Multi-level buildings

[Gamerprinter]

I've used the same shadow effect to delineate a lower floor from an upper floor. It works, as in your example, in a small area only. When attempting extensive areas or additional lower levels, having everything on an entire floor in a darker shade is problematic at best. What I've done is create the shadowed effect of the area near the change in levels (your staircase for example), but fading that shadow to no shadow within a few 'feet'. While this isn't realistic, it still allows you to show the depth difference, but not forcing shadow on the entire floor.

Generally, I just keep floor separate without actually stacking them - perhaps do your shadow effect at the exposed stair, but otherwise keep floors separate so there is no issue. Understand?

[Meshon]

Thanks for the reply! I like what you're saying about shadowing a localized spot where there's a change; the stairs for example. As to keeping the maps separate, I didn't explain the particular use I'm going to be putting these buildings to, but they are for a skirmish game (Mordheim) played on a virtual table-top, so there's a lot less exploration and more finding the perfect nook to put a crossbow sniper. I think I'll favour utility over aesthetics in this particular case and just use the same shadow effect for each level and accept that it won't look ideal but will get the required information across.

Again, thanks for the tip.

cheers,
Meshon