Simple idea for AO

[Rhedox 0]

Hi,

I wondered how to do AO in Game Maker to improve Mine-Imators visuals.

I finally came up with a simple idea. It works with schematics.

• Create transparent AO Maps for all cases of block collsisions
• check block neighbors and choose the right ao maps for the right sides of the blocks
• Either combine the blocks texture with the ao map or draw it slightly above the blocks texture (flickering issues)

Pros:

• Combine: no performance hit (except at start)
• Draw above: small performance hit
• improved visualls (at least I think)

Cons:

• Not dynamic
• takes some time at start (for calculating and combining textures)
• Draw above: flickering issues
• only for schematics
• ignores lights
• I'm not shure if it will look good

Concept image

 

Textures could be combined using a surface (and the surface fix) and saving the baked textures

 

Rhedox

Edited January 5, 2013 by Rhedox

[Toumouniek 225]

Lol "Improved visuals" ---) "I'm not sure if it will look good"

[Rhedox 0]

Yep. The problem is I don't excacly know how (SS)AO works. I just know, it's usually done with pixel shaders and creates this "edge shadow" effect. I think usually AO is relativ to the near lights.

improved visualls (at least I think)

Edited January 5, 2013 by Rhedox