Comments Off18 Tools and Source Code Components for Cocos2D iOS Game Development

Cocos2D is a popular framework for iOS game development. We’ve compiled the following list of 18 Cocos2D resources, including tools, extensions, and source code components, guaranteed to help any mobile app developer cut down on the time needed to create an app.

**Update**

A new, stable version of Cocos2D (v2.0) has been released!!! The majority of the resources here will still work, since the update is pretty similar to the old version, as Riq mentions in his release.

Cocos2D Tools and Extensions

1. CocosBuilder – a free tool for graphically laying out sprites, layers, and scenes for Cocos2D on the iPhone and Mac. Used for creating game levels and menus.

2. iDiary – an open-source diary/e-book framework that can be used to create a fun and interactive e-book, diary, or textbook.

3. Particle Designer – a tool that works on multiple frameworks, and can make it much easier and simpler for a developer to create stunning visual effects; one of the first tools for Cocos2D.

4. SceneDesigner – an open-source project that can be used to create menus, game scenes, and levels. In beta, post any issues to github.

5. Kamcord – a free SDK that allows you to capture gameplay videos. Currently works with Cocos2D-1.0.1.

6. Glyph Designer – a popular bitmap font editor that allows you to create your own unique text for use in games.

7.  Cocos2D-iPhone Extensions – the semi-official repository for Cocos2D extensions; contains many high-quality, open-source extensions for Cocos2D.

8.  CCControlExtension – a set of classes that makes the design of controls easier for Cocos2D-iPhone. More information here.

9. Spinning Wheel – a tool that allows you to add a graphic wheel and a graphic spinning text image to your app.

**Added**

10. MenuLevel – an open-source class that you can insert into your app that will create a menu in the style of the popular Angry Birds slingshot game.

 

Cocos2D Source Code Components

1. Fruit Ninja Blade Effect – sample code that allows you to mimic the Fruit Ninja blade effect in Cocos2d.

2. BulletML Integration – a sample project that integrates Cocos2D with BulletML, a markup language that is used to describe the barrage of bullets in Bullet Hell games.

3. Batak Duel Source Code – Dan Nelson, the developer of Batak Duel has decided to release his source code, which includes well-documented code on how to integrate OpenFeint, create smoke and fire effects, use multiple particle systems, and more.

4. Angry Ninjas Starter Kit – helps you kickstart your slingshot game career by giving you everything you need to build an iOS slingshot game.

5. Ghetto Birds Source Code – This is the code for an app patterned after several popular iOS slingshot games, for those who just want to see how it’s done.

6. Line-Drawing Game Starterkit – the newest work of Steffen Itterheim, who wrote a popular book on Cocos2D.  The starter kit is a well-documented packet of source code that includes a line-drawing game and explains the rationale behind the code.

7. KnightFight – a 2D isometric sample game for iOS that was made with Cocos2D.

8. Snake Game – provides the code for a simple Cocos2D version of the classic snake game, which could be useful to any developer just starting out with Cocos2D.

9. TommyBros – an example of a 2-player game for the iPad that supports remote joypads for iPhone/iPod Touch. Remote joypads allow you to use your iPhone/iPod Touch as a game controller for a game that is displayed on your iPad.

 

See Cocos2D in Action – Popular Games

Stickwars – one of Cocos2D’s earlier hits; it was the #1 Paid App in the App Store in 2010 and spent an entire year in the top 10.

Bobo Explores Light – a popular educational game for children.

Tiny Tower – won Apple Game of the Year in 2011; primarily based on organizing your “bitizens” into a functioning tower.

Tap Pet Hotel – Top Grossing App in May 2011; based on building and managing your own hotel.

Zombie Farm – Very popular freemium game in which you farm zombies (grow them) and use them to invade human farms.

 

Please use the comments section below to let us know if we missed anything.