RPG Maker Parallax Mapping Timelapse

This is a short video of my RPGmaker MV parallax mapping process.
If you want me to do a full how to parallax map tutorial or better a parallax mapping tips and tricks video, please let me know in the comments.
Thank you for watching!
Music by GWriterStudio.
/ @gwriterstudio

[@keno1003]

Wow I'm impressed everything was done by yourself. Your game is so atmosphereic.

[@starlitcastle]

I didn't do everything myself. I'm using tilesets created by other people (mainly RPGMakers standard ones and FSM, which I edited/color corrected). :)

[@keno1003]

@@starlitcastle Still I'm assuming you were the sole individual who put everything together.

[@starlitcastle]

@@keno1003 Yes. That's correct, I'm a solo dev.

[@Tonedawg181]

parallax mapping really is the best way to go, I just wish I was more artistic D: your map looks great

[@moomin2185]

I know this video is almost a year old, but I’d love a parallax mapping tutorial!! I think your work is absolutely gorgeous 💖

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you. I do have a tutorial on the channel ;) One general parallax mapping tutorial, one collission/passability tut and one for water.

[@gorowashere]

It looks so lovely! I recently started my RPG Maker journey with MV and am busy with the tutorials. I'm really looking forward to parallax mapping after seeing this timelapse :)

[@bloodkin_fantasy_works]

You still working with rpgmaker?

[@amthatwas]

Very cool. If you'd be willing to do a tutorial or a tips and tricks type of thing, I'd definitely watch it.

[@skunkgirl456]

OH man I absolutely love watching parallax Maping videos there my fav! Also loved your game Everdine everything about it was amazing! Especially the art and character designs^^

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you so so much! I plan on doing more parallax mapping timelapses, as parallax mapping is just very relaxing for me, haha. Let me know if you'd like to see anything special ;3

[@skunkgirl456]

@@starlitcastle I like parallax mapping too! Until I have to put it in the actual engine that's another story ^^;

[@Hatoge]

omg, Love the use of shadows and how the window reflects off the ground, it looks so realistic! Very interesting to see your workflow! I always see other parallax artists mapping within the engine first before moving to another program, so I was surprised to see you do it from scratch. Is there a specific reason, or do you just prefer to do it manually? 👀I would absolutely love a full tutorial, especially one about how overlapping images work with plugins 🥺I somehow always manage to break my games with parallax plugins, so I'm starting to think that I'm doing something wrong 😥

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you! It's just the workflow I enjoy, plus it gives me more control with placement! Oh? You broke your game with parallax plugins? How? The workflow is fairly easy once you got used to it, but it can be a bit confusing at the beginning.

[@Hatoge]

@@starlitcastle I tried using a parllax plugin (I think it was galv's?) in Sofia? and it was fine in testing but once I launched the game, a lot of players ended up getting an error message. It was fixed after I deactivated the plugin ...or atleast I never got a complaint about it again after that, so I can only assume haha

[@starlitcastle]

@@Hatoge Oh no. I just switched to using galv's after using orange overlay the past years. I hope I don't run into problems, haha.

[@Scoti17]

it looks really nice. it's awesom what somebody can do to overcome the limits of the RPGmakers. I have 2 small thinks you can change to improve this map further. 1. The inner frame of the window is to bright, it is glowing. 2. The chair must be darker the backrest is in the shadow. 3. Bonus, a darker Charset for such dark locations would be nice. Btw. a Like and a follow for your hard work.

[@starlitcastle]

All very valid feedback. And thank you! :)

[@MrTeagan]

The glowing frame adds a really cool dreamlike effect.

[@notoriousectotherm]

This will really help when I'm making The Count of Monte Cristo. I'll look into the technique, thanks

[@dreamgames8551]

Omg i love the video. Would def love to see a tutorial.

[@MrTomPeters]

This is really great, would love to see a tutorial and you just explaining your method, especially appreciate your work with shadows and lighting.

[@Aishin]

Wow, your progress is so meticulous! I feel like I have to step up my game LOL

[@starlitcastle]

Nah, I bet you're doing great! I just like to keep my map making organized, as it speeds up the process a lot. I'm a mess otherwise, haha!

[@sleepy4584]

Asombroso trabajo, tristemente no encuentro muchos tutorial y menos en español amo esos detalles que das ♡

[@yanami1241]

It looks beautiful but I still think that parallax mapping is way too time consuming. .-. But since the map editor of the newer RPG Makers isnt the best, it might be the only way to have nice looking maps in them. That's why I'm still using RMXP.

