Here is a FAQ regarding the shmup competition, I'll try to answer all the questions that are asked frequently. feel free to ask more and I'll update.
Q) Can I make a platform game like Metal Slug or Contra?
A) No, in the game you must be either flying left or right, or it can be top-down walking left or right OR something like that. I would stay away from anything remotely close to Mario Bros / Sonic the Hedgehog, Contra, Metal Slug, Abuse, etc, etc, etc.
Q) Can the player rorate in any direction?
A) No, you should be facing left or right in the game, but you can rotate your character about 45 degrees up or down if you really want to. Your character may also move in the direction it is facing within the said limitations. However, The turrets / weapons can aim in any direction though.
Q) Can it be free scrolling left or right?
A) Yes, you can switch the scrolling effect left or right in your game.
Q) Does my game have to scroll in a direction forceably?
A) No, the scrolling may be dependant on the character but there must be a scrolling mechanic in the game.
Q) Will I get extra points if I have extra levels in my game and multiple bosses?
A) To be fair, the competition will compare your first level and first boss with other games' first level and first boss. However, you might receive extra points if you make more levels, but a game with one level and one boss that plays better will still most likely get a higher score.
Q) Can I rip graphics from a commercial game?
A) Only if it is declared as public domain, or you have explicit permission from the authors. This site does not prmoote any illegal activity and ripping graphics is copy right infringement!
Q) What are the judges looking for in graphics or sound or gameplay?
A) The key is mainly gameplay and fun-factor. The mroe fun the game, the higher the score. If the game has superb graphics but plays poor the game will not do well in this competition. If the game has awesome gameplay and poor graphics it will do better in comparison. Although great gameplay and great graphics with great sound will probably be the best but is most likely very difficult to achieve anyways. The key is gameplay, remember that. Sound is the same, it only does well if everything else does well. Great music and sound on a bad game won't do any good. So make sure the gameplay is good above all other things if you want to win.
Q) Does it have to be 20 megs?
A) No 20 megs is the limit, if the DOWNLOAD itself is larger than 20 megs it will be disqualified.
Q) Is it 20 megs zipped or unzipped?
A) IT really depends on the DOWNLOAD.. If your download is 19 megs zipped and then the game itself is 40 megs unzipped you are OKAY. It's all about the download size and nothing else.
Q) What programming language can I use?
A) Any programming language, SDK, engine, Game Editor, etc is allowed in this contest. As long as the game works without needing to download 3rd party software that needs PURCHASED you are OK. Please make sure that you tell the us what software we need to play your game (if we need a special driver, etc)
Q) Do I have to be in a team?
A) No you don't have to be on a team
Q) Can I be an artist on my friends team and do my own game?
A) No, if you are in the competition you can only do ONE thing. If you're making a game you cannot help by providing media for another persons game or vice versa.
Q) How many people can be on a team?
A) 3 MAX. No more than 3 people can be assigned to a team.
Q) If I'm not on a team then can I submit my entry?
A) Yes, you can!
Q) Can I have keyboard / mouse / gamepad control?
A) You can use all three if you want. You WILL lose points if it is a gamepad / joystick ONLY game. I would recommend keyboard OR mouse control WITH a gamepad option. BUT just keyboard or JUST mouse is ok, it all matters how it works with your game really.
Q) What are the Maximum System Requirements?
A) Windows XP, AMD ATHLON XP 3000, 1 GIG DDR, nvidia 6800
