Is it better to animate "in game" or bring in animated frames?

chaley

I want to do a billowing smoke element. I initially thought about doing some in my 3d app & importing the frames, but I was wondering if GameSalad particles would be better for optimization purposes. Any thoughts?

tenrdrmer

Particles are going to be better for performance but may not get the effect you want. Just try both ways and decide what you like.

SlickZero

Try them both out, and see which one is more ascetically pleasing. I use a smoldering effect in one of the games I'm working on, and I find particle generator to work very well, and achieves the effect I'm looking for, and I'm only using one image with random rotations and sizing to create the effect.

As far as performance, I would imaging the particle generator would be less stressful on the processor.

Edit: Is there an echo in here?

chaley

Thanks guys... I'll have a run at particles first & see how far I can push the look.