Game Elements 5: Screen Models - v2.0

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 6:36 am

Hey guys!

Been really really busy lately... then again I never needed an excuse for being quiet before... oh well

I've been working on a few new things but ended up back at my competition entry screen model. BTW thanks so much Janet for putting them to such good use! Not sure if anyone else has used them - haven't been following the levels lately.

This is a very minor modification to the 48 screen models posted then. I found out through a little trial & error that I can get the sides of the screens dead straight if I bring the angle of the model back just 1 degree. You might notice on the current models that there's about 3 or so 'steps' from bottom to top which I wasn't happy with before.

Different folder name, same file names.

It took quiet a lot less time to produce them this time round. Took about an hour to an hour & a half before - this time just 1 click of the mouse & 20 minutes processing time!

Found a brilliant program called Macro Scheduler (currently at v7.3something) at www.mjtnet.com - reasonably easy (well... lets say it was a little challenging to get into

) - full scripting ability with miles of commands available - great manual - big forum (well supported with over 500 members) - bit more pricey than the competition at $75.50US but considering the potential & support well worth it.

Opened an excel file with coordinates & file names for all 48 positions & scripted a routine to (automatically) one by one copy over coordinates, move the model, export & save.

Now that's done I should have version 2 out either tonight or tomorrow which will have the version 1b Screens + a message image (like the message tiles currently available) on the ground. The downside with the version 1 screens is that they have to be in a place where they won't be missed. Version 2 should make them more appealing hopefully to more level creators with the added benefit of not only being able to customize the Screen model but the floor message image as well.

Whew!
Robbie

BTW if you are new to these & want to know a bit more about them click here http://www.midnightsynergy.com/comp/0401/ and head on down to runner up #5 (entry D). Full help was available in the entry.

popo · Post by **popo** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 7:44 am

Hi Robbie,

Long time, no hear.

Are we to delete the old version of these screens?

Like the idea of a message tile thingy that you can customise. Makes it easier to get folks to look at the screens.

Did you ever get round to using the new AC3D? I have found it a lot easier for certain things like selecting small parts of objects. I haven't actually made anything with it yet though, just played around with things already made. I did find though that things I had exported from #4 with textures, had the textures missing if imported into #5. So I have to make sure I have also saved them as an ac3d file. I only used to do that while I was working on them.

I think it's high time you made a level. You can't go your whole life on the reputation of your Adventureland levels, you know.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 9:17 am

Hi Pauline,

I've been poking my nose in briefly to see what's happening most days and little more than that.

You might as well delete the old versions & in future just use these ones. I did test them on Janet's Wonderland Police level by transfering & renaming the relavent models & they work a treat. I wouldn't worry about updating any levels that have used them in the past.

As for version 5, I've checked it out a bit & quite like the improvements. Still have to get use to the idea of not being able to click on the 3d window & spin my models about...

A level

. I'll do a little one to preview the version 2 screen to the rest of the world... more than likely rehash the comp level with the new models

. Sorry, still riding high on ADL 2...

Seriously though I have given thought to a new level & have done some scripting & story boards, and started some models. Should be big when it's done. Just when it gets done is another matter altogether

Robbie

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:22 pm

Here it is,

Version 2.0 which includes
- new screen model with floor marker
- 3 different sized templates with & without original message marker
- customize your own floor marker
- 48 models as per previous versions covering an area 9x9 around the dead spot

Haven't included the guide here but it is still available at the above link. The beginners section is still relavent to version 2.

Any problems (shouldn't be but you never know...) drop me a line.

In the coming week or so will endevour to put out a few more sets with different shaped screens (probably will try to cut out the corner behind the coin/bonus count).

Little sample level (just for you Pauline

) over in the Levels dept.

OK, I'm off to bed...
Robbie

rmelin13 · Post by **rmelin13** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 12:58 pm

That is really cool, Robbie!

I can't wait to give some of this a try, either tonight or over the weekend.
Thanks for all your hard work, keep your browser open for a level or 2
on the levels forum.

The concept of a custom floor tile in conjunction with the model is an added
'plus' for level designers. Particularly for us non-artistic folk.

Thanks again, Robbie!!

janetgalle · Post by **janetgalle** » Thu Apr 07, 2005 5:36 pm

Alright.

Way to go Robbie.

Thanks for all your hard work!

jg