RPG Battle Menus..

<img src="http://i369.photobucket.com/albums/oo136/4Sweet2Leaf0/Spell_List_Mockup.png">

So I started working on a turn-based battle engine, but I'm not really sure where to start with the menus..

I want to be able to add spells to the list as you level up, scroll through the list when you get more than 3 (and have the proper arrow turn gray if you're at the top or bottom of the list) and eventually add MP amounts next to each spell. I also need to figure out a way to save the spell data.

Anyone here know anything about making these?

I'd personnally use an editable text file to list the unlocked abilities and caracteristics of your character's spells. The program counts the lines, and creates some UI for each (and reads each line containing the name of the spell, its damage range, its effects).

Instead of a text file, you can also use an array and run through it... it simply depends on how much infos you need to handle at the same time.

I made an example which is a bit of a mess I admit, using INI and Hashtable object:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2306601/spelly.rar

Up and down arrow keys select the spells. Press space to "cast" the spell. The Global variable 'MaxItems' controls the maximum amount of spells that are shown in the list at once.

Some stuff in there is deliciously wonky, especially regarding the panel object. I don't have the patience for a more sophisticated example right now. Hope it'll be still useful in some way to you.

Very useful, actually. I didn't even know where to begin with this. Thanks a lot!