Beginning first complete game, but not a beginning programmer.

Decide what you want to make first.

Then figure out what it takes to make it.

1. I'm looking to make my first somewhat complex game,
2. and I don't know where to start.
3. Of all the choices of graphics libraries, game types, etc..., what do I do?
4. What are some games to try to model after?
5. Does anyone have any planning tips?
6. I know a tad bit of UML, would that be too much to try to use?

1. So you have already made several simple games?
2. Like Apoch said, first decide what you want to do. Before you write a GDD, you should be clear on why you want to make that game. As Stephen Covey says in "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," you must "begin with the end in mind." What is the reason for making this game -- what are you going to do with it after it's been made? That information is vital in informing your planning. Once you know your reason for the endeavor, design the game and make a technical plan (1st GDD, then TDD).
3. FAQ 70, how to make a decision: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/m70.htm
4. You're asking for a list of all games. Make your own darned list.
5. Yes. What kind of tips are you looking for? FAQ 65, how to ask good questions: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/entry65.htm
6. Once you know what you're trying to make, use whatever tools or languages or suites you want to, know how to, are comfortable with...

I could be wrong, but from your first post it seems like you are about as experienced at making games as me (well I made a simple platformer and TD, but nothing really giant yet). What I would probably recommend to do is to do what you know how to do or can figure out how to do easily. For example I could probably figure out how to make gravity focused at the center of the screen work using vectors and such so I could create a game involving lobbing balls over a wall and trying to hit a target with the gravity being based on the middle of the screen. However if I didn't know how to use these types of equations I would probably avoid this at all costs.



Spoiler is an idea I have which could help you make your game. Do not read it if you don't want to be influenced
[spoiler]
Astronomy theme you could always make a series of minigames with each star / planet being something different to keep the complexity from getting to large and keeping the theme, simpleness and other aspects which you want your game to have intact.
[/spoiler]

Wanted to let you know I'm reading your comments. Need some time to process b4 I answer.

Thanks,

mathacha

@Tom

Thanks man I think I've got it, in case you're interested, here's my answers:

1. Yes, I've made some simple games, but it's been over 4 years
2.1 I'm in the deciding process, i.e. what's the end.
2.2 Loved the 7 Habits man, that's so cool.
2.3 My purpose, set a goal, stick with it
2.4 My games purpose, stress relief, possibly education
2.5 I'd love to open source it with a donate
3. That's totally great Decision tree (table)
4. That's a good question ;
5. Point taken
6. Cool

Again, I'd marry you if I weren't taken already, just kidding.

mathacha

1. So make a small game now. The end is to have recent practice under your belt and to learn a bit about today's tools. Design the game, make a technical plan, and then start.

Sounds good, I get a/some small program going, then hit a bigger one. Thanks for the resources. Can't wait to get some reusable member functions going, yippee!

BTW, I'm thinking about starting with the game Bash, the old bouncy ball program, then go from there. There's a great book out there, but it uses DirectX, oh well, I'm going to need to start someplace.