Pseudo 2d models

[Fhizban]

hey there,
I had a weird dream, followed by a obscure plan (once again!)...ok here it is:

Could someone create a simple model file, that i could use to represent items in Grimrock that are basically just FLAT 2d objects exactly the size of a item icon (75x75 pixel). Furthermore: what do i have change on the DDS to make the texture transparent on the 3d model as well (is this even possible?) and do i have to add a diffuse map or whatever?

thank you for answers and even more kudos if someone could create such a "item model" for me.

[Kuningas]

I, being the resident transparentist at the moment, can tell you that transparency is entirely possible. The most basic version is that you set the material's alphatest to true and then edit your transparencies (alpha) on the textures themselves. People have reached different interesting partial translucency results by using different blendmodes as well, but it is worth noting it may wreac havoc in your model's lighting. Meaning it will be bright even in pitch black environments. This is less notable if you have an object which also has a light, like a glowing slime (my first transparency project).

Transparency can even be used to "remove" parts of a model without any knowledge of 3d editing, sometimes a handy feature.

[Skuggasveinn]

This is what I did to create the inventory/mouse items for my dungeon.

In the GMT I load up the model, I turn the background in GMT to a color NOT present on the model (greenscreen or bluescreen approach), I position the model the way I want and take a snapshot
I then import the snapshot into photoshop, crop out the item and resize it to 75x75, I then go to the alpha channel and fill in the alpha (thats why its a good idea not to have a color that blends into the model in the background)

Easy and effective

Skuggasveinn.

[Fhizban]

@Kuningas Thanks for the info!

@Skuggasveinn Cool, but i want it the other way round: use the inventory icons instead of 3d models (sounds crazy i know...)

I could also imagine using this technique with monsters. instead of models have a static 2d "plane" looking in your direction. I dont know how to solve the issua with turning monsters though...

[Skuggasveinn]

I still don't have clue whats going on here

But I ended up with a strange gameboard ogre , I like him





This can develop into something fun
If anyone wants tonight's little frankenstein experiment you can grap the file here, its in 3 nodes, the base, the front and the back.

http://www.zorglubb.net/grimrock/dropzo ... d_ogre.rar

Skuggasveinn.

[Fhizban]

@Skuggasveinn Oh yes! This is exactly what i wanted - this is in fact much cooler than my original vision. *drools*

Now, if you want to help me a little bit more: I need "cardboard tokens" where i can put textures on to represent various dungeon objects and items in "boardgame fashion". maybe round tokens and square tokens, all should align to the tiles

why? because i cannot model but need a quick and dirty way to add and represent new stuff in my mod

hope i am not asking for too much

[Skuggasveinn]

Sure, I can hook you up.
will look into it when I'm home tonight.

Skuggasveinn.

[Komag]

that ogre is funny and awesome at the same time

[Fhizban]

really cool. but you have to help me a bit: how can i create custom monsters based on your data and import them into the game?

i can change the texture, but i dont know how to handle the model, monster and material lua files. can somone please explain or provide a sample? the modding guide is not very helpful at this point (except for material definitions).

thank you!

[cromcrom]

Lol Skuggasveinn, it looks amazing ^^. Modding at its finest IMO ^^.