Quote: "First, I have seen the function LoopSDK() in several DarkSDK programs and I'm curious on what it's used for."
Its a replacement for the PeekMessage & Translate message functions (plus other SDK related stuff), so the program (and any others running) can continue running.
Quote: "Second, since the docs for the SDK looks like it was copy & pasted from the DBPro docs, I was wandering if there was any important quirks (or problems) to watch out for in the SDK."
Some functions currently require a DWORD pointer when passing a string, some are spelt differently to the help file, and a few dont currently work - but thats about it.
Quote: "Third, does anybody know an way to have a single sprite image have alternate coloring without having seperate image files? "
No, because you cant rotate a palette.
Quote: "If I'm makeing a 2D tile-graphic fantasy RPG and I want to let the player to be able to choose his hair color, but I don't want to draw separate versions of the PC's sprite, how would I go about this?"
Probably some sort of fill routine would be best.
Quote: "If I'm making a game with colored blocks and I want to have variable color blocks with only one sprite image, how would I do this?"
Again, either a fast fill routine or recreate the block on the fly - but then you would suffer a speed hit.
Quote: "I know some games use grayscale images as a sort of template and then color them, but I don't know how to do it with the SDK."
I dont believe the SDK will let you create and use your own palettes.