Summary

In addition to wrapping our game in a basic state-based game structure, we have expanded the graphical appeal of Tank Battles by including both lighting and smoothly transitioning textured terrain.

The basic techniques used in Tank Battles—heightMap terrain generation, 3D model rendering and animation, billboard particle effects, and 2D/3D interaction for interface objects, form a solid foundation for a wide variety of 3D games. As we can see, the possibilities of interesting graphical effects utilizing advanced HLSL are almost limitless.

Now that Tank Battles is complete, we are going to shift gears in the next chapter and begin a new game – driving a rover on the surface of Mars while under attack by alien saucers!