AZNCHIPMUNK'S PROFILE

My iPod is my soul. Basically.

I hear GIMP is a good Photoshop substitute. I use Photoshop, so I don't really know though. 55% is generally around the best transparency level for lighting.

Also, about centering...
Explanation of coordinates: A single map tile is 16x16 pixels, so a 15x20 tile map (smallest size) is *15*16)x(20*16). Which is 320x240. 320x240 is RM2k3's resolution size. Title screens and gameover screens are all this size.
The default show picture location is at 160,120 because this is the exact center 320x240 (15x20 tiles) map.

But what if the map is larger than 15x20 tiles? Then showing a picture at160x120 may create some problems.
So what you do is:
Create an event that's at the center (parallel process) of the map or as close as you can get. (This means it will be the exact center, or one of the offspots on the two sides, due to there being an even number of tiles.) Use two varibles, one called and the other . Set to the event's screen relative-X, and to the event's screen-relative Y. (Variable operation -> Operand -> Sprite -> This Event if you don't know where "screen-relative" is.)

Now, if that was the exact center, show the picture (at a high number, like 50) at 55% at those coordinates you just set. (,)
If it wasn't the exact center... Add +8 to if the event was on the off-spot to the left, subtract 8 if it was on the off-spot to the right. Add +8 to if the event was on the off-spot below, subtract 8 if it was on the off-spot above. (You may need to do a -8 to the X and a -8 to the Y.) Make sure "Picture Scrolls With Map" add an erase event command (or use a switch) and you're done!

Oh, and it looks better if the picture fades in. As in, when using shown picture set to 100% and use move picture to move it to %55. (If you're using such a fade, then if there's a savepoint on the map, you'll have to add something else too.)

Example:


About the lighting itself... well I may write up a tutorial if I get the time. (Shadows are a whole other story with panoramas.)

author=Max McGee link=topic=2290.msg39412#msg39412 date=1224782891
the difference between "stock" lighting effects and contoured map overlay (light maps) that are made to specific maps?

"Contoured" is what I used in my graveyard. Each lightmap was specifically created. "Stock" is usually just a gradient or generic light that appears above the hero, following the map. I used it in the watery area.

EDIT: Also, I've worked with Malad before (infact the game in that screenshot was something I helped with and inspired) and he does the same thing for centering. However, the way he does atmosphere is much more sophiscated than my method! (I've improved over time though.) He's more skilled as an artist, giving better results. He also plays around with panoramas more, which I don't so much. If you play his game, you'll notice things like plants growing on walls, in addition to lighting. So, if you want the highest quality lighting and atmosphere, the best you could do is ask him directly.

author=suzuricho link=topic=2209.msg39390#msg39390 date=1224754530

author=AznChipmunk link=topic=2209.msg39381#msg39381 date=1224739975
Oh. Just noticed that there was a "hate" part added to the topic.

Well, I don't hate anything!

Do you really dislike anything?

Yeah, but it doesn't fall under the category of hate.

Oh. Just noticed that there was a "hate" part added to the topic.

Well, I don't hate anything!

This is probably the best intro topic I have seen for a long time!
So, uh, welcome! And post lots! really.


Also, if you're a big fan of atmosphere-based games, you should check out my game. Which is atmosphere-based.


i am a jerkit's true