Trying to figure out mapping style

[undefind 3]

I have been dabbling in parallax mapping a bit to get a feel for mapping potential. I came up with a few versions of a particular map and I haven't decided on what kind of mapping style I should go with.  I attached a few interior maps as well and I have to say I really like those and was thinking of going with some parallax on those akin to the brighter colored parallaxed town map.

 

 

Should I stick with the basics until after I have finished my first project or go midway like in the first parrallaxed map? I'm pretty sure I won't try advanced stuff like I did with the puke map.

 

 

Town Maps: I really like the way the swamp town came out in all the screenshots

 

No parallax. A solid map methinks.

 

 

Thinking of sticking with this mapping style, but I don't know if I should do parallaxing at all before I finish my first project.

 

 

Seems like someone puked on my screen, so I tend to like the other ones better. I really like the overall feel of the map. I think I did a good job of capturing the swampish tone but I don't have the building tiles to go along with it. I don't like how the buildings came out. They seem...out of place.

 

 

 

 

Interior maps:

 

 

 

[Cecillia 652]

I personally REALLY like the 3rd one for the swamp. It feels so grunge and dark, which if you're aiming for that: It's very close to perfect. Also, I'd probably spread the brush or whatever you are using for the "dark" areas in the center, because it feels blocky. Other than that, it's great!

 

The 2nd one feels more of a foresty area that is sort of swampy, but not to the point where I'd imagine a total swamp. Perhaps more of a marsh? I'm not sure of the correct terms, but if you want a lighter feel, go for that one.

 

The no parallax is too simple in my opinion and feels like the style of mapping most people use. 

 

I'd say go for parallaxing or whatever is easier and comfortable for you. I really like the "Puke" map because of the textures/contrast of it, but like I said, just go with the flow. Hope I helped somewhat ^.^

Edited March 25, 2014 by Cecillia

[undefind 3]

I personally REALLY like the 3rd one for the swamp. It feels so grunge and dark, which if you're aiming for that: It's very close to perfect. Also, I'd probably spread the brush or whatever you are using for the "dark" areas in the center, because it feels blocky. Other than that, it's great!

 

The 2nd one feels more of a foresty area that is sort of swampy, but not to the point where I'd imagine a total swamp. Perhaps more of a marsh? I'm not sure of the correct terms, but if you want a lighter feel, go for that one.

 

The no parallax is too simple in my opinion and feels like the style of mapping most people use. 

 

I'd say go for parallaxing or whatever is easier and comfortable for you. I really like the "Puke" map because of the textures/contrast of it, but like I said, just go with the flow. Hope I helped somewhat ^.^

That is definitely not the answer I was expecting! Thank you for the compliment on the 3rd map. My biggest problems with it is it was very time consuming, but worst of all is the buildings. I just don't know if they fit...

[Cecillia 652]

The buildings matched in my opinion, from what I was interpreting of the map. If you feel still that they don't match, I'd probably play around with the lighting on the buildings to add more depth to look like it isn't as copied and pasted. 

Edited March 25, 2014 by Cecillia

[undefind 3]

The buildings matched in my opinion, from what I was interpreting of the map. If you feel still that they don't match, I'd probably play around with the lighting on the buildings to add more depth to look like it isn't as copied and pasted. 

Well, I really appreciate your comments. Any advice on interior maps? I have never tried to parallax an interior map before and I am not sure how it would work. Parallaxing to me seems more of an exterior thing. Maybe I'll jump back on Google and see what I can find.

[Cecillia 652]

No problem ^.^ Just trying to help out!

For interior maps, it is personally what I enjoy doing the most (I studied interior/exterior/fashion design) It's very relaxing because once I have the theme, I can speed through.

 

I can't really tell the difference in your interior maps from what's parallaxed and not. Since it's like that for me, I'd probably stick with normal mapping if there really isn't a big difference in ambience.

 

If you don't want to have like textures within your interiors, then that'd mean normal mapping.

If you don't have enough space in your tilesets and want to add just a bit more detail (such as a certain ambience. Grunge/Horror/Light), I'd go with parallaxing for sure!

 

It all really depends on what you are aiming for. If you want a simple clean look for interiors, just do the normal mapping, but if you want the player to have more of this like par example "Swamp House", then I'd definitely go for parallaxing.

[undefind 3]

Neither of the interiors are parallaxed. I just posted them to show variety and style. I am noticing (from what little I have seen on Google) that parallaxing interiors is mostly only about shadows and light. I can't help but think potential is wasted by using it only for that purpose, and I have no examples to go off of that indicate interior mapping potential aside from the shadows/light thing. I think I just had an idea though...

[Cecillia 652]

Neither of the interiors are parallaxed. I just posted them to show variety and style. I am noticing (from what little I have seen on Google) that parallaxing interiors is mostly only about shadows and light. I can't help but think potential is wasted by using it only for that purpose, and I have no examples to go off of that indicate interior mapping potential aside from the shadows/light thing. I think I just had an idea though...

