topaz title screen

[zeroality]

Badara asked me to work on a Topaz title screen. This is the preview, the final version will be animated and hopefully use our own Jirachi concept art.

http://www.pokemontopaz.net/zero/title.png

I think this is the first thing I've ever made for the actual game itself in 5 years - other than site/forum related stuff.

[NyteFyre]

lol, anyway, iy looks great, though the yellow just looks a bit too pale, i think it should be almost white towards the center, leading to a brilliant yellow on the outside edges...but that's just me...

[neon.Barnacle]

It could probably be a bit flashier. Other than that, the silhouette, logo, and background are fine.

[zeroality]

It could probably be a bit flashier. Other than that, the silhouette, logo, and background are fine.

It's hard to make a static image 'flashy'. The animation will be better.


lol, anyway, iy looks great, though the yellow just looks a bit too pale, i think it should be almost white towards the center, leading to a brilliant yellow on the outside edges...but that's just me...

I agree, I will fix that when I get up.

[ImmunityBow]

I imagined something like Piro's Midnight banner back on the old forums. Jirachi flying through a starry sky, with its fabric-tail-things flapping in the wind. If you listen to the Title Screen theme music I think you'll understand why.

[Badara]

I think its fine for what we're gonna be using it for now. Like he said, the animations version will be much better :)

[zeroality]

If you listen to the Title Screen theme music

Yeah, that'd be quite a feat. I guess IB doesn't know. >_>

[Cranky Guy]

I think it would look better with a darker yellow.

[Quinn]

now just wondering...why yellow. Isn't jirach supposed to be in like a starlit night theme. like "night sky's edge" (the pokewalker thingy) it has that sound. It might be just me, but it would look awesome if it had the dark, blue night with twinking stars.Possibly shooting stars (Like in ruby, saphire,firered & leafgreen when the bubbles,flames, or leaves fly around or whatever on the screen) have twinlkin stars and how on dpp how it has the flame and moving style.... I bet it is just me...and I am sounding very techy (and probably annoying).

http://www1.sulekha.com/mstore/srividya/albums/default/Starynight-%2033.jpg
This type of theme, with the blueish and all (not the tree)
http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/pokemon-firered-title-screen-artwork.jpg
Like how the flames are rising....u know?
http://i.neoseeker.com/p/Games/Nintendo_DS/Role-Playing/Fantasy/pokemon_platinum_profilelarge.jpg
if u do a silhouette, have it noticable at certain times, like how they did in dpp, and how some parts "always" are glowing, it cold be her tags on her head"

I might be able to help, but I dont know.

[zeroality]

now just wondering...why yellow.

if u do a silhouette, have it noticable at certain times, like how they did in dpp, and how some parts "always" are glowing, it cold be her tags on her head

The Topaz box art was yellow so I used yellow. We'll see what looks good in the animation. Speaking of which, the silhouette will be fancy in the animated version yes.

[Pirotechnix]

Yeah, that'd be quite a feat. I guess IB doesn't know. >_>

If someone laughs at a joke Zero posts and he can't hear it, is it still funny?

Considering our use of a midnight-styled theme for the forums, a starry-night background for Jirachi would not only be easier on the eyes of someone playing (straight yellow's a bit rough), but also fit the sort of mystique Jirachi holds.

[neon.Barnacle]

Now that Piro and Quinn have mentioned it, I also feel that a starry background would work better for the title screen.

[NyteFyre]

well, who knows, Zero may get Badara to work it in somehow, : O

[Quinn]

the reason that I have asked is that I just might be able to make one. an animated one at that POSSIBLY. I learned photoshop can make .gif and I could do some animation with twinkles and "shtuff".

If I did do this tough...I would need some help. I could try to "create" a "starry night", but if I Epically fail, then of course I could use some help.

[zeroality]

Sent you a PM with psd. Be my guest.

[Quinn]

k. I'll work with this for a bit, though I will not be absolute sure (yet again I say) I can do this aloneish. I am starting it, and if I need anything or help, I'll give a ring, or if u want a "add-on" now just wondering, how can I turn the midnight theme on?

