GNN is a multi-player, pseudo-futuristic strategy game pitting several warring factions against each other on an alien world. As the game begins, the tanks are dropped into position from high above the surface of the planet. Under the planets low gravity the slowly drift to earth, preparing for the maelstrom that is to ensue.

GNN is a tribute to the legendary 2d tank game “Scorched Earth”. Game play revolves around an amalgamation of real-time tank piloting and turn based strategy. Players take turns trying to achieve a tactical advantage on a series of diverse terrain maps. Each player may choose the elevation and direction of their short, as well as the damage and velocity assigned to the projectile. They may also choose to expend their valuable energy moving their tank to a more favourable position. The ability to budget energy and calculate trajectories is essential for success in the hostile world of GNN.

The player’s tank is not alone in its fight for supremacy. It must also protect its power station from the enemy. Without the energy gained from staying close to floating power factories, a tank will lose its tactical edge and be an easy target for even a rookie tank pilot.

While the game play of GNN is intriguing, the construction of the game is equally as fascinating. GNN is a combination of eleven dynamically linked library modules, a resource manger and a main driver file. Together these units blend seamlessly into the game playing experience that is GNN.

GNN combines exceptional game play, stunning graphics and a solid design structure to create a robust and versatile gaming experience.

The Technology

GNN utilizes a terrain deformation engine to alter the height mapping of the terrain in response to projectile blasts. The deformaiton mesh is calculated while the projectile is in flight, and applied upon impact. Figure 1 shows terrain deformaiton in action.

Figure 1: Terrain deformation

In addition, the terrain is mipmapped to speed the rendering (as seen in Figure 2). This offers a great improvement to display time, but for further speed enhancments terrain detail can be lowered in the game options console.

As shown below in Figure 3, GNN employs a series of bump mapping and gloss mapping modules to allow complex vehicle textures and gloss response to damage inflicted on the tank (realistic scorching and charring).

GNN includes the previous wonderful modules, and many more routines for camera tracking, particle distribution, artifical intelligence and physics modelling. The best way to see this in action is to grab the source code from our sourceforge.net release section. Just a reminder kids.. always code with an org chart.

Figure 4: GNN Organizational Chart