Maescool/Catacomb-Snatch — Issue #858: Slick2D (LWJGL framework) - thoughts?
Author: Flet
Created: 2012-03-08 16:42:53+00:00
State: open

CS is currently using plain old Java AWT for rendering, which works but has limitations and ugliness.

I'm currently taking a look at migrating all rendering to use Slick2d instead. Slick2d (http://slick.cokeandcode.com/) is a framework built on top of LWJGL that is geared towards 2D games. The framework includes lots of boilerplate features that have been implemented by hand currently and could be swapped in.

Instead of working Bitmapand Bitmap[0][6], it uses Image and SpriteSheet.getSprite(0,6).

Moving to this framework will be a pretty large undertaking, but it opens up quite a few options for the future. I think its something that should be done sooner rather than later

I see that lwjgl is making its way into the code base via #853 "added alternative sound library Open Audio Library (OpenAL)"

Also, with the completion of #854 "Major refactoring of MojamComponent", moving will be a bit less painful as there is better separation of the main components (render/logic/keyboard etc).

I understand moving in this direction will be a huge effort and a lot of work will be needed, but I think its the right direction. So, any thoughts on this? Anyone want to join in my madness? :)

Some of the features of Slick2D:
http://slick.cokeandcode.com/static.php?page=features