I have found that if you try and make it seem more natural instead of "hand planted" that you'll get a better effect.
Like, don't put bushes in forest areas like:
Quote:
|
BUSH BUSH BUSH BUSH BUSH BUSH BUSH
|
Instead, go:
NPC Code:
BUSH BUSH
BUSH BUSH
BUSH
BUSH BUSH
If its in a town, then the first one would be appropriate since the "owners" of the houses would be maintaining their properties.
Also, try not to use the grass sprouts like: \/ too much. Try and alternate how you lay then like: /\//\\///\\\\///
That way you get more of a natural feeling instead of the "planted" feel again.
The kubol and roosh sprouts are okay, if used in moderation. Because they are block tiles, it makes it very hard for the player to navigate through the level, so use them sparingly. Same with stones.
The little "dot" tile should only be used around swampy areas. I consider that to be a "moss" patch, and because swampy areas are moist, moss is appropriate there.
Flowers should be used sparingly also. Too many of them over power the level ESPECIALLY if they are the "animated" tile variety. Just a few here and there are fine.
As far as swamp tiles go, use them where there are water sources. Too many people use them as grass in front of houses, but, thats not what they are for. Its a SWAMP tile. How many houses do you see in real life with swamps in front of their houses?
And last, but not least, trees. Trees should be used to compliment a level, not to fill in spaces that you can't decide what to do with. Also, try not to have trees lined up against the edges of levels, because if you do that to every level, you're going to get the "grid" effect, and its not natural that way.
Anyway, I hope this has helped you out.
This is just my opinion of what I think looks good in a level.