Shootem-Up Enemy Attack Waves..

[steveyO]

I am looking for some links/algorithms to program some enemy attack waves (80s style shootem up).. For example,  enemies coming down in zig-zag patterns,  or entering the screen on the left, doing a circular loop and leaving the screen on the right (1942, or Galaxians style)..

Suprisingly, considering the amount of shootemups out there,  I can't find a single thing on google.  Am considering using Bezier Curves, or Sine Waves unless anyone can provide me with a better tip/method..      (ps.  For 4K, so looking for a few simple algorithms only).
Thnx  Edit:  Happy New Year Everyone!!

[moogie]

random walk is very cheap (algorithmically) to implemented. You could also use the same mechanism to loop in circles while moving down by using a bias instead of randomness.

[pjt33]

If you do go for sine waves then remind yourself about (or read up on) simple harmonic motion. No calls to Math.sin required...

Games published by our own members! Go get 'em!

[steveyO]

Gosh, its 20+ years since I did SHM   A-Level physics. Had a quick revisit but enough to put me off..
Have finally, gone for a combination of Bezier Curves and Random walking.. And gradually realizing why have never written a shootem up before.. Getting decent gameplay/waves is proving to be a real git and a half!