I thought it could be a good idea to get some discussion going on what the player as well as the modding community would like to see in the way of changes/improvements in unit graphics.
Here are two of my thoughts to get things started:
1. Given the active unit creation community (and the long learning curve required to become a member), it would be highly desirable if the Civ4 unit graphics implementation has some overlap with Civ3.
If for example, they go with a 3d model for a unit and real time rendering, it could greatly complicate unit creation for those of us dependent on ready made models and Poser. Simply increasing the resolution of the animations would merely require regeneration of the animations (at the higher resolution) on the part of the unit modders.
2. Higher resolution is very desirable.
This could happen in two ways. One would be a higher display resolution. The other would be a higher "raw" resolution with the computer graphics engine then doing the anti-aliasing at display time. Doing both together would be even better.
To elaborate on the second item (according to my level of understanding), I have to generate each frame so that there is no blending of pixels at the figure boundaries. This all or nothing value means that thin objects like spears either have to be very thick or they will "speckle" as they move slightly. This also makes naturally proportioned arms and legs look too thin. Generating the Flcs at higher resolutions, and letting the graphics engine average down to the display resolution should greatly help with this. Given the advance in graphics, CPUs, and memory since Civ3 came out should make this approach entirely feasible.
Finally, does anyone have any inkling of what the Civ4 Unit graphic plans are?
Here are two of my thoughts to get things started:
1. Given the active unit creation community (and the long learning curve required to become a member), it would be highly desirable if the Civ4 unit graphics implementation has some overlap with Civ3.
If for example, they go with a 3d model for a unit and real time rendering, it could greatly complicate unit creation for those of us dependent on ready made models and Poser. Simply increasing the resolution of the animations would merely require regeneration of the animations (at the higher resolution) on the part of the unit modders.
2. Higher resolution is very desirable.
This could happen in two ways. One would be a higher display resolution. The other would be a higher "raw" resolution with the computer graphics engine then doing the anti-aliasing at display time. Doing both together would be even better.
To elaborate on the second item (according to my level of understanding), I have to generate each frame so that there is no blending of pixels at the figure boundaries. This all or nothing value means that thin objects like spears either have to be very thick or they will "speckle" as they move slightly. This also makes naturally proportioned arms and legs look too thin. Generating the Flcs at higher resolutions, and letting the graphics engine average down to the display resolution should greatly help with this. Given the advance in graphics, CPUs, and memory since Civ3 came out should make this approach entirely feasible.
Finally, does anyone have any inkling of what the Civ4 Unit graphic plans are?
