Overlay + Scrolling = Strange framerate problem?

[UltimateWalrus]

I'm trying to make a DigDug-type engine for that retro remake contest. I think I made a pretty cool "digging" engine using an Overlay, but it has a weird performance problem. When the screen is scrolling, the game runs at a solid 50 fps. When the screen isn't scrolling, it dives down to a pitiful 30 fps. And no, I don't mean the other way around. Take a look at the file to see what I mean. If you don't see the problem, then maybe it's just my computer.

I'd really appreciate it if someone knows any kind of fix to this problem (however complex it may be). If not, I may have to try eliminating parallax scrolling or something... it's unfortunate, but if it has to be done to improve the performance, I don't really have a choice.

[Sphax]

Two simple improvement/optimization :
- improvement : 200fps+VSyns
- optimisation : draw circle only when an objet move

Get the new file <img src="/center/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[UltimateWalrus]

Hey, thanks a lot!! <img src="/center/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

But why won't it work in Change Resolution mode? I think the competition requires that the game be full screen. Is there some way to emulate this in a way that won't set off the framerate problem?

Also, if I'm using V-Sync, doesn't that mean the speed of the game is dependant on what monitor the game is displayed on? <img src="/center/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />


EDIT: Well, I got it working now! First, I re-checked Change Resolution Mode. Then I changed the application to 32768 colors mode. I'm still wondering about that V-Sync thing though <img src="/center/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />


EDIT: Wait, no... it doesn't work. The framerate problem still persists. I guess I let my optimism cloud my judgement <img src="/center/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, I've noticed that changing my screen's color mode affects the speed (lower colors = more speed). Pehaps if I could change the color mode temporarily at runtime?


EDIT #3 <img src="/center/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />: OK, I think it's finally working. I turned VSync back off, set the framerate back to 50 fps. The colors are still at 32768. Now it runs fullscreen at a rock solid 50 fps, no matter what my screen's color mode is.

I fixed it myself aren't you proud of me?? <img src="/center/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/center/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/center/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Seiously, it was all thanks to your help that I figured it out though. Again, thank you very much. <img src="/center/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Bruto]

I downloaded the first archive and I got 50fps all the time (stopped and in motion), I'm using a P4 2.8 HT + 1Gb RAM.. speed issue probably?

[FoxBlitzz]

V-Sync will get rid of any ugly shearing that you may see in your programs and games. However, it comes at a price. The framerate is capped at your monitor's refresh rate. In addition, slowdowns are more frequent and more sudden, because if you even get the slightest framerate drop, it will move on down to the next divisible from the refresh rate (from 60 down to 30, then 20, etc.).

[Sphax]

Put 60fps minimum for your games when you have scroll because a lot of monitors are like this.

[UltimateWalrus]

It doesn't use VSync anymore, but thanks. Lowering the color resolution seemed to do the trick <img src="/center/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[stuckboy]

I've had this porblem, but I fixed it by using an active overlay, hiding the original overlay and switching off its auto update.

[UltimateWalrus]

[]I've had this porblem, but I fixed it by using an active overlay, hiding the original overlay and switching off its auto update. [/]

Hey, thanks for the advice! I forgot to try turning off auto update, but I'll be sure to do it in case I run into performance problems in the future.