[@blindedjourneyman]

rmxp is pretty fun especially with all the free assets n scripts available. have it and mz, hop on it, when i feel burnt out on my few projects in mz

[@SadTown99]

6:09 - How did you even do that to get the moon reflection from the windows? 😮 … This all looks brilliant, you truly care about perfecting your art…These vids keep me motivated 👏

[@athrophiagaming5728]

Sweet video ! You're truly an inspiration for Parallax maps, I love the details and finishing touches :) Also loving the music, makes me wanna listen to it while doing some game dev ^_^ Good luck with your game !

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you! Good luck with your project!

[@Joshuazx]

That is soooo effortful!

[@magicabie]

Amazing!!! 💗💕

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you! 😭

[@mapleferns]

I'd love a tutorial if possible! :)

[@misterix6031]

wow!

[@Snupowskyy]

Hello, I'm not sure if you are still around, but what exactly is the song from 5:30. I had played every song of GWriterStudio, and I can't find it.

[@kelvino.s.9992]

Beautiful

[@dropdedgothish]

AMAZING so whimsical

[@X1BUU]

You've unlocked unlimited tile set potential 0_o

[@Nadstudio1]

Damn

[@korytoombs886]

I think you could have copied the floor as a pattern and used a brush to paint it instead.

[@starlitcastle]

Well yes, I could have put it as a material and just filled the area. I just don't like having to clean up my materials all the time XD

[@feraldynaufal]

Beautiful map. Is this Pluestkatze from the forum? *I'm sorry if it's mispronounced

[@starlitcastle]

Yes, I'm Plueschkatze from the RPGmakerweb forums. This is just my game studio name :)

[@arv-mixes6295]

This is so good oh my god

[@starlitcastle]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@arv-mixes6295]

@@starlitcastle I bought and I'm playing your game Everdine right now, I'm so amazed everytime I get to a new map, it's so beautiful, congratulations

[@starlitcastle]

@@arv-mixes6295 Aww, thank you! Building atmosphere is one of my fav parts of gamedev! :)

[@HamguyBacon]

looks great, but a carpet wouldn't make a shadow unless it was floating.

[@starlitcastle]

Well, it's more meant as ambient occlusion but it might be a bit much. :)

[@NimethuaProjects]

Greetings, I myself do this kind of map development for projects and often like to see other people at work. Thank you for the video. I noticed you have a wonderful and very impressive asset pack. Is this your personal set of graphics and do you share it with others? Thanks a million!

[@starlitcastle]

Thanks for checking out the video! The tiles I used are mostly from FSM (First Seed Material) which is a buyable asset pack. Some of the tiles are edited by me though. The plushies are a mix of edits from creator Avery and by myself based on some tiles that come with RPGMaker MV. I hope this helps!

[@NimethuaProjects]

@@starlitcastle Thanks for reply (8 I have some of the FSM in my collection too. But i was more interested in the structure of the asset file. Looks impressive. Now I'm going to create something similar for myself.

[@starlitcastle]

@@NimethuaProjects Ah yeah, that's a master collection file for a project that I made, just so I can open only one tileset file and quickly grab the tiles I need ;) it can be pretty useful if you do a lot of parallax mapping.

[@NimethuaProjects]

@@starlitcastle i do (8

[@orangepaw]

@@starlitcastle I was literally going to ask about that. Brilliant idea.

[@KiRaRe-Edit]

can you make a tutorial especially for this map please, because I like this style

[@starlitcastle]

The workflow honestly isn't too different from the tutorial I've done, except for working with blue light and a blue multiply or overlay layer to get more of a night feeling.

[@vdn8962]

Wow, I'm amazed, what software did you use to design it? Can this map be input into an RPG maker application?

[@starlitcastle]

Yes, this is an RPG Maker map using a parallax mapping plugin. Like those old-school prerendered backgrounds in FF games and such. I have a tutorial on the channel or you can look up something like galvs graphics layers (MV and MZ), orange overlay (MV only), I think Visustella has one for MZ too.

[@ONublado]

Amazing work! Can I do this in any image editor?

[@starlitcastle]

Not sure if in all, but in most of them probably. It helps when it has grid settings and layer settings like overlay, multiply, add etc. I used CSP, you for sure can do it in PS and probably also in something like gimp or krita.

[@casekocsk]

Is this mean the room is one single image instead of using tileset?

[@starlitcastle]

Pretty much. It's a couple of layers (a ground layer, an overlay layer, so you can walk behind things and a light and shadow layer). It's similar to old final fantasy games (7,8,9).

[@myplaylist7007]

YOU KNOW, i was thinking of doing this with the RTP but only adding in shading because the RTP is too damn bright !!!

[@starlitcastle]

Yeah, the bright colors don't work well with all kinds of games.

[@prowacko]

woahhh, how do u get it to where ur character is also bright under those lights? can't seem to wrap my mind around it

[@starlitcastle]

use the light and shadow layers from the parallax mapping plugin of your choice

[@Domsdoodles]

Hi! I'm currently trying out RPGmaker after a long break. I know that you drew the parallax map for the actual room and shadows, but what I can't seem to figure out is while in-game, the lighting + darkening effect that you've created when the player character walks in and out of lit areas, are these overlayed parts of the parallax that the player is technically walking "under"? Lovely work!

