XP sprites in Ace?

[mlogan]

First, sorry if this should be somewhere else - I debated.  Second, if there's already a billion threads covering this, I again apologize, I did search and found some helpful things, but not entirely what I am looking for.

So what I am curious about is using XP sized sprites in Ace.  From what I have gathered, I would need some kind of script because of passability issues.  Also, I will obviously size-appropriate tilesets.  That part I'm not overly concerned about, I think there is plenty of material out there that I can work with.

I guess what I'm really wondering are general thoughts and opinions on using larger sprites in Ace, as well as how much it complicates things and what things I would need to take into consideration. 

I've waffled back and forth on it, and basically come to the conclusion that I really do prefer the larger sprites and I would like to try to make them work if I can.

Thanks for any input, and I hope this makes some kind of sense!

 

[Venka]

I'm with you on the larger sprites althought I use mack sprites, they're a little shorter the XP but taller then VX(ace) but they match the RTP a bit better. There are some passability issues. I just saw a script for it today here:

http://rpgmaker.net/scripts/358/

You'll also need to convert them the right kind of character sheets. XP uses 4 frames across while VX and ace uses 3 across. There are programs that will convert them for you, you've probably found it while doing your google search.

Now those things aside. There's not that many folks who make sprites those sizes so your resources a bit more limited unless you plan on making you're own =) There is also a mack character generator. You can find some useful info about it here:

http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/13268-how-to-make-mack-size-characters-for-vx-ace/

I haven't had a chance to play with that script yet, so no clue how good it is.

Finding tilesets for them.. the hardest thing I've had to find is trees. Most other stuff works fine (use tall doors instead of short ones). If you're doing a non-commercial game then there's generally plenty of trees, but if you plan on going commercial it becomes a bit more limited.

You might think about getting a copy of XP if you don't already have it as it opens up a lot more options for graphics. There's lots of resources based off of XP graphics out there and some of them work well with VX/ace. If you don't already have it, there's plenty of sales going around. I got a copy for 7.50 USD the other day

 

[Ruby]

You can use any sized sprite. I'm using a slightly larger than Macks base and I have no issues with it. The only problem with using XP sprites is that they have four columns instead of three, just make sure you delete the unnecessary column through an image editor of your choice. :3

If I wasn't on my phone I'd give you visuals.

 

[Shaz]

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


Since your question involves doing a particular thing with a particular engine, it's not Game Mechanics.


You need to delete the first column of the XP sprites, and add a $ to the start of the name. Then use one of the scripts that fixes the priority (star tile) issue.

 

[Ruby]

Didn't know that about the star priority! Thanks Shaz!

 

[Shaz]

that's what others are referring to as "passability" issues. It's not passability, though that's the database setting that affects it. It's that the tiles with a * on them will cut off the sprite's head if the sprite is on a tile below and is more than 32 pixels high.

 

[mlogan]

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

Since your question involves doing a particular thing with a particular engine, it's not Game Mechanics.

You need to delete the first column of the XP sprites, and add a $ to the start of the name. Then use one of the scripts that fixes the priority (star tile) issue.

Thanks for putting it in the correct place!

Great thoughts Venka and thanks so much for sharing!  I guess I should have provided a bit more info.  Right now, I am working with Mack sized sprites (I didn't realize there was a difference in size from those and XP).  I've pulled up some Mack converts of some of the VX to use as NPCs and for my main characters, for now I am using ones I created with that wonderful little generator!  I've fixed the character sheets appropriately (except for one that I forgot) and got them working in game.  I'm pretty comfortable with GIMP, so editing them to the three positions and all is no problem.

I do eventually plan to have someone do some custom sprites for me, but first, I am working on getting the concept art and custom portraits for them.  I do not plan on going commercial with this game, but potentially for others in the future with these characters.  Also, I do own XP, got it in the amazing autumn sale, primarily for the purpose of being allowed to use anything made from it's RTP, lol! 

Shaz and Venka, I will check out those scripts, thanks for posting them!

I guess my biggest concern is wondering if it's worth it to go back and remap a bunch of stuff just for the sake of bigger sprites, though I guess that's a matter of personal opinion?

Thanks again for all the feedback!

 

[XPKobold]

It's possible to use XP sprites in Ace namely the characters. Though you will need a converter to do so some of those can be found if you do a google search for "XP to VX converter". Hope that helps.

 

[Shaz]

You do not need to change your tiles. Larger sprites will work with Ace tiles. They're just painted in a different style.

 

[mlogan]

You think, even though some of the furniture looks ridiculously small next to them?  Or is that normal for XP and I'm just not used to the look?  (Thinking maybe I should bust open XP and actually take a peek at it.)

 

[Shaz]

oh - yeah, if you want the whole xp "look", you can convert some things. But you don't need to convert all of them or create whole new tilesets.

 

[deaddrift]

this is all great info!  Im also interested in taller sprites-  too bad from what i gather id have to buy XP to then sell my game if i use the assets in VXACE, oh well, no big whoop, if im gonna sell my game hopefully i'll be able afford XP!

 

[Shaz]

XP is dirt cheap these days (29.99)


And with the current sale that's going on (bottom of first post), you can get it for half price:

We want to keep the giving going, so we've got a major sale on ALL of our products until Christmas day. Use the coupon code: happyholidays13 to receive 50% off any product in our main store.

 

[deaddrift]

XP is dirt cheap these days (29.99)

And with the current sale that's going on (bottom of first post), you can get it for half price:

you just sold me friend!!! you had me at "half price"

good looking out!



my XMAS present to myself, heck i spend that when i take my GF out for dinner!!!

 

[mlogan]

Yay!  So glad this thread could help someone out.  And Shaz thanks, I think you truly sold me on going with the bigger sprites. 

 

[Shaz]

This thread is being closed, due to being solved. If for some reason you would like this thread re-opened, please report this post and leave a message why. Thank you.