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Jake G



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 13:51:53 -

Hi all. I need an opinion.

I am making a top-down style game where the player can walk in 8 directions. However, I only have sprites (currently) for this character facing 4 different directions (no diagonal sprites). If you are walking diagonally, the sprites shown will be the back sprites or the front sprites (never the side sprites).

Do you guys think this is cheap/ lazy or do you think something like this works just fine?

Here is the character below:

Image

 
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s-m-r

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Candle
9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 16:45:56 -

Personally, I see this as lazy and of lower quality than a game that uses a full 8-direction animation cycle.

I've used the four-direction animation cycle for eight directions, and it's obvious that less time has been spent on it. My only excuse is that I was short on time:

http://create-games.com/download.asp?id=7818

If you have time
, and definitely if you plan on selling it as an app or commercial Flash game or whatever, then I suggest you develop the 8 directions. The difference in quality is significant.

 
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nim



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 17:31:06 -

If your character shoots in 8-directions then it's better to have some visual feedback to show when they're looking in diagonal directions. But if they don't actually fire projectiles in the diagonal directions (such as a swinging sword attack like Zelda) I think you could get away with using 4 animation directions.

 
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Carnivorous id



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 17:41:54 -

I'd have to see it in action. I still play a lot of old games that use that formula. If the gameplay works, I say go for it.

 


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Jake G



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 23:56:19 -


Originally Posted by s-m-r
Personally, I see this as lazy and of lower quality than a game that uses a full 8-direction animation cycle.

I've used the four-direction animation cycle for eight directions, and it's obvious that less time has been spent on it. My only excuse is that I was short on time:

http://create-games.com/download.asp?id=7818

If you have time
, and definitely if you plan on selling it as an app or commercial Flash game or whatever, then I suggest you develop the 8 directions. The difference in quality is significant.



Thanks s-m-r, that's definitely something to consider since I am planning on selling it commercially. Furthermore, do the left /right sprites look more like 3/4 sprites to you (meaning I'd actually have to create more side-on sprites for left/right.)

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Jake G



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 23:57:42 -


Originally Posted by nim
If your character shoots in 8-directions then it's better to have some visual feedback to show when they're looking in diagonal directions. But if they don't actually fire projectiles in the diagonal directions (such as a swinging sword attack like Zelda) I think you could get away with using 4 animation directions.



That's exactly it nim. Projectiles only work in 4 directions!

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Jake G



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9th July, 2013 at 09/07/2013 23:59:44 -


Originally Posted by Carnivorous id
I'd have to see it in action. I still play a lot of old games that use that formula. If the gameplay works, I say go for it.



Yeah haha , I do realise seeing it in action helps. I can send you an example if you like? Otherwise the gameplay doesn't require it at all - just aesthetics.

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

s-m-r

Slow-Motion Riot

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Candle
10th July, 2013 at 10/07/2013 01:03:18 -


Originally Posted by Jake G

That's exactly it nim. Projectiles only work in 4 directions!


Ah, in that case, don't make 8 direction animations. The player will think your game is broken.

 
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Jake G



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10th July, 2013 at 10/07/2013 04:15:54 -


Originally Posted by s-m-r

Originally Posted by Jake G

That's exactly it nim. Projectiles only work in 4 directions!


Ah, in that case, don't make 8 direction animations. The player will think your game is broken.



Sorry s-m-r, I probably should have initially mentioned that the attacks will be in four directions but diagonal movement will be possible.

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

lembi2001



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10th July, 2013 at 10/07/2013 09:50:36 -

Might just be me but the first 2 sprites look like they are diagonal sprites anyway

 
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Chloe Sagal

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Orange
10th July, 2013 at 10/07/2013 16:46:38 -

The hands on the front view sprite look very strange, imo. Other than that, they look fine.

 
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Jake G



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11th July, 2013 at 11/07/2013 00:28:47 -


Originally Posted by lembi2001
Might just be me but the first 2 sprites look like they are diagonal sprites anyway



I can certainly see why you may think that haha I tend to draw characters in a more 3/4 view for sprites facing left and right. The way I draw it looks more interesting that way. Though up until now I have only ever done platformers and not 8-directional games.

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Jake G



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11th July, 2013 at 11/07/2013 00:33:40 -


Originally Posted by Chloe Sagal
The hands on the front view sprite look very strange, imo. Other than that, they look fine.



I totally agree with you, Chloe however I exported the sprites at 300dpi instead of 72dpi so they will actually be smaller than what's shown here and at actual size they are too small to notice

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Jake G



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11th July, 2013 at 11/07/2013 00:33:42 -


Originally Posted by Chloe Sagal
The hands on the front view sprite look very strange, imo. Other than that, they look fine.



I totally agree with you, Chloe however I exported the sprites at 300dpi instead of 72dpi so they will actually be smaller than what's shown here and at actual size they are too small to notice

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Jake G



Registered
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Points
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Wii OwnerVIP Member
11th July, 2013 at 11/07/2013 00:33:45 -


Originally Posted by Chloe Sagal
The hands on the front view sprite look very strange, imo. Other than that, they look fine.



I totally agree with you, Chloe however I exported the sprites at 300dpi instead of 72dpi so they will actually be smaller than what's shown here and at actual size they are too small to notice

 
Visit www.voltic.com.au - you probably won't regret it!

~Gradually getting less bad at making games~

Deleted User
22nd August, 2013 at 22/08/2013 09:54:16 -

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Windybeard Games



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22nd August, 2013 at 22/08/2013 14:30:25 -

One of my favourite games (Recettear) uses 4 directions of animation for 8 direction of movement and that was an extremely successful commercial release. On top of that the characters were 2D and low res in a 3D world of a much higher resolution. Its all about the execution. If you have a good reason for doing it (like actually finishing the game) then i say go for it.

I wouldn't say it was lazy if you are working alone and dont have all the time in the world to spend on it.

Oh and can someone delete this "goldwow" idiot please

 
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