An object to darken the screen?

[Nick]

In my game, i am using a large black active object, of which the transparency changes to create a darkening effect on the screen.

I was wondering if there was an object that maybe changes the brightness or colour properties of an application at runtime? Or if there was just a more efficient way of doing this? I'm using MMF2.

Thanks, -Nick

[izac]

Hi, Nick.

At the moment, there is no better way. But i wish someone would make an Extension for this. And the method of a Black semi-transparant Active object will lag, so it's not a great way of doing this.

Isaac

[Sphax]

I know that an object of this kind is under development. Be patient

[BrandonC]

You can use layers for this. Backdrops don't lag like active objects do, and with layers, you can put backdrops ontop of everything else.

[Nick]

Its a nice idea, but the object needs to change semi-transparency at runtime, so needs to be an active object really. It doesn't lag on most computers at the moment as it's only 640x480, but some computers struggle.

Do you know the details of when this extension will be released etc?

Thanks, -Nick


Edit: also, why would a backdrop object lag less than an active object?

[izac]

BrandonC. You are a genuis!!

*Hugs BradonC*

I've always wanted to do this!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

[BrashMonkey]

Couple of questions:

Does a background actually lag less that a non moving active object even if they're both using the same ink effect (semi-transparent) Should it not be the same exact math involved? Has anyone actually taken the time to test this?

In either case, might not using the subtractive ink effect to darken the screen be slightly faster than semi-transparent as the math is a bit simpler?

Just wonderring...I'll actually test this out when I get a chance, but I have no idea when that will be

[Nick]

Subtract does make a very nice effect, but is there an easy way to make this effect fade in and out smoothly. I am trying to create a night time effect which must fade in.

Any help please?

Thanks a lot, -Nick

[Sphax]

A backdrop with an ink effect in a layer is like an Active object with an ink effect in a layer, in render time !

[BrashMonkey]

Two ways I can think of if you're using an active...use replace color function to gradually replace its one shad of grey to lighter shades of grey...or make a really slow animation, I suppose, that goes from pure black to as light a grey as you want to get the desired level of darkness.