This
page contains tutorials I have created for RPG Making in general.
I
found an easy way to get great graphics, using rm2k/3 chipsets. This is better
than 2-x converter, as the graphics are filtered and enlarged. This technique
can also be used on other resources.
First, use 2-x converter (optional) and then resize the image back to normal
size (use the converter to cut all the chips into the RPG Maker XP format, then
magnify the image by 0.5 to get it back to normal size). If you don't have 2-x
converter, then you'll have to manually cut chips to fit the RPG Maker XP specifications.
Secondly,
download hq2x. The filter hq2x is a special tool that makes image graphics less
grainy and improves image quality by smoothing out sharp edges. It is a common
filter used in game boy emulators. The only downfall is that if you use PNG format,
you will have to change your images in TGA or Bitmap formats, as hq2x only
converts TGA or BMP images. To convert, open your image in Microsoft Paint,
then go to the “Save File” option, and save as a TGA or BMP file.
To use hq2x, put hq2x.exe in c:\ drive. Then put the graphic you want in c:\
drive too. So if I have a file called, chipset.bmp, I would put it in c:\ and
then using the RUN command, type in: c:\hq2x c:\chipset.bmp c:\chipset2.bmp.
If you put your stuff in different locations, then type in this command:
c:\"location of hq2x.exe" c:\"location of input graphic"
c:\"location of output". For example: c:\program files\hq2x.exe c:\my
documents\pictures\xp\chipsetA.bmp c:\my documents\pictures\converted images\chipsetB.bmp
This page shows how the filter works and download (download executable)
Download hq2x filter
(30kb)
Preview of the tile set before filter
Chipset before
filtering (normal image for rm2k/3)
Preview of the tile set after filter
Image
after filtering 2x the size (RPG Maker XP size!)
Animation
Creation using the Auto-complete tool in RPG Maker 2003/XP
In RPG Maker XP or RPG Maker 2003, go to database:
Animations. Once in the animation window, create a new animation, and put the
first frame from the animation file on where ever you want it to be. Then go to
the last frame (it will be the 25th frame or the frame with the last
picture) and put in the last frame from the animation file. If you like, you
can add transparency to the last frame, so the animation looks like it’s
fading. Then press the auto-complete button (on the right) and click ok. This
should create all the frames for you.
Unfortunately, not all resources are the same. Some of my
resources have blank frames, which will show in the animation and look bad.
You’ll have to manually edit these so that the animation looks smooth. Also,
some of my frames in the animation take either two frames or are positioned
slightly to the right. You’ll have to edit these frames too. If you want, you
can email me at uoomy@yahoo.com.au and
I can email you a game with these animation pre-made.
Screenshot
A – The Animation Window
Screenshot
B – The Auto-complete Window
