Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engine)

How to create models in XSI and other 3D applications and make them work in Battlefront 1 & 2. Post models, tips for application usage and share anything XSI, 3DMax, SketchUp, etc.

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The Nasal Abyss
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Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engine)

Post by The Nasal Abyss »

I got bored with working on my map today and decided to do a little project. I wanted to see what a TFU asset looked like in Battlefront II. I had just downloaded a package of rips FOR STRICTLY REFERENCE the night before.

I WILL NOT RELEASE THIS. DON'T ASK.

Anyway, I'll let the pics do the talking:

Here the model is without any normal maps:
Hidden/Spoiler:
ImageImageImage
As you can see, the super high poly count really helps smooth out the shadows and create more detail.

Here the model is with normal maps applied:
Hidden/Spoiler:
ImageImageImage
I know it looks gross, but I just wanted to showcase the amount of detail possible. It actually would look better if those bumps weren't there. One aspect I thought looked really good was his pants:
Hidden/Spoiler:
ImageImage
Here are some comparisons with the stock Obi-Wan model:
Hidden/Spoiler:
ImageImageImage
And one for fun:
Hidden/Spoiler:
Image WHY DO YOU LOOK BETTER THAN ME!!!! >:(
As you can see, it looks better, but I don't think we can truly achieve next-gen visuals with the Zero Engine. It is starting to show its age.

Again I will state that this was just an experiment. It won't be released or used in a mod.

Credits: Lucasarts for the original models, textures, and normal maps.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Darth_Spiderpig »

Good to see I am not the only one experimenting with the TFU assets in BF2.


I tried myself on the rogue shadow yesterday, but somehow the munge stuck after finished munging the model, so that may either be because of the high poly count or my pc. (I hope not the latter)

Anyway, there are a few funny things you can do with them.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Teancum »

Yeah, you can do pretty much Lord of the Rings: Conquest quality stuff - the problem is nobody has the time to not only make all new models with higher poly textures and then to have to add normal, bump and specular maps to them.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Anakin »

the first pics are the best
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by The Nasal Abyss »

Darth_Spiderpig wrote:Good to see I am not the only one experimenting with the TFU assets in BF2.


I tried myself on the rogue shadow yesterday, but somehow the munge stuck after finished munging the model, so that may either be because of the high poly count or my pc. (I hope not the latter)

Anyway, there are a few funny things you can do with them.
Well, you probably forgot to make a custom collision mesh. I tried to munge the same model once without a custom collision (which was just a box the second time around) and my computer hung up on it for a while. So I re-exported with a custom collision and it seriously took it ~7 seconds to munge. Try that the next time you try to put one in.

Teancum wrote:Yeah, you can do pretty much Lord of the Rings: Conquest quality stuff - the problem is nobody has the time to not only make all new models with higher poly textures and then to have to add normal, bump and specular maps to them.
I'm just being curious here, but could I release a sides mod that contained these better TFU assets? Would it be permitted?

If not, I'm not affected in any way. I was only going to use the stormtrooper for reference anyway.
Anakin wrote:the first pics are the best
I agree. Battlefront II's normal map system is absolutely NOT friendly with player models. Or high resolutions.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by SAMofBIA »

i like the model better without the bumpmaps or whatever. but they both look nice.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by acryptozoo »

wow looks good
shows that swbf2 still has some kick in it
possibilites .. possibilities
(edit/ offtopic) general :runaway:
Last edited by acryptozoo on Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by THEWULFMAN »

Never Underestimate Zero

I actually got to meet one of the designers :yes:
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Darth_Squoobus »

Now if only ragdolls were possible.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by THEWULFMAN »

Darth_Squoobus wrote:Now if only ragdolls were possible.
There are not. The physics were never programed to bend the skeleton upon death.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Jendo7 »

Off topic: I actually prefer death animations to ragdoll. I thought the ragdoll physics in games like Battlefield 2 was too unrealistc.

On topic: It is fascinating how a six year old game can handle more detailed textures.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by jdee/barc »

I wonder if there are ways of converting and releasing converted TFU models like the way people converted and released JKA models
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Darth_Spiderpig »

jdee/barc wrote:I wonder if there are ways of converting and releasing converted TFU models like the way people converted and released JKA models
As long as you can get models into XSI we're able to convert them.
We can get the .gto files (which are the models in TFU/TFU2) seperated, and we can get them over 3DS Max into XSI.
No problem here, where we will get into trouble is the copyright. :P
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by THEWULFMAN »

Well technically as long as you dont sell it its not ilegal.
Hidden/Spoiler:
dont hold me that :P
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Maveritchell »

THEWULFMAN wrote:Well technically as long as you dont sell it its not ilegal.
That's not entirely how copyright law works - in any case, discussion of "how to" and "whether you will" port/disseminate other commercial games' assets ends here - if mods were attempted to be distributed here or through SWBFFiles with these assets, they would quickly shut down. I don't see any problem with looking at them as learning exercises, but anything past that crosses the line.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by THEWULFMAN »

Maveritchell wrote:
THEWULFMAN wrote:Well technically as long as you dont sell it its not ilegal.
That's not entirely how copyright law works - in any case, discussion of "how to" and "whether you will" port/disseminate other commercial games' assets ends here - if mods were attempted to be distributed here or through SWBFFiles with these assets, they would quickly shut down. I don't see any problem with looking at them as learning exercises, but anything past that crosses the line.
I agree, I would never distribute a mod/map or anything for that matter without the copy rights.

I said dont hold me to what I said :lol:

Mainly because I dont really read the EULA 8)

But like 97% of the time, I am with mav on this one.

If they release the assets and mod tools (not going to happen) then we should try to get them converted to BF2
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Jendo7 »

I would think even if they did release the assets and mod tools, porting the models over to another game would still be illegal. Or have I got it completely wrong.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by THEWULFMAN »

Jendo7 wrote:I would think even if they did release the assets and mod tools, porting the models over to another game would still be illegal. Or have I got it completely wrong.
Jendo7 wrote:Or have I got it completely wrong.
:yes:

What say you Mav?
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Teancum »

NO. Gametoast's stand is very clear on this, and has been from the beginning.
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Re: Next-Gen Graphics ARE (Somewhat) Possible! (In Zero Engi

Post by Darth_Spiderpig »

Teancum wrote:NO. Gametoast's stand is very clear on this, and has been from the beginning.
In case somebody haven't read them yet, here is what the current state of Gametoast is:
Copyright Rules.
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