koobas.hobune.stream
What Is/Are... (Common Game Terms)
(I think I've asked this question already, but I'm not sure whether or not it was posted to UnityAnswers, as I don't see my question. So I'm asking it again. If you happen to have seen my original question, feel free to contribute to this one. I've added a few more questions I'd like answers to.)
Hello!
I am an aspiring video game maker. However, I am a noob when it comes to all the technical stuff that makes up a video game. This is why I am asking professionals who know Unity3D inside and out. Yes, the questions are very elementary, but that should give you an idea of what type of knowledge I have as far as game development is concerned.
What exactly is parallax scrolling? From what I can tell, it's a common practice in 2D video games. I'm guessing that it's when the image that makes up the background of your game moves with your character. I think that's right. I'm not too sure.
What are exactly are sprites? When you enter the term into a search engine and look at the images that come up, you get a bunch of retro-themed, 8-bit/16-bit stylized characters, etc. According to Wikipedia, a sprite "is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene." My hypothesis is that's all fancy fancy talk for the term "graphics". It just seems as if the term has become synonymous with "retro styled, 8-bit graphics." Again, I'm not 100% positive. Also: What is a sprite sheet?
What is the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics? I want to make a 2D game using Unity3D, and I came across something called RageSpline, which is something used to make "smooth 2D vector graphics inside Unity Editor." I'd be inclined to check it out if I knew what vector graphics were and what the advantages and disadvantages of choosing it over raster graphics are.
Check out the screenshot of the game below. I want to make a 2D game like the one shown (Although I have no problem making an 8-bit/16-bit stylized game, I've got no problem making a normal looking 2D game. I just want it to be 2D with 2D assets.) . Will Unity3D get the job done? It is a 3D engine after all, so I'm wondering if my time should be spent with Unity3D or an engine whose specialty is 2D games.
Again, I'm well aware that the questions I've asked are elementary. But I've got to start somewhere. No one learned anything by not asking questions, no matter how insignificant they might have seemed. Believe me when I say that I thank you for helping me. As you can tell, I need it.
Once again—thank you in advance!
EDIT (whydoidoit) Added picture to question. 
Parallax scrolling gives an illusion of 3d in a 2d side on video game. It happens when your character moves and the screen starts to scroll. The playing area moves at the same speed as the character but then there is also additional scenery that appears to be more distant which scrolls more slowly. There may be multiple levels of this: e.g. mountains that don't move at all, distant trees that move very slowly etc etc. it can be achieved by having multiple layers or by placing sprites with specific movement logic.
A sprite is a 2 dimensional, unlit graphic or picture displayed facing the camera (which is normally set to orthogonal mode). Originally sprites were a hardware feature of computers like the Commodore 64 (you got 8 on screen at once!) it now refers to a graphic that you specifically place at an x,y coordinate (as differs from a tile, which in 2d games is a similar piece of graphic, with a uniform size, that is laid out using a grid to form backgrounds, ground or platforms). There is no implication about the style of the graphics or the pixel depth of the image.
Vector graphics are drawn using positions (coordinates) and the lines which connect them. 3d models are vector graphics, which can have textures applied to them. RageSpline is a 2d vector module that creates smooth surfaces using a mathematical technique for curve smoothing called splines. Vector graphics are easy to bend and stretch and tend to look good at any screen resolution, while Raster graphics are pictures where every pixel has a specific colour. Raster graphics don't stretch well, tend to distort or become pixelated when made bigger or become a mess of dots when made too small. Raster graphics ought to be drawn pixel-perfect where pixels on the output screen display are mapped one to one with the pixels in the image - when this happens the graphic looks much better.
I can't see your screenshot, but Unity is very good at making 2d games - there are some Asset Store components you should consider, like 2d toolkit, Othello etc which really help get you going.
I think your other q had something about the playing area. I call something the player walks on the "ground" or a "platform" I use the latter when the item in question doesn't represent solid earth - but I don't think that there is a guaranteed term for it. Platforms often move for instance so other people may use these terms differently.
What 2D asset do you recommend I use? There's Othello, ex2D, 2D Toolkit—among many others.
Could you explain vector and raster graphics again, as well as explaining exactly what sprites are and how they're integrated into the game? Your explanation was somewhat confusing to understand.
I'd also appreciate if you'd talk your experience with RageSpline (if you happen to have any) and how to use it when making a 2D game.
I suggest you use 2D Toolkit - it has a great collision detection system and is easy to use.
Vector graphics = graphics drawn out of lines and shapes. Raster graphics = graphics drawn with a painting package or pictures.
Vector graphics are stored as a series of points, lines and colours. Raster graphics are stored as a long list of pixel colours and a width and height.
Sprites = things that you draw on the screen, your player, bullets, enemies etc etc. Basically any 2D graphic that you use.
Tiles = the things that you use to make up your backgrounds (presu$$anonymous$$g you go that way) - like the floor and backgrounds in the picture you posted. $$anonymous$$ost 2D games use tile maps for the levels - not all though, you can make entire levels by placing sprites.
I've never used RageSpline in anger - I have it, but have always ended up using sprites.
