VB.NET XNA Tutorial 5: Sprites

[GSE 1.0 Refresh]

Before we get into Screens, ScreenManagers and scripting interfaces, we have to create a Sprite class. It will be the base class that all of those things either inherit from, or are made to manipulate.

I've split the Sprite tutorial into a series of videos, since as it turns out there's a bit to cover. It's not too complicated, but since sprites are the heart & soul of a 2D game, making the Sprite class is a pretty important step.

In the 5.x series of videos below, we'll create a Sprite class from the ground up, and give it the ability to move around. Later on, we'll create Screen objects from this Sprite class, as well as hooking up a scripting interface that can move a Sprite or a Screen. For now, here are the Sprite class tutorials:

• Tutorial 5.0: A Sprite class
  The basics; adding the Sprite class to the 2D Engine project. This one's pretty easy.
  


• Tutorial 5.1: Implementing a transform matrix
  Incorporating a transform matrix into the Sprite class, and using it to put the sprite at various places on the screen. Doesn't go into much detail regarding matrices.
  


• Tutorial 5.2: Coordinate spaces, Origins, and Matrices
  I take a crack at explaining how transformation matrices, screen coordinates, and sprite origin all come together for the 2D sprite class. Not necessarily specific to VB, I just think easy-to-follow, non-mathematical tutorials on this subject are in short supply so hopefully this one makes sense and helps someone out. And hopefully I'm not making too many errors...


• Tutorial 5.3: Creating a parent/child system
  This link takes you to a subsequent post dedicated to the subject.

That's about all I can muster for the weekend. This sprite class gives us a very strong foundation upon which to grow and add some very cool features, so we're not done yet; more to come in the weeks ahead.