What will I learn from XNA Xtreme 101 - Vol. 1?

Throughout these videos, youll be creating two complete games, along with several other support applications used to demonstrate specific points. The games covered include The Hyperion Project, a simple text-based adventure engine, and Cannon, which you will actually create using three separate methods.

This step-by-step process gradually makes you more and more acquainted with Object-Orientation, allowing you to make an easy shift into the realm of the XNA Framework. Whether youre completely new to the realm of programming, or a veteran programmer preparing to make a smooth transition to XNA, youre going to find exactly what youre looking for within XNA Xtreme 101!

It should be noted that this first volume focuses more on making the student into a proficient programmer using C#, and does not yet heavily emphasize the use of the XNA Framework. XNA will be used throughout the remainder of the XNA Xtreme 101 course volumes.

The Hyperion Project

This game serves as a way to get your feet wet with programming in C#. This is XNA Xtreme 101s version, albeit an extraordinary version, of a "Hellow World" application in which you will create a full-blown console-based text adventure game. During the creation of the Hyperion Project, you will be shown how to create a simple game from both the programming and design point of view.

Cannon 1
Cannon 1 ups the ante as it teaches you how to create a graphical shooter using WinForms. You will be introduced to sprites for the first time as you are shown how to create an event-driven game.
Cannon 2
Cannon 2 is the evolution of Cannon 1 from an event-driven game to an engine-based game.
Cannon 3
Cannon 3 is the culmination of everything you will have learned throughout Volume 1 of XNA Xtreme 101. In this project, you will recreate the Cannon game using XNA.

Preview clips of content from XNA Xtreme 101 for FREE!

Would you like a preview to see just what you are getting with 'XNA Xtreme 101 - Volume 1'?

We've provided clips from a some of the lessons, so you can try before you buy.

These clips will give you a taste of the high level of quality and detail you'll find in the rest of the course. Please remember that these selections are just a very small portion of the nearly 30 hours that make up Volume 1.

What makes 'XNA Xtreme 101' different from other training videos?

With the advent of XNA, a whole new world has been opened to proficient developers or first-time coders. Never before has the ability to develop games that can be played on a console been available to the Average Joe. And, never before has there been such a comprehensive, in-depth, and user-friendly training program capable of taking someone from completely new to programming to creating their very own games which can then be played on an Xbox 360 or PC. 'XNA Xtreme 101' was conceived to do exactly that. Moreover, it easy-to-understand manner that is engaging and highly entertaining! You won't have to worry about boring monotonous lecture material; the instructors keep everything upbeat and on-target, whether you're talking about high-level design or lower-level implementation! Plus, there is nowhere on the planet where you can get this level of professional-quality education for anywhere near this price!

Are there any prerequisites for watching this content?

The only prerequisite for XNA Xtreme 101 is that you know how to use your computer. Nothing else is assumed of the viewer. The lectures introduce you to programming using C# and XNA from the ground up, and any past experience you may have with programming is simply a bonus.

What hardware or software do I need to complete this class?

You NEED the following:

• A computer with the Windows operating system that supports Visual C# 2005 Express and is capable of running our VTMs.
• A copy of Visual C# 2005 Express. Don’t worry, it’s free.
• The XviD codec installed.
• A stable Internet connection, preferably broadband.

The following prerequisites are optional, based on which game assets you want to create yourself, and whether you want to play the game on an Xbox 360.

• Some sort of paint software
• Sound recording/editing software
• Xbox 360 Controller for your PC (This is not required, but HIGHLY recommended)
• An Xbox 360 with hard drive and subscription to the Creator’s Club

Will these DVDs play on a standalone DVD player?

No, the content will not play on a regular DVD player, it is intended for use in a PC that has a DVD-ROM drive.

What codec is needed to view the files?

You may view the video files with the XviD codec, which can be downloaded for free from www.xvid.org.

I heard that the videos are watermarked. Can you explain what this means?

In order to protect our content from illegal distribution and to safeguard your investment, we have implemented a video watermark system. The faint video watermark is on some of the videos, and will contain your name and address. The information on the watermarks will be used as evidence should the videos be illegally distributed.

Do you accept payment through PayPal?

Yes, we do, but only your account must be verified through PayPal and your shipping address must be confirmed. The only forms of payment we accept are credit card and PayPal.

How long will it take for my DVDs to ship?

Your DVD's must be custom encoded at our facilities to include your personal watermark. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 5 business days to complete, though most orders are shipped within 48 hours.

Why is shipping so high for the US?

Shipping in the US is approximately $15. This as a production and shipping fee, helping to cover not only the actual shipment, but also the process of encoding, burning, and printing.

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