Bridge Graphics - Deck Type

[wallyweb]

Current bridge graphics consist of the following sprites:

4 sloped ramps
4 level ramps
2 spans - rear structure with deck
2 spans - front structure
2 footings

Let me know if I missed anything.

The current situation with respect to the deck is that it is integral to the graphic and versions must be redrawn for each supported road set and track type, a lot of extra work for bridge artists who want to support all deck varieties.

This also applies to the ramps.

Why not make the deck portion generic such as transparent or perhaps a neutral grey and then add a coding parameter that checks for the currently invoked road or track type and then applies the appropriate straight section onto the road deck?

This way we could have truly compatible bridge sets that avoid the need for artists to chase down one another to get permission to adapt graphics.
Another benefit would be flexibility for the day when NewRoutes is a reality.

[eis_os]

Well to make a short answer, the point of newroutes is to seperate rail/road graphics and bridge graphics properly. This includes tunnel entrances aswell...

[wallyweb]

Well to make a short answer, the point of newroutes is to seperate rail/road graphics and bridge graphics properly. This includes tunnel entrances aswell...

But will the artists still have to make separate sprites for each road/rail type for each bridge and tunnel?
Or will they be able to draw the bridge and tunnel once and once only and have the game apply the proper road/rail type automatically?

[eis_os]

No.

A bridge has a layout table and requests a rail / road sprite which gets drawn.

So you would have something like:
Draw the back Sprite (faceing away from user)
Draw the bridge surface sprite
Call the NewroutesRail/RoadDrawing System to draw a sprite for on bridges.
Draw the front Sprite.

Tunnels:
Draw the back Sprite
Call the NewroutesRail System to draw a sprite for tunnel entrance.
Draw FrontSprite or Enhanetunnels Front Sprite
Call the NewroutesRail System to draw a sprite for tunnel top (if needed)

Stations:
If there is a normal groundsprite for rails -> intercept ->
Draw a ground sprite for this kind of land type
Call the NewroutesRail System to draw a sprite for a station tile.

[lobster]

ah, so my long gone and forgotten tunnel set idea can proceed after all. brilliance.