Backgrounds for platinum.

[popo]

Spider and web on a blue background.

[Liz Mayhew]

Wow! Looks great Pauline.

I have problems trying to design a good background, because when you load the game, the background repeats itself and the original idea/atmosphere is changed.

[popo]

Yeah, that is a problem with it, plus you have to make it upside down. There's always that background model that someone made, can never remember who. I think you've used it in your Coin Quest levels.

I keep meaning to ask you, how did you get the little tile signs that go with the screens in Coin Quest? You might have told us before but I have to confess to only starting to play them since Platinum came out. I've been enjoying the continuing saga for the last few days, and your screens and arch models are superb.

[Liz Mayhew]

Yes I have used in in one or two levels - can't remember which offhand. But I found the model in one of Kaboom's levels. It has a very weird size of 401 x 401 pixels. And when loaded into the game the picture seems to lose some of its sharpness, though that may depend on the size of the level.

For the tile signs I use one of Robbie's screen models which already has a Wonderland icon in the bottom left corner. I just replace that with a part of the main screen image (clone tool). Or put a small image there which relates to the main one.

I can't find the original post where Robbie put these models, but if you wanted to use it, just load one of mine into Photoshop, rub out the main image (leaving the left hand black strip). And rub out the bottom icon. Then replace with whatever you want.

[popo]

Now you mention it I do remember Robbie saying something about the tile icon, and I do have two sets of screen models of his, one of them must be the one with the icons. It's a good idea so you make sure the spot gets stood on, it's easy to walk straight past it otherwise. I'll have to go take a look and see what's in my folders.

The background does lose some definition because the model for it it so big. The jpg you use for it can be bigger than the 401 x 401 you used though, the bigger the jpg the better the clarity. Try 512x512 or 1024x1024. Once the template has been assigned to the model, as that one has, you can change the size of the jpg with no problems. I can't remember if the background model is square or rectangular, but you'd know if you put a texture on it and it looks wonky.

[Liz Mayhew]

Thanks for the advice Pauline - I'll take a look at it.

[Willwonka4442]

If you look very closely at the forest background you will notice(closely now) a repeating pattern of green,brown and blue. I dont think it matters on how big you make it, I think it is on a fixed size. The resolution will only improve on the quality of the image and/or definition/sharpness. You eather must cope with it or just maybe Patrick might adress this in the patch update. I know what you mean. I can see the edge of the image and it gets me frustrated. One more thing, I tried Robbies backround and
it doesnt work for the bigger levels as it ends at a certain point. It is if you want a patterned background. Although it is cool feature it is'nt perfect.

[Liz Mayhew]

Thanks Will!