Learn to code a top-down shooter
Over the past few issues we’ve been taking a look at how to program classic video games, from the side-scrolling platformer to the lunar module lander. This issue we’re going to develop a 2D top-down perspective video game. Also known as birds-eye or overhead view video games, top-down perspective video games present an overview camera angle, looking directly down on the game world. Think of the original The Legend of Zelda and Grand Theft Auto games as prime examples.
It’s difficult to know what the first 2D top-down game was, although Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is credited with the conception and development of Spacewar! in 1961 and 1962, respectively. That’s a whole two decades before the original Donkey Kong, for perspective. Built for the Programmed Data Processor-1 (known as PDP-1), the first ‘mini’ computer, released in 1959. Spacewar! was a top-down space combat game with basic vector graphics and even more basic gameplay elements. The player controlled a ship that had to destroy torpedoes and stars while navigating around a gravity well.
Before computers were powerful enough to simulate 3D gameplay, we went through a phase of 2.5D or isometric graphics. The idea being that a top-down or side-facing view was maintained, but the illusion of a third dimension
