OtherLayers VX + ACE

[kyonides]

OtherLayers VX + ACE

by Kyonides

Introduction

This script allows you to use a static picture or a series of pictures as a custom upper layer for the current map.

I am sure there gotta be other scripts that provide similar features and you know what?
I don't care about that!

Embedded Notes

For VX

First of all, RMVX has no Map Note Box so you must use the Map's Name as a substitute.

Code:

# This script lets you add another layer where you can place images that can
# be either static or animated.

# Create a directory called Layers inside the Graphics folder.
# Thereafter you can add as many images as deemed necessary.

# Examples: fall_1.png, fall_2.png, fall_3.png

# The state of a specific Game Switch will determine whether or not a given
# layer is visible at that moment.

# - Set a Map's Total Number of Upper / Lower Layers
# - Pattern: <LUMn> - Example: <LUM2>
# - Pattern: <LLMn> - Example: <LLM2>

# - Predefine an Upper Layer
#   - It must follow one of these patterns:
#   The n's there stand for LayerID, No. Pictures, Frames and SwitchID (if any)
# <LUn filename n n>
# <LUn filename n n Sn>
# <LLn filename n n>
# <LLn filename n n Sn>
# - Examples Using the fall_ image files:
# <LU1 fall 3 20>
# <LU2 fall 3 20 S10>
# <LL1 fall 3 20>
# <LL2 fall 3 20 S10>

For VX ACE

Use the Map Note Box.

Code:

# This script lets you add another layer where you can place images that can
# be either static or animated.

# Create a directory called Layers inside the Graphics folder.
# Thereafter you can add as many images as deemed necessary.

# Examples: fall_1.png, fall_2.png, fall_3.png

# The state of a specific Game Switch will determine whether or not a given
# layer is visible at that moment.

# - Set a Map's Total Number of Upper / Lower Layers
#   Patterns: <layers upper n> <layers lower n>
# - Example: <layers upper 2> <layers lower 1>

# - Predefine an Upper / Lower Layer
#   - It must follow one of these patterns:
#     Replace n with an actual number.
# <layer up n filename pix n frames n>
# <layer up n filename pix n frames n switch n>
# <layer low n filename pix n frames n>
# <layer low n filename pix n frames n switch n>
# - Examples Using the fall_ image files:
# <layer up 1 fall pix 3 frames 20>
# <layer up 2 fall pix 3 frames 20 switch 10>
# <layer low 1 fall pix 3 frames 20>
# <layer low 2 fall pix 3 frames 20 switch 10>

Optional Script Calls

Code:

# - Change the Map's Upper Layer - It will replace any previous one!
upper_layer(Number).name = "BaseFileName"

# - Change the Upper Layer's Number of Pictures - if Animated
upper_layer(Number).total = TotalPictures

# - Change the Upper Layer's Timer (in Frames)
upper_layer(Number).timer = Frames

# - Change the Upper Layer's Switch ID
upper_layer(Number).switch_id = SwitchID

# - Change the Upper Layer's Data With a Single Call
upper_layer(Number).set_data(TotalPictures, Frames, SwitchID)

# - Freeze or Thaw the Upper Layer
# upper_layer(Number).freeze!
# upper_layer(Number).thaw!

# - Check whether or not the Upper Layer is Frozen
# upper_layer(Number).frozen?

Screenshots

VX + ACE

DOWNLOAD DEMOS

Terms & Conditions

Free for use in non commercial games.
Due credit is mandatory.
Do not repost it anywhere!
That's it!

[kyonides]

Changes and Improvements Now Available!

In the latest edition of my script I have modified the way the map spriteset would look for any given layer note to make sure it would not skip any layer at all.

Now it's also possible to freeze and thaw the only waterfall that has ever existed in the demo!

Freeze or Thaw the Upper Layer

Code:

upper_layer(1).freeze!
upper_layer(1).thaw!

Check whether or not the Upper Layer is Frozen

Code:

upper_layer(1).frozen?

[kyonides]

Interesting Update

Valid for All RGSS-based Engines!

Now that version 0.7.0 has been released, you can also count on lower layers to further modify the appearance of your maps. This is why you can now use the lower_layer(SomeNumber) call in the script box at any given time. Just make sure you have read the embedded instructions on how to configure them.