[@starlitcastle]

I usually draw some light and shadows into the ground layer and some are indeed overlay layers the player walks under. All this is possible thanks to a plugin, which lets you have multiple overlay images at once. (something like galvs graphics layers or orange overlay or such)

[@DustinNuttall]

That's cool, but how do you put the map afterwards into the game and how do you have that black, sparkly background with it?

[@starlitcastle]

I have a series of parallax mapping tutorials on the channel. And the sparkly background is actually a weather plugin by moghunter, I also have a tutorial on that Parallax Mapping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3WXppyrd5qUlac Collissions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXiln4isa7WqaNE Weather Effect Plugin: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iavOdXybYtd2mdU

[@DustinNuttall]

@@starlitcastle Thanks! 🤘

[@eufrosniad994]

It looks great. One thing though is that when your character is near the window, it is a problem since there is no shadow. Is it possible to maybe program a shadow?

[@starlitcastle]

There are light shader plugins for rpgmaker that could probably do something like that. It doesn't bother me personally though.

[@sharkenjoyer]

That's a game changer

[@chibiredhead7082]

I really like the music in this video. Where is it from?

[@starlitcastle]

It's in the discription :) it's by GWriterStudio, you can find them here on youtube and they sell their music through the unity asset store

[@chibiredhead7082]

​@@starlitcastle Thanks for the kind reply despite the obvious answer. I'm lacking braincells today.

[@starlitcastle]

@@chibiredhead7082 no worries, we all have those days, and sometimes the descriptions are easy to overlook. They have some great soundtracks for little money, so if you are looking for music, I can recommend them.

[@rinmaki7229]

Sorry for my ignorance but what software do you use

[@starlitcastle]

CSP (clip studio paint) and RPG Maker MV or MZ.

[@palmtopnia4011]

sorry im super new to rpgmaker!!! where do you get all your assets from if you dont mind me asking? there is so little provided with rpgmaker

[@palmtopnia4011]

and did you import your map into the game? i thought it had to be made inside the game engine! thats super cool

[@starlitcastle]

I bought the FSM DLC packs and mostly use those. I've also created my own edits of tiles or created my own tiles. They also sell a few different styles. You can also find a lot of assets on itch io and there is some free stuff in the resource section of the rpgmakerweb forums!

[@starlitcastle]

@@palmtopnia4011 there is the method of in-engine mapping and then there is what usually is called parallax mapping, which works a bit like the pre-rendered backgrounds on games like old final fantasys (7-9). You basically import background images on which the characters walk and some layers which add overlays, lights and shadows. I have a tutorial for that on the channel.

[@gameburrito2502]

So none of this tutorials ever mention the tools use, is it Gimp, photoshop like what are you using to edit these

[@starlitcastle]

You can do it with most image edits, PS, Gimp, Krita, CSP, Procreate, given you know how to use it. It really doesn't make a big difference, all of them have the option for a grid to place your tiles and layer settings, etc. I used Clip Studio Paint.

[@deeeezzz912]

You maps are so amazing. By any chance do you do commissions?

[@starlitcastle]

thanks! If I take on commissions depends a little on the project (and of course payment).

[@deeeezzz912]

@@starlitcastle do you have discord? Seriously of all the maps I've seen yours is the most alive. It resonates with me haha

[@starlitcastle]

@@deeeezzz912 I honestly very rarely use my discord, haha. If you wanna talk about potential commissions feel free to send me a mail (mail is in my about section) :)

[@kaioforte8761]

How do you make the light overlay the character??

[@starlitcastle]

it's a light layer done using a parallax mapping plugin, like galv layer graphics. A Z order above 5 will show above the character.

[@shiroisekai_20]

tutorial please xD

[@Void_person0]

My I ask where did you get those tilesets? They don't look like the default mv ones :0

[@starlitcastle]

Most of them are from FSM (First Seed Material) packs, which can be bought as DLC. Some tiles are edits though (like the sideview beds) and some plushies are created by Avery and others edits I did myself.

[@Void_person0]

@@starlitcastle lmao thank you!

[@aninggga]

What tileset did you use?

[@starlitcastle]

FSM (first seed material) and a few edits I made, and I think some of the plushies were from Avery. EDIT: The big tilesheet is just a mastersheet I created for myself, which has color edited tiles on it aswell as some tile edits.

[@aninggga]

Thanks@@starlitcastle

[@byekim7698]

I don't understand it... can you import it into rpg maker later?

[@starlitcastle]

Yes by using a "parallax mapping" plugin for example: galv's layer graphics (MV and MZ), orange overlays for MV, I think VisustellaMZ has one for MZ too... there are a couple more out there.