[zeroality]

Dropdown box at the bottom of the forums. Needs to be moved somewhere more visible I guess.

[ImmunityBow]

The whole "twinkle effect" is a pretty popular one so if you're familiar with image editing software then you might want to check out good-tutorials.com, which has some decent animation tutorials along with Photoshop ones.

[Quinn]

heres what I got so far. Now I didn't see the tutorial yet, and I can't open the psd easily now. but here is the gif. Now I'm not sure if it is just me but the second jirachi glow jumps I think, but might be me. Tell me whatcha think and if I can sexy-ify it up.http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Pokemon-Topaz.gif

[zeroality]

Yeah, the gradient jumps as it moves - doesn't look like a smooth transition.

The copyright text needs to be brightened to show up better.

Other than that, it's a great start.

[Quinn]

Now, since I am more new at photoshop (learning from school) how could I brighten those. Also, would u know how to make that transition more like the DPPs? If I got time tonight I am gonna redo the animations. (because the corrupt file. Thank god I have the background still though, that took 2 hrs to make) should I add more twinkles...and should I make it slower?

Also where could I get those fonts? My photshop doesn't have them, and it is hell to try to keep them from changing.

[zeroality]

The font is Battle Beasts (http://www.dafontfonts.com/battlebeasts.php).

And the site url at bottom is Visitor (TT2 BRK) (http://www.dafont.com/visitor.font).

You brighten them by double clicking the layer to select all the text then using the color palette in the font toolbar to select a brighter color.

No, I don't know how to make the transition like D/P. I was going to do it in Flash, which would have yielded far different results than what you are doing.

As for the background/twinkles, I'll let someone else comment as I think it is fine but public opinion may differ.

[Cyndadile]

should I make it slower?

I personally think so, but besides that and the aforementioned "jumping", it looks great! Good job!

[Reliability]

I really think they should be slowed down. It's a little more "realistic" that way.

It looks great though! :D

[Mediocrity_Incarnate]

Yeah it looks pretty good for a first attempt besides that stuff everyone else said.

[ImmunityBow]

Yes! That looks great! I have another, improved piece of Jirachi art sketched out, but unfortunately I'm away for the next 10 days. I'll be on break then for the week after that so I'll try to get it done.

[Quinn]

(To IB) I'll take a look at it. I might be able to save ur (if u haven't got it drawn yet)& my time(already got a smother gradiant move) If u want me to use it though still....sure, just might take more time.

(Everyone) I got a possible intro to the title screen. (I think, yet again, it should be slower. I have the non repeating one for zero, I'm sendin ya the "1" go one.)

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz-Intro-Forever.gif

I will warn all though, if my computer freaks out again (like last night, because the mass amount of changes) I might not be able to....that being said, it is back on track right now (and hopefully forever)

Also tonight I will get the actual screen, into "action". I just gotta redo the star twinkles.

[zeroality]

You should take a look at the Emerald title screen. It doesn't all 'animate' at once, so maybe try having the starry background appear with twinkles then a fade in with the Pokemon logo. After that, a movement with the Topaz logo to bring it on screen. Finally, bring Jirachi in with whatever effect and do what you want with it. It shouldn't all appear at once is my point.

[Eve]

I agree, it looks too plain the way it is.

[Quinn]

I made a new album in my Photobucket for the topaz, so all past links are broken.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/Topaz-Intro-Forever-1.gif
I didn't read until now about checking the emerald so I will edit this.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/Topaz-Intro-Real-1.gif
I was wondering with this...I know we dont need it, but I was wonderin how ya'll think. I am still gonna get those star twinkles, but if u like this too...I can make a couple more.

[Quinn]

Is this Title Intro better?
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3610Topaz-Intro-Forever.gif

Also I got VERY LITTLE TIME last night to work with the title. So this is all that I got so far. I know I need to add some more twinkles....because at the end (since this is just to show ya'll "so far") it is black for a bit. Now I like the transparency, but it was actially a mistake, and I dont think I could chang that.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3610Topaz-Title.gif

[Eve]

I like the transparency! Is the "appearing and re appearing" going to slow down a bit? Isn't it a bit fast? Other than that it looks great! :)

[zeroality]

I don't think I like the slide in effect on both the logo/version title. Can you try something different with the logo?

