Topic: still learning

[Norsehound]

Some might remember my first attempts at modeling. Well...





It's not Star Trek, but close enough of a pretender I suppose. This is the Earth Cruiser from Star Control 2. Taught myself how to texture, unwrap and such over spring break (while working on an entry to a position as a 3D modeler), and now here I am. This model doesn't have self-illumination maps, but I've done them on other works.

I'm somewhat curious to learn how harpointing for SFC works and wondered what it would take to port it into the game. I don't know if anyone's considered porting over star control vessels into SFC, but it would be an interesting learning experience, as I'm trying to get into the gaming industry and it would be nice to have some exposure to rigging and porting.

[Kreeargh]

If you use Gmax or Max 3-5 converting to sfc is not that hard. Get the sfc plugins ,, import a stock sfc model of your choice that best fits the style of your model , deleate the 3 models/lod files and move the rest of the points to fit your model. This is the fastest way , To create these points find dummy object in max and name it proper . To export if model is solid 1part use the non brk option, if you have parts you can export as a brk then import that brk as a single model then export it as a normal model. This way it will show if your model has hollow parts and can be a easy fix if you dont copy over the orignal brk exported. 

[Norsehound]

would I have to create lod files to replace the ones I deleted?

I'm using 3DS Max 2010. Are there any options for me that way (create a dummy object? Where would I find that)?

The model is in several component parts (Head, airlock, spine, bracers, engines, connectors between them). Would it 'break' on its own? Wouldn't I need to create points for the flames or does the engine just use fire from the hardpoints?

[Kreeargh]

would I have to create lod files to replace the ones I deleted?

I'm using 3DS Max 2010. Are there any options for me that way (create a dummy object? Where would I find that)?

The model is in several component parts (Head, airlock, spine, bracers, engines, connectors between them). Would it 'break' on its own? Wouldn't I need to create points for the flames or does the engine just use fire from the hardpoints?

No Lods help lower end systems you dont really need lods with the newer pcs these days unless the model is really high in poly then lods help somewhat.
I dont know max 10 but here is where you find the dummy object in Gmax .  Get gmax to export your models to sfc. You can export to 3ds format for a gmax import.
In Gmax If you export the model with parts, select the export to brk mod save file as a brk mod . Import that file back in to gmax as a normal non brk model at import all the parts are connected and you can export that model back to sfc format as a normal NON brk model. You have bolth brk and play ready models. Note do the hardpoints after this export, Brk models dont use hardpoints from what i know.  As for flame i think thats glow in sfc3 not in the points it self? ANy one know this one for sure?