I don't know if it's just me or are other people having the same tingly feeling, but it seems that forests in NWN2 are severely lacking... stuff. You know... to the point where they don't look like forests at all and instead more like fields with more trees.
Lately I've been slowly working on various textures and models to fix this and decided I might as well ask what people actually want to see in such a package.
I can do just about any placeable model you request, new terrain textures, new grass textures, speed tree file modifications (don't get your hopes up, modifying these is no only hard but also frowned upon by the company that created them), probably also create custom special effects if I eventually get into checking the build in editor.
For now I've got some finished and half finished textures, some new "grasses" (for example fern as a grass texture so you can put in MORE of it), and various more or less work in progress models of natural rock formations of various complexity and size, mushrooms (including giant ones) and some other minor things.
@vendolin: I don't really see how you are missing these...
Just use the speed trees with some bushes between them. You can choke up quite a dense undergrowth that way. Then just use the Walkmesh tool to mark the polygons underneath as unwalkable.
I'm not sure if it's technically feasible, but I miss having large clumps of impassible trees such as the "Trees" tiles in the NWN1 rural tileset. I found them useful for blocking off areas in a way that wasn't too unnatural. I can imagine having these "tree clumps" in different sizes/shapes, and possibly made in such a way that a few could be interlocked to form long barriers.
Tree clumps might not be feasible because I'm guessing that the models could be complex enough to cause a performance hit. To reduce complexity, maybe they could be made with a black, blank interior in much the same way as the NWN1 "Trees" tiles.
@Sorceress Ashura: you are suggesting I should make the moss slightly more overlap with the stone? I think you are right. Actually already did that.
Also: no not asking for tips on my textures... I'm asking if people want any specific models/textures they think are missing from the toolset. You know... since I'm getting to making this and I don't have anything specific in mind.
As fro the grass: what bugs me the most is how you can never find any that go well with the textures you want to use.
Oh, I thought you were looking for ideas on how to make a realistic forest. I didn't realize you wanted tips on your textures. Shame on me for not fully reading. lol.
From what I can see of the picture you posted. They look very good.. But they look to clean cut.
Those rocks for instance, If your going for a cobblestone road type of thing.. I would try to engrave the stones into the grass a little more. Maybe add a few strands of grass to be drapped over a few to add depth.
The dirty leaves there, on the top looks very nice. It's a texture I would use frequently. And the grass stems look very realistic. The variety we're given in the toolset all looks like straw most of the time. _________________________ AKA: GuardianofLore.
@EvilShade: Textures are a good place to start, because when I'm happy with how they look I can make placeable objects based on them. They fit better that way. And I've never been satisfied with the grass selection.
@SorceressAshura: I'm doing that of course. I was just curious if there are specific things other mod-makers think are missing.
It's all about tasteful clutter. More textures, and placables can always help but it's more of a designer's prospective. Try looking at artwork for instance, pictures of Yellowstone, Golden Gate Park, or Central Park in NY. And try to recreate what you see. You'd be surprised at how helpful it is. _________________________ AKA: GuardianofLore.
I agree with your feeling, most "forests" look like fields or hills with just more trees on them rather then realy being a forest. However, I have no real idea how to solve this. New textures and grass wont do much good... _________________________ Level Designer - Ossian Studios NWN2: Mysteries of Westgate - NWN2's only Adventure Pack
You must be Logged In to post comments in this section.
10 - A Masterpiece, Genuinely Groundbreaking 9 - Outstanding, a Must Have 8 - Excellent, Recommended to Anyone 7 - Very Good, Deserves a Look 6 - Good, Qualified Recommendation 5 - Fair, Solid yet Unremarkable 4 - Some Merit, Requires Improvements 3 - Poor Execution, Potential Unrealized 2 - Very Little Appeal 1 - Not Recommended to Anyone
Site
at 2008-08-08 02:10:42
at 2008-08-06 08:00:19
at 2008-08-05 20:47:11
