Proximity based pop-up graphic

[bobula13]

Hey all,

I've been busting my head over this one and could use some help. I'm trying to set my game up so that when the obj_player gets closer to an object (in this case a signpost) a small icon appears above it that tells which button to press to initiate dialogue, which is a little animated icon with a "T" saying to press the T key down.

I've tried several methods on this, from making the icon an object and try to have it pop up when the player gets close enough using a range variable, to just adding code in the sign object itself that states if obj_player <= range instance_create (x,y, obj_talk_button).

I've been looking all over the web for any help and in these forums and can't seem to get anywhere. Anyone got any tips for me?

Appreciate the help!

 

[YoSniper]

In the Draw Event of the signpost object, try something like this:

draw_self();  //Ensure that the sprite for the signpost still gets drawn

if instance_exists(obj_player) {
    if distance_to_object(obj_player) < 48 {
        draw_sprite(spr_icon, 0, x, y - 32);
    }
}
//NOTE: all x and y offsets are estimated

 

[bobula13]

You are a godsend! I'm still new to Gamemaker and the biggest obstacle I keep running into is trying to remember and find the proper commands to make things work. Is there a way to make the sprite animate as well, not just have the image index of the sprite with the draw_sprite command? I tried replacing the sprite with the actual object that has the image speed, and tried to add the image_speed command into the above code but that didn't work either.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[YoSniper]

Is there a way to make the sprite animate as well, not just have the image index of the sprite with the draw_sprite command?

Yes. It's a little more complicated than just setting image_speed (the animation speed in frames per step). Basically, you need to add something like this:

Include this in Create Event

prompt_index = 0;
prompt_speed = 4 / room_speed; //This is an example. This means that the prompt would animate 4 frames per second.
prompt_images = 4;  //Set this value to the number of subimages in your prompt sprite

Draw Event

draw_self();  //Ensure that the sprite for the signpost still gets drawn

if instance_exists(obj_player) {
    if distance_to_object(obj_player) < 48 {
        draw_sprite(spr_icon, prompt_index, x, y - 32);
        prompt_index += prompt_speed;  //Animates the prompt
        if prompt_index >= prompt_images {
            prompt_index -= prompt_images;  //Keeps the animation cycling
        }
    }
}

Please don't hesitate to ask if any of this does not make sense to you. I'm doing my best to be as straightforward with my comments as possible.

 

[bobula13]

This makes perfect sense! I love getting examples like this from people because it helps me understand how to use variables to make work arounds on the basic commands. Once again I really appreciate your help on this.

THanks!!