Coding a parallax background
Much of the code that makes the backgrounds work is the same as it was in the scrolling shooter project. However, we will be coding a background-specific transform that extends Transform
and we will also be using the Camera
class to tweak the position of the backgrounds and make them create a parallax effect as well as vertical movement(compared to just horizontal in the previous project).
We will see the tricks and the code required to achieve a parallax scrolling background effect. The parallax effect is when different layers of backgrounds are moved at different speeds to achieve the effect of motion and depth. By moving the front layer(s) faster than the back the distance/depth effect is achieved.
To be clear, the back layer is the background and the front layer is all the platforms and other game objects.
Video games didn't invent this technique and the first modern use of the parallax effect dates to early cinema. The famous Disney production Snow White...