Ohhh. Yeah, you can say that, but there are times where people need to put slight details to add more life to their map. Here is an example of interior parallaxing my partner did.

 

You can create a lot more detail/ambience with the interior that the tilesets can't create easily. 

I made this one because I couldn't create the right light effects/walls/flooring that I wanted with tilesets, so photoshopped allowed me to do so.

 

If it's too much for you to do or don't really want to have a strong "ambience" feel to it, for interiors: I'd reccomend sticking to normal mapping.

Edited March 25, 2014 by Cecillia

[amerk 1,122]

Either of those maps are fine by me, and you seem to have a grasp with mapping in general, which is something you need before you try advanced forms. I agree with Cecillia, I like the last map, it creates a dark swampy atmosphere, if that's what you are going for.

 

However, whatever you do, consistency is the key. If you're going to go all out parallaxing for one map, you probably want to do it for all. If you have the time, energy, know-how, and skills, go for it. If not, then I think it's best to stick with primarily tile based mapping with some subtle parallaxing thrown in. In that case, I'd go with either the first or second one.

As far as the interior, I can't tell the difference too much, but in the second one it looks like the plate of food is about to fall off the table.

 

Edit: Also, the one big problem I have with parallax mapping is the sprites. If you're adding all sort of effects, palette changes, atmosphere, keep in mind these things could potentially clash with your sprites and event add-ons. Placing a painted cheerful sprite in the last exterior map would probably look out of place. So if you do go with something like the 3rd screenshot, you may want to consider custom sprites, or recoloring the default ones so they fit better.

[undefind 3]

Either of those maps are fine by me, and you seem to have a grasp with mapping in general, which is something you need before you try advanced forms. I agree with Cecillia, I like the last map, it creates a dark swampy atmosphere, if that's what you are going for.

 

However, whatever you do, consistency is the key. If you're going to go all out parallaxing for one map, you probably want to do it for all. If you have the time, energy, know-how, and skills, go for it. If not, then I think it's best to stick with primarily tile based mapping with some subtle parallaxing thrown in. In that case, I'd go with either the first or second one.

As far as the interior, I can't tell the difference too much, but in the second one it looks like the plate of food is about to fall off the table.

 

Edit: Also, the one big problem I have with parallax mapping is the sprites. If you're adding all sort of effects, palette changes, atmosphere, keep in mind these things could potentially clash with your sprites and event add-ons. Placing a painted cheerful sprite in the last exterior map would probably look out of place. So if you do go with something like the 3rd screenshot, you may want to consider custom sprites, or recoloring the default ones so they fit better.

 

I was worried about clashing as well. Recoloring everything would take too long I think. Some light parallaxing is what I think will work best. Thank you for the compliments, I was starting to feel a little unmotivated. It's always nice to get a little ego boost now and again.

 

Fun fact of the day: As far as the food hanging off the table, for some reason the editor shows it hanging off, but in game the program seems to recognizes this and compensates for it.

[HumanNinja 144]

I've recently decided to go with parallax maps for my game but I'm using the DS style sprites. Instead of making the sprites match the maps, I've done color/hue changes to the maps to make them match the DS sprites. Basically, a lot of changes to tilesets by Celianna to make them more cartoonish and giving the maps a pastel color scheme has worked.

 

I've found that the more I use resources other people have made (and allow to be used by others), that I've been more apt to create my own. That way they look and fit in better with the style of sprites I'm using. I'd like to be able to point you to a post of some of my examples but many are only about half way finished (I have problems with creating and editing multiple maps at once).

 

You can make beautiful parallax maps with lighting/ambiance without them having a realistic or gritty feel/look to them.

 

Also, if you're using the RTP sprites or that style of sprite then the XP tilesets look nice with them if you don't mind making the edits for size and color/hue. Although, I believe you have to own RPGM XP to be able to use those.

[Tsarmina 2,612]

For XP edits, I like to adjust the contrast (they tend to be more washed-out looking.) Celianna and Mack tiles are very rich in hue, and the RTP is in the middle.

[Pokémon Trainer 42]

I vote for number 3. Check this one that I did with your picture.

 

 

I left your doorway shadow-free cause I thought you want doors on those. But now I'm guessing you don't. Too late, I already uploaded the image. Anyways, I hope this helps you --- even just a bit. o_~ 안녕

[undefind 3]

Thanks for all the replies. I just deployed this week so I am having a hard time finding time to use the suggestions.

 

@HumanNinja: you said,"You can make beautiful parallax maps with lighting/ambiance without them having a realistic or gritty feel/look to them" I have a hard time finding much usefeul info on how to create lighting effects. I see a lot of pictures on the internet of gorgeous maps that have obviously had some sort of lighting/ambiance done to them, but I have yet to come across a tutorial that lays it all out for me. I know how to make a window look like light is shining through it, but the real nice effects I just haven't been able to figure out.

 

Thanks again, I can't wait to get back into this.