3D Graphics?

[C4]

I was under the impression that the graphics would be 3D. So far, nothing I've seen looks like it's 3D. Maybe I'm confused between the meaning of 3D graphics and 3D rendered graphics?

[TankGirl]

3D rendered graphics are 2D images created using 3D models and usually light-sourcing and other graphical effects. All the ships and components in SE4 are 3D rendered 2D images.


TankGirl

[WendellM]

quote:

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All the ships and components in SE4 are 3D rendered 2D images.

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Exactly. This should make it easier to create mods for the game. While I could, I wouldn't fancy having to create real 3D models for all my modified items when a simple picture would do (maybe even a photo or screen-grab for media-based mods).

Imperium Galactica II is an example of a "real" 3D game, and while it's an OK game and their models are fairly nice, there are no user mods for it that I know of. This seems due to both the 3D issue and the fact that they "closed" their universe (unlike the wonderfully open SE IV model where almost everything is modifiable!).

[Psitticine]

I second that, and since I'm a 3D animator (in training), I'm going out on a limb there!

Properly used, pre-rendered images from 3D models can look much better than images generated on the fly. Just think about how much more sophistication can be added to a model when the computer is given hours instead of microseconds to kick out the actual image from it.

[C4]

I've seen very few games so far where real 3D graphics actually added to gameplay. Thanks for clarifying what exactly 3D rendered graphics are.

[Possum]

quote:

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Originally posted by C4:
I've seen very few games so far where real 3D graphics actually added to gameplay. Thanks for clarifying what exactly 3D rendered graphics are.

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Umm, never played Quake 3, have you?

Seriously, C4, any modern FPS game has killer 3D graphics. In the space genre, Homeworld had killer 3D graphics, (even though I'm totally unimpressed with Cataclysm), and I find it difficult to imagine playing in the full 3D world of HW without true 3D models, so I would say that definitely added to gameplay

[Danny]

Going out on a limb here but I highly doubt my video card would have any trouble kicking out SEIV's ships and planets in full 3D at there current quality level at 60fps.

Actually you know what would be neat for SEV? Adding a third demension to tactical combat, the galaxy map, and the system map as an option, still turn based, but it would add alot to formations, and defence placement. Maybe not as standard, but as an option.

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I AM Canadian.

[Seawolf]

Danny,

any idea how much addiional code would be needed to go 3 dimentional in combat? A LOT!

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Seawolf on the prowl

[Danny]

I expect alot form SEV, obviously it's not gonna happen in SEIV.

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I AM Canadian.

[C4]

quote:

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Originally posted by Possum:
Umm, never played Quake 3, have you?

Seriously, C4, any modern FPS game has killer 3D graphics. In the space genre, Homeworld had killer 3D graphics, (even though I'm totally unimpressed with Cataclysm), and I find it difficult to imagine playing in the full 3D world of HW without true 3D models, so I would say that definitely added to gameplay

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You're abolutely right - I need to clarify my post. Deus Ex is one of my favorite games. I have seen very few RTS where the 3D added anything to the game play except a camera to micromanage.

I never played HW, but in HWC the 3D enhances gameplay. In terms of turn based strategy, IMO 3D graphics make Combat Mission.