the problem with map based CBS and CMS

[Rson_DeLarge]

so at some point I decided I wanted to make a CMS for my game, however if I were to use a map based menu system I imagine the NPCs would return to the origin whenever you unpause the game.

does anybody know a way around this without using an ***-load of variables. 2 variables for every event on every map would be such a pain.



I tried doing it through pictures but the system has too much lag. especially when I started asking it to bring up variables through pictures (health and such)

[DedlellyDeth]

You could always only allow the menu in certain areas.

[Rson_DeLarge]

yes but only a very borring game would have no NPCs at the places where you could open the menu.
being a traditional RPG the menu will be needed quite often.

I'm thinking of a new system though.... i just don't really want to go through with all the work...

[DedlellyDeth]

Make a map-based menu, but put it in a regular area with NPCs. No teleporting.

[Rson_DeLarge]

wait, I must be missing something... how would I do a map based menu system without teleporting?

[DedlellyDeth]

Just make it on the map. Have like, a "Menu Square" built into a town.

[Rson_DeLarge]

mmmmm I'm not sure about that... how do you get the hero back and forth from point a to point b?
also I'm guessing I'm supposed to have a halt movement event?

that only works for some movement events.

[DedlellyDeth]

No. For example, have a guy that "records your adventures", saving. Etc.

[fruckert]

Ded, that's a really good idea
I'd go with that Rson

[Rson_DeLarge]

well, what about when you want to use an item, view stats, or quit the game?
or simply pause the game?

[DedlellyDeth]

Use a key input processing common event and just a message-based menu. It's only 3 things, right?
For the pause, have one that checks for Shift or something and then displays a pause image and loops wait until it's pressed again.

[Rson_DeLarge]

hmm, I could do the message thing...
but how do I bring up the stats screen without making my own?

really, these aren't bad ideas or anything. not at all, I just want the ability to make a real CUSTOM menu system, like so I can make it whatever style I want.

I mean I could do one that still shows the character while the menu is up...
and just like you said have a different button for pause, and just like a little sleek vertical screen, that way they have to hide to do any equip or anything. see I made a system for my enemies where they walk randomly and depending on how far of a sight I give them they'll attack if the hero is in their line of vision.

this could actually work.

[DedlellyDeth]

hmm, I could do the message thing...
but how do I bring up the stats screen without making my own?

really, these aren't bad ideas or anything. not at all, I just want the ability to make a real CUSTOM menu system, like so I can make it whatever style I want.

I mean I could do one that still shows the character while the menu is up...
and just like you said have a different button for pause, and just like a little sleek vertical screen, that way they have to hide to do any equip or anything. see I made a system for my enemies where they walk randomly and depending on how far of a sight I give them they'll attack if the hero is in their line of vision.

this could actually work.

The only option is a specialized town section, pictures, or messages. Or recording positions etc. as you didn't want.

[Rson_DeLarge]

yeah, no I know that...

I mean like the background for my menu (picture) will just be a little vertical one to the side of the hero.

[DedlellyDeth]

You don't get it. Don't use your hero as the cursor. Use key input processing and a picture of a cursor.