08-30-2014, 03:53 PM
Product Review: AutoTileGen
So, yeah, I was extremely disappointed when I found out I just paid 25$ for an imaging program that can't even copy and paste image pieces. It's really frustrating that I have to save every individual tile as a separate image just to import them. I thought this app was meant to save time?
The interface is really cluttered. Why aren't there any dedicated windows for the different functions? One for the tile editor, one for the sheet, and one for the preview. Take a look at programs like the GIMP and Paint.NET, for instance. Another problem with the UI is some of the buttons are too large, and I almost wonder if that, in conjunction with all being kept on a single page/window, is the reason why essential features seem to be missing.
Exporting with slopes is nice, but why can't we export with both sloped and angled corner pieces? Or have half/double-steep slopes? Also, the caps and sides have to share slots, which, again, I feel is due to the poor layout. What if I want the top parts to reach down further than half the tile? I'd have to recreate those ones by hand.
Documentation should be included with the app, not left online. Yes, that's an issue, too, since internet connection is liable to have problems. Maybe the user has a limited connection and can't afford the traffic every time they need to look something up. At least a small document explaining the basics, but a CHM with more in-depth information would be preferable.
That's all I can think of right now. I really do hope this program turns around, but frankly, it's just not worth the money right now. In fact, I want a refund. I'll rebuy it when these issues are fixed. Speaking of which, a trial version would be nice so people know what they're getting into.
TL;DR: I think the entire project needs to be redone.
So, yeah, I was extremely disappointed when I found out I just paid 25$ for an imaging program that can't even copy and paste image pieces. It's really frustrating that I have to save every individual tile as a separate image just to import them. I thought this app was meant to save time?
The interface is really cluttered. Why aren't there any dedicated windows for the different functions? One for the tile editor, one for the sheet, and one for the preview. Take a look at programs like the GIMP and Paint.NET, for instance. Another problem with the UI is some of the buttons are too large, and I almost wonder if that, in conjunction with all being kept on a single page/window, is the reason why essential features seem to be missing.
Exporting with slopes is nice, but why can't we export with both sloped and angled corner pieces? Or have half/double-steep slopes? Also, the caps and sides have to share slots, which, again, I feel is due to the poor layout. What if I want the top parts to reach down further than half the tile? I'd have to recreate those ones by hand.
Documentation should be included with the app, not left online. Yes, that's an issue, too, since internet connection is liable to have problems. Maybe the user has a limited connection and can't afford the traffic every time they need to look something up. At least a small document explaining the basics, but a CHM with more in-depth information would be preferable.
That's all I can think of right now. I really do hope this program turns around, but frankly, it's just not worth the money right now. In fact, I want a refund. I'll rebuy it when these issues are fixed. Speaking of which, a trial version would be nice so people know what they're getting into.
TL;DR: I think the entire project needs to be redone.