in 2d, are normalmaps any better than heightmaps?

I realize that normal maps can do more in 3d than heightmaps can. but in 2d, should you be able to get pretty much the same exact results with both, assuming you have the skill or software to create either one?

Normal maps are faster than heightmaps because heightmaps have to first be converted in to a normal map. So if you can, use a normal map.

oh right

sorry, I knew about that part

but if you can't use normal maps, because you're going to be animating a heightmapped character using rotation and bones and ik, or an object that has physics

I know you can't rotate a normal map anyway, so there isn't a choice

but I'm wondering if there is any reason why a normal map would be visually superior

or do I just need a better way of making heightmaps

they're pretty much visually equal, since one creates a normal map, they would look excactly the same. its only the fact that n-maps cant be rotated that sets em apart

right

too bad crazy bump doesn't generate heightmaps then

I wonder if there's a tool that can convert a normalmap viewed from straight on into a heightmap

hmmmmmm

Crazybump can do heightmaps, I think. You're right though that you must use heightmaps if you're rotating an object.

I think normal maps are better resolution than heightmaps. Each pixel in a normal map gives a normal vector, whereas you must compare a small grid of pixels in a heightmap to determine the normal angle, if I remember correctly.

i see

thanks ash

I guess you could make a bigger heightmap to compensate, but that'd just make it even slower

question, btw, since everything gets decompressed it runtime anyway, does that mean compressing a sprite before loading it into construct will just make it uglier without being more efficient, like if I use jpeg compression on an image, 100x100 pixels, or make it a png 100x100. will it just end up being the same amount of vram at runtime?

Yeah, always use PNG's, it'll take the same space when exported as a JPEG, and the same VRAM.

awesome. I really didn't want to have to even think about compressions

thanks rich