Logic Gadgets: Variable Modifier

 

Icon
Name of gadget	Variable Modifier
Section	Logic & Processing
Number of Tweak pages	1
Author	LadylexUK, QuietlyWrong
Last updated	27 Feb 2019 [Beta]

Description

This gadget modifies or reads a named Variable gadget. It works wirelessly and you can have any number of modifiers associated with one variable, so it can keep your logic tidy and legible. There are options that allow you to make a change in a one-off pulse, for example adding gold to your purse when you sell an object, or to change it continuously over time, such as reducing your fuel while you are firing the thrusters on your rocket-ship.

You could use a variable and variable modifier as a health gadget to track the player’s health but the dedicated Health Modifier (used with a Health Manager) is normally a better choice.

 

Example Tutorial (adapted from Media Molecule)

See Variable

Tweak Menus

Variable Name Operation Type Update Type Operation Value 4a. Input 4b. Output Variable Value 5b. Output Power

1. Variable Name
   Add the name of the variable you wish to modify here. The name is case-sensitive. Unless you have dozens of variables, it’s easiest to select from a list of existing variable names by hovering the mouse tip over this box and pressing up or down on the d-pad to cycle through them – this reduces the chance of a misspelling breaking your logic. Don’t forget to actually create and name your variable first though!
2. Operation Type
   • Set
     Use this to change the value of the named variable directly, to the value of Operation Value (4.).
   • Get
     Use this to read the value of the named variable and output it to Variable Value (5.).
   • Add
     Increases the variable value by the value in Operation Value (4.) – and of course you can “subtract” by “adding” a negative number.
   • Reset
     Returns the variable to its default value.
3. Update Type
   Dictates when the Variable Modifier actually modifies or reads the named variable:
   • When Powered On
     Only operates at the split-second when the “Power” status of the gadget switches from Off to On. It will then do nothing more until the Power is turned off (and then on) again.
   • Continuously
     Continuously updates the value of the named variable (or outputs its value) as long as the gadget is powered on. Used with the “Add” operation, this will keep the variable value changing.
4. Operation Value
   Used by Operation Types “Set” and “Add” only, it is the value in this field that either replaces the named variable’s value or is added to it.
5. Variable Value
   Used by Operation Type “Get” only, this outputs the current value of the named variable, no matter where it is in your level.
6. Power
   This is where you turn the gadget on/off

 

Lex Tips

Useful Tutorials

Beginners Guide to Variables and Variable Modifiers