Random Forests

[Hermit]

This is really cool and very interesting!

The paper texture displacement adds a lot to the effect of the forests. As a test of this process I think this is a success, but I would be interested in seeing if there is a way to get a bit more definition on the edges of the tree shapes, but keeping the shadows somewhat blurred. It seems that when the trees are by themselves or more sparse they maintain a more defined edge, but when they get more dense they seem to blur out a bit, although this may just be my eyes not being able to pick up the detail when there are more trees.

As far as the other map elements go, in the last image you have the cliff and keep/castle, which I think is effective, but definitely discernible as 2D still. That said, I like the way it looks and it may just be a different style of using the 2D elements. Sort of like a pop-out map instead of isometric.

Just as a final thought, the forests you made really remind me of Age of Empires I style rendering. I always thought that style was cool and you seem to have replicated it in a black & white/sepia tone.

Also, I would definitely be interested in a tutorial of what you figured out.

[Tiana]

It seems that when the trees are by themselves or more sparse they maintain a more defined edge, but when they get more dense they seem to blur out a bit, although this may just be my eyes not being able to pick up the detail when there are more trees.

I still see definition, so it might in fact be your eyes. I have 20/20 vision.

[Hermit]

Ok no the pop-up map would flatten back out and no one is horribly crushed. phew.

Haha the one benefit of being truly 2D is that you don't get crushed.

One of the things that excited me about seeing this was indeed the huge, scrolling perspective from those RTS games. This could be a lot of fun to play with and maybe create something similar to those, but it would allow you to play with the style and color of the maps.

I still see definition, so it might in fact be your eyes. I have 20/20 vision.

You are probably right that it is my eyes. I am quite blind without glasses and have some issues with focus in one eye that can blur detail when it's closely packed together, which is why I said it might just be me not seeing it.