Layering Maps for Multiple Dimensions

Wrapping Maps

In this instance I have a wrapping map that appears to be the universe. It is called a “wrapping map” because the right end of the map will connect to the left end of the map and it will play forever in a loop. Some people have had the experience of sitting outside, looking up at the night sky. The perspective is provided by this map is that the stars are going by. Someone more knowledgeable than I would tell you that the world is turning, but either way, you can see the stars, and you can see the rotation of the earth. A wrapping map will give the impression that one or the other of those conditions is happening.

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Wrapping Map

The right end of the map connects to the left end.

Now here within the videogame world, for those of us who don't stay out that late, to make a map like the universe work with the main map, you can cut out, or mask, the florescent green part of the main map, so that the universe map shows through. If a player could project themselves into the world, they might be standing on the ground and looking at the night sky revolving.

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Main Map

Cut out the florescent green so that the universe map is displayed.

The game’s perspective is 3rd-person shooter. The fighter that appears invites the player to fight off enemies. Layered maps in a single level give a reasonable impression of a 3-D game for the time and the tools that we have. This is a good place to begin to research doing 3-D games instead of 2-D games.

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Layered Maps

Layering suggests a foreground and a background.