Monday, March 10, 2014

Scratch 2.0 Game Development Hotshot



“Scratch 2.0 Game Development Hotshot”

[Note: I have received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing a review.  The review contains my own thoughts and opinions.]

                “Scratch 2.0 Game Development Hotshot” published by Packt Publishing is guide to learning how to program in Scratch 2.0, a new version of the popular visual programming environment originally developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). First thing to note about this book is that it’s not a beginner’s guide to Scratch.  I would suggest trying out a few tutorials from the Scratch 2.0 website before you start the projects that are in the book. There are 10 projects that provide exercises that are increasingly more complicated. 
                Each chapter guides you through making a game and some chapters let you enhance one of your previously made games.  There is a file that you can download from the Packt Publishing website that includes most of the graphics and scripts that are necessary to create each game.
 “Scratch 2.0 Game Development Hotshot” begins each chapter by describing the game you will create and what you will learn after completing it.  Then there is a picture of game in its finished state.  Step-by-Step instructions on how to make each game are included as well as descriptions of what you are doing and why it is important.  Each chapter ends with Hotshot challenges which provide you with several ideas of how to enhance the game.
                The appendix provides an overview of version 2.0’s new interface indicating where all the important tools are.  This is also serves as a primer on using Scratch 2.0.  Scratch 2.0 is available as a web-based application and also as a free download.  Before you download Scratch 2.0, be sure to check the version as there are still links on MIT’s website pointing to Scratch 1.4.
 “Scratch 2.0 Game Development Hotshot” published by Packt Publishing is definitely a good book to further you knowledge of Scratch 2.0 and while you are learning you also are development fun games to play afterwards.

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