Move actor along a curve

Mrshoestore

So I'm looking to make an enemy actor move along a curve like the video below



My question is.... how?

My theory is that I need to create a sine wave movement, and set it so that only half a cycle is completed before the actor moves off screen (which requires figuring out math I haven't used in years). But is there a better way?

old_kipper

There is a very simple way to do this without the need for any math. Use interpolates for x and y self position the ease in on one and ease out of the other. Then its just a case of setting the timings and the distances you want and it will pull curves.

hope that helps

kipper

p.s. search figure and 8 in the GS 'new' browser as I did a demo of using this method.

giacomopoppi

Yep, use the interpolate behaviour and then rotation behaviour to get that effect.
tere is, as you say, a more complex way to do it using maths (sine, cosine...) but you need to ask the math pros for that

Mrshoestore

cheers, that demo helps a lot!

JohnPapiomitis

i definetly prefer going the math route. All it takes is a little sin and cos, and if u understand what the expressions do itll will help you alot and you can tweak however you want

have a look at this itll help you alot

http://gamesalad.com/wiki/how_tos:gsc_wave_movement

old_kipper

JohnPapiomitis said:
i definetly prefer going the math route. All it takes is a little sin and cos, and if u understand what the expressions do itll will help you alot and you can tweak however you want

have a look at this itll help you alot

http://gamesalad.com/wiki/how_tos:gsc_wave_movement

I prefer to use John's preferred method now... Mine is much more limited.

Mrshoestore

Well I have a basic understanding of wave functions, but it's been years since I've used any math outside of basic functions and statistics.

And that page was the first place I went, but I'm trying to prototype my game quickly, so the lazy way is more preferred!

But my plan is to just set up a base prototype, and then go back and change things proper so that everything is more precise. So thanks for the suggestion!