[@byekim7698]

@@starlitcastle I'm sorry I don't understand anything you've told me, I started trying to create a video game in rpg maker literally 2 days ago without knowing anything about the program and I found this video by chance, it looks too cool, and I wanted to implement it but no i have an idea :""((

[@starlitcastle]

@@byekim7698 There are planty of tutorials about the topic on yt (search for parallax mapping tutorial and your engine), including a parallax mapping and a parallax collission/passability tutorial I made that are on my channel. But if you just started I'd recommend you get into some beginner tutorials first. Have fun!

[@byekim7698]

@@starlitcastle ok, I'll do that thank you very much and good job :))

[@hendrickv9]

grid size?

[@starlitcastle]

That's based on the tiles you use. For this 48 px and sometimes 24 if I wanted to be able to place something half a tile down or such.

[@wellingtoncapoia]

can you share this assets? D:

[@starlitcastle]

No I can't. They are paid DLC and some edits. The tileset is called First Seed Material (FSM) with some extra tiles by Avery and some Edits by me.

[@gabrielmozer6139]

pls send me the link to the rpg maker you used

[@starlitcastle]

It's RPG Maker MV and a parallax mapping plugin (galv's layer graphics)

[@gabrielmozer6139]

thx! Can I find all the png models in the pluggin? @@starlitcastle

[@starlitcastle]

@@gabrielmozer6139 The tileset has nothing to do with the plugin. Most of the tiles I used here are part of an asset pack series called FSM (first seed material) which can be found both on steam and komdoplaza as DLC for RPGmaker MV and MZ. Though some tiles in this video are edits I made and a few of the plushies were created by a asset creator called Avery.

[@gabrielmozer6139]

ohhh perfect! Thx! I am a newbie and currently trying to know all I should download to begin my game... Thx for helping, for real!@@starlitcastle

[@gabrielmozer6139]

Hey, last question, should I buy RPG Maker MV or MZ?@@starlitcastle

[@SLEEPERER]

Is this layering?

[@starlitcastle]

It's parallax mapping. So yes, it uses image layers instead of a tileset. There are some tutorials on the channel.

[@ieatthighs]

I believe this has nothing to do with parallax mapping

[@starlitcastle]

Why? It's how this process of map creation is called within the RPGM community.

[@ieatthighs]

@@starlitcastle oh, so that's how you guys call it, didn't know that. real parallax mapping creates depth in textures using normal/bump maps

[@starlitcastle]

@@ieatthighs Yeah, I'm aware that it's an offset technique for 3D textures. Terms can get confusing.

[@DOyaV31]

"If you want me to do a full how to parallax map tutorial or better a parallax mapping tips and tricks video, please let me know in the comments." Yes, please.

[@starlitcastle]

Haha, thanks! I already did a parallax tutorial it's on the channel :)

[@DOyaV31]

@@starlitcastle Thank you, I sent a question through your email.

[@The_FAL_D]

How do you have these items? in rpg maker there are not so many construction options. Yes I know you are using photoshop my doubt is really with the amount of items to build

[@starlitcastle]

The tiles I used are from other tilesets I bought and I build a big overview image file for the ones I intended to use frequently in a project. The tiles are mainly from a tileset collection called FSM (First Seed Material) and also a few from the rpgmaker mv rtp and some edits by Avery.

[@danieleg7068]

yo this is SO GOOD!!! I was wondering if you could share that juicy psd grid file someway, if you don't mind obviously👀

[@starlitcastle]

Hi! Thank you! I used Clipstudio paint ;) and the grid is an actual grid, not an image overlay. Back when I still used PS you could also adjust the settings for their grid. I'm sure you can find a tutorial (grids and guides in photoshop).

[@pushingpandas6479]

I dont get it. You build the map with tiles in RPG Maker then export it to photoshop to make lighting? And then? how you get detailed image back to RPG?

[@starlitcastle]

This needs a plugin to work. Something like Orange Overlay or Galvs Layer Graphics, a so called parallax mapping plugin.

[@catbanana307]

what a beautiful artwork❤❤❤ i really love this, and i started studying rpg maker mapping after watching this video... so can i ask one thing? i really wanna know how you add that 'floating dust particle effects'. i've find about this but i couldnt get answer until now.. 😂 sorry for my bad english, if you answer me then that's really helpful for me... thx😍

[@starlitcastle]

It's from another plugin. In my case I used moghunted weather ex but there are other weather plugins out there that probably also do the job :) I'm glad this video was helpful and inspired you to give it your own try! :)

[@catbanana307]

omg thank you very much!!! 😍😄😄i'm really happy cuz find a answer!!@@starlitcastle

[@starlitcastle]

@@catbanana307 best of luck with your projects. I hope you will have a lot of fun!