Omega Lunar Map Editor

[sinchross 33]

does anyone know if this project is done?

[amerk 1,122]

No, some time back (not sure on which site) I believe he had to put this on hiatus. I'm not sure the result of this, but he hasn't been around for over a month now. You could try the Omega-Dev site where he's more active.

[+ Shadow Fox 5]

There is no public download for this map maker program is there?

[amerk 1,122]

No, a demo has never been released. I'm not sure what the status is on this, but he hasn't responded here in awhile. Assume the project has either been cancelled or put on hiatus.

[+ Novem 344]

No, a demo has never been released. I'm not sure what the status is on this, but he hasn't responded here in awhile. Assume the project has either been cancelled or put on hiatus.

 

...which would suck.

 

I just want layers back, I recently started using RPG Maker XP (for Pokemon Essentials) and I have to say Layers rock. I also love those Pixel Collision boxes!

[Tsukihime 1,489]

From the sounds of it, most of it is actually functional. I guess omega's the type of dev that releases products only when they're fully complete, where everything is perfect.

 

Which of course is better for the consumers since you don't have to constantly update your program with minor patches, or report bugs.

 

But then what happens when you never reach the "completion" stage?

Edited June 25, 2012 by Tsukihime

[+ Novem 344]

Well, I hope if he gives up on the project, he at least releases what he's already got done to another developer so someone can finish it. Those screenshots do indeed make it look like it's almost done. I wish he would at least release a "lightweight" version to keep us sated until all of the rest of the minor features are done.

[Tsukihime 1,489]

I'm just interested in seeing the algorithm for determining how to draw the auto-tiles.

 

The program itself allows you to create all sorts of maps, but when you're exporting it to, say, RMVX or Ace, unless omega provides a custom set of scripts for map loading and map handling, most of those features just won't be available in-game.

 

For example, it says "unlimited layers" but if you export it to VX, it'll probably get flattned or something and then you can't get it back unless you keep the original lunar project file.

 

Naturally, an all-purpose map editor should also provide a plugin interface to allow developers to write their own import/export plugins. Omega (and whoever else is working on it) might have written an import/export plugin for the Ace map files, but if it's advertised as "export to raw data that any engine can read" then such an interface would be required.

 

It's possible that they're all focused on adding more and more features and therefore pushing the release date since the list of "incomplete tasks" continues to grow.

Edited June 25, 2012 by Tsukihime

[DAVE_EBUBBLES 16]

Think of Omegas7 like Valve, he has high standards, long work hours, but when he does release something, its better than most things that come out, quality assured.

 

Also, as for the concerns of how maps will work, I think its probably going to be utilizing pictures and a parralax background (or multiple, that'd be cool) and in VX there are already support for those things, and chances are there is for Ace as well, this is from what i can understand, a tool to help people along with parralax mapping, or to make it far less time consuming for those who do it already.

 

Infinite layers is probably a tad unrealistic in VX, unless you use a script like the one Yanfly created to break the picture limit. In VXAce though you can have up to 100 pictures on the screen at a time, so in practise there is a limit, but you'll never need to worry about reaching it.

 

I'm not much of a parralax mapper, I dont mind my games feeling square because it remind me of my head. I do use it in cases where it could make something look superb though, or in cases where I want to use tiles that I cant squeeze into my TileA or the remainder of my Tile E.

 

I encourage you all to be patient, and treat this project with pessimism, if it turns out its on hiatus or has been cancelled completely, you can take solace in that you thought so all along instead of crying about it. If it comes out then you are surprised instead of bemused.

 

While I'm generally pretty optomistic, my stance still stands that hype is a horrible thing. it does not mean that pessimism of this projects final result is what is taking place here.

[amerk 1,122]

Infinite layers doesn't mean a picture per layer, per se. When you parallax, you create your layers in a software program like Photoshop. Once you transfer that as your map, it's just one picture, even though there's plenty of layering going on. Also, you port the image to your map as a parallax (under map properties) so you don't have to count towards your picture count.

[DAVE_EBUBBLES 16]

Okay, then maybe the infinite layers refers specifically to the program itself, which makes sense when you think about it.

 

I actually cant see much use for more than the three layers XP had gameplay wise, unless you were making a game based around optical illusions, which would really kick ass. I admit, having the ability to allow for multiple passability layers based around tile E could lead to some pretty neat optical mindtrickery.

 

Thinking of the Arcane Sanctuary in Diablo II particularly.

[amerk 1,122]

I think he was planning this as a sort of plug-in for VX, kind of like how SwapXT was. The difference being that this one is more or less a pre-rendered program designed for VX, instead of having to use an outside program like Photoshop. It would have been interesting to see how it all comes together, as I'm sure there's more to it than he's been letting on, but this thing has been on hiatus for awhile now, and I'm beginning to think it won't ever get done.

[Tsukihime 1,489]

This is probably why he's taking his time:

 

I'm remaking the code. Unecessary, but well, I decided to take my time. You see, I recently realized people don't need this.

 

http://www.rpgrevolution.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=55416&view=findpost&p=563242

[ty66kill 0]

 where is download link ?

[Omij 35]

 where is download link ?

 

Hello, and thank you for your concern. This project has moved into a larger one. Currently we are working on a new RPG Engine, which uses this map editor (basically, this is no longer an RPG Maker extension).

 

The mentioned RPG Engine isn't publicly accessible yet. We do expect to have an alpha build by December this year - at which point we will let you and the rest of the community know.

 

Have a nice day.

[Darkanine 116]

 

 where is download link ?

 

Hello, and thank you for your concern. This project has moved into a larger one. Currently we are working on a new RPG Engine, which uses this map editor (basically, this is no longer an RPG Maker extension).

 

The mentioned RPG Engine isn't publicly accessible yet. We do expect to have an alpha build by December this year - at which point we will let you and the rest of the community know.

 

Have a nice day.

Well it be freeware? Or if not what's the estimated price range?

[Tsukihime 1,489]

I'd argue that it would have been better to first release the map editor as a stand-alone thing before going off to do ambitious projects, but if the purpose is to make $$$ then I guess that would make sense to delay it for 2 years or so.

[Omij 35]

Well it be freeware? Or if not what's the estimated price range?

 

We don't have any plans on making it commercial. It will be free software. In the scenario we require a form of income to support the project, we will get it in some other non-intrusive way. But no, we don't plan to sell the engine.

 

I'd argue that it would have been better to first release the map editor as a stand-alone thing before going off to do ambitious projects, but if the purpose is to make $$$ then I guess that would make sense to delay it for 2 years or so.

 

Hello, and thank you for your feedback. The purpose isn't to profit (at least not directly) from it.

 

We decided to prioritize the engine's framework rather than make a standalone editor. This is partly because we intend to "compete" against RPGMaker (not in an aggressive way of course), and a standalone editor would simply benefit RPGMaker while we would still be busy working on our framework.

 

Regarding the 2-years-or-so delay, it should be made clear that the engine's development actually started much later, as there was indeed a time when this project was halted. We are sorry for any confusion made during the time.

 

We truly appreciate your interest, and sincerely hope that by this December we will be able to showcase a bit more. Thank you.

[sheeeeeeets 1]

WOW.

 

I just switched over to parallax, and 8 bit movement, and am having collision issues (mainly because I am a newb at both), but this looks as if it will solve all my problems.

 

Good luck with the recoding and the Alpha release in December.  This will be huge, and much appreciated!