Delphi Asteroids
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This program is part of a presentation on graphics programming with Delphi that I presented to the Delphi Developers of Dallas users group on July 31, 1996.  The presentations purpose was to show that not only is Delphi an excellent development platform for database applications, it is also a very viable platform for graphics intensive applications.  This program is not of a commercial quality, but it is meant to show what Delphi is capable of doing.

This program could use a lot of optimization, but I decided against this as it would complicate the code and make it more difficult for a beginner to understand.  I want everyone to be able to learn something from the this, beginner and advanced programmer alike, and I hope everyone will find something useful.  If you like what you see, and would like to see more advanced animation techniques, let me know and perhaps I will do another presentation in the future.

As with most things that are worthwhile, this program was not accomplished alone.  In particular, I would like to thank David Bowden, the owner of Puzzled Software and also my boss, who donated the splash screen and gave me the time I needed to complete the presentation.  He's a good man to work for, and an even better friend.   I would also like to thank Michael Abrash and Andre LaMothe, neither of whom I've ever met but from whom I've learned many valuable graphics programming techniques from their wonderfully illustrative books.  A final thanks goes to the original creators of Asteroids.  They say that impersonation is the greatest form of flattery, and I hope that is the spirit that they get from seeing this program.

In the spirit of those who generously donate programs and code so that others may profit from their experience, this program is freeware.  The only thing that I ask is that you don't simply repackage the program and try to sell it to others.  You may use it as a learning tool or a basis for more advanced programs, but this was meant as a learning tool, not to simply be shrinked wrapped or packed onto a CD-ROM to be mass marketed.

I hope you like this little game.  If you make any improvements, I would like to see them.  If you have any questions, would like to shower me with compliments and money, or just want to say thanks, feel free to write me at:

John Ayres
102447.10@Compuserve.Com

If you want to know more about the Delphi Developers of Dallas users group, or if you would like to see the other graphics programming examples that I used during my presentation, please visit our web site at:

www.3-D.org

If you want to know more about how a serious software company uses Delphi as it's sole developement platform, feel free to visit Puzzled Software's web site at:

www.numera.com/3rdparty/puzzled/puzzled.htm

Thanks, and Enjoy!

John Ayres
Director of Vendor Relations (Delphi Developers of Dallas)
Executive Director of Software Development (Puzzled Software)