Any 3d Milkshape users here? (ST Models Available)

Atrocities · #1 January 1st, 2007, 03:45 AM

If you use Milkshake3d can you tell me how to export to DirectX? Not DirectX JT as those file formats don't work.

I need to know to export to DirectX, the format that SE V uses. Any help is appreciated.

Edit:
Down the thread a bit are two posts with attachments for Star Trek ships that can be used with SE V.

Atrocities · #2 January 1st, 2007, 07:53 AM

I have done an exstensive search using google to no avail. So help is desperately needed here.

narf poit chez BOOM · #3 January 1st, 2007, 08:38 AM

There should be two directX options. Have you tried them both?

Atrocities · #4 January 1st, 2007, 08:46 AM

Quote:

narf poit chez BOOM said:
There should be two directX options. Have you tried them both?

Direct X 8.0 YES - no joy
DirectX (JT) YES - Again no joy.

Milkshape will open the .MOD files, that is it will import them, but the options for exporting are limited. I think we need to get the developer to improve the Direct X export options to include the format of DirectX that SE V uses.

Ideally that would be the best option.

The funny thing is, the TOOL - DirectX Mesh tool will show the model just fine with all the textures intact, however there is NO way to save the damn thing.

I am sure there is, but I am just to stupid to find it. Or the X-Viewer for SE V is just too damn finicky to open the files after they have been saved as X format by Milkshape.

narf poit chez BOOM · #5 January 1st, 2007, 08:57 AM

*Shrug* All I can suggest is fiddle with the options. Some of the programs require different options.

Atrocities · #6 January 1st, 2007, 08:03 PM

Thanks Narf. I will try all combinations and see if I can get one to work.

Atrocities · #7 January 1st, 2007, 08:05 PM

Here is an LWO model that I made by converting a MOD file.

shinigami · #8 January 1st, 2007, 09:19 PM

And here it is as an .x file (no textures.)

This ship, while pretty, illustrates the problem with converting models from other games, at over 5500 faces you're looking at the game engine getting bogged down when you have whole fleets going at it.

Not trying to discourage anyone, just wanted to point that out.

Atrocities · #9 January 1st, 2007, 10:00 PM

We can made basic shapes look good, its just texturing them. David Gervais has posted about a program that helps to reduce the ploygon counts on models so perhaps that might help to reduce these models down to a more workable size.

shinigami · #10 January 1st, 2007, 10:19 PM

Unfortunately most game models have already been optimized as far as they can go without leaving holes in the model, that's part of the artist's job.

To get models for conversion that won't tax the system (for Trek) you'll probably have to go back to Armada I and earlier.

I hate to say it, because I love this game, but the 3d engine in SEV is woefully behind the times and underpowered. Then again, 3d is not what the game is all about!