Parallax scrolling with background object speed

[Ryan]

With the new physics object around the corner I want to move back to using background objects instead of making everything active like I have in the past... I'm not quite sure how to do this.

I need parallax scrolling, so I need to get objects behind the background objects to move. What's the best way of doing this without making all your platforms active? I've heard layers should be avoided as they cause slowdown. I want my game to be iOS/Android/Flash compatible. Should I look into the Active Background extension?

[happygreenfrog]

I don't believe that there are any extensions that can do what you want while taking up less memory. Layers or actives are basically the only way to go, as far as I know, though it would seem there might be some sort of way to do it using the active backdrop object (you can set its coordinates, it would seem). I personally use layers a lot, and I haven't noticed extreme slowdown, or much slowdown at all (if any), for that matter. Then again, that usually isn't me trying it in Flash or Android. However, any method of parallax scrolling is going to cause lag in Flash, since pretty much anything can cause lag in Flash. Even scrolling in general will probably make Flash lag if the frame is anywhere near large (which can also cause flash to lag).

[Jacob]

Just use layers -- They'll be much faster for parallax scrolling than any alternative you could use.