Amazon.co.uk Review
After two years in development,
DarkBasic Professional is set to change the world of "bedroom coding" with its overhauled Graphical User Interface (GUI), expanded command sets and enhanced options.
Anyone with the slightest interest in games creation will have heard of DarkBasic. With its huge online community, it has become the defacto application for home-grown games creators. This latest incarnation, DarkBasic Professional has been built from scratch and isn't just an update. It improves on an already top product with a whole new set of commands, an overhauled GUI and more features than you can shake a joystick at.
If you've used the original DarkBasic, then you'll already be familiar with the Command Line Interface and Debug windows, which makes it very easy to test your code as you build and run it. New users may be a bit daunted with having to enter in loads of lines of text in order to create a game. But that's the nature of this beast and worthy of the time you invest in it. Tutorials are included with the software, and this is the best place to start if you're new to programming. There is a really in-depth tutorial on creating an FPS game from scratch, and the tutorial takes you through the process in easy to digest chunks. Examples of all the command sets are included so you can instantly see how a piece of code works. DarkBasic Professional features over 1000 commands, and also includes support for multiplayer LAN and Internet games.
Creating your own game from scratch requires more than just this piece of software, it needs above all planning. Add to that graphics, sounds, and sundry bits of code--all of which is included on the CD, and you're on your way. The thought of actually using basic command lines to create a game may be too much for some people, but its well worth sticking with, and there is a whole online community out there ready and willing to help if you get stuck.
If you're interested in creating your own computer games, and you don't fancy spending the next few years learning C++, then DarkBasic Professional is the "must have" application. Its tutorials are very easy to work with and the reference manual is a god-send. Spend long enough with it and you'll be able to create some pretty amazing work. --Martin Snelling
Manufacturer's Description
An extensive command set, which automatically operates key functions means that the inputting of lines and lines of code is eradicated meaning completion of a game can be simple and quick. Put simply DarkBASIC PRO has been devised to make a coders life a lot easier. It is a guaranteed ticket to freedom to express ideas allowing you to enjoy the fun elements of programming whilst DarkBASIC Pro manages the boring part.
Core 3D technologies such as Binary Space Partitioning (BSP) Rendering, Bump Mapping, Particles and Multi-texturing are all a walk in the park with DarkBASIC Pro. All code is compiled into 100% code, which guarantees that the visual delivery is of outstanding quality! This is possible, because DarkBASIC Pro supports the most up-to-date DirectX features from the latest graphics hardware. Those familiar with DarkBASIC, will love DarkBASIC Professional. The developers have taken a really proactive approach by inviting and encouraging suggestion and comment from users of DarkBASIC resulting in many improvements and additions being incorporated to make this a really spectacular package.
A few commands are all that’s needed to create cool pixel and vertex shader effects or to project an MPEG movie onto the surface of a 3D object - at last you’re free to get your ideas moving fast. Improvements include a fully featured Windows editor and joy of all joys, a powerful debugger. For the hardcore coder DarkBASIC Pro truly delivers – as you can even expand it by adding your own DLLs into the plug-ins directory. DarkBASIC Pro is suitable for programmers of all levels.
Key Features
Windows Editor Compiler Integrated Debugger Designed for DirectX 8.1 Lightening Fast 2D sprites Fast collision Multiplayer Fully XP compliant Compiled exe files 100% Machine code Encrypts and compresses Icon control of exes 3D Engine:
Binary Space Partitioning, Constructive Solid Geometry, Nodetree optimisations , Bump Mapping, Light mapping, Cubic Mapping, Multitexturing, Bone and Limb Animations, Pixel and Vertex shaders, Lights, Terrain & Matrices, Vector and Matrix manipulation, Real Time Shadows, True reflections, Multiple Cameras and Particles.
Formats supported:
3D: X, 3DS, MD2, MD3, MDL, BSP
2D: BMP, DDs, JPEG, TGA, PNG, DIB
Sound: WAV, AIFF, AU, SND
Music: MP3, MIDI, SGT
Video: DVD, AVI, MPEG, Indeo, Cinepak, QuickTime, V2, MJPG
Data Types:
Boolean, Integer, Float, Byte, Word, DWord,
Double Integer, Double Float, Constants, Strings Types, Functions
Unified Arrays (link lists, queues, stacks)
Numeric bases - Decimal, binary, hexadecimal, octal
