Unit creation

[PointlesS]

assuming there's nif exporters released for 3ds max it really depends what version they're built for...I've been using max 5 for a long time now and most plugins work for it as plugins can be compatible with different versions

 

[EdCase]

I doubt the plugin will be available for anything less than version 6....but I've been wrong before

 

[WildWeazel]

I googled "3ds max nif" and found a plugin for v3.1, for Morrowind.

 

[PointlesS]

the morrowind plugins require morrowind to be installed

 

[WildWeazel]

I was just showing that it doesn't have to be the newer versions. So maybe we can find affordable versions to make units.

 

[Neomega]

The .nif importer/exporter for blender was designed for version 2.36.... and says there may be a bug due to changes in the animation system in Blender 2.37

Regardless, it is a matter of double-clicking on a different exe, because Blender hosts all versions.

Anyways, the readme seems to talk about how to export UV maps, (skins), animations, and models.

And Blender, you can have ......tonight.... I can't find the link to the exporter, however. Someone else posted it, its on sourceforge:

http://niftools.sourceforge.net/

Note, it does not support export for Maya yet.

So save your pennies... and go open source!!! Do not be afraid.

Be safe and get 2.36, or be current and get 2.37a, or be uber, and get 2.40 alpha2




http://www.Blender.org

I am trying it as we speak, and it requires the armature (bones) to be converted to a mesh object... which is possible, of course, just need to find how.

 

[Feet]

You guys are doing some really nice work here. I'm watching this thread with interest to see if you all can work out a way to create the new untils before the SDK comes.

I believe in you fellow Civ-ers!

 

[WildWeazel]

@Neomega: Is that your technical way of saying we can make units in Blender now?

 

[Neomega]

@Neomega: Is that your technical way of saying we can make units in Blender now?

I am saying I am experimenting with the exporter... unfortunately, every experiment takes 5 minutes to load up civ iV and see if it works.

This nif tool was made for morrowind, however, and I wonder if Firaxis pulled some kind of trick like they did with their flcs.... making them proprietary.

...and the answer, I think is, yes. I tried to import the windmill, and an error came up... "this does not appear to be a net immerse file" So firaxis tweaked their nif's a bit.

 

[Gaias]

I am saying I am experimenting with the exporter... unfortunately, every experiment takes 5 minutes to load up civ iV and see if it works.

This nif tool was made for morrowind, however, and I wonder if Firaxis pulled some kind of trick like they did with their flcs.... making them proprietary.

...and the answer, I think is, yes. I tried to import the windmill, and an error came up... "this does not appear to be a net immerse file" So firaxis tweaked their nif's a bit.

I believe currently the NifTools cannot recognize the file version that Firaxis used for Civ4. It is being worked on in ernst, though not much is going to happen for awhile. I enquired about it here.

 

[Neomega]

Thanks for the link Gaias, Looks liek we'll still ahev to be patient, but at least that confirms it... Civ IV is using a newer version of .nif format than morrowind.

 

[Gaias]

Hey, no problem! Just glad to help in any small way I can.

 

[Khai]

This is an interesting thread to watch. It reminds me overall of the scientific process that we see in the journals (including little posts like this). Keep up the great work guys and I can't wait to see the fruits of your progress!