controlling animation | gml

	Type	Desc
working with images in GML
sprite_index	variable	current sprite (not the current sub-image within the sprite)
image_index	variable	the current sub-image showing within the sprite
image_speed	variable	the speed that the sub-images change within the sprite
distance to point
distance_to_point(x,y)	function	returns the distance in pixels from the calling object to a point

Sprite	Images
sprDown
sprUp
sprLeft
sprRight
In the sprite editor, use Import Strip Image: Repeat for each sprite (down, up, left & right). Use Vertical Cell Offset to select different rows:

Object	Sprite	Properties
objHuman	sprRight	Visible

objHuman Step

if keyboard_check(vk_anykey){
	image_speed = 0.3; //moving character, direction:
	switch (keyboard_key) {
	   case vk_up:
	     sprite_index = sprUp;
		 y = y - 3;
		 break;
	   case vk_down:
	     sprite_index = sprDown;
	     y = y + 3;
		 break;
	   case vk_left:
	     sprite_index = sprLeft;
	     x = x - 3;
		 break;
	   case vk_right:
	     sprite_index = sprRight;
	     x = x + 3;
		 break;
	}
} else {
  image_speed = 0.0; //still character	
}

1. Try this alternative mouse follow code:

objHuman Step

direction = point_direction(x,y,mouse_x,mouse_y);
if (distance_to_point(mouse_x, mouse_y) < 1.0) {
  speed = 0;
  image_speed = 0.0;
} else {
  speed = 3;
  image_speed = 0.3;
  if (direction > 45 and direction < 135) { sprite_index = sprUp; }
  if (direction >= 135 and direction <= 225) { sprite_index = sprLeft; }
  if (direction > 225 and direction < 305) { sprite_index = sprDown; }
  if (direction >= 305 or direction <= 45) { sprite_index = sprRight; }
}

2. Can you make the player follow faster if i hold a mouse button down?