144 replies to this topic

[ehuonder]

Those look great nullPointer! Keep it up!

[nullPointer]

After the positive feedback from you guys, I'm going to take a step back and retool these images to be a full 1080p. I'll just have to tell my TV to suck it up! (at least they'll be future-proof should a decide to upgrade my TV) I figure if I'm releasing something that others might be interested in, I might as well release it in a more preferable resolution. Additionally I plan on adding more primary controllers to the mix so that some of the more popular choices are represented (I'm thinking an Xbox 360 controller, and a DualShock 3). That way if anyone wants to incorporate these images into their system, some of the work is already done for them.

Thanks again for the feedback! I'll post the whole works once I get the above changes made, and add more emulated systems to the layout.

[hansolo77]

I tell you what Null, those look a helluva lot better than mine:





And the scariest one:

[Draco1962]

nullPointer, on 26 August 2011 - 05:22 PM, said:

After the positive feedback from you guys, I'm going to take a step back and retool these images to be a full 1080p. I'll just have to tell my TV to suck it up! (at least they'll be future-proof should a decide to upgrade my TV) I figure if I'm releasing something that others might be interested in, I might as well release it in a more preferable resolution. Additionally I plan on adding more primary controllers to the mix so that some of the more popular choices are represented (I'm thinking an Xbox 360 controller, and a DualShock 3). That way if anyone wants to incorporate these images into their system, some of the work is already done for them.

Thanks again for the feedback! I'll post the whole works once I get the above changes made, and add more emulated systems to the layout.

If you go to 720P should be sufficient I would think.

[Draco1962]

hansolo77, on 26 August 2011 - 09:22 PM, said:

I tell you what Null, those look a helluva lot better than mine:





And the scariest one:

Not too bad, Han. The only criticism I could throw is that when looking "at a glance" it could be a little confusing trying to translate what the controls are from the original system controls to the game pad. It may work for you if you are familiar with what buttons on the original systems are fire, start, etc. Since I am not familiar with all systems, it would be more confusing for me.

[Adultery]

That's what I was thinkin. The controls screen rolls by in 5 seconds, but it really depends on what you like and how many people use it.

You're being modest though. Not bad for a first whip!

[hansolo77]

These are actually the same controller images I used before the fire, they were stashed on my server for safe keeping since they took FOREVER to make. The hardest part was finding a decent enough controller image to use and draw lines from my own controller to them. After that, I kept a notebook with each button assignment, then all I had to do was match them up. Granted, null's looks much more polished. This was only my first go, and null's obviously got a bit more skill than me. It works for my purposes. You can always click the "View Controls" link in GameEx to see it longer if you need too.

[Draco1962]

If you continue to use these images, I suggest using different colors whenever you have intersecting lines. Whenever I create training materials, I try to avoid intersecting lines as much as is possible, but if there is a point where that is unavoidable, I use a different color so the reader's eye is less likely to stray to the incorrect element.

[hansolo77]

Yeah, I tried my best to not use crossing lines too, it's just when you have a vertical orientation and a horizontal one, and you're mapping controls separately, it can't be avoided.

[nullPointer]

@han - Dude, I think those screens are pretty decent! I really like the idea of diagramming the button configurations to the emulated controller. Not an easy thing to do! Man I hear you about the Bandai Wonderswan. That thing is a pain in the butt to configure controls for, let alone diagram. Lastly, you're giving me way too much credit to say that I have more skill, maybe a bit more practice, but honestly I borrowed most of my inspiration from the other guys around here. Just out of curiosity do you still use that Saitek controller?

[hansolo77]

Yeah I love that controller. I originally got it because it had 6 action buttons, like the 6-button Sega Genesis controllers. I wanted to be able to play those games with ease, without having to remember that the C and Z buttons were mapped to some other strange buttons. The only thing that sucks is that it only has 1 shoulder button for each side (like the Super Nintendo and Gameboy Advance). This limits it's functionality to play other systems like the PlayStation. But I don't really need to emulate the PlayStation since I have a modded one that still works great. This controller also has ~RUMBLE~ which works great on the Nintendo 64 and Trackmania. Speaking of which; does anybody know if there's a quick way to change what device is plugged into the N64 controller so I can quickly go from rumble to the memory unit (using Project64). It also has a 'shift' button which would allow me to add an additional 12 keys to the already existing 12, but I've never had to use it.

On a side note; I'm no newbie to PhotoShop. My biggest hurdle is coming up with an idea. Here's an example of my work, building a custom box set to hold all my Disney DVD's (since the original boxes were destroyed in the fire):

http://www.customani...ture-films.html

[Draco1962]

Pretty good work, Han! So that the purpose of this thread doesn't get off-topic much further, I ask that discussions of game pad functionality, etc. be taken to another, more appropriate thread. I understand that we all get side-tracked and segue to another topic quite easily. That being said, there is really only this thread speaking to the topic of image and theme editing specifically and a great many addressing hardware and emulators.

Thanks!

[hansolo77]

OK

[Draco1962]

All - I have updated the first post in this thread to include links to some of the more popular freeware imaging programs. If you have any good sites to recommend for well-supported imaging freeware or tutorial sites, please send me the information via PM so that I can track and add to the first post as able.

[Draco1962]

It's almost here... just a few minor tweaks and revisions!

The one with the Jukebox Visualization is mainly to highlight a simple trick of applying a bevel to the volume images, then horizontally flipping the image onto itself, creating a somewhat "3-D" effect.

Attached Files

•  ebks.png   627.12K   7 downloads
•  search.png   486.22K   7 downloads
•  jb.png   104.13K   13 downloads
•  daph.png   731.83K   11 downloads

[Adultery]

It looks pimp Drac! Can't wait to take it for a test drive!

[Krakerman]

Yes your themes are always look nice! Can't wait to see the finished product as well.

[Draco1962]

Hexed Theme is now released - read about it here!

[Krakerman]

Like the new logo's you did with colors now that really pop!

Great job!

[hansolo77]

Hey Draco, what visualization(s) are you using? Looks like you got some different ones than just the ones that come with Media Player...