3D Graphics

OK, I am making an add-on for Ares. Right now I am making my ships, using Strata 3D, and looking at a few of the other add-ons, I relized how sad my ships were. What I would like to know is:
- How can you get the excellent detail you find in the other ad-ons (for example in the Obish vs. Elejeetian add-on)
- How can you do nice rendering job (like texture maps, and making veiw ports etc.)

Right now my ships look very plain, and lacking in textures :frown:. I would appreciate and welcome all tips.
PS: Sorry if this was posted before.

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(This message has been edited by Fearra (edited 11-09-2001).)

Actually, the program you are using is partly the blame. Although Strata certainly has potential, it is somewhat limited in its texturing and modelling. Free 3D applications usually aren't the best choice, but hey, you can do good things if you keep trying...

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If you want the textures and some of the ships from Obish vs. Elejeetian i can upload it to the addons section. And Captian Skyblade what do you mean by limited texturing in Strata you can almost put the texture on anyway you want.

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Why shoud I have a signature its so damn hard to think about something to put here.

First off, (url="http://"http://www.stratacafe.com")www.stratacafe.com(/url) is a great place for textures, models, tips, and asking for help on the forums.

Two, are you using Strata 3.02 or 3.5? If you have 3.5, ask around on the (url="http://"http://www.stratacafe.com")www.stratacafe.com(/url) forums for 3.0.2 and a registration key(registration was free but Strata's stopped issuing keys)

Try planning out your ships on paper beforehand, and try looking at the EV Image Gallery for some cool ideas.

Also, if you have ~$100 or so, I'd highly recommend upgrading to Strata 3.5 Plus.

You should usually render with these settings:
RT Best
Modifications: Supersampling 9 per pixel, antialias filter OFF.

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Hey, VIPER that would help, thanks.
Oh, and I do have Strata 3.0.2 with a registration already. I would just like to know how all you good graphics designers make your ships so complex and make you textures so nice. Anyway, thanks for the help. Any more would also be welcomed...
Plus I would like to know how to get patterns on your ships, the only way I know to render is to select a certian object and apply a texture/color to it.
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(This message has been edited by Fearra (edited 11-10-2001).)

Well I have uploaded the plug to the ares addons now all you have to do is wait 🙂

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Why shoud I have a signature its so damn hard to think about something to put here.

Thanks alot :D. I've started to make my add-on, now. I've decided to call it 'Worlds at War'
Be sure to look for it once it's done, I've already planned out the main story line and races. Plus any more help, advice or tips would be much appreciated :)! (I still could use some info on how to draw patterns on my ships, and make things like windows, viewports etc.).

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well in about a week I will have my new website up and I could post a tutorial how to make windows on objects by using textures.

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Why shoud I have a signature its so damn hard to think about something to put here.

Fearra's Bedtime:'Ahh, finally finished 3D model, now time to animate!'

1 hour 3 Dr. Peppers after Fearra's bedtime:'Ahh, finally finished all 36 frames. What!? Noooo! They aren't square. Must... start... over...

2 hours 5 Dr. Peppers after Fearra's Bedtime:'Ahh, finally finished 36 SQUARE frames. Now to save...' <computer bombs... Fearra dies>

4 hours 5 Dr. Peppers and one recessitation after Fearra's Bedtime:'Finally finished all and... it works!! Yeah!! But wait a minute... Oh my God, I corrupted HERA!' <Fearra goes into shock>

Well I've finally finished my first model. Maybe a bit of exaduration on my part above :). Anyways, thanks for all the help! More help is always welcome, and VIPER, that tutorial idea is a good one :). Just so you know, I may still have some problems making these graphics. Is it alright with you guys if I Email you when I get some of them? Thanks again.

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