Not requesting, Just Discussing Map control scripts (overlay, fix, etc.)

I was looking at a sweet, simple tut on how to make lighting for maps, and I started to make a little progression in my mind...


...you use a fog to follow the player in a "flashlight" effect - no script necessary, right?





...you use a show picture the same size as your map to add light and shadow. No script necessary as long as the map and the picture are the same size, right? Do they have to be 544 by 416 or less?





...you use a script to fix the picture to add light and shadow to maps of larger sizes. Now you need a picture fix script. Because it is bigger than the screen? Or did I always need the fix picture for the stationary fog?


...you use a overlay script for parallax pictures (fixed) and multiple fogs (moving.)


So, with all of the options out there for parallax mapping scripts these days, is there a mistake to be made early on in choosing a script just to fix the picture? (IOW are there compatibility issues with various scripts? Is it better to get started with a superior script at the beginning?)


I am seeing, like, half a dozen scripts out there "for parallax mapping" and the level of complexity is getting crazy for me.


So I am wondering - if I start with Modern Algebra's Fix Picture script, am I locked in to MA's parallax stuff?


DasMoony, Darcangel, Yami, HK, Victor Scripts, Yanfly, all have scripts and there are probably others I missed.


and do they work with cool stuff like Woratana's Mutiple Fogs? Are they hard to add other scripts to?


I mean, my head is spinning, and I'd like to hear how people make their decisions and what mistakes they have made and what features they most appreciate.


Thanks!

Pictures the same size as maps don't need a script as long as they are the same size as the window. If they are larger and scrolling happens, you need a script that will lock the picture to the map rather than the window. Light and shadow pictures should ALWAYS be the same size as the map, if you're using them as a parallax (light/shadow sticks with the map, not the player).


As far as what scripts to use, sorry, I can't advise. I usually just roll my own when I need something, because I don't want to wade through all the terms of use, I don't want a script that's overly flexible (which means overly complex and bloated) when I just want a small part of its functionality, AND because of potential incompatibilities.

So from what I am reading, folks like Yami's, which is loosely based on HK's script. Here is the graphic for the way stuff layers:





I am wondering with all of thoae layers if anyone ever uses multiple moving fogs like the ones explained in this tut for creating an Underwater effect (essentially having multiple fogs moving at different speeds and angles over the map.) Or is that just not possible?


http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/26558-craydragons-underwater-effect-mapping-tutorial/

I'm currently using Yami's parallaxing script. I'm also using Victor's Fog Overlay script, and they don't clash with each other. I use only the Parallax Layer and Ground Layer on Yami's script, while I use Victors for the light effect, since I have much more control over where the light is, including following the player.

With Victors script, you can have as many fogs as necessary. To achieve what you want to, you can either use all of the features of Yami's script as well as your own eventing as described above, or do everything with Victors (which is what I'd do).