How to Make Subway Surfers - Scratch 3.0 Tutorial - Episode 2

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a scrolling background in Scratch 3.0, similar to the game Subway Surfers. We will use clones and a unique MOD block to enhance the gameplay. Additionally, we will implement a size hack to allow sprites to move off-screen, add multiple truck costumes, and introduce a ground pound feature for better player control.

Step 1: Setting Up the Scrolling Background

1. Create the Background:

   • Open Scratch and create a new project.
   • Choose a suitable background that resembles the Subway Surfers environment.
   • Import your background image or draw one using the Scratch editor.

2. Add Clones for Continuous Scrolling:

   • Select the background sprite and add a script to create clones:
     • Use the when green flag clicked event.
     • Create a loop to generate clones continuously.
   • Example code:

     when green flag clicked
     forever
       create clone of [myself v]
       wait (2) seconds
     

3. Manage Clones:

   • In the clone's script, ensure that it moves down the screen to create a scrolling effect:
     • Use the when I start as a clone block.
     • Move the clone downwards and reset its position when it goes off-screen.

Step 2: Implementing the Size Hack

1. Using the Size Hack:

   • Adjust the size of your sprites to allow them to move off-screen:
     • Set the sprite's size to a small percentage (e.g., 10%).
   • This allows for better gameplay as sprites can extend beyond the visible area without being cut off.

2. Control the Size Dynamically:

   • You can use a variable to control the size dynamically:
     • Create a variable named sizeFactor.
     • Set sizeFactor to a low value (like 10).
     • Use it to adjust the size of the sprite when it spawns.

Step 3: Adding Truck Costumes

1. Create Multiple Truck Costumes:

   • Import various truck images to your project.
   • Make sure each truck sprite has a different costume.

2. Switching Between Costumes:

   • In your truck sprite's script, randomly choose a costume each time a truck is spawned:
     • Use the switch costume to [costume v] block within the clone script.
   • Example code:

     when I start as a clone
     switch costume to (pick random [1 v] to [number of costumes v])
     

Step 4: Implementing Ground Pound Feature

1. Creating the Ground Pound Mechanic:

   • Add a new sprite for the ground pound effect.
   • Create a script that detects when the player presses a specific key (e.g., spacebar) to trigger the ground pound.
   • Example code:

     when [space v] key pressed
     create clone of [ground pound effect v]
     

2. Control Player Movement:

   • Modify the player sprite's script to allow for a fast fall when the spacebar is pressed.
   • Ensure the falling speed is increased temporarily to simulate a ground pound effect.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the essential steps to create a Subway Surfers-style scrolling background in Scratch 3.0. We learned how to use clones for continuous movement, implement a size hack for dynamic gameplay, add various truck costumes, and introduce a ground pound feature for enhanced player control.

Next steps could include refining the player controls, adding obstacles, and implementing scoring mechanics to further develop your game. Happy coding!