Making a character talk?

bladeolson

I want to have a character talk. I am going to do the voices, but is there a way to animate the character only when an audio file is playing? Any way to detect when and audio file stops playing other than using a timer?

synthesis

Look at Matching Match or Plants vs. Zombies...
Both used clever "dialogue" approaches.

My recommendation is...don't get into "voice scripts". Keep the game visual and simple...voiceovers tend to be boring if not done REALLY WELL....and trying to do it with game salad may "bloat" your game and/or wear down the processor.

Stick to making an AMAZING game and focus less attention to "Theater".

My game has 2 voice overs...."Let's Go!" and "Yee-Haa!"...and both are from sound FX sample sites, professionally done, and cost $1 each.

My favorite is www.soundsnap.com
Its kinda like iStock but for sound. Another good free source is www.flashkit.com

Hunnenkoenig

A huge list of websites, where you get free soundeffects

http://www.stonewashed.net/sfx.html

QuinnZoneStudios

There could be times when you need characters to speak - it all depends upon the type of game. I'll most likely have some dialogue in game #2 or #3.
I would make sure my audio file was edited tightly, in other words no wasted audio at the beginning so it starts sharply. Then I would set a trigger and have that trigger start the audio file and animation. Probably no different to having a sound effect when a character hits something. With experimentation you'll know when the audio stops and your animation should sync up with it reasonably well.
There may be other ways to do this of course. Good luck with it and I look forward to seeing what you make.
Cheers!