GameMaker Rotating Cursor Around Player?

[Wiffo]

Hey guys, I'm trying to create something like the attached image, with the little cursor always being a set distance away from the player character and rotating to where your mouse is pointed.

I don't really know where to start. I was thinking about just creating the cursor object at a set distance from the character and rotate towards wherever the mouse is, but I'm not very sure how to do that.

All I have right now is:

cursor_sprite = sCursor;
x = mouse_x;
y = mouse_y;

image_angle = point_direction(x,y,mouse_x,mouse_y);​

But that code is obviously not working. Can someone help? How do I keep the object at a set distance away from my character, and rotate the cursor?

Thank you.

 

[Rob]

You're looking for a vector - basically a point that's calculated a set distance away from the player at an angle (and the angle changes to create the circular motion effect).

Check out this for an explanation on lengthdir_x/y

The lengthdir_x/y coordinates will give you the x/y that your cursor needs to be at any given moment

 

[AlexDerFerri]

Hi! This is a quick example of how you could use lenghtdir_x and lengthdir_y functions:

oCursor's STEP EVENT =====================================================
if (instance_exists(oPlayer)) {

   var dis = 32;  // Distance from the player to the cursor
   var dir = point_direction(x, y, mouse_x, mouse_y);   // Cursor pointing at mouse coords

  // Clamp the direction (if you want the cursor to rotate only within a specific range).
   dir = clamp(dir, 0, 180);

  // Calculate x and y coords for the cursor
   x = oPlayer.x + lengthdir_x(dis, dir);
   y = oPlayer.y + lengthdir_y(dis, dir);

   // Rotate the cursor sprite
   image_angle = dir;
}

Hope that could help you!

 

[Alexx]

An easier approach would be offset the sprite origin and have it fixed to the middle of the player.

If you need an example, just ask.