Skip to main content

Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines
(1 edit) (+2)

This isn't exactly what you were asking for (I think IJ has answered the actual questions, as asked) but here's some supplemental information and ideas.

Millie's (excellent and beloved) ColorText contraption isn't needed to color text in fields anymore. As of version 1.58 we're able to do it through the menus. (We're on version 1.63 now, so if you downloaded it recently this should be true in your copy) The drop shadow version of the contraption you linked to is still the best way to get a drop shadow effect though!

You can change the default color of a whole field by selecting it and using [ Widgets > Pattern... ], then select the color you want. You can change the color of a specific span of text by selecting it within the field and using [ Text > Pattern... ] to change the color for only that selection. You can also change fonts and create links using the Text menu. 

I think the exact things you were asking for are tricky in Decker because of the nature of unlocked fields. But the concept of revealing distorted text or uncovering hidden text is absolutely possible by other methods.

For example, this is an alternate approach to the concept of 'user interactivity to reveal text'... but have you looked at the Interior Contraption
If the 'true' version of the text is on another card it could be revealed by your player dragging something over it. This might give it a similar tactile experience to highlighting text -- but you also might need to explain what it is they're dragging around.

Or if you think of some other concept we might be able to help you build something to make it real.

Please do continue asking questions as they come up! It's always welcome and I'm very interested to see how your project develops.

(+1)

Thank you for guiding me towards the Interior Contraption. I intended for this game to be a desktop exploration type of experience where the player goes through redacted files; however, after taking a look at that contraption, I have an idea, though I’m unsure about its feasibility.

Is it necessary for the card being revealed by the contraption to be inverted? My project’s backgrounds are currently all black, so I was wondering if I’d need even to make the revealed card a different background. The idea your suggestion gave me was to create a sort of magnifying glass effect where the card revealed is the same, just with the unredacted/unhidden text.

(+1)

It definitely doesn't need to be inverted! 

I think the second card was black in the example just to make the difference more obvious, but the contraption will use the appearance of the second card as it is. Whether it's normal 1-bit, inverted from your original or in color... anything should work just fine.

So, yes, using the dragable contraption as a magnifying glass to detect the small differences is absolutely a way you could use it!