Okay, so I'm a noob when it comes to programming. With that said, I obviously have a few questions, and if any of you programmers could answer them I would be thankful.
So; question number 1: How long does it take to learn some version of AS good anough to make a game like Chibi Knight?(It's on the front page right now, but here's the direct link to it: http://armorgames.com/play/5249/chibi-knight)
Question number 2: Is there any way to learn AS for free? And if so, how?
Question number 3: Are there any major differences between the different AS versions?
That's it for now, but I might have some more questions later. I'm a pixel artist, so I have the in-game graphics under control, I'm just interested in coding/programming.
Chibi is very good and has many objects and classes that would need to be defined. You can be assured that the maker of that game has some advanced flash skills and has programmed multiple items before attempting something like that. Chibi Knight is an RPG btw.
1. It will take quite some time (months to years) if you have never programmed a complex game before.
2. There are many ways to learn it for free but the implementation and using of adobe flash is limited to the trial period if you do not buy it.
3. The major differences in the AS versions is the coding structure and the creation of objects. In flash you can make your game completely with AS or you can use a mix of AS and graphics. Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ActionScript for more information on AS.
I learned AS in Flash 5 back in the day (2000?). Flash was my first experience with coding but it wasn't until I took Java in college that my flash skills really picked up.
I'm sorry to say it, but there is no easy way to create a good RPG without spending years learning. Unless you have a tutor that has already created something like what you want to do it will take a lot of time and dedication to make a decent game.
I am just laying it out for you telling you that something along the lines of Chibi Knight would take a very long time to develop as an amateur. You would run into many programming errors and have to spend a lot of time experimenting with different scripting techniques.
If you can make a game that is close to Chibi Knight, you are basically a pro in Flash. You will be able to make RPG's in very little time but they will be mediocre at best.
I would say 2-3 months in you already know to program already. Learning from scratch will take longer. 2-3 month if you learn extremely quickly and study it constantly.
Personally I reccommend getting as3 books. They're better than the internet since pretty much everything you need to know is in one place, and you're free to mark it up.
And before you make ANY game, ALWAYS MAKE A PLAN. I know that sounds lame, but it's essential for a good game. I learned that the hard way...
