Basic setup for GML top/down player control

obj_player

if(keyboard_check(vk_nokey)) {
    image_speed = 0;
}

if(keyboard_check(vk_left)) {
    sprite_index = spr_right;
    image_speed = 0.2;
    image_xscale= 1;
    x -= 4;
}

// Flip image (image_xscale) to save sprite animations
if(keyboard_check(vk_right)) {
    sprite_index = spr_right;
    image_speed = 0.2;
    image_xscale= -1;
    x += 4;
}

if(keyboard_check(vk_up)) {
    sprite_index = spr_up;
    image_speed = 0.2;
    y -= 4;
}

if(keyboard_check(vk_down)) {
    sprite_index = spr_down;
    image_speed = 0.2;
    y += 4;
}