First Time Mapping a Forest....

[Flip_Lightblade 2]

So I've been messing around with RPG maker vx ace. Nothing serious up until this point. Now I'm finally attempting to create a marketable

game, but we'll have to see how things turn out. This is my first attempt at mapping a large-scale forest.

Any advice?

Edited May 29, 2015 by Flip_Lightblade

[+ CVincent 234]

It's got a nice look to it, though there are a few things that could be improved -- especially if you're looking to make a commercial project. (I'm assuming this since you said marketable.)

 

The first thing I notice is how flat the rock walls are, it's very straight cut and looks unnatural. I'd suggest experimenting with irregular shapes to help make the environment look more believable. I really like the way everything else looks though, I feel with that one simple change it will help make the map stand out.

 

You map is also very green and although the grass placement looks fine you should add in a few more colors. Consider looking into free tiles for flowers or forest details. Some gaps in those trees would be great, especially if you filled it in with some color and maybe a secret.

 

Lastly I'd say try making smaller hills that scale upwards. In your second picture there's already some depth but adding more would help it pop out and catch the eye a little more.

[Flip_Lightblade 2]

I put up the edited screenshot! Hope it's an improvement - I edited the ridge a little bit so it's not as straight, and I added in some flowers for color. I also tried to make a few smaller hills attached to the larger cliff face to give it a bit more depth. Thanks for the feedback, this is my first time trying to map something like this haha!

 

EDIT:

By the way you were completely right about the cliffs. I was trying to figure out a way to make them look more natural. I like the new look much better.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Flip_Lightblade

[+ Takeo212 1,079]

I like the overall forest area actually. I enjoy roaming the forest maps, and my personal thing has to be having plenty of different colours around the map - flowers, butterflies, animals ect. Having some free roaming animals on a random walk would living up your map (unless its a closed off area, and there not meant to be there lol)

 

My main thing though is, if your planning on a commercial game, it seems you used alot of RTP from both ACE and XP. I don't think that would go well for a game that costs because everything is default and non-custom. I would suggest maybe looking into some either free resources (though personally, alot of other people use them so it's not exactly the greatest.) or investing in the resource packs, since not as many people use those resources.

 

Overall though, map wise, I really do like the map. It seems you already updated it and got what you needed fixed.

 

My only critic would be:

If the forest is more a wild forest (and not a place where everyone walks through) I would try break up your dirt path a bit. Having it break off in areas makes it seem a bit more natural?

 

I like what you have so far though :3

 

EDIT

forgot to comment, I really like those contrasted trees. They seem weird in such a light green area and suddenly dark green trees. I suggest trying to either get 2 different tones of trees and try having all your trees have a similar contrast? 

Edited May 29, 2015 by Takeo212

[Flip_Lightblade 2]

I tried making the trees lighter, posted a third screenshot. The resource pack I'm using isn't exactly the greatest, but it's working somewhat.

 

As for getting custom resources, I've found that too many people use the same 'free' modified tilesets. It's hard finding something unique without actually making your own. However this hasn't stopped me, and in future maps I plan on using more custom resources. This part of the game is actually just part of the tutorial section where you're introduced to the characters and the story.

 

If you have any ideas on where to find either large dark trees or bright small trees, let me know and I'll try to look!

 

Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you like the map. It's nice hearing good comments about my work after only owning rpg maker for a about a month and a half.

 

EDIT: Also this place is a common trade route. But thanks for advice on the path, that will actually come in handy a bit later on in my game.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Flip_Lightblade

[+ Takeo212 1,079]

Ah, then no worries (I'm actually using RTP and over time replacing them as I make my own/find something to replace it with)

Even editing them yourself would be good in the long run, ie wall recolours and such can save you time and effort if you struggle - like me lol

 

As for trees, I honestly havent found the perfect tall trees for my game yet (I use bigger sprites though) but the best I can offer you is a link to Granny's Tree Topic [HERE]

I'm sure some of the links are broken, but there are still great resources.

 

I'm also sure Tsarmina and others have trees and other outdoor stuff in the "Resource Showcase" section. In future forests, it would be nice to see a mix of different tree colours to make it stick out too

 

Hope this helps! I'd love to see any future maps you make, or updates :3

[Tsarmina 2,612]

Hey look, I heard my name. :3 Thanks Takeo =^-^=

 

@Flip_Lightblade: If you're looking for other cool tilesets or clumps to mix up, you should also try Titanhex's Mack seasonal clumps. They're a really nice way to spice up any map and bonus, they're in tileset form~

[Flip_Lightblade 2]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

One thing I've noticed about RPG maker's community is that everyone really likes to help one another out. It's great!

And I'll definitely look into those sites you guys mentioned!

Once I finish any more maps I'll post them. I need all the help I can get, honestly. And you guys are exactly what I needed.

Edited May 29, 2015 by Flip_Lightblade

[+ Takeo212 1,079]

Hey look, I heard my name. :3 Thanks Takeo =^-^=

 

@Flip_Lightblade: If you're looking for other cool tilesets or clumps to mix up, you should also try Titanhex's Mack seasonal clumps. They're a really nice way to spice up any map and bonus, they're in tileset form~

 

No problem Tsarmina. Contrary to what you see of me, I am actually on your Sugar Sweet topic alot  

Not to mention, your resources are so nice and quite helpful

 

 

Thanks for all the help everyone!

One thing I've noticed about RPG maker's community is that everyone really likes to help one another out. It's great!

And I'll definitely look into those sites you guys mentioned!

Once I finish any more maps I'll post them. I need all the help I can get, honestly. And you guys are exactly what I needed.

 

The forums are actually quite nice and constructive

Look forward to seeing anymore from you then Flip_Lightblade :3