THE THIRD DIMENSION

     The data file to accompany this text is called KIT1 and it 
should  run on the Atari in kit 1 as it is or in kit2 by using 
the Show Info command in the desktop menu and changing the name 
to KIT1.3WD,on the Amiga by changing the filename to KIT1.3WD 
using Rename from the desktop menu then using it in kit2,on the PC 
in kit 1 by changing the filename to KIT1.KIT.
 
This is the beginners/tutorial section.In the previous months we 
began designing a new step by step game in easy stages.Back 
issues are available.

     This month you can start by going to area 5 and then stretch 
all of the objects in it to produce a maze type area then add a roof 
to it.Look at the example provided.We now have the basics of a 
limited game but no game in itself.We will now start to build up 
the game.
     In area 2 create a switch box in the store room using a 
pyramid for the box(object 46 in the example)and two cubes 
(object 47 and 48).Look at the example and touch the top switch 
handle to reveal the bottom one and vice versa.
     
Give the top switch(object 47) handle this condition-

     IF ACTIVATED?
     SOUND(4)
     INVIS(47)
     VIS(48)
     PRINT("THE LIFT IS SWITCHED OFF",1)
     DELAY(4O)
     ENDIF
    
 Give the bottom switch(object 48) handle this condition-

     IF ACTIVATED?
     SOUND(4)
     INVIS(48)
     VIS(47)
     PRINT("THE LIFT IS SWITCHED ON ",1)
     DELAY(4O)
     ENDIF
The above means that if you touch the switch handle them make a 
sound(4) then make the handle invisible and the other handle 
visible then print the text to instrument 1 then delay the text 
to give you time to view it in kit 1 then to end the IF 
statement.

Next create an instrument.This is in the General menu in kit 
1.Edit the instrument (instrument 1) to a text one by pressing 
on the top box in kit 1  then alter it so that the X Position is 
053 The Y Position is 030 The length is 192 The Height is 016 
then press on the OK box.

Now edit the Initial condition ( general condition 1 in kit 1 
)and add this line of code to it.- 

     INVIS(47,2)
It should already say INVIS(57) INVIS(58)

Next got to the lift button (object 54 in the example)in area 1.
It should already have a Condition attached to it.Edit its 
condition so that it now contains the following code.-

     IF ACTIVATED?
     AND INVIS? (47,2)
     THEN PRINT("LIFT ISOLATION IS OFF",1)
     SOUND(4)
     ELSE PRINT("GOING DOWN THE SHAFT",1)
     DELAY(100)
     GOTO(1,4)
This bit of code is saying that if you touch the lift button and 
the switch(object 47) in area 2 is invisible then print the text 
to instrument 1 and make the sound 4.Or else if the switch is 
visible then print the text to instrument 1 then delay 1OO then 
go to entrance 1 in area 4.

Now reset the game and try to work the lift by pressing the 
button.You have to turn the switch first to make it work in area 
2.You will not see the text unless you are in test mode( F1 )key 
on your keyboard.

Homework-
Try to set a view window to a border with working controls.

More next month!.........Tony