Easy Scratch Space Shooter 🍋 Lemonoids #4 - Scratch Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to enhance your Scratch space shooter game by adding features like a title page, game menu, score display, health indicators, and exciting visual effects. This guide aims to help you polish your game, making it more engaging and visually appealing.

Step 1: Create a Title Page

• Design a visually appealing title page for your game.
• Include the game name and any relevant graphics.
• Use the Scratch backdrop feature to set the background.
• Make sure to add a "Start Game" button that transitions to the main game.

Step 2: Implement the Game Menu

• Create a new sprite for your game menu.
• Use the following functionalities:
  • Display options like "Start Game" and "Instructions."
  • Add an event listener to the "Start Game" button to hide the menu and start the game.

Step 3: Add a Score Display

• Create a variable named Score.
• Set the score to zero at the beginning of the game.
• Use the following code to update the score when certain events occur (e.g., when an enemy is hit):

  change Score by 1
  

• Ensure the score is displayed prominently using the Scratch text feature.

Step 4: Manage GUI Layering Order

• To maintain proper layering of GUI elements, use the "go to front" feature for the score display.
• Check the order of your sprites in the Scratch sprite list to ensure the score is always visible above other elements.

Step 5: Add Player Health Indicators

• Create a variable named Health.
• Set the initial health when the game starts.
• Display the health using a simple graphical representation (like hearts or bars).
• Use the following code to decrease health when hit by enemies:

  change Health by -1
  

Step 6: Create Player Damage Particles

• Design sprites that act as damage particles (e.g., small explosions or sparks).
• Trigger these sprites to appear when the player gets hit, using an event such as:

  when Health < previous Health
  show
  

Step 7: Implement Game Over Logic

• Create a Game Over condition that triggers when health reaches zero.
• Use a broadcast message to display a Game Over screen.
• Include options to restart the game or return to the title screen.

Step 8: Add Fade to Black Effect

• To create a smooth transition during game over, use the following steps:
  • Create a black curtain sprite.
  • Gradually change its transparency to create a fade effect:

    repeat until <(transparency) = 100>
        change transparency by 5
    

Step 9: Transition to Title Screen

• After the fade effect, switch back to the title screen.
• Reset all game variables (score, health) to their initial values.

Step 10: Create the Start Game Button

• Ensure the "Start Game" button is functional and initiates the game when clicked.
• Include a sound effect for an engaging experience.

Step 11: Reset the Game

• Add a reset functionality that allows players to restart the game from the title screen.
• Ensure all variables and sprites are reset properly.

Step 12: Testing

• Thoroughly test your game to ensure all features work as expected.
• Check for any bugs or issues with sprite layering and variable tracking.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your Scratch space shooter game. Focus on refining the visual effects and ensuring a smooth gameplay experience. Once you're comfortable with these features, consider exploring additional enhancements or sharing your game with others for feedback. Happy game developing!