The moving twinkles are cool but I don't know if they are quite right. Focus on the other stuff first then we'll tackle that.

[Quinn]

I have made a simple video of what I have so far. Now the video is low quality, but yah
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/?action=view&current=Topaz.flv

I have the different images, but I can't upload them all right now
The intro is still the same, but here is the actual title screenhttp://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3-7-10-Topaz-Title.gif

[Quinn]

sorry about posting more than one post...my internet is being stupid and wont let me edit my last one. So...sorry again.
Anyways...
I have changed the intro...the title screen from above is the same but here is the other
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3-7-10-Title-Intro-Forever-2.gif
(Now for Zero...I dont know much about other effects rather than swipes...but I hope this looks better...I hope it looks more like emeralds. I couldn't just do a flash with the jirachi and the pokemontopaz.net info....it wouldn't look right so I gave em a fade too.)
I hope it is slow enough...otherwise it might start lookin blocky.

Also I updated that video preview, the one of low quality. It just is to show how it will "blend".
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/th_3710Topaz.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/?action=view&current=3710Topaz.flv)

[Irot_Rebod]

Looking pretty good, I'd say. I do think it's still just a tad rushed, I'm not sure how to cure that. If you'd like to work on timings, you can try to implement the Topaz Introduction - Title Screen track from the Soundtrack thread to your work. I figured we should probably address the timing now instead of later. Keep up the good work!

[zeroality]

I don't think you can insert sound into gif? But you could have it playing as you watch the title screen and see if the timing is right.

[Irot_Rebod]

I see, I thought the video file could be given a soundtrack much like when you create a video file using Power Point. In that case, I could devise a sort time map for the track so that it'd be easier to align visual animations.

[zeroality]

Oh yeah he did make it into a video file but I'm not sure if that'd be the same speed as the gif - which is what we will need. I have to split up the frames individually and send them to Badara.


I could devise a sort time map for the track so that it'd be easier to align visual animations.
If you want Irot, that'd probably be helpful. I think Quinn has a good thing going here and once he can finalize it, it should look good.

I actually think I do prefer the transparency fade of the Jirachi over the gradient moving. That one just looks cheap and pre-made.

[Irot_Rebod]

Well, it seems I was planning ahead when I composed this thing three years ago (Whew... just realized I've been composing for Topaz for three and a half years now.) I made the tempo 120 bpm (two beats per second), which makes it extremely simple to align events to the time.

The only major points to perhaps make note of for animations would be:

0.0" - 2.0"
Introductory timpani roll. Perhaps things could be dimmed down here.
2.0"
Theme begins. I imagine this should be where the "Pokemon" logo and Jirachi appear.
2.5" - 3.0"
String portamento. Using the animation you have for the "Topaz Version" logo dropping out of the Pokemon logo would work nicely.

From there on out, it's really up to you where the rest of the animation occurs. If you give the track a listen, I think you'll see how these events would very nicely line up with the animations provided thus far. (Except for you, zero... you're not allowed to listen. :P)

[Quinn]

k, but a couple quick things...what do u mean with the fade in rather than the gradiant? (Zero) also I WOULD LOVE THAT TIME THING. Now also though...how with most games, the screen fades out after the song. Well since I might not be able to time that ending just rignt...should I just do a fade out from where it is one the repeat? or what?

[zeroality]

The transparency change as opposed to the moving color gradient is what I meant.

Actually the screen doesn't fade out at all. It stays up until you press start just like in the official games, so make your animation as you would, normally, and we will repeat the necessary frames to maintain it throughout.

One more thing, your sig is way too big (filesize). Read Rule (http://www.pokemontopaz.net/forums/page.php?p=rules) #7.

