Parallax Mapping Guide Question

[NeoPGX]

So I noticed this:

http://www.rpgmakerweb.com/a/graphics/parallax-mapping-guide

Which I think would be a beautiful addition to my game. However the product page only mentions photoshop which I refuse to even touch considering that program requires a subscription.

I'm NOT paying a subscription for a graphics / art program. Sounds like a waste of money considering there's GIMP which is 100% free.

So I want to know if the same things could possibly be done with GIMP instead. Can they?
 

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Some of it (or most) could not really sure as last time I tried GIMP, I just can't understand some of it... It will involve a different approach though. And I do think PS has a lot more features, though most of it you won't really need.


Anyway for parallax mapping, even Paint.net would probably suffice.


PS: They still sell CS6 right? which is the last version before the subscription based CC

 

[Susan]

In a word, "Yes".

It can definitely be done. Celianna simply uses Photoshop, that's why her guide indicates and uses that program.

You are not restricted to any one image processing program though.

The layout and controls of GIMP would appear different than Photoshop, so you will have to look for the desired options in GIMP yourself.

 

[xenwing]

I use gimp and I suck at map parallax, so if I buy this. Will it teach me how to do it?

 

 

[Susan]

Xenwing, it depends on what's preventing you from being able to parallax map.

If it's about how to use a program to manipulate image files and create maps, then, yes. It even provides tips on how to improve your mapping skills.

If it's about one's ability to make beautiful maps, then that simply requires practice. Lots of practice. There's only so much advice a person can give. The rest is up to the learner.

Everyone has different learning capacities and preferences. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another, so no one can guarantee that you'll be an expert after any tutorial.

This guide does come with both a PDF manual, a video, and scripts to help you along.

If you are hesitant about buying that guide, try searching for free parallax mapping tutorials first.

 

[xenwing]

Thanks Susan

 

[mlogan]

Susan is spot on. I use Gimp for all of my RM graphical needs - including parallax mapping. So it definitely has the capability to do so.

But to create something of the calibar of Cel's pictures will take a lot of practice as it's a skill. If you have questions about using Gimp feel free to ask me.

 

[Shaz]

I've moved this thread to Product Discussion and Support. Please be sure to post your threads in the correct forum next time. Thank you.

 

[xenwing]

Cool mlogan, will do.

 

[NeoPGX]

Well geez, if it turns out to be as difficult as I think, then I may end up having to hire somebody to do the mapping for me. ^.^;

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

It's not really a necessity to use parallax mapping... There are other ways to have a nice looking map... Try frankenstiling that might be easier as you'd just mix up tiles to a new tilesheet (possibly moving them off the grid if needed), then you'd still use the editor to place your map together... 

 

[NeoPGX]

It's not really a necessity to use parallax mapping... There are other ways to have a nice looking map... Try frankenstiling that might be easier as you'd just mix up tiles to a new tilesheet (possibly moving them off the grid if needed), then you'd still use the editor to place your map together... 

In my opinion it is a necessity as it helps to create a beautiful game but I will look into this "frankenstiling" (whatever the freak that is) thing you speak of.

But more than likely I'll just go with parallax mapping.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

Then you haven't seen the awesome non-parallaxed maps lying around the threads here... anyway, it's up to you.

 

[NeoPGX]

Then you haven't seen the awesome non-parallaxed maps lying around the threads here... anyway, it's up to you.

You don't know that.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

what? I've been here long enough to see really awesome non-parallaxed maps as well as really bad parallaxed maps... It still depends on your skill level, a really good mapper can produce a really good map without parallax mapping, and parallax mapping doesn't always equate to better looking maps.

Anyway, I do think your question has been already answered.

PS: It would be better to learn how to map by yourself though, that would increase your skillset and avoid some possible problems with the legalities of "sharing" tiles.

 

[NeoPGX]

what? I've been here long enough to see really awesome non-parallaxed maps as well as really bad parallaxed maps... It still depends on your skill level, a really good mapper can produce a really good map without parallax mapping, and parallax mapping doesn't always equate to better looking maps.

I'll take your word for it. But one thing you need to know about me, I am very stubborn, but reasonable.

I'll think about what you said for a while. My (commercial) game is far from completion and parallax mapping would be one of the final stages of development.

But if I do get the point where I decide to go with parallax mapping, I will be sure to hire someone skilled with parallax mapping.

 

[Engr. Adiktuzmiko]

PS: It would be better to learn how to map by yourself though, that would increase your skillset and avoid some possible problems with the legalities of "sharing" tiles.

Just a word of caution.

 

[NeoPGX]

Just a word of caution.

Thanks for the advice. If I do, I will most likely hire a close friend of mine. She's a skilled artist and has a great deal of interest in parallax mapping after I showed her the product page yesterday.

I'll put it this way: I can trust her with my life. That should say a lot.

 

[Celianna]

So I want to know if the same things could possibly be done with GIMP instead. Can they?

I mention in the actual guide that while I use Photoshop to explain the mechanics, GIMP can also be used for any of the features Photoshop uses. There's a part where I explain a few techniques done in Photoshop, that most likely has different names/paths in GIMP, but that doesn't mean GIMP doesn't have it.


You can do parallax mapping with ANY software editing program, it doesn't have to be Adobe Photoshop. The guide's explanation can be used for any program.

 

[seita]

You also have the option of 'renting' Photoshop via Adobe Creative Cloud. It's about $10 a month, which is more than reasonable for me. I'm renting both Photoshop and Dreamweaver, the two adobe products I use the most.

If you think it may rack up too much of a cost over time, you can always save parallaxing your maps for last and do everything in a span of a month.

https://creative.adobe.com/plans if you're interested~