Topic: Modeling software? (Read 1410 times)

Whiplash · « **on:** October 16, 2003, 07:17:53 pm »

When the Andro and Tholian models were posted, I suddenly realized that I don't even know what format they are in or what software is needed.

What software is needed to go from those models to a finished product ready for game loading? Are they good to go as is?

What software would I need to create my own such models? Also, assuming I'm not a klutzoid, how many hours does it
take to make a good looking model?

How many months would it take for me to have enough experience to make a quality model?

W.

Aldaron · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2003, 10:51:36 pm »

You need 3DSMax with the plug-in format converter found on Taldren's site uner downloads I think. There is also a modviewer.

Khalee · « **Reply #2 on:** October 16, 2003, 11:14:47 pm »

Ok cheep software Milkshape Have not used it in shuch a long time I dont have the link anymore. Last time I looked it was 20$. And the last I heard there Is a mod plugin for it.

More costly is studio max 4000$ max 6 is the newest release have lots and lots of memory for it, the more you got the more it likes here the link to it http://www.discreet.com/index-nf.html

Next is lightwave dont really know anything about it other than it very simular to max But cheaper.

For texture makeing you will need a program that can do layers Photo shop or the cheaper Paint shop pro is what most use here.

As to the number of hours to make a model, it all depends on what you are trying to make and how detailed you want to make it

What do you mean by Quality Model? see above for most of the answer pluse, It really all depends on how much time you are willing to put into learning the program, and how quick you are in picking up on things.

Me Im kinda slow, the 3d part I got the hang of fairly quickly, the textureing part is another story, I just dont have the time to really get down and learn it so im stumbleing along as best I can.

Hope this info helps

WickedZombie45 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 17, 2003, 12:11:38 am »

The "GaW" models have already been converted to the game's .mod format:

http://208.57.228.4/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB11&Number=184318&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

As for learning how to make 3d models, a good example of the learning and difficulty involved is making real-life physical models (i.e. boat, car, and ship kits). Each kit has its own level of experience needed to build the model and learning how to do it takes time, money, patience, and a lot of seemingly 'rookie' questions. The same goes for 3d modeling, though one good aspect of that is being able to save your work and having an undo option in case you screw up so you won't have to redo the whole thing over again.

Personally, I've been doing this for almost four years (one of the few 'veterans' from the SFC 1 era left actually) and it took me 1 to 2 years to get the hang of it and really get anything done, though that was mainly due to lack of free time. Basically all you need is patience and lots of practice, not to mention a fondness for starship design.

HeDeadJim · « **Reply #4 on:** October 17, 2003, 10:31:46 pm »

It takes less time to learn now in part thanks to the veterans that provide tips in the forums. The biggets stumbling block starting out is learning the software. There is quite a few aspects to it. You have to learn the 3d software and your texturing software. Then mapping the textures is another aspect that takes a while to catch on to. Then the other odds and ends like light maps, hard points and break models. Its a gradual process with each ship looking better then your last.

Whiplash · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2003, 07:17:53 pm »

When the Andro and Tholian models were posted, I suddenly realized that I don't even know what format they are in or what software is needed.

What software is needed to go from those models to a finished product ready for game loading? Are they good to go as is?

What software would I need to create my own such models? Also, assuming I'm not a klutzoid, how many hours does it
take to make a good looking model?

How many months would it take for me to have enough experience to make a quality model?

W.

Aldaron · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2003, 10:51:36 pm »

You need 3DSMax with the plug-in format converter found on Taldren's site uner downloads I think. There is also a modviewer.

Khalee · « **Reply #7 on:** October 16, 2003, 11:14:47 pm »

Ok cheep software Milkshape Have not used it in shuch a long time I dont have the link anymore. Last time I looked it was 20$. And the last I heard there Is a mod plugin for it.

More costly is studio max 4000$ max 6 is the newest release have lots and lots of memory for it, the more you got the more it likes here the link to it http://www.discreet.com/index-nf.html

Next is lightwave dont really know anything about it other than it very simular to max But cheaper.

For texture makeing you will need a program that can do layers Photo shop or the cheaper Paint shop pro is what most use here.

As to the number of hours to make a model, it all depends on what you are trying to make and how detailed you want to make it

What do you mean by Quality Model? see above for most of the answer pluse, It really all depends on how much time you are willing to put into learning the program, and how quick you are in picking up on things.

Me Im kinda slow, the 3d part I got the hang of fairly quickly, the textureing part is another story, I just dont have the time to really get down and learn it so im stumbleing along as best I can.

Hope this info helps

WickedZombie45 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 17, 2003, 12:11:38 am »

The "GaW" models have already been converted to the game's .mod format:

http://208.57.228.4/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB11&Number=184318&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

As for learning how to make 3d models, a good example of the learning and difficulty involved is making real-life physical models (i.e. boat, car, and ship kits). Each kit has its own level of experience needed to build the model and learning how to do it takes time, money, patience, and a lot of seemingly 'rookie' questions. The same goes for 3d modeling, though one good aspect of that is being able to save your work and having an undo option in case you screw up so you won't have to redo the whole thing over again.

Personally, I've been doing this for almost four years (one of the few 'veterans' from the SFC 1 era left actually) and it took me 1 to 2 years to get the hang of it and really get anything done, though that was mainly due to lack of free time. Basically all you need is patience and lots of practice, not to mention a fondness for starship design.

HeDeadJim · « **Reply #9 on:** October 17, 2003, 10:31:46 pm »

It takes less time to learn now in part thanks to the veterans that provide tips in the forums. The biggets stumbling block starting out is learning the software. There is quite a few aspects to it. You have to learn the 3d software and your texturing software. Then mapping the textures is another aspect that takes a while to catch on to. Then the other odds and ends like light maps, hard points and break models. Its a gradual process with each ship looking better then your last.

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