[Quinn]

I know they stay the same after u push start...but when it resets after the song, and goes back to starting the ACTUAL intro (not the title intro) it fades. U know what I'm talkin bout?
K I just read ur song thing. I already made one though, so if u like it GREAT!!!! (THANK GOD!!!!) if not...Ill re-do. Now I'm just wondering, would any of u 2 like to give a shot at the title intro. If so, I want dibs on the actual title with the twinkles though lol. I am just having a tough time with timing it just right to the songs intro... If either of u do, pm me ur email so I can send ya the psd. If u dont, I'll keep at it. But all together, their has to be at least one soon out of these that will suit (cause I'm kinda gettin tired of the intro lol.) Also I was playing bejeweld 2 last night,PERFECT EFFECTS FOR WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR! The down side is I can't get it though...:p But after I saw it, I got the idea of "twinkle time" and gave some nice space between the twinkles..
so look at my awesomness lol. If u like an older one though, just say. They are all saved on my photobucket.
New title screen
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3-10-10-Title-Screen-1.gif
New intro
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3-10-10-INtro.gif
Title End (new Idea) It adds a difference to the end. If we use it though...it will need to be faded at the end to black.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/3-10-10-Ending.gif

The video. (now with music!!!!)
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/th_Topaz3-10-10.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/?action=view&current=Topaz3-10-10.flv)

[Irot_Rebod]

Y'know, I actually like the synchronization you have now. My only gripe is that the animation starts just a hair before the music does. Nice job!

[zeroality]

That's good, send me the gif(s) and the psd(s). Thanks.

[Quinn]

wait, is that gonna be the final or do u want them to work with?

[zeroality]

Yeah I am gonna work with them a bit, you did most of it though.

[Quinn]

I'm breaking rules.


Quinn, hold off on the title screen until we get the art. You're already doing a lot right now anyway.
I didn't read this until now...so yah. wont we need this for the demo?!?!?
I learned how to "metalify".
PS. dont mind the jumping stars on 4,5, and 6
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/Topaz-Intro.gif
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/Topaz-Title-Edit.gif
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/th_Title.jpg (http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd123/quintinbruderer/Topaz/?action=view&current=Title.flv)

[Cranky Guy]

Quinn, how are you gonna fit the big fat jirachi art into that tiny screen?

[Quinn]

wheres are art? I'll make it work, whatever it is....though I haven't seen it yet.

[Quinn]

quinn uses revive...


The game's title screen can be changed by replacing the files Pic_1.png , Pic_2.png , and Start.png . Each of these files is found in the directory Graphics/Titles. The files can be animated GIF files (with the same filename and extension).

animated gifs can be used. So, for the demo, should I just throw the BETA on it, fix the jumping stars, and bring it back? Or should we just use a png of it for the demo.

what about the replacing art?

[neon.Barnacle]

I still don't think GIFs should be used for the intro. GIF files store animations frame-by-frame, which means not only will the file be overly huge in size, the animation will be choppy as well. Hardcoding, on the other hand, will only require a bunch of still images moving around, resulting in less space and smoother animations.

[Quinn]

do u mean a bunch as in about 95 different images? about 15 for the start? If the gif goes fast enough for unchoppyness and is done right (which it would be), it would look fine. I just dont think badara wants to have a zip folder containing a buggillion images.

I mean if we have all the png's in an animation, that would only make the image size bigger. At least when the gif is saved the colors are indexed to 256 instead of 5000. It also would only need a rename, and it would be good to go (so says the essentials guide)

[neon.Barnacle]

Don't really think you understand what "coding" the animation means.

An animated GIF file is composed of frames, so if a particular GIF file has 50 frames then it's basically the same size as 50 static images put together. By directly coding the animation, however, we would only need the individual dynamic parts of the animation as images (e.g. the Pokemon logo, Topaz logo, Jirachi silhouette, and starry background) and simply write a script to move them on the screen. So instead of 50 images, we would only need about 5-10 even smaller images to work with.

[Quinn]

yah, you got me...I dont get it now.

So what would be needed then? Each individual part?