've already programmed a lot in the language of Game Maker for the PC (created by Mark Overmars) and was wondering if this was anything like it, since the GUI looks similar and this is also a C-based language. It even uses the rooms system that I know from Game Maker. I would also like to know how extensive the language and the engine are; how big a variety of games could you produce with this? I've read 3D would be a problem, but what about incredibly complex 2D games? Can it be done? Are there videos of such complex games? If not, could someone please direct me to another good alternative programming language for the DS? I would still buy the devkit from you guys, I would think - just not the engine, if these things are the case.

Also, I read somewhere that the engine relies on some heavily outdated libraries (PAlib, right?) and was wondering if this was true. If so, how much does this matter for the progress of programming? Can I just use the outdated libraries or will I have to find a work-around?

I'm just trying to get some pointers here as to how I should proceed, since I'm looking at this engine and I do have my doubts; but I do want to try it out since it does look like it has some great potential.

Thanks guys, it means a lot,
Shrooblord

[EgoTrip]

While there are some simliarities, DSGM is lacking a lot compared to GM. You cannot do 3D games on it for example, and its really a tool for beginners or people like me who suck at proper coding. It may look similar to GM, but the similarities end there really. The actions are limited, and while you can make reasonable games on it, if you want anything more advanced then you are best off just going straight in at the deep end learning C++.

Saying that though its entirely possible to incorporate your own C++ scripts and other libraries, and create your own actions, so you could use it as an environment to create more complex DS games in.

Also, you might want to consider the fact that DSGM has all but been abandoned by its creator, so think twice before paying for a license, as there will likely not be any future updates. There are ways around the limitations of rooms and objects.

[Shrooblord]

Alright, thanks a lot. I am quite advanced in GM already and have tried my hand at other programming languages. For example, I could whip up a quick game in GM in about 5 to 10 minutes time. I guess that means I'm not really a newbie to programming, so that means DSGM isn't for me? Would I still benefit from just buying the devkit without the actual program then? I mean the "Order a DS Homebrew Kit without Pro Edition" button on the "http://kit.dsgamemaker.com/" page. This option would get me the flashcard, SD card and USB device required for me to get into DSi homebrew, right?
And perhaps I might as well just get the Pro Edition, since it's only $5 more - that would get me started in DS(i) homebrew - then I could see what I'll do next.

Anyway, on that subject; should I get the Homebrew Kit from this place and just start devving in another environment (like C++), or should I find a whole new flashcard etc. altogether?

[Commodore]

Actually, the DS uses C programming, not C++.

[Nobody]

Actually, the DS uses C programming, not C++.

he's right you know. If you check the source files that DSGM makes they're ".c" files not ".cpp"

[EgoTrip]

I would like to point out that the homebrew kits are actually illegal to buy or sell in the UK. I seriously suggest you do not get one, because that, along with the fact that James/Danny dont even answer emails, you risk throwing your money away and receiving nothing.

[Shrooblord]

Alright... but then how did you lot all get your hands on one of the kits? Could I just order an Acecard from somewhere else and a flashdrive and start programming on my own, without using this DSGM? Also, I'm not actually from or in the UK, if that makes any difference.

Thanks a lot, guys. It helps quite a bit.

[Nobody]

you can just order them online somewhere, they aren't that hard to pick up. I can't remember where i order my last one from. If you get an R4 then I recommend getting a R4i Gold, the original R4's aren't good and the fakes are even worse

[Shrooblord]

I thought about an Acecard 2i, since it seems to be the most widely used for homebrew, right? R4 doesn't work for DSi anymore, so I certainly wouldn't have a use for it.

EDIT:
Sorry, misread. You said R4i - I've read about R4 having the habit of requiring you to buy a whole new card when Ninny puts out an update, whereas cards like AK simply put out a firmware update. Is this true? I don't want to use my card for any other purpose than homebrew; that's why I want my card to be 100% compatible for my DSi so I can safely create games for it. I do so like making games, and making them for a double-screened, hand-held console has got me overly excited.

[Commodore]

Acekard 2i is probably the best one out there.

[Nobody]

Acekard 2i is probably the best one out there.

he's probably right, but I've always had an R4 so I just upgraded to an R4i. Can't teach an old dog new tricks can you

[YoshiInAVoid]

Actually, the DS uses C programming, not C++.

devkitPro supports both - It also supports assembly; and technically as long as you made the compiler for it, the DS could run any language you want

But DSGM uses C.

[AnimeKingL]

Just like to add, correct me if im wrong but to my knowledge game maker doesn't REQUIRE you to use language, somewhat like dsgm. So I'm pondering to know how being able to make a game in game maker within a 5 - 10 min cap makes you not a noob to coding. I'm pretty sure all of us on this forum can throw a game together on dsgm within 5 mins too, but that doesn't mean that some of us aren't noobs to coding. I find it much easier to use dsgm seeing as how a variable can be shared across all objects which isn't easy to find in some languages. I code in Java and sadly, that doesn't help with developing for the ds :c But I'm learning ^o^