VGA backgrounds.

Message

Alias · #1 Post by **Alias** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 3:35 pm

Hi there,
I have a small problem, I have the time and resources to make some decent artwork. But I have no idea how to make a Sierra style background? I know how to make EGA backgrounds and I'm pretty good at that too. I can and am good at every style of graphics but I have no idea how to get around VGA? I know how to set pallets, set resolutions and all that, its just that I dont know how to start? I'm also handy with programming in AGS. Well please help, giving URL with usefull info will be apprechiated.

Thanks.

-Rog

Blackthorne519 · #2 Post by **Blackthorne519** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 5:55 pm

Hey, did you send me an email, through IA? If so, I've been meaning to write back to you.

There are many tutorials on the AGSforums boards http://www.agsforums.com/yabb

Check those out.

My advice, take a look at all the Sierra VGA backgrounds you can. Then take a look at all the LucasArts VGA backgrounds you can. Study them in close detail. Then try to replicate. The screensize is always 320x200. We also say VGA, but it's never strictly sticking to 256 colors.

You just have to practice, study and get opinions. And then just keep trying so more! Good luck. If you ever want opinions, just post some art somewhere. I'll try to help out.

Bt

JLM5 · #3 Post by **JLM5** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:31 pm

Yes, it is a good idea to check the tutorials.

In general, the most important thing if you want to make VGA-backgrounds is however - to gain the skill of drawing. Even though you had the best graphic programs and tools, you can't make a good pictures if you aren't a good drawer.

I started my own game project about 1,5 years ago, and it took over year to learn how to make good enough backgrounds. Now, when I know how to make them it takes normally just an one day to make one background. Please check the thread "Background pictures" to see some of them. Instead of 320x200, I'm using 640x400 resolution but it doesn't mean that the game couldn't have a same kind of atmosphere as Sierra's games had.

Probably there is not just one simply way to make "Sierra-style backgrounds". Someones make such as backgrounds by altering original backgrounds from Sierra's games, but I personally don't like that technique. Like Blackthorne519 said, you must just practise drawing and ask opinions about your pictures.

Good luck.

Alias · #4 Post by **Alias** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 10:38 pm

There are many tutorials on the AGSforums boards http://www.agsforums.com/yabb

I have not found any that apply to my situation.

Thanks for the help, so what I must do is draw out every background then scane it, then re-size it to the classic resolution, then outline it in black or something, then add colour?

Well, my problem is how to color it? I mean how do you get the pixel like effects and stuff like that? $:\$

PValiant · #5 Post by **PValiant** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:42 am

Here are some tutorials that might help you. Many people have their unique style, so just practice some styles and see what you find the best method to create backgrounds.

backgrounds
http://www.barnettcollege.com/tutorial1.htm (very good)
http://allitis.com/agast/backgroundex1.html
http://www.gfxartist.com/features/tutorials/27609

colouring
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/farp/colo ... lorps.html
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/farp/real ... alism.html
http://www.sijun.com/dhabih/mainscreen.html (very good)

details
http://www.elverquisst.se/grasstut.html
http://www.optidigit.com/stevens/cloudtut.html

If you've finished a background i'd sure like to see it

Alias · #6 Post by **Alias** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:33 am

I rather not show them now. Thanks for the help.

Thanks alot!

Alias · #7 Post by **Alias** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:36 am

Well I tried out all of those tutorials. They are nice but not what I want. I dont think there are ant tutorials for a Kings Quest 6 kind of backgrouds? Anybody know one or two, maybe more? $:\$

Blackthorne519 · #8 Post by **Blackthorne519** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 2:41 pm

Rog wrote:Well I tried out all of those tutorials. They are nice but not what I want. I dont think there are ant tutorials for a Kings Quest 6 kind of backgrouds? Anybody know one or two, maybe more? $:\$

Nope. King's Quest 6, huh? Learn to paint. Scan backgrounds. Resize to 320x200. Rinse. Repeat.

OR.... look at Sierra Backgrounds till your eyes are numb. Try to copy. Rinse. Repeat.

Bt

Alias · #9 Post by **Alias** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 3:09 pm

Well know how they are done, I was asking for tutorials. btw.

Blackthorne519 · #10 Post by **Blackthorne519** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:00 pm

A tutorial tells how it's done. I suggest you check out "Bob Ross' The Joy Of Painting". He's the frizzy-haired dude from PBS who painted "happy little trees".

Other than that, that's how you make 'em. Except for collaging, and there are no tutorials for that - that's trial and error photoshopping man. There is a tutorial by a Gentelman named CORBY, it could help you out. It's a very good tutorial on making QFG like backgrounds.

Let me say this: THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO MAKE VGA BACKGROUNDS. It will all require a lot of patience, practice and time.

Bt

Alias · #11 Post by **Alias** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:35 pm

No need for bold letters.

Thanks anyway.

PS- I know its hard and takes time. Just so YOU know.

Blackthorne519 · #12 Post by **Blackthorne519** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 7:46 pm

It's more of a general disclaimer, Rog, than a statement directed at you. No worries.

Bt

Alias · #13 Post by **Alias** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 8:01 pm

Okay sorry about that, maybe next time you could direct it to the public a bit more.

Friends?

#14 Post by **navynuke04** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 10:14 pm

I actually tried the URL for Corby's tutorial when you first asked. It's not up anymore, otherwise I would have posted it for you.

Corby · #15 Post by **Corby** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 10:20 pm

http://this-is-me.ca/corby/lesson/tut.htm
Sorry, moved to a new server
and thanks Blackthorne!

Gav · #16 Post by **Gav** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 11:55 pm

Corby, I'm getting a "cannot find server" page when I try your link. Is it just me, or did you type it wrong or something?

#17 Post by **navynuke04** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 12:37 am

Works for me.

Alias · #18 Post by **Alias** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 6:56 am

Corby wrote:http://this-is-me.ca/corby/lesson/tut.htm
Sorry, moved to a new server
and thanks Blackthorne!

This tutorial looks amazing! just what I want, Im going to try it out!

Corby · #19 Post by **Corby** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 7:36 pm

I guess it's not the most reliable server. It goes down sometimes. Hope the tutorial helps. One thing I use now that's not in the tutorial is the pixilate mosiac filter on level 2. Sierra art is very pixilated, and I find this helps emulate the style. Detail is lost however.

Alias · #20 Post by **Alias** » Thu Sep 16, 2004 6:48 am

I'll be sure to dave the pages.

VGA backgrounds.

VGA backgrounds.

Tutorials