Android 000
Mortal
(id: Android GRRR)
posted 20 March 2011 06:29 PM
EDT (US)
12 / 41
Nooogaabeey/Aom expert:
Nowadays modders still have to use a very old converter (AoMED) that is not able to fully read/write AoM's model format. This is why many parameters of a new model must be taken from an existing one and cannot be changed - materials, frame numbers, attachpoints amongst others.
This is why making new models is a restricted and tedious process. EmjeR is trying to change that with his BCTool - a tool that will be able to fully read/write AoM's model format upon its release. Theoretically, model makers will then have the same possibilities that ES had when creating AoM, and will be able to work a lot faster. This is why BCTool will bring a revolutionary change in modding.
The newly released BCTool Attachpoint Editor is only a milestone on the way to the full BCTool. Although model makers must still rely on the old AoMED tool, EmjeR's side tool can now modify their creations' attachpoints, which are crucial in a number of ways:
For example, most of ES' human units have individual models for shields, weapons, helmets and whatnot, that are attached to those units' arms, heads etc. at clearly defined attachpoints. This enabled ES to use different shield variations for the same units for example. Another use of attachpoints is some special mechanics in the game - for example, if a cyclops picks up a unit it will be attached to the cyclopses hand before the throw. When ranged units shoot, their arrows must come out of their bows and not somewhere out of their bodies - here attachpoints are used as well. Finally, attachpoints can be used for a variety of visual gimmicks - for example the frost breath of the frost giant is emitted from his mouth attachpoint, fires on damaged buildings appear at defined attachpoints, etc. etc. The use of attachpoints opens up many more possibilities to modders and makes modding more efficient.
Stephen Caines
Mortal
posted 30 March 2011 07:56 PM
EDT (US)
16 / 41
OMG! Unfortunately my first thought is now much rework this is going to involve. All those compromises made in the past can now be addressed.
One question though. Is it your tool that only selects alternate frames or is this how AoMED converts them? Either way, is the first frame GMAX frame 1 or 2?
Stephen Caines
Mortal
posted 08 April 2011 08:40 AM
EDT (US)
18 / 41
Thanks Scorpion, how's life up north under a non-basket-case government???