Devlog #2

Additions

Added a train node and scene that moves along the preplaced track nodes
The train moves toward a target exit or middle node until it can no longer go straight or it falls off the edge
The train uses the chunk nodes as waypoints, going from exit node to middle node then whichever exit node is chosen
The train defaults to going straight until it cannot. Once it cannot go straight it filters all exits removing exits you came from or lead nowhere
If there are no available directions, it moves to the end of the last node before stopping and falling off the edge

Adding player input so you can control which direction the train goes
Adding indicators that show the default path for the train without any inputs. If input is given the train and indicator should move properly
Adding more things that happen when trains arrive at stations
And a lot more stuff

My main goal was to add a train and design the default path so it automatically starts and begins progressing throughout the default track. I had a lot of the foundation set that made it so I could use the nodes and they could move through the nodes. I had to make sure that there were conditions that made sure they could check to see if the exits lead to another chunk or just the void. The hard part was if a four-way was connected to a horizontal without a direct path but the train still moves over the void to the chunk. I had to check the chunk nodes and exits for the following neighbor chunks also to make sure it was a valid chunk, which took a while to troubleshoot. I want to next try and create more junctions and the default path indicator using arrows. Right now the path is generated as the train moves but if I wanted to set the indicators, I would have to premake the default path, which would also require some more time and work.

2h 57m 32s logged

Added three basic train layouts (four-way intersection, vertical intersection, and horizontal intersection)
Added a train end and start station
Created a randomly generated network of tracks comprising of the three basic layouts
The end and start stations’ positions are predetermined and other intersections are generated randomly with each other’s connecting ends until there are no available grid spaces to generate new tracks
If the end station isn’t connected with a corresponding track, the entire map is regenerated

The goal for this devlog was simply to start out the game and make a beginning layout of what the game and tracks would look like. I created these three basic layouts and used a grid to track which tracks had been placed where to keep generating the map. I also had to work on simply getting GoDot engine setup alongside hacktime and learning both how to use the engine and GDScript since this is the first time I’m using GoDot and the first time i’m making a game at all so it’s a learning experience trying to figure out how to use it. Next I want to focus on figuring out how I am going to get trains to work and make them follow the track layouts that will later in the future become more accessible to trains (not have sharp 90 degree turns).