Bridge Commander Universe

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 05-24-2005 10:46 PM

This might not be the best place to ask this but here goes. Im kindof a newbie and i thought i might look into having a go at 3D modelling. After seeing this guys work http://www.phoenix-archetypes.com/ it really impressed me. So what 3D packeges do you guys use and do you know of any 3D packeages of similar quality that are free because i really dont want to spend lots of money if I dont know to much about it. Thanks.

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 05-26-2005 05:10 PM

G-MAX is a free to download cut down version of 3ds MAX which is virtually an industry standard. Another one that is very small yet highly powerful is Milkshape (although after a month it will begin to cost you), a quick search for them should bring up what you need.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 05-27-2005 05:50 AM

Hey thanks for that! much appreiciated. Im downloading now. How much is milkshape then?

JamesTiberiusKirk · **Posted**: 05-29-2005 09:57 AM

i think milkshape is shareware now, its no longer freeware i think

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 05-29-2005 01:51 PM

I haven't used it in years so I have no idea. Its probably the best to learn on since its not too complex and can teach you the most basic terms and techniques.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 05-30-2005 02:30 AM

Well im havin fun learning GMAX. Its pretty good so far, however im yet to find out the good stuff... Like how to build star ships!!! Grin

lol

USS Houstoun-A · **Posted**: 05-30-2005 04:54 PM

Me attempting to mod is... Laughing

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 05-31-2005 02:52 AM

Where do you guys get your textures for the star ships?? Im designing a starbase and want to texturise it!! hehehe

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 05-31-2005 10:42 PM

Make them in a paint package. It takes longer than the actual 3D modelling though. Damn.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-01-2005 01:18 AM

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 06-01-2005 05:00 PM

I think the problem you have is with UV maps. Basically, its a flattened map of your polygons that you can spread over a texture image showing where it is on the model.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-03-2005 10:14 AM

Ok I had a look at the UV map modifiers or whatever they are and I added the Unwrap UVW modifier, now the textures show up. However I have no idea how these work, what they do or what UV maps are, and one other thing, the textures are stretched and all pixelated. Is this somthing i have done wrong or will the textures always be pixelated and stretched..?

Here is a pic of my station at the moment, its not that good and im still building it but i want you to have a look.

Also you will notice that my pictures are simply screenshots that I have cropped in Paint. Is there a way to get screenshots from the program that are less hassle?

Also how do you individually colour polygons, so that i can colour parts like impulse engines.

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 06-05-2005 02:39 PM

You'll need to change particular polygons to a different surface.

Your other problem is rendering. I'm not sure how that works on GMAX or any other 3DS program.

**David999** · **Posted**: 06-05-2005 08:03 PM

you cant rendering gmax

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-05-2005 11:48 PM

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 06-06-2005 08:27 AM

Well, no rendering in GMax, so damn useful isn't it.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-07-2005 08:36 AM

**David999** · **Posted**: 06-08-2005 08:21 PM

3ds max is £2000, i dont know anout you, but i wouldnt clasify that as "a bit"

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 06-08-2005 08:26 PM

I think LW can be as little as £500. Depending on which version. But you'd still need a lot of conversion programs for any potential game mods.

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-09-2005 11:56 PM

Oh my goodness to much to take in! Im not sure which version but i can get a version of lightwave pretty cheap because i have a student discount program. Why do you guys use £. Are you guys in england or something.

You guys do mods, so just tell me straight, exactly what programs do you guys use from start to finish to create models that can be used in game.
Just like give me a list of the programs you use and what they do so i can get a better idea about it and how much dosh im going to have to fork out. Smile

Thanks in advance guys!

SlimyStrike · **Posted**: 06-10-2005 12:05 PM

Well first a modelling programm like: Gmax, Lighwave, Milkshape, 3ds max, Maya, Rhino 3d
Then you need to unwrap them, I use a programm called lithunwrap, but you got other programms too like UltimateUnwrap
Then when it's unwrapped you use a texture programm like, Ulead Photoimpact, Adobe photoshop, Jasc Paintshop pro
Then it's bassicly coding i guess

Maritime_guy · **Posted**: 06-10-2005 05:39 PM

for a FREE texturing program, try The Gimp,its pretty darn good.. and free!

**Armondikov** · **Posted**: 06-11-2005 09:50 PM

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-21-2005 07:23 AM

captain_obvious · **Posted**: 06-24-2005 07:20 PM

UPD Equinox · **Posted**: 06-27-2005 12:19 PM