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Isometric Fun?

Working with Isometric views...
I have created a test environment to work on functionality and scripts. So in working with 2D isometric views the biggest issue is the depth/draw call order of the environment and how the character interacted with objects.

Pic 0

When objects are placed in the scene, depending on the layer they are on determines the draw order. So by default, the player can run over objects that they should not be able to.

Pic 1

To assist with the issue, collider is placed on an 2D object. Now, when the player collides with the object they cannot run through it.

Pic 2

So the next issue is to determine when the player is in front or behind an object with a collider in place. Currently the player is in front and collides correctly.

In researching, there are a few methods to create the illusion of depth for the player.

- Slice the sprites based on the characters

- Get the Y position of the player and objects and change the sorting order

- Use multiple layers to move objects based on the players in front or behind position

The method I decided to try was getting the Y position based on the camera and update the sorting order on the layer. I found a useful script (below) on the Unity forum that would be helpful to achieve this function. This is placed on the player and all the objects in the scene.

Pic 3

Now the player can run in front and behind objects based on the Y position of the camera. So the draw order functions normally.

Script (in Javascript):

var sprite : SpriteRenderer;

function LateUpdate () 

{

sprite = GetComponent(SpriteRenderer);

sprite.sortingOrder = Camera.main.WorldToScreenPoint(sprite.bounds.min).y * -1;

}

Isometric character and house by Reiner Prokein  (http://www.reinerstilesets.de)

Online Portfolio

Portfolio Link:
https://www.behance.net/camiwatkins

Fall 2014

This semester will be promising. Now that I had passed my Midpoint review, I am taking directed study classes to help with my thesis - Cami's Enchanted Cafe (new and improved title).
Classes:
- Mobile UI and UX
- Group Directed Study for Game Design
- Rapid Game Development

Stay tuned...
Cami

Current Classes - Projects

For the Fall 2013 semester I am taking three classes. Two are in the game design department and the other is a elective for liberal arts. The semester is almost at an end (two weeks to go) so the workload is pretty hefty while putting the finishing touches on projects.

Mid-point Review and Thesis Prep Class:

For the final, a mock-midpoint presentation will be done next class. To prepare I will make modifications to my midterm presentation and update the information. I also need to compile all of my documents into one PDF file. My gantt chart also needs to be updated with the courses that I plan on taking in the upcoming semesters. If time allows, I would like to finish the user interface for the main menu of the game to provide in the presentation.

Scripting (in Unity) Class:

We are currently working on a on-going project started for the midterm. Each class we are learning a new game mechanic and applying that to our game. One think that I would like to work on is updating the art for the project. I found a new assets in the Unity store that I want to apply. In my first attempt I was able to apply the assets but some of the placeholders for need to be updated to new locations.

Crossing Boarders Class (Liberal Arts):

Before the final, our second project is due. The theme I selected for the project is Utopia/Dystopia. The project has two aspects for completion. Artwork needs to be created and then a three page paper describing the art work and how it compares to another artists. This past week I was able to complete the artwork. My next step is to create a outline and then write the paper.

This is my week in a nutshell.

Getting Started

This blog was created to follow the progress of my thesis project, Cami's Cafe. Posts will be created to keep track of the schedule and what part of the project is being currently worked on.

Quick look into Cam'i's Cafe:
After working as a sous chef for San Francisco’s top rated restaurant, Cami is ready to start her own adventure. With two years of savings, Cami’s Cafe is ready to make its debut. Cami’s Cafe brings an exciting adventure as Cami opens her first restaurant. With years of experience under her belt, what can go wrong?