Graphics Modding in Civ4: Looking to the future

[warpstorm]

I think that the billboard solution proposed by Neomega could be made to work. I use them all the time to do "sprite-like" effects.

 

[Risbinroch]

Hmm, I don't understad what the billboard solution is? You CAN actually use the old CIV3 graphics then? And then also make new CIV units the same method as for CIV3?

 

[warpstorm]

In 3D graphics, a billboard is a flat 3D rectangle with an image placed on that is kept so that it is always facing the camera. If someone made an animated texture that had the old Civ3 FLC animations in it, you could make a cheap 2D unit.

 

[Neomega]

As long as the camera view is locked, and the lighting kept consistant, the billboards would lokk as 3d as the rest of the world. Like SimCity, which only had four viewing angles.

 

[Steph]

I don't think they will, but I hope so. Everyone benefits from a larger modding community. In my opinion they should have released something like that for Civ3 aswell...

Then we won't have had the pleasure to have SBB or CivFLCedit

 

[Mr. Hyperbole]

Are there any free 3D programs out there? I just need something that allows me to cut n' paste cities, terrain, etc but not units. I have used GIMP for Civ III and would be overjoyed to learn something similar exists for 3D, though I am skeptical such a program exists.

 

[warpstorm]

Try Milkshape. It's not free, but it is cheap. It is limited, yet still useful.

 

[Neomega]

Are there any free 3D programs out there? I just need something that allows me to cut n' paste cities, terrain, etc but not units. I have used GIMP for Civ III and would be overjoyed to learn something similar exists for 3D, though I am skeptical such a program exists.

2 good free 3d programs:

OpenFX: powerful, Windows Oriented set-up, very little (if any) support community, good Civ III unit tutorial

Blender: More powerful, large and vibrant support community, difficult interface to get used to for many.

http://www.openfx.org/
http://www.blender3d.org/cms/Home.2.0.html

 

[Mr. Hyperbole]

Thanks, Neomega! Just what I was looking for!

 

[Parthius]

Are there any free 3D programs out there? I just need something that allows me to cut n' paste cities, terrain, etc but not units. I have used GIMP for Civ III and would be overjoyed to learn something similar exists for 3D, though I am skeptical such a program exists.

I don't know if it would do all you need, but Silo (nevercenter.com) is a fully functioned modeler that is dirt cheap. It is definitely worth looking at. I have some experience with both Lightwave and Maya and in many cases, it is the easiest to do something quickly in.

 

[Parthius]

Is enough known about the format for animations to start putting together a list of programs that could be used to make figures? I have Lightwave, and hope to be able to use it, at least with the right plugin. My worst fear would be that the only solution would be 3ds max, which I fear will continue to be way out of my price range...

 

[Risbinroch]

I only have 3D studio max and Poser (plus a few free programs I never used or at least very little) - allthough I am a newbie, I'm still doing tutorials.

But I guess any 3D program will do (?) if they can export to various formats?